in_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o exhibit_v and_o according_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o will_n for_o practice_n this_o be_v make_v by_o information_n or_o draw_v practical_a inference_n from_o the_o general_a truth_n which_o be_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o this_o improvement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o every_o gospel_n truth_n 2._o with_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o goodness_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o will_n which_o exert_v itself_o by_o the_o affection_n and_o here_o application_n serve_v to_o reprove_v we_o for_o our_o neglect_n by_o convince_a we_o of_o they_o and_o show_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n in_o they_o and_o rouse_a we_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o hence_o there_o be_v use_n of_o conviction_n and_o reprehension_n it_o serve_v also_o to_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o right_n do_v of_o duty_n and_o keep_v we_o from_o turn_v aside_o to_o direct_v quicken_v and_o encourage_v we_o and_o final_o to_o corroborate_v and_o animate_v we_o in_o our_o serve_v of_o god_n and_o hence_o consolation_n be_v hither_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o such_o application_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v by_o such_o as_o teach_v other_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v practical_a the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v to_o god_n and_o so_o every_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o part_n of_o it_o must_v lead_v hereunto_o we_o have_v the_o design_n of_o it_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v 2._o 11_o 12._o man_n great_a end_n be_v to_o glorify_v god_n he_o must_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o practice_n all_o the_o theory_n of_o divinity_n lead_v to_o practice_n 2._o hence_o christian_n be_v no_o further_o profit_v by_o these_o truth_n than_o as_o they_o apply_v they_o to_o practice_n that_o they_o may_v so_o do_v they_o must_v know_v they_o and_o its_o vain_a for_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o though_o they_o know_v less_o than_o other_o yet_o they_o live_v as_o well_o for_o without_o knowledge_n the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o man_n only_o study_v to_o know_v that_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o be_v admire_v by_o their_o neighbour_n for_o man_n of_o understanding_n but_o lead_v a_o loose_a and_o ungirt_a life_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o their_o knowledge_n will_v aggravate_v their_o gild_n and_o procure_v they_o the_o more_o wrath_n luk._n 12._o 47._o hence_o that_o joh._n 13._o 17._o 3._o hence_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o gospel_n to_o apply_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o head_n but_o we_o must_v let_v they_o sink_v into_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o hearer_n but_o there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o they_o that_o get_v good_a by_o hear_v compare_v to_o good_a ground_n and_o these_o bear_v fruit_n mat._n 13._o 23._o and_o we_o have_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n describe_v jam._n 1._o 25._o 4._o the_o end_n of_o teach_v be_v to_o far_a the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v practice_n god_n appoint_v some_o to_o teach_v other_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o serve_v to_o far_o the_o gospel_n design_n if_o then_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o lead_v and_o bring_v man_n to_o practice_n they_o be_v to_o design_n and_o seek_v how_o they_o may_v promove_v it_o hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o minister_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 15._o 16._o 5._o that_o man_n need_v the_o help_n of_o application_n as_o much_o as_o of_o doctrine_n for_o not_o only_o be_v our_o understanding_n dark_a and_o for_o that_o end_n need_v illumination_n erroneous_a and_o therefore_o needs_o to_o be_v better_o inform_v but_o our_o heart_n also_o be_v corrupt_a our_o will_n dead_a and_o our_o affection_n disorder_v yea_o and_o our_o practical_a understanding_n be_v indispose_v to_o draw_v particular_a inference_n from_o general_a truth_n so_o that_o these_o need_n to_o be_v rouse_v quicken_v and_o draw_v to_o their_o work_n there_o be_v a_o indisposition_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o they_o need_v to_o be_v excite_v the_o apostle_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o inculcate_v know_v truth_n for_o this_o end_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 12_o 17._o 6._o hence_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v suit_v for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v not_o only_o deliver_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a precept_n as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o the_o system_n of_o other_o art_n but_o have_v accommodate_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o end_n of_o practical_a holiness_n and_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o perfection_n there_o intend_v consist_v in_o a_o universal_a respect_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o conform_v of_o the_o life_n according_a thereto_o this_o be_v it_o that_o david_n gain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 19_o 11._o 7._o hence_o this_o be_v the_o course_n take_v by_o god_n servant_n in_o scripture_n record_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o all_o paul_n epistle_n that_o though_o he_o begin_v with_o matter_n doctrinal_a yet_o he_o ever_o descend_v to_o thing_n practical_a we_o find_v that_o after_o the_o read_v the_o law_n in_o the_o synagogue_n mere_a be_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n act_v 13._o 15._o and_o christ_n himself_o take_v this_o course_n luk._n 4._o 20_o 21._o and_o such_o direction_n paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4._o begin_v thus_o only_o be_v man_n like_o to_o be_v profitable_a teacher_n prop._n 2._o that_o this_o application_n must_v be_v particular_a and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o application_n be_v make_v i_o will_v teach_v thou_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o singular_a for_o a_o right_n take_v of_o this_o up_o let_v we_o observe_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o particular_a application_n respect_v the_o matter_n it_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a proposition_n for_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v for_o practice_n than_o every_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o apply_v for_o none_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v shun_v act_v 20._o 27._o and_o consequent_o all_o the_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o part_n of_o that_o counsel_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o christian_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o forget_v or_o neglect_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o those_o with_o who_o we_o be_v concern_v if_o we_o neglect_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o 2._o as_o to_o application_n to_o particular_a person_n though_o in_o private_a it_o be_v proper_a to_o apply_v thing_n plain_o and_o distinct_o as_o nathan_n do_v to_o david_n and_o indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o private_a application_n be_v main_o for_o this_o end_n that_o without_o reproach_v man_n person_n open_o we_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o particular_a sin_n yet_o in_o public_a teach_a care_n and_o prudence_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v lest_o instead_o of_o do_v they_o good_a we_o harden_v they_o in_o sin_n we_o shall_v beware_v lest_o we_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n but_o their_o person_n we_o seek_v to_o reproach_n here_o then_o observe_v 1._o if_o person_n have_v be_v notorious_o &_o scandalous_o sinful_a their_o sin_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a &_o other_o warn_v when_o their_o crime_n be_v public_a and_o they_o impenitent_a they_o be_v to_o be_v open_o rebuke_v and_o other_o advise_v by_o their_o example_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 20._o 2._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o whole_a as_o if_o we_o speak_v to_o every_o one_o personal_o our_o manner_n of_o application_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o if_o we_o be_v talk_v with_o but_o one_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o call_v upon_o all_o to_o apply_v to_o themselves_o holy_a man_n therefore_o on_o scripture_n record_n for_o the_o most_o part_n apply_v precept_n and_o warning_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n thus_o all_o the_o command_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v deliver_v and_o innumerable_a instance_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v produce_v 3._o and_o we_o ought_v to_o apply_v truth_n so_o as_o those_o that_o be_v special_o concern_v may_v understand_v that_o god_n be_v now_o speak_v to_o they_o though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o vilify_v man_n or_o lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o assembly_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v wise_o and_o close_o touch_v their_o
appearance_n and_o certain_o if_o man_n life_n be_v full_a of_o guile_n their_o spirit_n be_v so_o too_o he_o that_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o life_n may_v well_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v so_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o how_o unprofitable_o do_v such_o a_o one_o please_v himself_o with_o expectation_n to_o be_v forgive_v job_n 36._o 13._o but_o let_v all_o such_o know_v that_o their_o hope_n will_v erelong_o prove_v as_o the_o spider_n web_n and_o certain_o perish_v let_v i_o say_v to_o such_o if_o piety_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v choose_v why_o do_v you_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v why_o do_v you_o no_o more_o but_o pretend_v to_o it_o think_v of_o this_o you_o that_o talk_v high_a of_o religion_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o licentious_a life_n you_o that_o study_v no_o more_o than_o to_o get_v man_n good_a word_n and_o to_o baffle_v your_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v not_o lead_v you_o a_o wretched_a life_n 2._o learn_v hence_o one_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o their_o state_n of_o forgiveness_n how_o often_o do_v they_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o hurry_v in_o their_o mind_n concern_v themselves_o afraid_a they_o be_v not_o in_o god_n favour_n that_o he_o have_v not_o pardon_v they_o and_o whence_o be_v his_o distress_n and_o darkness_n far_o be_v it_o that_o i_o shall_v condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a i_o know_v that_o god_n act_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n here_o they_o be_v not_o all_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n isa_n 53._o 10._o how_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o too_o many_o give_v sad_a occasion_n for_o this_o by_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o provoke_v god_n thus_o to_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o they_o while_o they_o take_v too_o tittle_a heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o keep_v not_o a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o deceitfulness_n that_o remain_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v trapan_v by_o 〈◊〉_d into_o carriage_n that_o be_v deceitful_a be_v it_o not_o thus_o with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 5._o begin_v and_o upon_o it_o her_o belove_a withdraws_n from_o she_o and_o when_o god_n child_n turn_v lawful_a liberty_n into_o licentiousness_n comply_v with_o the_o humour_n mode_n and_o custom_n of_o a_o vain_a world_n upon_o pretence_n of_o civility_n wheâ—_n they_o grow_v formal_a and_o slight_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o admit_v of_o carnal_a pretence_n to_o intermit_v they_o etc._n etc._n they_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n gratify_v the_o guile_n of_o their_o worse_a part_n and_o if_o god_n upon_o it_o withold_v the_o witness_n of_o his_o love_n and_o darken_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a dispensation_n and_o do_v they_o more_o careful_o maintain_v a_o awful_a fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n it_o will_v not_o so_o frequent_o be_v so_o psal_n 25._o 24._o use_v ii_o let_v it_o then_o be_v for_o examination_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o text_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o to_o give_v the_o character_n of_o a_o pardon_a man_n let_v we_o then_o prove_v our_o state_n by_o this_o be_v we_o such_o 〈◊〉_d who_o spirit_n be_v no_o guile_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o consider_v 1._o it_o it_o of_o unspeakable_a moment_n for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v pardon_v or_o no._n this_o discovery_n wiâ—_n give_v we_o light_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v happy_a 〈◊〉_d miserable_a if_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v then_o be_v we_o deliver_v from_o our_o judge_n then_o be_v we_o at_o peaâ—_n with_o god_n than_o our_o own_o conscience_n have_v the_o foundation_n of_o peace_n in_o they_o if_o forgive_v then_o justify_v then_o be_v we_o find_v righteous_a and_o shall_v be_v adjudge_v to_o eternal_a life_n than_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o all_o our_o accuser_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v 〈◊〉_d the_o judgement_n and_o what_o a_o blessedness_n be_v thisâ—_n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o forgive_v than_o we_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o we_o we_o have_v he_o for_o our_o enemy_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n in_o his_o book_n be_v out_o against_o we_o and_o pursue_v of_o we_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o misery_n indeed_o what_o case_n then_o can_v there_o be_v that_o call_v more_o loud_o for_o a_o through_o resolution_n of_o it_o you_o know_v that_o in_o your_o natural_a state_n you_o be_v guilty_a and_o condemn_v and_o till_o you_o be_v pardon_v your_o own_o conscience_n must_v say_v that_o you_o abide_v under_o the_o sentence_n and_o what_o quiet_a or_o comfort_n can_v you_o have_v while_o it_o be_v so_o can_v you_o but_o go_v in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v upon_o and_o devour_v you_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v know_v it_o be_v a_o case_n whereof_o a_o resolution_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o necessary_o in_o the_o dark_a upon_o this_o account_n but_o as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o direction_n in_o his_o word_n how_o to_o come_v by_o a_o pardon_n so_o he_o have_v there_o afford_v we_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v prove_v our_o title_n to_o it_o and_o though_o our_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o we_o yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o find_v in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o accompany_v it_o that_o be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o unto_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v firm_o make_v which_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o he_o thereby_o leave_v a_o pledge_n of_o his_o everlasting_a love_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v argue_v safe_o that_o we_o be_v pardon_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v god_n therefore_o bid_v we_o to_o try_n 〈◊〉_d self_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o 3._o this_o be_v give_v for_o one_o evidence_n by_o which_o to_o prove_v 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o have_v the_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o render_v we_o sincere_a if_o we_o have_v indeed_o make_v choice_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o alone_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o have_v hearty_o embrace_v and_o devote_a ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n if_o we_o be_v upright_o in_o our_o profession_n it_o will_v be_v a_o undeceive_a witness_n of_o a_o pardon_a state_n when_o god_n give_v a_o new_a heart_n he_o also_o give_v a_o sentence_n of_o absolution_n repentance_n and_o remission_n go_v together_o act._n 5._o 31._o 4._o if_o there_o be_v guile_n in_o our_o spirit_n we_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o god_n all_o see_v eye_n if_o we_o have_v deal_v hypocritical_o in_o our_o profession_n and_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o choose_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n a_o show_n of_o repentance_n and_o turn_n from_o our_o sin_n of_o faith_n in_o embrace_v christ_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o mean_v while_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o he_o be_v not_o mock_v there_o be_v no_o blind_n of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v find_v 〈◊〉_d out_o our_o guile_n will_v never_o hurt_v he_o but_o it_o will_v turn_v upon_o our_o own_o head_n we_o may_v deceive_v other_o and_o ourselves_o too_o but_o not_o god_n let_v 〈◊〉_d then_o be_v serious_a and_o earnest_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o 〈◊〉_d rule_n of_o trial_n 1._o be_v you_o ever_o convince_v of_o your_o natural_a guileful_a spirit_n we_o all_o bring_v such_o a_o one_o with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n psal_n 58._o 4._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n make_v man_n to_o see_v and_o confess_v it_o the_o conviction_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v his_o work_n joh._n 16_o 8._o carry_v this_o in_o it_o the_o deceitfulness_n 〈◊〉_d man_n heart_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discovery_n thâ—_n god_n make_v to_o they_o when_o he_o come_v to_o do_v theâ—_n good_a jer._n 17._o 9_o 10._o and_o indeed_o man_n will_v never_o seek_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o till_o they_o weâ—_n make_v to_o apprehend_v it_o in_o themselves_o and_o how_o few_o be_v so_o persuade_v how_o many_o plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o always_o scorn_v hypocrisy_n cheat_v have_v ever_o be_v odious_a to_o they_o and_o they_o love_v plain_a deal_n and_o such_o man_n never_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n for_o though_o there_o be_v such_o a_o moral_a principle_n in_o some_o natural_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o word_n and_o carriage_n to_o other_o yet_o towards_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n every_o unconverted_a man_n be_v a_o great_a
conscience_n and_o make_v they_o know_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v now_o testify_v against_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a hence_o in_o lay_v open_a duty_n and_o sin_n very_o distinct_o we_o may_v come_v so_o close_o to_o man_n that_o they_o very_o believe_v that_o some_o body_n have_v be_v babble_v something_o against_o they_o and_o acquaint_v we_o with_o such_o sin_n of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o now_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o we_o in_o our_o application_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ministerial_a teach_v be_v no_o far_o profitable_a than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o set_v in_o with_o it_o 1_o cor_fw-la 3._o 6._o our_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o he_o and_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n to_o promove_v his_o design_n minister_n be_v call_v under-rower_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o he_o be_v the_o pilot_n and_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o direction_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o spirit_n application_n be_v personal_a when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v home_o gospel_n truth_n and_o make_v they_o effectual_a he_o touch_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n individual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o be_v persuade_v and_o win_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o other_o be_v harden_v and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a judgement_n will_v be_v a_o reckon_n with_o individual_n 3._o and_o it_o be_v equal_o certain_a that_o moral_a application_n must_v needs_o determine_v here_o moral_a application_n be_v make_v to_o cause_n by_o counsel_n and_o be_v entertain_v by_o a_o rational_a consideration_n and_o answerable_a improvement_n and_o this_o no_o man_n can_v do_v for_o another_o though_o counsel_n be_v give_v among_o many_o yet_o if_o they_o fix_v any_o where_n it_o must_v be_v upon_o these_o and_o those_o individual_n act_n 13._o 48._o 16._o 24._o 4._o hence_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v to_o apply_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v good_a by_o what_o we_o hear_v if_o man_n put_v these_o thing_n from_o themselves_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o hence_o that_o act_v 13._o 46._o use_v i._o learn_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n requisite_a to_o accomplish_v we_o to_o be_v profitable_a teacher_n of_o other_o the_o right_a and_o suitable_a application_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o teach_v so_o it_o require_v much_o skill_n and_o prudence_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v all_o without_o which_o we_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v teach_v than_o to_o be_v teacher_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o requisite_a to_o accommodate_v we_o for_o this_o viz._n 1._o we_o we_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n that_o refer_v to_o these_o principle_n if_o religion_n be_v practical_a it_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n conscience_n and_o hence_o there_o be_v those_o practical_a inquiry_n which_o refer_v to_o every_o common_a place_n in_o divinity_n which_o must_v be_v distinct_o resolve_v for_o the_o illumination_n and_o direction_n of_o conscience_n therein_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o they_o how_o shall_v we_o teach_v other_o 2._o we_o must_v observe_v and_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v among_o a_o people_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v suitable_o and_o profitable_o apply_v but_o there_o be_v the_o special_a concern_v of_o a_o people_n which_o very_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o suit_v our_o ministration_n to_o the_o occasion_n thus_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o thus_o do_v paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n all_o sin_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v witness_n against_o etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o must_v also_o study_v man_n personal_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n not_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n some_o be_v proud_a and_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a these_o be_v to_o be_v more_o rough_o treat_v other_o be_v tender_a trouble_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v another_o manner_n of_o application_n belong_v to_o they_o judas_n 22_o 23._o 4._o hence_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n necessary_a â—â—_o this_o affair_n it_o be_v be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a but_o much_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o apply_v it_o the_o want_n whereof_o may_v make_v good_a design_n to_o miscarry_v we_o see_v how_o nathan_n use_v this_o in_o his_o addressing_z himself_n to_o david_n 2_o sam_n 12._o begin_v 5._o it_o require_v courage_n also_o we_o have_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n to_o deal_v with_o and_o may_v expect_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o meet_v with_o hard_a entertainment_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o oppose_v but_o be_v apt_a to_o rise_v up_o against_o counsel_n &_o reproof_n how_o do_v asa_n though_o a_o good_a man_n entertain_v the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 16_o 10._o and_o see_v jer._n 1._o 17_o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 2._o 6_o 7._o and_o they_o most_o need_v that_o can_v least_o bear_v 6._o it_o also_o call_v for_o fidelity_n we_o must_v be_v faithful_a in_o god_n and_o to_o man_n too_o who_o everlasting_a concern_v be_v interest_v in_o our_o apply_v to_o they_o with_o who_o we_o must_v deal_v plain_a and_o home_n isa_n 58_o 1._o â—â—â—_o which_o thing_n show_v how_o much_o be_v require_v to_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n use_v ii_o to_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o for_o the_o best_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v and_o hear_v be_v correlate_n and_o from_o the_o duty_n on_o one_o part_n we_o may_v argue_v to_o the_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o will_v we_o then_o be_v profitable_a hearer_n 1._o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o get_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v well_o inform_v in_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o be_v negligent_a in_o this_o respect_n will_v never_o make_v good_a proficiency_n in_o any_o thing_n else_o those_o that_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o knowledge_n be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v firm_a fix_a stable_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n join_v these_o together_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o 2._o but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v here_o they_o that_o think_v all_o religion_n consist_v in_o head_n knowledge_n usual_o deceive_v themselves_o we_o must_v be_v make_v addition_n to_o this_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o make_v particular_a application_n of_o these_o doctrine_n to_o ourselves_o personal_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o other_o and_o lay_v in_o a_o more_o fearful_a account_n they_o that_o take_v up_o religion_n only_o to_o talk_v will_v find_v it_o a_o vain_a religion_n when_o their_o knowledge_n will_v be_v a_o article_n against_o they_o to_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o their_o neglect_n for_o direction_n 1._o let_v we_o be_v in_o love_n with_o practical_a preach_n and_o the_o more_o particular_a and_o press_v it_o be_v let_v it_o please_v we_o the_o better_a many_o love_n to_o hear_v learned_a and_o accurate_a discourse_n on_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v bring_v home_o to_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o search_v and_o make_v discovery_n of_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n now_o they_o care_v not_o for_o they_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o account_v this_o the_o life_n of_o preach_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o 5._o 11._o 2._o let_v we_o ourselves_o inquire_v what_o every_o truth_n say_v to_o we_o if_o we_o hear_v any_o gospel_n doctrine_n lay_v open_a let_v we_o often_o be_v ask_v our_o heart_n what_o do_v this_o say_v to_o we_o what_o will_v god_n have_v i_o to_o learn_v by_o this_o do_v it_o lay_v open_v no_o sin_n of_o i_o be_v not_o this_o a_o duty_n that_o i_o have_v too_o much_o neglect_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v better_a than_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o other_o and_o say_v there_o be_v a_o word_n for_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o beware_v of_o prejudice_n against_o the_o close_a application_n of_o truth_n suppose_v they_o come_v home_o to_o we_o and_o make_v deep_a incision_n and_o
13._o 48._o 7._o hence_o the_o primary_n end_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v to_o help_v man_n in_o this_o and_o though_o eventual_o they_o prove_v a_o savour_n of_o life_n to_o some_o and_o of_o death_n to_o other_o yet_o but_o for_o the_o former_a they_o have_v not_o be_v promulgate_v though_o christ_n prove_v a_o corner_n stone_n to_o some_o and_o a_o stumble_a stone_n to_o other_o yet_o the_o direct_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o former_a 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o there_o be_v a_o powerful_a providence_n in_o order_v the_o come_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n both_o of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o we_o find_v not_o that_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o come_v any_o where_o but_o where_o he_o have_v some_o to_o bring_v in_o to_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o they_o may_v so_o come_v to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o life_n beside_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o of_o the_o work_n allot_v to_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n show_v what_o be_v the_o business_n thereof_o god_n tell_v we_o what_o pastor_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v to_o do_v jer._n 3._o 15._o paul_n tell_v we_o what_o his_o ministry_n be_v for_o act._n 26._o 18._o this_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n faithful_a servant_n travail_v for_o and_o if_o they_o miss_v in_o it_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a 8._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v in_o with_o these_o and_o effectual_o teach_v all_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o one_o that_o sit_v under_o the_o outward_a teach_n remain_v untaught_a whenas_o another_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o receive_v instruction_n and_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o path_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o labour_v more_o with_o these_o or_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o more_o tractable_a the_o natural_a reluctancy_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o and_o be_v there_o no_o more_o do_v for_o teach_v this_o man_n than_o the_o other_o he_o will_v equal_o die_v without_o instruction_n it_o must_v then_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o indeed_o use_v the_o mean_n because_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n but_o he_o come_v in_o seeret_o with_o they_o opens_z their_o blind_a eye_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o see_v the_o excellent_a way_n of_o life_n approve_v it_o consent_n to_o it_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o and_o he_o undertake_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o this_o way_n isa_n 30._o 21._o joh._n 16._o 13._o so_o that_o on_o whosoever_o the_o outward_a mean_n have_v this_o efficacy_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v there_o use_v i_o for_o information_n in_o three_o particular_n 1._o here_o see_v god_n great_a kindness_n to_o those_o who_o he_o favour_v with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n because_o the_o proper_a design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o life_n hereby_o god_n open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o man_n for_o by_o point_v they_o to_o the_o way_n and_o invite_v they_o into_o it_o he_o testify_v his_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_o the_o more_o because_o all_o the_o world_n do_v not_o share_v in_o this_o benefit_n and_o they_o that_o have_v it_o deserve_v it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n afford_v his_o inward_a teach_n but_o in_o and_o with_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o what_o thankfulness_n then_o do_v this_o call_n for_o at_o our_o hand_n who_o god_n have_v thus_o indulge_v take_v heed_n of_o undervalue_v this_o precious_a privilege_n lest_o we_o provoke_v god_n to_o take_v it_o from_o we_o david_n make_v a_o singular_a remark_n on_o this_o psal_n 147._o 19_o 20._o 2._o this_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o woeful_a misery_n of_o those_o that_o live_v without_o these_o teach_n all_o worldly_a advantage_n crowd_v together_o will_v not_o compensate_a this_o want_n or_o make_v they_o less_o than_o miserable_a who_o suffer_v it_o we_o have_v a_o sad_a deseription_n of_o such_o a_o people_n eph_n 2._o 12._o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o run_v in_o the_o path_n of_o destruction_n and_o without_o these_o teach_n can_v never_o find_v the_o way_n out_o of_o that_o path_n but_o must_v wander_v in_o it_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o irrecoverable_a ruin_n for_o a_o people_n than_o not_o to_o enjoy_v these_o privilege_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n what_o compassion_n then_o shall_v we_o show_v to_o such_o and_o how_o earnest_o shall_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o show_v pity_n to_o the_o ignorant_a world_n that_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o send_v they_o his_o teach_n 3._o learn_v hence_o the_o danger_n of_o despise_v these_o teach_n and_o all_o those_o do_v so_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o learn_v by_o they_o nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n therein_o give_v they_o who_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o god_n afford_v they_o line_n upon_o line_n do_v yet_o hold_v on_o their_o course_n in_o the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o neither_o care_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n nor_o to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o they_o and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o such_o who_o live_v under_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o convince_a doctrinal_a teach_a herein_o be_v their_o danger_n great_a because_o by_o so_o slight_v god_n offer_v kindness_n they_o aggravate_v their_o gild_n and_o will_v come_v under_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o luk._n 12._o 47._o what_o fearful_a woe_n do_v christ_n denounce_v against_o such_o matt._n 11._o 20._o etc._n etc._n let_v these_o be_v advise_v to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v use_v ii_o for_o trial_n by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o we_o right_o improve_v these_o teach_n we_o enjoy_v great_a plenty_n of_o gospel_n teach_v and_o god_n expect_v a_o answerable_a improvement_n which_o if_o we_o neglect_v we_o shall_v have_v a_o bad_a account_n to_o make_v another_o day_n now_o we_o then_o only_o profitable_o improve_v they_o when_o we_o use_v they_o to_o the_o design_n that_o god_n appoint_v they_o for_o viz._n when_o they_o help_v we_o into_o and_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o way_n if_o then_o sinner_n be_v not_o convert_v under_o and_o by_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o help_v the_o child_n of_o god_n forward_o in_o their_o obedience_n they_o certain_o lose_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a brag_n that_o we_o have_v a_o respect_n for_o the_o ordinance_n delight_n in_o wait_v on_o they_o be_v constant_a in_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v a_o good_a proficiency_n in_o literal_a knowledge_n if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o shall_v be_v inexcusable_a let_v we_o then_o ask_v our_o own_o soul_n solemn_o say_v i_o go_v frequent_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o attend_v on_o the_o mean_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n i_o gain_v knowledge_n and_o can_v discourse_v much_o on_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o how_o far_o have_v all_o this_o advance_v i_o in_o the_o way_n i_o ought_v to_o go_v in_o what_o sin_n be_v mortify_v by_o the_o word_n what_o acquaintance_n do_v i_o get_v with_o god_n how_o much_o near_o do_v every_o ordinance_n set_v i_o to_o eternal_a life_n such_o reflection_n well_o resolve_v will_v be_v instructive_a to_o we_o and_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o ourselves_o use_v iii_o for_o exhortation_n let_v we_o close_o in_o with_o this_o design_n and_o endeavour_v the_o promove_v of_o it_o to_o move_v we_o consider_v 1._o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o give_v god_n his_o due_a acknowledgement_n for_o his_o kindness_n in_o afford_v we_o these_o teach_n all_o other_o talk_v of_o our_o be_v oblige_v signify_v nothing_o we_o be_v never_o right_o thankful_a for_o a_o benefit_n but_o when_o we_o use_v it_o careful_o for_o the_o end_n of_o its_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o our_o teachableness_n under_o the_o mean_n be_v the_o evidence_n that_o we_o prize_v they_o this_o be_v life_n thankfulness_n and_o that_o only_o please_v god_n 2._o thus_o alone_o will_v these_o mean_n be_v profitable_a for_o we_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o further_o beneficial_a than_o as_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v advance_v now_o it_o be_v eternal_a life_n we_o be_v all_o concern_v for_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n to_o it_o and_o these_o mean_n be_v for_o our_o help_n in_o this_o way_n and_o only_o when_o they_o so_o help_v we_o do_v they_o profit_v