Selected quad for the lemma: love_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n john_n love_v world_n 13,642 5 5.6658 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A55752 Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ... Preston, John, 1587-1628. 1658 (1658) Wing P3306; ESTC R13568 328,523 450

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debt_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v thus_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o rise_v again_o but_o be_v still_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o keep_v under_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o poor_a believer_n may_v have_v be_v just_o afraid_a his_o debt_n have_v not_o be_v pay_v but_o christ_n be_v rise_v and_o out_o of_o hold_n he_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n as_o when_o the_o debtor_n see_v the_o king_n son_n that_o be_v his_o surety_n at_o liberty_n and_o in_o the_o king_n court_n he_o fear_v not_o but_o his_o debt_n be_v pay_v so_o when_o the_o poor_a believer_n see_v christ_n set_v free_a from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n etc._n etc._n he_o know_v god_n have_v accept_v the_o payment_n he_o have_v make_v as_o sufficient_a for_o he_o let_v we_o therefore_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o have_v a_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o know_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v it_o be_v for_o we_o even_o for_o every_o true_a believer_n so_o that_o he_o rise_v 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way_n of_o god_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o approve_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o delight_n in_o they_o other_o man_n that_o be_v but_o civil_a man_n may_v approve_v the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o they_o can_v delight_v in_o they_o this_o be_v more_o than_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v reach_v unto_o if_o therefore_o thou_o find_v this_o in_o thou_o be_v assure_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n be_v there_o so_o to_o love_n god_n we_o find_v that_o peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v more_o than_o any_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v if_o any_o man_n therefore_o find_v that_o grace_n so_o strong_a in_o he_o that_o it_o make_v his_o heart_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n whole_o and_o long_o after_o he_o that_o he_o love_v he_o and_o seek_v his_o face_n that_o he_o love_v he_o not_o for_o other_o respect_n but_o behold_v he_o in_o his_o person_n in_o his_o attribute_n and_o in_o all_o his_o excellency_n he_o can_v love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n this_o no_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v attain_v to_o and_o so_o to_o hate_v sin_n no_o man_n by_o nature_n can_v hate_v sin_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n for_o all_o hatred_n arise_v from_o contrary_a and_o only_a grace_n be_v contrary_a to_o sin_n it_o be_v grace_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o sin_n hater_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o another_o man_n sometime_o to_o fall_v out_o with_o sin_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o some_o particular_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o hate_v sin_n no_o man_n can_v do_v it_o natural_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o hate_v any_o thing_n but_o he_o hate_v the_o whole_a kind_n thereof_o as_o the_o sheep_n hate_v the_o wolf_n therefore_o it_o hate_v every_o wolf_n and_o again_o hatred_n we_o know_v be_v implacable_a when_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a he_o be_v reconcile_v again_o sometime_o but_o when_o a_o man_n hate_v a_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v it_o quite_o take_v away_o now_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o 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nature_n therefore_o if_o thou_o find_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v more_o in_o thou_o then_o nature_n herein_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n see_v now_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n may_v do_v which_o have_v not_o this_o save_a grace_n but_o grace_n have_v this_o efficacy_n that_o it_o make_v thou_o do_v more_o than_o any_o man_n will_v or_o can_v do_v by_o common_a nature_n as_o for_o example_n wheresoever_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o make_v a_o man_n deny_v himself_o whereas_o another_o man_n will_v not_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n refuse_v gain_v and_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o himself_o when_o another_o man_n will_v not_o it_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v but_o you_o will_v say_v other_o man_n may_v do_v this_o that_o have_v no_o grace_n but_o they_o never_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n here_o be_v the_o difference_n grace_n make_v a_o man_n do_v it_o ordinary_o 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do_v they_o in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o then_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o grace_n heal_v corrupt_a nature_n and_o put_v more_o into_o you_o then_o common_a nature_n this_o second_o thing_n be_v distinct_a from_o that_o and_o be_v see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o the_o three_o be_v see_v in_o the_o intentention_n in_o these_o three_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n be_v see_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n but_o have_v some_o good_a intention_n some_o good_a purpose_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o birth_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v they_o now_o grace_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v have_v so_o much_o strength_n as_o not_o only_o to_o beget_v good_a motion_n but_o it_o be_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o bring_v they_o forth_o into_o act_n grace_n be_v a_o effectual_a midwife_n to_o bring_v purpose_n and_o conception_n to_o performance_n enable_v we_o to_o do_v they_o therefore_o by_o 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that_o be_v there_o want_v that_o depth_n of_o sincerity_n and_o there_o want_v that_o sound_n and_o convince_a knowledge_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o all_o objection_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n have_v good_a desire_n and_o yet_o so_o little_a performance_n let_v his_o desire_n be_v never_o so_o good_a when_o he_o meet_v with_o strong_a reason_n and_o argument_n from_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o world_n or_o the_o devil_n he_o give_v over_o because_o he_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o answer_v they_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o perform_v our_o desire_n it_o be_v grace_n that_o must_v give_v
thou_o and_o put_v beauty_n upon_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v a_o bondslave_n he_o make_v thou_o a_o king_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o only_o these_o stand_a favour_n but_o consider_v that_o every_o day_n he_o give_v thou_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o take_v the_o care_n of_o thou_o consider_v what_o thou_o be_v that_o he_o do_v this_o for_o be_v thou_o not_o in_o thyself_o and_o every_o man_n a_o more_o vile_a wretch_n then_o the_o dust_n thou_o tread_v on_o a_o vile_a condemn_a person_n a_o lump_n and_o heap_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n now_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v respect_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o this_o to_o be_v crucify_v for_o he_o to_o deny_v himself_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o glory_n to_o do_v so_o much_o for_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n beside_o all_o this_o he_o have_v do_v it_o out_o of_o love_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o he_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o 20_o love_n beget_v love_n as_o fire_n beget_v fire_n and_o make_v a_o man_n ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n if_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n abound_v in_o love_n there_o be_v no_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o love_v another_o so_o much_o as_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n he_o love_v thou_o with_o all_o impediment_n he_o love_v thou_o though_o thou_o do_v forget_v he_o and_o recompense_v he_o evil_a for_o good_a and_o dishonour_v he_o again_o and_o again_o yet_o his_o love_n continue_v the_o same_o to_o thou_o thou_o fee_v by_o experience_n he_o abound_v in_o love_n to_o thou_o he_o have_v all_o the_o property_n of_o love_n he_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v he_o be_v long_o suffer_v he_o be_v bountiful_a he_o take_v a_o small_a thing_n in_o good_a part_n let_v all_o this_o work_n on_o thy_o heart_n and_o say_v christ_n be_v worthy_a he_o deserve_v it_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o if_o thou_o stir_v up_o thy_o strength_n and_o put_v it_o forth_o with_o loss_n to_o thyself_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o his_o use_n consider_v he_o regard_v it_o and_o look_n on_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o suffering_n rev._n 2_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n 2._o and_o thy_o suffering_n that_o be_v i_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o thou_o do_v for_o my_o sake_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n thou_o suffer_v for_o my_o sake_n so_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n to_o put_v he_o on_o to_o do_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n sit_v in_o heaven_n and_o consider_v what_o cost_n thou_o be_v at_o for_o his_o sake_n upon_o any_o occasion_n what_o pain_n thou_o take_v in_o matter_n that_o concern_v he_o what_o solicitude_n be_v in_o thy_o heart_n for_o he_o what_o thought_n thou_o bestow_v in_o any_o business_n of_o he_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v this_o he_o observe_v remember_v he_o consider_v what_o advantage_n thou_o deprive_v thyself_o of_o in_o thy_o estate_n or_o otherwise_o to_o do_v his_o work_n he_o consider_v what_o friend_n thou_o lose_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o what_o advancement_n and_o preferment_n thou_o part_v with_o for_o his_o service_n i_o say_v there_o shall_v none_o of_o these_o be_v lose_v not_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n that_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o these_o action_n there_o be_v not_o one_o but_o it_o be_v upon_o god_n score_n he_o reckon_v it_o among_o his_o debt_n that_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pay_v all_o this_o shall_v further_o thy_o account_n all_o this_o be_v seed_n sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n all_o these_o good_a work_n shall_v lie_v at_o thy_o door_n to_o do_v thou_o good_a one_o time_n or_o other_o now_o add_v to_o all_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o engagement_n how_o thou_o be_v tie_v i_o will_v ask_v any_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o have_v strength_n in_o they_o our_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o exhort_v you_o to_o stir_v up_o your_o strength_n and_o to_o use_v it_o in_o difficult_a case_n for_o christ_n advantage_n i_o say_v consider_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v thou_o have_v give_v thyself_o to_o christ_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v give_v thyself_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o with_o thyself_o thou_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n as_o christ_n when_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o give_v all_o with_o himself_o my_o well_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o this_o be_v true_a on_o both_o side_n so_o i_o say_v whatsoever_o be_v christ_n be_v we_o and_o according_o whatsoever_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v he_o so_o i_o must_v think_v with_o myself_o be_v it_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n for_o i_o to_o part_v with_o my_o wealth_n and_o liberty_n for_o christ_n sake_n or_o with_o life_n and_o all_o all_o this_o be_v none_o of_o i_o a_o wife_n when_o she_o be_v marry_v nothing_o be_v she_o all_o be_v her_o husband_n the_o lord_n that_o i_o bestow_v it_o upon_o it_o be_v all_o his_o i_o must_v not_o think_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n that_o be_v spend_v for_o his_o advantage_n there_o be_v that_o agreement_n between_o we_o so_o much_o we_o profess_v when_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n you_o see_v that_o be_v add_v in_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o be_v you_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v what_o do_v you_o adhere_v to_o these_o man_n christ_n be_v crucify_v and_o not_o paul_n so_o you_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v as_o you_o know_v it_o be_v at_o man_n conversion_n then_o he_o enter_v a_o covenant_n in_o baptism_n and_o bind_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o who_o name_n he_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v he_o than_o give_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n as_o in_o circumcision_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n so_o when_o a_o man_n be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o his_o own_o any_o long_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o it_o he_o have_v make_v a_o vow_n to_o do_v it_o consider_v this_o and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v deny_v thyself_o what_o if_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a case_n what_o if_o it_o cost_v thou_o somewhat_o what_o if_o it_o cost_v thou_o thy_o own_o pain_n that_o thy_o own_o business_n lie_v still_o what_o if_o it_o cost_v thou_o much_o money_n that_o thou_o lose_v in_o thy_o estate_n what_o if_o it_o cost_v thou_o friend_n what_o if_o it_o cost_v thou_o imprisonment_n or_o whatsoever_o yet_o consider_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o stir_v up_o thy_o strength_n for_o christ_n advantage_n to_o do_v he_o much_o service_n let_v it_o not_o lie_v there_o and_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o he_o that_o can_v put_v himself_o forward_o to_o it_o but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o thyself_o thou_o be_v his_o disciple_n thou_o be_v tie_v to_o it_o for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v marry_v to_o chii_v 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you_o a_o hundred_o fold_n for_o the_o present_a have_v not_o i_o be_v crucify_v for_o you_o he_o that_o will_v not_o do_v this_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o worth_a more_o than_o that_o so_o if_o a_o man_n say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o seek_v his_o own_o thing_n but_o stir_v up_o his_o strength_n with_o any_o loss_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o lord_n worthy_a of_o more_o and_o thou_o be_v unworthy_a
please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n 1._o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o general_a good_a disposition_n or_o right_a habit_n because_o a_o disposition_n to_o some_o one_o particular_a good_a be_v 1._o not_o strength_n as_o for_o example_n to_o have_v present_a passion_n to_o good_a &_o not_o to_o continue_v argue_v not_o strength_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n or_o to_o have_v the_o understanding_n strong_a &_o yet_o to_o have_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n weak_a be_v not_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o inward_a man_n but_o they_o must_v be_v all_o fortify_v as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v perfect_o beautiful_a except_o they_o be_v beau_fw-fr tiful_a in_o all_o part_n for_o beauty_n be_v a_o fit_a composure_n of_o all_o part_n so_o likewise_o a_o man_n be_v not_o thorough_o strong_a but_o imperfect_a except_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o all_o part_n that_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o understanding_n strong_a in_o the_o will_n strong_a in_o the_o affection_n 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1._o have_v be_v strong_a be_v now_o fall_v sick_a and_o weak_a that_o be_v he_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o consumption_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o he_o can_v use_v his_o strength_n and_o his_o grace_n as_o former_o he_o can_v now_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o first_o kind_n they_o grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a but_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o second_o way_n they_o grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o here_o that_o be_v such_o that_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o be_v fall_v unto_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v once_o lively_a and_o quick_o to_o good_a duty_n but_o be_v now_o backward_o and_o cool_a my_o counsel_n to_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o rev._n 2._o 5._o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o 5._o repent_v and_o to_o do_v their_o first_o work_n lest_o their_o candlestick_n be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o be_v let_v they_o remember_v what_o they_o be_v in_o time_n past_a and_o what_o they_o be_v now_o and_o let_v they_o humble_v themselves_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v run_v away_o so_o far_o from_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o time_n too_o lest_o their_o candlestick_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o that_o be_v lest_o those_o opportunity_n to_o good_a and_o the_o offer_v of_o grace_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o again_o as_o there_o be_v kind_n of_o weakness_n so_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o weakness_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o weakness_n be_v that_o which_o follow_v a_o relapse_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o 1_o sensible_n 2_o insensible_a first_o sensible_a and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o understanding_n be_v good_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o grace_n it_o know_v yet_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a it_o feel_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o weakness_n insensible_a and_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v feel_v and_o this_o be_v when_o man_n change_v their_o opinion_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v think_v otherwise_o of_o it_o than_o they_o now_o do_v as_o for_o example_n before_o they_o think_v every_o sin_n a_o great_a sin_n but_o now_o they_o think_v some_o to_o be_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o the_o second_o degree_n of_o weakness_n be_v that_o which_o follow_v 2._o the_o new_a birth_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o general_n 2_o particular_a first_o general_n weakness_n and_o this_o be_v when_o the_o judgement_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v all_o weak_a that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v weak_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o overrun_v with_o a_o universal_a feebleness_n the_o second_o degree_n be_v a_o particular_a weakness_n and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v general_o strong_a and_o yet_o weak_a in_o some_o part_n as_o for_o example_n a_o ship_n may_v be_v strong_a build_v or_o general_o strong_a and_o yet_o have_v a_o leak_n in_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o all_o part_n because_o it_o have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o will_v at_o last_o destroy_v it_o so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o christian_a if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o leak_n that_o be_v a_o weakness_n in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o be_v not_o strong_a in_o the_o inward_a man_n therefore_o a_o man_n must_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o weakness_n though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v general_o strong_a that_o he_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o some_o thing_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o they_o be_v these_o the_o first_o reason_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o 1._o inner_a man_n be_v this_o because_o it_o will_v fit_v we_o for_o many_o employment_n that_o be_v it_o will_v make_v we_o go_v through_o much_o work_n with_o great_a ease_n to_o perform_v the_o weighty_a duty_n in_o religion_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o otherwise_o we_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v and_o this_o shall_v persuade_v man_n the_o rather_o to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o this_o because_o god_n reward_v man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o beauty_n riches_n or_o dignity_n that_o move_v god_n to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n unto_o any_o but_o according_a to_o their_o work_n a_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o great_a matter_n for_o god_n and_o that_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o this_o shall_v make_v man_n to_o beg_v the_o spirit_n because_o he_o work_v in_o we_o effectual_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o we_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o you_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v strong_a 2._o in_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v this_o because_o it_o bring_v most_o comfort_n and_o chearfulnes_n into_o the_o soul._n first_o because_o it_o make_v we_o do_v all_o that_o we_o do_v with_o 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heb._n 11._o that_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n make_v he_o to_o choose_v grace_n 11._o before_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o the_o other_o he_o choose_v it_o not_o out_o of_o faith_n as_o moses_n do_v that_o be_v he_o see_v not_o god_n commandment_n carnal_a man_n they_o do_v many_o thing_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o to_o this_o end_n for_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n strong_a when_o he_o will_v let_v life_n riches_n honour_n &_o pleasure_n liberty_n and_o all_o go_v for_o christ_n which_o he_o can_v do_v without_o faith_n the_o natural_a man_n will_v never_o do_v this_o this_o be_v the_o only_a property_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o suffer_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n that_o be_v they_o let_v they_o willing_o go_v life_n and_o liberty_n and_o all_o shall_v go_v before_o christ_n shall_v go_v a_o noble_a roman_a may_v do_v some_o thing_n for_o his_o country_n and_o for_o himself_o but_o there_o be_v a_o by_o end_n in_o it_o that_o be_v he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o a_o right_a end_n but_o the_o spiritual_a strong_a man_n do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n to_o a_o save_a end_n the_o one_o do_v it_o for_o vain_a glory_n but_o the_o other_o in_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n for_o in_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o double_a work_n first_o it_o empty_v a_o man_n that_o be_v as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v his_o 1._o hand_n full_a can_v take_v another_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v let_v his_o handful_n fall_v so_o when_o faith_n enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n it_o empty_v the_o heart_n of_o self-love_n self-will_n that_o be_v it_o purge_v out_o the_o rubbish_n that_o be_v natural_o in_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o let_v all_o go_v to_o get_v hold_n on_o christ_n all_o shall_v go_v then_o life_n and_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n and_o he_o be_v the_o true_o spiritual_a man_n that_o can_v thus_o lose_v the_o world_n to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o miserable_a be_v they_o that_o can_v and_o by_o empty_v himself_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o power_n of_o christ._n second_o as_o it_o empty_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o which_o may_v keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o seek_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n and_o from_o god_n that_o be_v he_o first_o seek_v god_n love_n and_o god_n blessing_n upon_o what_o he_o do_v enjoy_v and_o then_o he_o go_v unto_o secondary_a mean_n and_o use_v they_o as_o help_n but_o a_o man_n that_o want_v faith_n he_o will_v not_o let_v all_o go_v for_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o seek_v first_o unto_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o unto_o secondary_a mean_n and_o then_o if_o he_o fail_v that_o be_v if_o he_o want_v power_n to_o supply_v than_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v seek_v unto_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v his_o life_n or_o liberty_n or_o honour_n for_o christ_n because_o he_o see_v more_o power_n and_o good_a in_o the_o creature_n then_o in_o god_n again_o this_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a and_o christian_n namely_o faith_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o be_v weak_a and_o other_o be_v strong_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o be_v more_o able_a than_o other_o for_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o example_n caleb_n and_o joshua_n can_v do_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n than_o other_o and_o so_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v do_v more_o than_o they_o all_o because_o paul_n have_v a_o strong_a faith_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o man_n strength_n be_v know_v by_o his_o strength_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v it_o discover_v whether_o he_o be_v natural_o strong_a or_o spiritual_o strong_a for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o humiliation_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n namely_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o no_o soon_o faith_n but_o assoon_o strength_n and_o the_o promise_n follow_v faith_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptix_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mar._n 15._o 15._o and_o this_o 15._o be_v the_o course_n that_o we_o take_v first_o we_o preach_v the_o law_n unto_o you_o and_o we_o do_v it_o to_o this_o end_n to_o humble_v you_o and_o to_o break_v the_o hard_a disposition_n of_o your_o heart_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n and_o when_o we_o have_v thereby_o humble_v you_o than_o we_o preach_v unto_o you_o the_o gospel_n beseech_v and_o exhort_v you_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o arm_n of_o rebellion_n which_o you_o have_v take_v up_o against_o christ_n and_o you_o 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what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v you_o so_o often_o to_o come_v in_o and_o receive_v christ_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v time_n after_o time_n and_o day_n by_o day_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o little_a efficacy_n the_o word_n have_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o word_n want_v this_o effect_n in_o you_o as_o not_o to_o humble_v you_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o you_o be_v not_o more_o affright_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n than_o you_o be_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o you_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a and_o careless_a as_o ever_o you_o be_v but_o because_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o be_v you_o want_v a_o true_a save_n and_o apply_v faith_n for_o if_o you_o have_v the_o word_n will_v work_v other_o effect_n in_o you_o then_o it_o do_v as_o for_o example_n if_o one_o shall_v tell_v a_o man_n that_o such_o a_o benefit_n or_o legacy_n be_v befall_v he_o that_o will_v raise_v he_o to_o great_a honour_n though_o before_o he_o live_v but_o in_o a_o mean_a condition_n if_o this_o man_n do_v but_o believe_v it_o sure_o he_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o rejoice_v so_o true_o if_o you_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o christ_n grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o that_o holiness_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n will_v bring_v you_o to_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n and_o estate_n as_o to_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n you_o will_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n and_o grace_n only_o again_o if_o you_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n be_v a_o just_a god_n i_o say_v if_o the_o drunkard_n do_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o drunkard_n shall_v be_v damn_v or_o if_o the_o adulterer_n do_v believe_v that_o no_o adulterer_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n or_o if_o the_o profane_a person_n and_o the_o gamester_n do_v but_o know_v that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o all_o their_o misspend_v time_n and_o idle_a word_n and_o vain_a communication_n they_o will_v not_o sport_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v again_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o god_n call_v who_o and_o when_o he_o please_v and_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v that_o be_v if_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o though_o here_o be_v a_o church_n full_a of_o people_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o say_v if_o a_o man_n do_v but_o believe_v this_o sure_o they_o will_v not_o defer_v their_o repentance_n that_o
the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o say_v with_o yourselves_o we_o have_v a_o prize_n in_o our_o hand_n that_o be_v we_o have_v much_o time_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v strengthen_v the_o inward_a man_n but_o we_o have_v no_o heart_n that_o be_v we_o be_v befool_v because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n but_o we_o will_v do_v so_o no_o more_o the_o time_n now_o that_o we_o have_v shall_v be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o grow_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n the_o second_o hindrance_n which_o must_v be_v remove_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v strong_a lust_n that_o be_v unmortified_a affection_n there_o be_v inward_a hindrance_n which_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o soul_n can_v grow_v strong_a in_o grace_n these_o venom_n the_o soul_n and_o keep_v off_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v it_o keep_v the_o plaster_n from_o the_o sore_a as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n be_v wound_v with_o a_o arrow_n so_o long_o as_o the_o arrow_n head_n be_v in_o the_o wound_n no_o plaster_n will_v heal_v it_o now_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n if_o you_o retain_v any_o lust_n that_o be_v any_o belove_a sin_n and_o so_o come_v unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n you_o will_v come_v without_o profit_n because_o the_o arrow_n head_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o wound_n that_o be_v your_o lust_n be_v unmortified_a and_o so_o long_o you_o can_v be_v heal_v this_o keep_v the_o plaster_n off_o the_o sore_a you_o know_v what_o pain_n the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n will_v breed_v in_o a_o man_n when_o they_o gather_v into_o any_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o how_o they_o will_v hinder_v the_o augmentation_n in_o other_o part_n so_o when_o these_o evil_a humour_n of_o the_o soul_n gather_v together_o and_o begin_v to_o r●i●n_n and_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v grow_v in_o holiness_n till_o they_o be_v purge_v away_o therefore_o be_v earnest_a with_o god_n to_o purge_v out_o those_o humour_n whether_o they_o be_v profit_n or_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n or_o any_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o do_v you_o strengthen_v the_o inward_a man_n and_o the_o strong_a the_o inward_a man_n be_v the_o healthful_a the_o soul_n be_v i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v thrive_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n so_o long_o as_o you_o retain_v any_o sin_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v how_o can_v you_o believe_v see_v you_o seek_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o that_o be_v if_o you_o prefer_v the_o love_n of_o profit_n and_o reputation_n and_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n before_o grace_n how_o can_v you_o believe_v that_o be_v how_o can_v you_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o five_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v the_o inward_a man_n be_v this_o mean_n you_o must_v get_v spiritual_a courage_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v you_o must_v get_v joy_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o be_v discouragement_n and_o again_o nothing_o so_o available_a to_o make_v a_o man_n strong_a as_o courage_n and_o joy_n this_o be_v the_o mean_n that_o nehemiah_n use_v in_o the_o 8_o of_o nehe._n when_o he_o will_v build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o say_v be_v not_o discourage_v nor_o sorrowful_a for_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v your_o strength_n nehemiah_n have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v and_o what_o argument_n use_v he_o to_o make_v they_o to_o hold_v out_o but_o this_o to_o be_v full_a of_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v if_o you_o hold_v your_o courage_n you_o will_v hold_v your_o strength_n and_o then_o the_o work_n will_v be_v easy_a unto_o you_o and_o this_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o great_a courage_n where_o there_o be_v but_o little_a strength_n will_v do_v more_o than_o great_a mean_n with_o little_a courage_n joshua_n can_v do_v more_o with_o a_o small_a army_n full_a of_o courage_n then_o with_o a_o great_a army_n with_o little_a courage_n again_o i_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n take_v heed_n of_o give_v discouragement_n unto_o any_o for_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o discourage_v man_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o way_n whereby_o he_o make_v man_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o affright_v they_o make_v they_o to_o question_v god_n love_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v persuade_v they_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v narrow_a and_o hard_a and_o that_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o just_a withal_o and_o thou_o be_v full_a of_o strong_a lust_n and_o shall_v never_o subdue_v they_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o thou_o to_o set_v upon_o they_o hereupon_o a_o man_n be_v so_o discourage_v that_o he_o neglect_v the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n but_o be_v not_o discourage_v for_o know_v that_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o least_o temptation_n be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o your_o own_o it_o come_v not_o from_o any_o power_n of_o your_o own_o but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o another_o then_o for_o your_o comfort_n know_v that_o he_o that_o give_v you_o power_n over_o a_o small_a temptation_n be_v also_o able_a and_o willing_a and_o will_v certain_o help_v you_o against_o a_o rage_a lust_n and_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n though_o you_o find_v yourselves_o indispose_v to_o pray_v to_o hear_v or_o the_o like_a you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o ●…s_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v he_o can_v of_o unfit_a make_v it_o fit_a of_o unwilling_a make_v it_o 14._o willing_a and_o remember_v the_o promise_n in_o the_o luke_n 11_o 14._o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o that_o be_v he_o will_v give_v such_o a_o supply_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o withstand_v any_o temptation_n therefore_o if_o you_o will_v grow_v strong_a take_v heed_n of_o discouragement_n and_o let_v one_o christian_n take_v heed_n of_o discourage_v another_o by_o any_o speech_n action_n or_o behaviour_n and_o let_v minister_n take_v heed_n of_o discourage_v their_o flock_n for_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o false_a prophet_n to_o discourage_v the_o people_n from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o land_n especial_o of_o profane_a people_n that_o never_o think_v themselves_o well_o but_o when_o they_o be_v cast_v reproachful_a speech_n against_o those_o that_o labour_n to_o strengthen_v the_o inward_a man_n but_o this_o discover_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o take_v heed_n of_o discouragement_n that_o be_v be_v not_o cast_v down_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o such_o as_o will_v revile_v you_o and_o speak_v evil_a by_o you_o this_o will_v weaken_v the_o inward_a man_n the_o six_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v the_o inward_a man_n be_v this_o mean_n you_o must_v get_v faith_n that_o be_v you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v go_v about_o all_o thing_n with_o god_n strength_n and_o not_o your_o own_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o i_o be_o weak_a than_o i_o be_o strong_a in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 12._o i_o 12._o rejoice_v in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o my_o weakness_n that_o be_v i_o rejoice_v in_o those_o infirmity_n that_o discover_v my_o own_o weakness_n to_o god_n that_o i_o may_v not_o put_v any_o confidence_n thereby_o in_o myself_o again_o i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n that_o be_v because_o hereby_o i_o feel_v my_o weakness_n that_o i_o may_v go_v out_o of_o myself_o and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n therefore_o when_o you_o go_v about_o any_o business_n or_o perform_v any_o holy_a action_n unto_o god_n as_o you_o must_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n so_o you_o must_v renounce_v all_o strength_n in_o yourselves_o and_o then_o god_n can_v but_o prosper_v your_o business_n or_o whatsoever_o good_a you_o go_v about_o when_o you_o go_v about_o it_o with_o god_n strength_n as_o gideon_n do_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o lord_n have_v pronounce_v a_o curse_n against_o he_o that_o shall_v go_v about_o any_o thing_n with_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o jer._n 17._o curse_a 17._o be_v that_o man_n that_o make_v flesh_n his_o arm_n that_o be_v that_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n without_o faith_n in_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o if_o you_o will_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o inward_a man_n you_o must_v get_v save_v faith_n in_o christ._n mean_n
that_o be_v but_o little_a they_o may_v take_v away_o my_o life_n but_o i_o make_v no_o account_n of_o it_o say_v he_o if_o other_o man_n make_v as_o little_a account_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o do_v they_o will_v be_v as_o bold_a as_o i._n therefore_o i_o say_v now_o it_o be_v a_o time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o stir_v up_o his_o strength_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o these_o thing_n when_o action_n come_v that_o have_v hazard_v accompany_v they_o and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n and_o resistance_n from_o this_o temptation_n and_o from_o that_o now_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n ephes._n 6._o when_o there_o come_v temptation_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v be_v strong_a to_o endure_v it_o if_o 6._o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v strong_a to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o if_o be_v any_o special_a duty_n be_v strong_a wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o jacob_n do_v in_o distress_n there_o be_v his_o course_n stir_v up_o thy_o strength_n at_o that_o time_n and_o wrestle_v with_o all_o thy_o strength_n so_o if_o ●he_v business_n be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o common_a truth_n and_o faith_n a_o man_n must_v be_v strong_a what_o though_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o hazard_n this_o be_v a_o time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o stir_v up_o his_o strength_n that_o be_v one_o case_n a_o second_o be_v in_o all_o great_a change_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o be_v a_o time_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v stir_v up_o his_o strength_n because_o then_o estate_n a_o man_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v weak_a that_o be_v if_o a_o man_n ●al●_n into_o great_a cross_n and_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n and_o again_o if_o he_o be_v raise_v to_o prosperity_n more_o than_o ordinary_a now_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v strong_a that_o be_v let_v he_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o take_v heed_n now_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o break_v by_o the_o one_o nor_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o other_o now_o be_v the_o time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v strong_a upon_o these_o great_a 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apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o he_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o himself_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v i_o say_v he_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o i_o undergo_v much_o scorn_n and_o discredit_v and_o loss_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o i_o be_o content_a to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v out_o of_o my_o wit_n to_o be_v account_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v i_o that_o be_v it_o make_v i_o ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n see_v it_o be_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o advantage_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v so_o account_v of_o now_o how_o come_v he_o to_o this_o love_n of_o christ_n why_o thus_o we_o judge_v say_v he_o that_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v bring_v your_o heart_n not_o to_o seek_v your_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v your_o heart_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o saint_n paul_n lay_v down_o he_o die_v for_o i_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o it_o he_o deserve_v it_o of_o i_o he_o have_v do_v this_o and_o this_o for_o i_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n i_o shall_v no_o long_o live_v to_o my_o sel●_n therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n i_o shall_v seek_v his_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v do_v his_o work_n thus_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o mean_n ●o_o prepare_v we_o to_o seek_v he_o and_o so_o you_o see_v the_o business_n we_o have_v to_o do_v we_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n willing_o diligent_o and_o faithful_o and_o also_o what_o it_o be_v that_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n so_o to_o do_v first_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o christ._n second_o to_o labour_v to_o have_v it_o keep_v in_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n three_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n last_o to_o have_v love_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n and_o for_o this_o time_n prayer_n prevalency_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 24_o 25._o and_o in_o those_o day_n hezekias_n be_v sick_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o he_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o sign_n but_o hezekias_n do_v not_o render_v according_a to_o the_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o he_o but_o his_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o and_o wrath_n come_v upon_o israel_n we_o make_v some_o entrance_n into_o these_o word_n in_o the_o morning_n in_o those_o day_n hezekiah_n be_v sick_a to_o the_o death_n those_o word_n we_o have_v do_v withal_o and_o he_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n hence_o we_o observe_v this_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o hezekiah_n obtain_v his_o recovery_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a to_o the_o death_n so_o it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n that_o prayer_n be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o all_o other_o to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o give_v in_o the_o morning_n we_o come_v to_o apply_v it_o and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o all_o other_o therefore_o prayer_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o esteem_v of_o our_o prayer_n more_o than_o we_o do_v to_o set_v they_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n to_o know_v what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n be_v when_o prayer_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o customary_a negligent_a manner_n when_o man_n think_v it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v be_v answer_v and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v do_v they_o good_a it_o may_v be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o miss_v of_o the_o effect_n if_o man_n do_v believe_v that_o prayer_n be_v so_o effectual_a to_o bring_v their_o erterprise_n to_o pass_v they_o will_v sure_o be_v more_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o this_o duty_n we_o show_v you_o in_o the_o morning_n what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n be_v we_o purpose_v to_o repeat_v nothing_o only_o there_o be_v a_o objection_n or_o two_o that_o we_o will_v answer_v and_o so_o pass_v from_o this_o point_n first_o this_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v prayer_n be_v so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n when_o object_n the_o lord_n be_v purpose_v to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v do_v and_o how_o can_v the_o entreaty_n of_o a_o weak_a man_n change_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n or_o altar_n his_o mind_n he_o know_v what_o we_o have_v need_n of_o beforehand_o before_o we_o ask_v and_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o alteration_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o prayer_n he_o be_v not_o change_v by_o any_o of_o our_o petition_n that_o ourselves_o we_o make_v to_o he_o but_o the_o change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o be_v make_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v mercy_n from_o he_o then_o before_o we_o be_v simile_n as_o for_o example_n when_o a_o patient_a desire_n his_o physician_n to_o give_v he_o a_o cordial_a to_o give_v he_o some_o restore_a physic_n something_o that_o be_v pleasant_a to_o he_o the_o physician_n delay_n and_o defer_v he_o will_v not_o for_o the_o present_a hearken_v to_o his_o request_n at_o length_n he_o do_v it_o why_o be_v it_o not_o because_o the_o physician_n be_v alter_v but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o patient_a he_o be_v now_o purge_v and_o vomit_v his_o body_n be_v cleanse_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o cordial_a therefore_o the_o physician_n yield_v to_o his_o request_n there_o be_v some_o suitablenesse_n now_o between_o he_o and_o the_o physic_n which_o he_o require_v there_o be_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o physician_n but_o in_o the_o patient_a so_o when_o we_o seek_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n we_o do_v not_o cause_v he_o to_o alter_v his_o mind_n but_o there_o be_v a_o change_n wrought_v in_o we_o so_o that_o when_o we_o think_v we_o bring_v god_n to_o we_o by_o our_o prayer_n we_o rather_o bring_v ourselves_o too_o god_n that_o be_v when_o we_o contend_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o those_o argument_n persuade_v ourselves_o to_o repentance_n to_o faith_n to_o more_o obedience_n and_o willingness_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o our_o heart_n be_v draw_v more_o near_o to_o he_o when_o we_o think_v we_o draw_v god_n near_o to_o we_o in_o this_o action_n we_o draw_v ourselves_o near_o to_o he_o and_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v draw_v near_o to_o he_o when_o our_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o argument_n that_o we_o use_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o do_v that_o which_o before_o he_o be_v not_o move_v to_o do_v not_o because_o he_o be_v alter_v or_o any_o way_n change_v but_o because_o the_o change_n be_v in_o we_o we_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o mercy_n that_o we_o beg_v for_o then_o before_o again_o second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v many_o obtain_v object_n mercy_n and_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n without_o prayer_n therefore_o it_o seem_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o they_o be_v we_o sometime_o without_o prayer_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a man_n may_v have_v and_o have_v usual_o blessing_n many_o great_a mercy_n bestow_v upon_o they_o without_o prayer_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n because_o that_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n it_o come_v with_o a_o blessing_n and_o it_o come_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v and_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o mercy_n in_o a_o way_n of_o blessing_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o receive_v it_o i●…n_o ordinary_a course_n the_o same_o comfort_n may_v come_v to_o one_o man_n with_o a_o blessing_n and_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o another_o man_n with_o a_o curse_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a way_n of_o god_n bestow_v of_o mercy_n one_o be_v when_o he_o convey_v they_o to_o a_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n another_o be_v when_o he_o bestow_v they_o by_o a_o common_a providence_n when_o god_n dispense_v mercy_n by_o a_o common_a providence_n thou_o must_v not_o think_v thyself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o gainer_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o such_o a_o mercy_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o judge_v thyself_o better_a in_o the_o want_n of_o that_o mercy_n ahab_n have_v be_v better_a to_o have_v want_v a_o vineyard_n jeroboam_fw-la