A treatise of delighting in God from Psal. xxxvij. 4. Delight thy self also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. In two parts. By John Howe, M.A. sometime fellow of Magdalen College, Oxon.
         Howe, John, 1630-1705.
      
       
         
           1674
        
      
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             A treatise of delighting in God from Psal. xxxvij. 4. Delight thy self also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. In two parts. By John Howe, M.A. sometime fellow of Magdalen College, Oxon.
             Howe, John, 1630-1705.
          
           [16], 365, [1] p.
           
             printed by A. Maxwell, for Sa. Gellibrand, at the Ball in St. Pauls Church-yard,
             London :
             1674.
          
           
             Running title reads: Of delighting in God.
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Christian life -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           TREATISE
           OF
           Delighting
           IN
           GOD
           :
           From
           
             PSAL.
             xxxvij
             .
             4.
             
          
           
             Delight
             thy self
             also
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             give
             thee
             the
             Desires
             of
             thine
             heart
             .
          
        
         
           In
           Two
           Parts
           .
        
         
           By
           
             John
             Howe
          
           ,
           M.
           A.
           sometime
           Fellow
           of
           Magdalen
           College
           ,
           Oxon.
           
        
         
           LONDON
           :
           Printed
           by
           
             A.
             Maxwell
          
           ,
           for
           
             Sa.
             Gellibrand
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Ball
           in
           St.
           Pauls
           Church-yard
           ,
           1674.
           
        
         
         
         
         
         
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           my
           much
           valued
           Friends
           ,
           The
           Magistrates
           and
           other
           Inhabitants
           of
           Great-Torrington
           in
           Devon
           ,
           with
           the
           several
           Worthy
           and
           Religious
           Persons
           and
           Families
           of
           my
           acquaintance
           in
           those
           Parts
           .
        
         
           IT
           is
           likely
           that
           the
           Title
           of
           the
           following
           Treatise
           will
           put
           many
           of
           you
           (
           my
           dearly
           esteemed
           Friends
           )
           in
           mind
           ,
           that
           sundry
           Sermons
           were
           preach't
           twenty
           years
           ago
           among
           you
           upon
           this
           Subject
           .
           I
           had
           it
           indeed
           in
           design
           ,
           to
           have
           given
           you
           some
           abstract
           of
           those
           Sermons
           ;
           But
           searching
           among
           my
           Papers
           ,
           could
           find
           none
           but
           so
           imperfect
           and
           broken
           Memorials
           as
           would
           be
           of
           little
           use
           for
           that
           purpose
           .
           And
           yet
           being
           desirous
           to
           present
           you
           with
           somewhat
           that
           might
           both
           be
           a
           testimony
           of
           my
           affection
           ,
           and
           an
           advantage
           to
           you
           :
           And
           knowing
           this
           Subject
           was
           grateful
           to
           many
           ,
           and
           affords
           what
           may
           be
           useful
           to
           all
           of
           you
           ;
           I
           have
           for
           your
           sakes
           ,
           applied
           my self
           to
           a
           re-consideration
           of
           it
           .
           Few
           passages
           or
           expressions
           ,
           probably
           ,
           will
           occur
           to
           you
           that
           you
           heard
           before
           ;
           yet
           you
           will
           find
           the
           substance
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           the
           same
           :
           As
           from
           so
           plain
           a
           Text
           ,
           it
           could
           not
           well
           but
           be
           ,
           whosoever
           should
           have
           had
           the
           handling
           of
           it
           .
           The
           
             First
             Part
          
           is
           even
           altogether
           new
           ,
           except
           the
           introductive
           suppositions
           in
           the
           beginning
           .
           Nor
           do
           I
           remember
           I
           then
           had
           more
           than
           one
           Discourse
           to
           you
           on
           that
           Subject
           ,
           before
           the
           practical
           application
           of
           it
           .
           The
           
             other
             Part
          
           contains
           many
           things
           formerly
           delivered
           to
           you
           ,
           though
           perhaps
           not
           in
           the
           same
           order
           ,
           much
           less
           in
           the
           same
           words
           ,
           
           whereto
           the
           short
           Notes
           in
           my
           hands
           could
           no
           way
           inable
           me
           .
        
         
           The
           matter
           here
           treated
           of
           ,
           is
           the
           very
           Substance
           of
           Religion
           ;
           The
           first
           and
           the
           last
           ;
           The
           root
           and
           the
           flower
           ;
           Both
           the
           basis
           and
           foundation
           ,
           and
           the
           top
           and
           perfection
           of
           
             Practical
             Godliness
          
           ;
           And
           which
           runs
           through
           the
           whole
           of
           it
           .
           Nor
           knew
           I
           therefore
           what
           to
           present
           you
           with
           ,
           that
           could
           have
           in
           it
           a
           fitter
           mixture
           and
           temperament
           of
           what
           might
           be
           both
           useful
           and
           pleasant
           to
           you
           .
        
         
           As
           there
           is
           therefore
           no
           need
           ,
           so
           nor
           do
           I
           desire
           you
           should
           receive
           the
           matter
           here
           discours'd
           of
           ,
           meerly
           for
           my
           sake
           ;
           there
           being
           so
           great
           reason
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           chiefly
           acceptable
           on
           higher
           accounts
           .
           I
           do
           very
           well
           understand
           your
           affection
           to
           me
           ;
           and
           could
           easily
           be
           copious
           in
           the
           expression
           of
           mine
           to
           you
           ,
           if
           I
           would
           open
           that
           Sluce
           :
           But
           I
           do
           herein
           resolvedly
           ,
           and
           upon
           consideration
           restrain
           my self
           ;
           Apprehending
           ,
           that
           in
           some
           cases
           (
           and
           I
           may
           suppose
           it
           possible
           that
           in
           our
           case
           )
           a
           gradual
           mortification
           ought
           to
           be
           endeavoured
           of
           such
           affection
           as
           is
           often
           between
           those
           so
           related
           as
           you
           and
           I
           have
           been
           .
           Which
           is
           no
           harder
           supposition
           ,
           than
           that
           such
           affection
           may
           be
           excessive
           and
           swell
           beyond
           due
           bounds
           :
           So
           it
           would
           ,
           if
           it
           should
           be
           accompanied
           with
           impatient
           resentments
           towards
           any
           Providence
           or
           Instrument
           ,
           whereby
           it
           finds
           it self
           crossed
           ,
           or
           from
           whence
           it
           meets
           with
           what
           is
           ungrateful
           to
           it
           :
           If
           it
           prove
           turbulent
           and
           disquieting
           to
           them
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           ,
           or
           any
           others
           :
           Or
           if
           it
           occasion
           a
           looking
           back
           with
           distempered
           lingerings
           after
           such
           former
           things
           as
           could
           be
           but
           means
           to
           our
           great
           End
           ▪
           with
           the
           neglect
           of
           looking
           forward
           to
           that
           End
           it self
           still
           before
           us
           .
           Far
           be
           it
           from
           me
           ,
           to
           aim
           at
           the
           keeping
           any
           thing
           alive
           that
           ought
           to
           dye
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           that
           degree
           wherein
           it
           ought
           so
           to
           do
           .
        
         
         
           But
           our
           mutual
           affection
           will
           be
           both
           innocent
           and
           useful
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           sutable
           to
           mortal
           objects
           ,
           and
           to
           persons
           not
           expecting
           the
           converse
           we
           have
           had
           together
           any
           more
           in
           this
           world
           .
           If
           also
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           it
           preserve
           to
           us
           a
           mutual
           interest
           in
           each
           others
           prayers
           .
           If
           it
           dispose
           us
           to
           such
           acts
           and
           apprehensions
           of
           kindness
           as
           our
           present
           circumstances
           can
           admit
           .
           And
           if
           ,
           particularly
           ,
           as
           it
           hath
           moved
           me
           to
           undertake
           ,
           it
           may
           contribute
           
             any
             thing
          
           to
           your
           acceptance
           of
           this
           small
           labour
           ,
           which
           is
           now
           designed
           for
           you
           .
           The
           subject
           and
           substance
           whereof
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           none
           of
           mine
           ,
           so
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           welcome
           to
           you
           ,
           for
           their
           own
           sake
           ,
           and
           His
           who
           is
           the
           prime
           Author
           ,
           though
           they
           were
           recommended
           to
           you
           by
           the
           hand
           of
           a
           stranger
           ,
           or
           one
           whose
           face
           you
           never
           saw
           .
        
         
           They
           aim
           at
           the
           promoting
           of
           the
           same
           End
           which
           the
           course
           of
           my
           poor
           labours
           among
           you
           did
           ,
           (
           as
           He
           that
           knoweth
           all
           things
           knoweth
           )
           ,
           
             The
             serious
             practice
             of
             the
             great
             things
             of
             Religion
             ,
          
           which
           are
           known
           and
           least
           liable
           to
           question
           ;
           without
           designing
           to
           engage
           you
           to
           or
           against
           any
           party
           of
           them
           that
           differ
           about
           circumstantial
           matters
           .
           They
           tend
           to
           let
           you
           see
           ,
           that
           Formality
           in
           any
           way
           of
           Religion
           ,
           unaccompanied
           with
           Life
           ,
           will
           not
           serve
           your
           turn
           ,
           (
           as
           it
           will
           no
           mans
           )
           ;
           Than
           which
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           empty
           ,
           sapless
           ,
           and
           void
           both
           of
           profit
           and
           delight
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           reflected
           and
           considered
           with
           some
           satisfaction
           ,
           that
           this
           hath
           been
           my
           way
           and
           the
           temper
           of
           my
           mind
           among
           you
           .
           Great
           reason
           I
           have
           to
           repent
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           not
           with
           greater
           earnestness
           prest
           upon
           you
           the
           known
           and
           important
           things
           wherein
           serious
           Christians
           do
           generally
           agree
           :
           But
           I
           repent
           not
           I
           have
           been
           so
           little
           engag'd
           in
           the
           hot
           contests
           of
           our
           age
           ,
           about
           the
           things
           wherein
           they
           differ
           .
           For
           ,
           as
           I
           pretend
           to
           little
           light
           in
           these
           things
           (
           whence
           I
           could
           not
           have
           
           much
           confidence
           to
           fortifie
           me
           unto
           such
           an
           undertaking
           )
           ;
           so
           I
           must
           profess
           to
           have
           little
           inclination
           to
           contend
           about
           matters
           of
           that
           kind
           .
        
         
           Nor
           yet
           am
           I
           indifferent
           as
           to
           those
           smaller
           things
           ,
           that
           I
           cannot
           discern
           to
           be
           in
           their
           own
           nature
           so
           .
           But
           though
           I
           cannot
           avoid
           to
           think
           that
           course
           right
           which
           I
           have
           deliberately
           chosen
           therein
           ,
           I
           do
           yet
           esteem
           that
           but
           a
           small
           thing
           upon
           which
           to
           ground
           an
           opinion
           of
           my
           excelling
           them
           that
           think
           otherwise
           ,
           as
           if
           I
           knew
           more
           than
           they
           .
           For
           I
           have
           often
           recounted
           thus
           seriously
           with
           my self
           ,
           That
           of
           every
           differing
           Party
           (
           in
           those
           circumstantial
           matters
           )
           I
           do
           particularly
           know
           some
           persons
           by
           whom
           I
           find
           my self
           much
           excelled
           in
           far
           greater
           things
           than
           is
           the
           matter
           of
           that
           difference
           .
           I
           cannot
           (
           't
           is
           true
           )
           thereupon
           say
           and
           think
           every
           thing
           that
           they
           do
           ;
           which
           is
           impossible
           ,
           since
           they
           differ
           from
           one
           another
           as
           well
           as
           me
           .
           And
           I
           understand
           well
           ,
           there
           are
           other
           Measures
           of
           Truth
           than
           this
           or
           that
           excellent
           Persons
           Opinion
           :
           But
           I
           thereupon
           reckon
           I
           have
           little
           reason
           to
           be
           conceited
           of
           any
           advantage
           I
           have
           of
           such
           in
           point
           of
           knowledg
           ,
           (
           even
           as
           little
           as
           he
           should
           have
           ,
           that
           can
           Sing
           ,
           or
           Play
           well
           on
           a
           Lute
           ,
           of
           him
           that
           knows
           how
           to
           Command
           Armies
           ,
           or
           Govern
           a
           Kingdom
           )
           ;
           And
           can
           with
           the
           less
           confidence
           differ
           from
           them
           ,
           or
           contend
           with
           them
           .
           Being
           thereby
           ,
           though
           
             I
             cannot
             find
          
           that
           I
           err
           in
           these
           matters
           ,
           constrain'd
           to
           
             have
             some
             suspicion
          
           lest
           I
           do
           ;
           and
           to
           admit
           it
           possible
           enough
           ,
           That
           some
           of
           them
           who
           differ
           from
           me
           ,
           having
           much
           more
           light
           in
           greater
           matters
           ,
           may
           have
           so
           in
           these
           also
           .
           Besides
           ,
           that
           I
           most
           seriously
           think
           ,
           Humility
           ,
           Charity
           and
           Patience
           ,
           would
           more
           contribute
           to
           the
           composing
           of
           these
           lesser
           Differences
           ,
           or
           to
           the
           good
           estate
           of
           the
           Christian
           Interest
           under
           them
           ,
           than
           the
           most
           fervent
           Disputes
           and
           Contestations
           .
           I
           have
           upon
           such
           
           considerations
           little
           concern'd
           my self
           in
           contending
           for
           one
           way
           or
           another
           ,
           while
           I
           was
           among
           you
           ;
           or
           in
           censuring
           such
           as
           have
           differed
           from
           me
           ,
           in
           such
           Notions
           and
           Practices
           as
           might
           consist
           with
           our
           common
           great
           End
           ;
           or
           as
           imported
           not
           manifest
           hostility
           thereto
           .
           Contenting
           my self
           to
           follow
           the
           course
           that
           to
           my
           (
           preponderating
           )
           judgment
           seemed
           best
           ,
           without
           stepping
           out
           of
           my
           way
           to
           justle
           others
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           cannot
           be
           so
           patient
           of
           their
           
             practical
             disagreement
          
           ,
           (
           not
           only
           with
           all
           serious
           Christians
           ,
           but
           even
           their
           own
           Judgments
           and
           Consciences
           also
           )
           ,
           
             who
             have
             no
             Delight
             in
             God
             ,
          
           and
           
             who
             take
             no
             pleasure
             in
             the
             very
             substance
             of
             Religion
             .
          
        
         
           I
           have
           been
           grieved
           to
           observe
           ,
           That
           the
           case
           hath
           too
           apparently
           seemed
           so
           ,
           with
           some
           among
           you
           :
           Some
           have
           been
           openly
           profane
           and
           dissolute
           ,
           and
           expressed
           
             more
             Contempt
             of
             God
          
           (
           which
           you
           know
           was
           often
           insisted
           on
           the
           one
           part
           of
           the
           day
           *
           ,
           when
           I
           had
           
             this
             subject
          
           in
           hand
           the
           other
           )
           
             than
             Delight
             in
             him
          
           .
           I
           know
           not
           how
           the
           case
           may
           be
           altered
           with
           such
           since
           I
           left
           you
           ;
           or
           what
           blessing
           may
           have
           followed
           the
           endeavours
           of
           any
           other
           hand
           :
           Death
           I
           am
           sure
           will
           be
           making
           alterations
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           heard
           it
           hath
           .
           If
           these
           lines
           may
           be
           beforehand
           with
           it
           ,
           may
           they
           be
           effectually
           monitory
           to
           any
           such
           that
           yet
           survive
           !
           That
           however
           this
           or
           that
           
             external
             from
             of
             godliness
          
           may
           consist
           with
           your
           everlasting
           well-being
           ,
           
             real
             ungodliness
          
           and
           the
           
             denial
             of
             the
             power
          
           never
           can
           ;
           which
           power
           stands
           in
           nothing
           more
           than
           in
           
             love
             to
             God
          
           ,
           or
           
             delight
             in
             him
          
           .
           Therefore
           seriously
           bethink
           your selves
           ,
           
             Do
             you
             delight
             in
             God
             or
             no
             ?
             If
             you
             do
             ,
          
           methinks
           you
           should
           have
           some
           perception
           of
           it
           .
           Surely
           if
           you
           delight
           in
           a
           friend
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           outward
           comfort
           ,
           you
           can
           perceive
           it
           .
           But
           
             if
             you
             do
             not
          
           ,
           What
           do
           you
           think
           
             alienation
             from
             the
             life
             of
             God
          
           will
           
           come
           to
           at
           last
           ?
           It
           is
           time
           for
           you
           to
           pray
           ,
           and
           cry
           ,
           and
           strive
           earnestly
           for
           a
           renewed
           heart
           .
           And
           if
           any
           of
           you
           do
           in
           some
           degree
           find
           this
           yet
           many
           degrees
           are
           still
           lacking
           .
           You
           cannot
           delight
           in
           God
           ,
           but
           upon
           that
           apprehension
           as
           will
           give
           you
           to
           see
           ,
           you
           do
           it
           not
           enough
           :
           Therefore
           reach
           forth
           to
           what
           is
           still
           before
           .
           I
           bow
           my
           knees
           for
           you
           all
           that
           a
           living
           delightful
           Religion
           may
           flourish
           in
           your
           hearts
           and
           families
           ,
           in
           the
           stead
           of
           those
           dry
           ,
           wither'd
           things
           ,
           
             worldliness
             ,
             formality
          
           ,
           and
           
             strife
             about
             trifles
          
           .
           Which
           will
           make
           Torrington
           an
           Heph-zibah
           ,
           a
           place
           to
           be
           delighted
           in
           ;
           your
           Country
           a
           pleasant
           Region
           :
           And
           (
           if
           he
           may
           but
           hear
           of
           it
           )
           add
           not
           a
           little
           to
           the
           satisfaction
           and
           delight
           of
        
         
           
             Antrim
             ,
             
               Sept.
               1.
               1674.
               
            
          
           
             Your
             affectionate
             Servant
             in
             Christ
             ,
             who
             most
             seriously
             desires
             your
             true
             prosperity
             ,
             
               John
               Howe
            
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           IF
           there
           be
           any
           thing
           of
           mistake
           ,
           or
           defectiveness
           ,
           found
           in
           this
           Scheme
           ;
           let
           it
           not
           be
           charged
           upon
           the
           accurate
           Author
           ,
           who
           lives
           at
           a
           very
           great
           distance
           from
           the
           press
           ,
           and
           knows
           nothing
           of
           it
           :
           but
           upon
           one
           who
           was
           willing
           to
           help
           the
           Reader
           ,
           by
           giving
           him
           a
           short
           View
           of
           this
           Excellent
           Work
           ,
           which
           for
           the
           
             matter
             ,
             contrivance
             ,
             spirit
          
           and
           
             manly
             Eloquence
          
           of
           it
           ,
           may
           commend
           it self
           (
           above
           the
           vulgar
           estimate
           )
           unto
           the
           ingenuous
           ;
           who
           upon
           a
           distinct
           reading
           of
           it
           all
           through
           with
           seriousness
           ,
           cannot
           but
           desire
           a
           review
           ,
           and
           be
           glad
           easily
           to
           find
           out
           the
           Page
           where
           some
           remarkable
           thing
           did
           more
           especially
           affect
           his
           heart
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           refresh
           himself
           again
           and
           again
           with
           it
           .
           Others
           may
           perhaps
           from
           a
           glance
           at
           the
           sweetness
           and
           variety
           of
           these
           Contents
           ,
           be
           invited
           to
           feed
           heartily
           upon
           the
           Book
           it self
           ;
           Which
           if
           they
           do
           ,
           no
           doubt
           but
           they
           will
           experimentally
           attest
           it
           to
           be
           in
           its
           proportion
           very
           agreeable
           to
           the
           Subject
           it
           treats
           upon
           ,
           truly
           Delectable
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           Of
           Delighting
           in
           God
           ,
           Two
           Parts
           ;
           Concerning
           the
        
         
           
             I.
             Import
             ,
             or
             meaning
             of
             it
             ,
             Page
             1.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Delectible
                   Object
                
                 ,
                 in
                 an
                 
                   
                     Absolute
                  
                   
                     Relative
                     
                       
                         consideration
                         .
                         5
                      
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Absolute
                 ibid.
                 
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Relative
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Lord
                     to
                     be
                     obey'd
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Portion
                     to
                     be
                     enjoy'd
                     
                       
                         sufficient
                         .
                      
                       
                         communicable
                         10
                      
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 To
                 state
                 the
                 Communicable
                 Delectable
                 Good
                 with
                 more
                 advantage
              
               
                 premise
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     That
                     delightful
                     enjoyment
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     supposeth
                     some
                     Communication
                     from
                     God.
                     12
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     However
                     God
                     himself
                     is
                     enjoy'd
                     ,
                     yet
                     this
                     Communication
                     is
                     also
                     a
                     sort
                     of
                     mediate
                     object
                     of
                     this
                     real
                     Delight
                     ,
                     suted
                     to
                     the
                     new-born-creature's
                     wants
                     of
                     further
                     knowledg
                     ,
                     likeness
                     ,
                     and
                     assurance
                     of
                     his
                     Love
                     13
                  
                
              
               
                 Hence
                 Divine
                 Communication
                 to
                 regenerate
                 Souls
                 contains
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     An
                     inwardly
                     enlightening
                     revelation
                     of
                     God
                     himself
                     to
                     them
                     ,
                     19
                     
                       
                         Which
                         exceeds
                         the
                         common
                         appearances
                         to
                         all
                         ,
                         in
                         that
                         it
                         is
                         
                           
                             1.
                             
                             Attributed
                             to
                             the
                             Spirit
                             ,
                             22
                          
                           
                             2.
                             
                             Spoken
                             as
                             a
                             reward
                             of
                             their
                             love
                             ,
                             23
                          
                        
                      
                       
                         This
                         exceeding
                         common
                         light
                         may
                         have
                         these
                         characters
                      
                       
                         1.
                         
                         It
                         is
                         much
                         more
                         distinct
                         and
                         clear
                         ,
                         24
                         
                           
                             both
                             as
                             to
                             the
                             
                               
                                 beauty
                                 ,
                                 and
                                 tendency
                                 26
                                 
                                   
                                     of
                                     Truths
                                     .
                                     27
                                  
                                
                              
                            
                          
                        
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         More
                         powerfully
                         assuring
                         ,
                         32
                      
                       
                         in
                         respect
                         of
                         
                           
                             matter
                             revealed
                             .
                          
                           
                             manner
                             of
                             revelation
                             ,
                          
                           
                             vigour
                             it
                             carries
                             with
                             it
                             ,
                          
                           
                             design
                             of
                             it
                             ,
                          
                        
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     A
                     transforming
                     impression
                     of
                     his
                     Image
                     ,
                     43
                  
                   
                     including
                     the
                     
                       
                         removal
                         of
                         such
                         dispositions
                         as
                         are
                         corrupt
                         ,
                         50
                      
                       
                         setlement
                         of
                         such
                         as
                         are
                         gracious
                         ,
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     rectifying
                     the
                     Soul
                     towards
                     
                       
                         God
                         
                           
                             himself
                             as
                             the
                             end
                             ,
                             51
                          
                           
                             Christ
                             as
                             the
                             means
                             ,
                             52
                          
                        
                      
                       
                         men
                         ,
                         72
                      
                       
                         themselves
                         ,
                         72
                      
                       
                         this
                         and
                         the
                         other
                         world
                         ,
                         86
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     The
                     Characters
                     of
                     this
                     Divine
                     Communication
                     are
                     ,
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Generative
                         ,
                         93
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Nutritive
                         ,
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         Sanative
                         ,
                         94
                      
                       
                         4.
                         
                         Corroborative
                         ,
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     From
                     not-knowing
                     or
                     not-considering
                     this
                     way
                     of
                     enjoying
                     God
                     ,
                     ariseth
                     a
                     twofold
                     mistake
                     ,
                     97
                  
                   
                     
                     viz.
                     
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         That
                         some
                         have
                         thought
                         they
                         have
                         enjoyed
                         God
                         when
                         they
                         have
                         not
                         .
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         That
                         others
                         have
                         thought
                         they
                         have
                         not
                         enjoyed
                         God
                         when
                         they
                         have
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     Yet
                     some
                     Doubts
                     upon
                     this
                     Discourse
                     are
                     to
                     be
                     removed
                     ,
                     viz.
                     
                     
                       
                         D.
                         1.
                         
                         Doth
                         not
                         this
                         bring
                         us
                         to
                         delight
                         in
                         our selves
                         ?
                      
                       
                         A.
                         1.
                         
                         As
                         such
                         holy
                         dispositions
                         are
                         not
                         God
                         ,
                         so
                         not
                         our selves
                         :
                         98
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Yet
                         they
                         have
                         more
                         affinity
                         with
                         God
                         than
                         us
                         .
                         100
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         Nor
                         said
                         ,
                         nor
                         meant
                         ,
                         our
                         delight
                         is
                         here
                         to
                         terminate
                         .
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         4.
                         
                         We
                         enjoy
                         a
                         friend
                         without
                         partaking
                         his
                         essence
                         .
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         D.
                         2.
                         
                         But
                         how
                         can
                         this
                         delighting
                         in
                         God
                         (
                         communicating
                         himself
                         )
                         be
                         our
                         duty
                         ?
                         101
                      
                       
                         A.
                         This
                         will
                         be
                         clear'd
                         in
                         treating
                         of
                         actual
                         delighting
                         in
                         God.
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         D.
                         3.
                         
                         But
                         where
                         is
                         this
                         temper
                         of
                         spirit
                         to
                         be
                         found
                         ?
                         or
                         how
                         can
                         I
                         delight
                         in
                         that
                         I
                         question
                         whether
                         I
                         have
                         or
                         no
                         ?
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         A.
                         1.
                         
                         They
                         who
                         really
                         have
                         not
                         
                           this
                           communication
                        
                         cannot
                         delight
                         in
                         it
                         ,
                         but
                         in
                         hope
                         .
                         102
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Somewhat
                         else
                         than
                         delight
                         belongs
                         to
                         their
                         states
                         .
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         Such
                         who
                         really
                         have
                         it
                         ,
                         have
                         that
                         which
                         is
                         delectable
                         in
                         it self
                         .
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     A
                     manifestation
                     of
                     Gods
                     love
                     to
                     the
                     Soul
                     in
                     particular
                     .
                     103
                  
                   
                     Not
                     any
                     Enthusiastical
                     assurance
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     Nor
                     that
                     which
                     God
                     rarely
                     doth
                     .
                     105
                  
                   
                     Nor
                     that
                     he
                     ever
                     says
                     any
                     thing
                     in
                     this
                     matter
                     by
                     his
                     Spirit
                     to
                     the
                     hearts
                     of
                     men
                     ,
                     repugnant
                     to
                     what
                     the
                     same
                     Spirit
                     hath
                     said
                     in
                     his
                     Word
                     .
                     107
                  
                   
                     Nor
                     is
                     it
                     his
                     usual
                     way
                     to
                     do
                     it
                     immediately
                     .
                     110
                  
                   
                     But
                     if
                     the
                     Spirit
                     do
                     it
                     as
                     a
                     co-witness
                     ,
                     and
                     but
                     mediately
                     ,
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         It
                         is
                         no
                         small
                         thing
                         to
                         be
                         ascertained
                         of
                         Gods
                         love
                         .
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         It
                         is
                         not
                         less
                         than
                         if
                         he
                         testified
                         immediately
                         .
                         ibid.
                         
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         Yea
                         it
                         doth
                         more
                         advantageously
                         propose
                         the
                         same
                         thing
                         to
                         us
                         .
                         111
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     Whichsoever
                     way
                     the
                     Spirit
                     doth
                     manifest
                     Gods
                     love
                     ,
                     it
                     is
                     not
                     to
                     be
                     doubted
                     ,
                     but
                     that
                     ,
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         There
                         is
                         such
                         a
                         thing
                         in
                         it self
                         very
                         necessary
                         ,
                         to
                         be
                         attain'd
                         and
                         sought
                         after
                         :
                         And
                         ,
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         That
                         't
                         is
                         highly
                         delectable
                         when
                         he
                         doth
                         vouchsafe
                         it
                         .
                         113
                         
                           
                             1.
                             
                             If
                             we
                             consider
                             the
                             matter
                             ,
                             the
                             Love
                             of
                             God.
                             119
                          
                           
                             2.
                             
                             The
                             nature
                             and
                             kind
                             of
                             the
                             manifestation
                             .
                             124
                          
                        
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     as
                     being
                     in
                     
                       
                         the
                         general
                         ,
                         made
                         by
                         himself
                         .
                         125
                      
                       
                         particular
                         ,
                         most
                         
                           
                             bright
                             and
                             lightsom
                             .
                          
                           
                             immediate
                             in
                             a
                             sort
                             ,
                          
                           
                             facile
                             .
                          
                           
                             efficacious
                             .
                          
                        
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     Yet
                     to
                     be
                     understood
                     with
                     Caution
                     ,
                  
                
              
               
                 
                 viz.
                 
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Not
                     simply
                     necessary
                     to
                     a
                     Christian
                     as
                     a
                     Christian.
                     126
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     God
                     deals
                     herein
                     with
                     great
                     variety
                     .
                     127
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     'T
                     is
                     to
                     be
                     sought
                     with
                     much
                     resignation
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     To
                     be
                     less
                     esteemed
                     than
                     heart-rectifying
                     communication
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Nor
                     think
                     God
                     is
                     not
                     otherwise
                     to
                     be
                     enjoy'd
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Nor
                     to
                     place
                     the
                     sum
                     of
                     Religion
                     here
                     .
                     128.
                     
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Nor
                     to
                     reckon
                     it
                     the
                     first
                     thing
                     in
                     minding
                     Religion
                     .
                     ibid.
                     
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     Yet
                     renewed
                     Christians
                     wanting
                     it
                     ,
                     should
                     reckon
                     it
                     much
                     .
                  
                   
                     9.
                     
                     However
                     the
                     necessary
                     degree
                     ,
                     not
                     to
                     think
                     raptures
                     withheld
                     penally
                     .
                     131
                  
                   
                     10.
                     
                     They
                     who
                     have
                     transports
                     ,
                     should
                     take
                     heed
                     they
                     despise
                     not
                     those
                     who
                     have
                     them
                     not
                     in
                     the
                     same
                     kind
                     .
                     134
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 
                   Delight
                   it self
                
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 in
                 the
                 Delectable
                 object
                 .
                 135
              
            
          
           
             This
             (
             1
             )
             in
             General
             ,
             is
             essential
             to
             Love
             ,
             and
             imports
             well-pleasedness
             .
             136
          
           
             But
             because
             Love
             in
             the
             present
             state
             is
             but
             in
             a
             tendency
             to
             perfection
             ,
             Desire
             that
             it
             might
             be
             so
             to
             our selves
             and
             others
             takes
             place
             .
             138
          
           
             Delight
             being
             Love
             in
             Motion
             ;
             Desire
             ,
             Love
             in
             Rest.
             139
          
           
             (
             2
             )
             In
             Special
             ,
             which
             is
             here
             placed
             upon
             God.
             141
          
           
             About
             which
             consider
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 What
                 it
                 is
                 we
                 are
                 call'd
                 to
                 .
                 142
              
               
                 Here
                 distinguish
                 Humane
                 delight
              
               
                 into
                 
                   
                     meerly
                     natural
                     ,
                     in
                     mans
                     corrupt
                     state
                     ;
                  
                   
                     &
                  
                   
                     Holy
                     ,
                     the
                     subject
                     of
                     the
                     present
                     Discourse
                     ,
                     as
                     suted
                     to
                     God
                     the
                     blessed
                     Object
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 This
                 Holy
                 delight
                 is
                 twofold
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 consideration
                 of
                 the
                 object
                 in
                 the
                 communication
                 
                   
                     of
                     
                       
                         light
                         144
                      
                       
                         &
                      
                       
                         operative
                         influence
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 So
                 Delight
                 is
                 either
                 
                   
                     mental
                     ,
                     understood
                     .
                  
                   
                     or
                  
                   
                     real
                     ,
                     felt
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 And
                 the
                 Delight
                 taken
                 in
                 God
                 ,
                 is
                 either
                 more
                 
                   
                     Open
                     and
                     explicite
                     ,
                     more
                     directly
                     .
                  
                   
                     Latent
                     ,
                     implicite
                     and
                     unobserved
                     ,
                     rather
                     collaterally
                     .
                     145
                  
                
              
               
                 The
                 former
                 is
                 contemplative
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 the
                 Sight
                 ;
                 the
                 latter
                 spiritually
                 sensitive
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 the
                 Taste
                 ;
                 that
                 of
                 spiritual
                 reason
                 ,
                 this
                 of
                 spiritual
                 sense
                 .
                 146
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Of
                     the
                     latter
                     ,
                     Delight
                     from
                     spiritual
                     sensation
                     ,
                     being
                     a
                     relish
                     of
                     sweetness
                     in
                     the
                     holy
                     quickening
                     communications
                     of
                     God
                     to
                     it
                     ,
                     more
                     principally
                     in
                     his
                     spiritually
                     infant
                     state
                     148
                  
                   
                     So
                     under
                     Delighting
                     in
                     God
                     thus
                     taken
                     ,
                     Christians
                     are
                     called
                     
                     to
                     the
                     keeping
                     of
                     their
                     Souls
                     open
                     to
                     Divine
                     influences
                     and
                     communications
                     ,
                     thirsting
                     after
                     them
                     ,
                     praying
                     and
                     waiting
                     for
                     them
                     ,
                     and
                     endeavouring
                     to
                     improve
                     them
                     .
                     149
                  
                   
                     Delighting
                     in
                     this
                     notion
                     imports
                     then
                     two
                     things
                     ,
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Applying
                         our selves
                         ,
                         by
                         help
                         of
                         God
                         communicating
                         influences
                         ,
                         to
                         these
                         things
                         wherein
                         the
                         matter
                         of
                         delight
                         lies
                         .
                         151
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Reflecting
                         upon
                         the
                         things
                         themselves
                         that
                         are
                         so
                         delightful
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     Obj.
                     But
                     so
                     we
                     shall
                     bring
                     our
                     whole
                     Religion
                     within
                     the
                     compass
                     of
                     this
                     one
                     thing
                     ?
                  
                   
                     Ans.
                     
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         It
                         can
                         only
                         be
                         said
                         there
                         is
                         a
                         delight
                         adhering
                         thereto
                         .
                         152
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         All
                         the
                         things
                         of
                         Religion
                         are
                         truly
                         delectable
                         .
                         153
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         What
                         fault
                         ,
                         that
                         delight
                         runs
                         through
                         Religion
                         ?
                         154
                      
                       
                         4.
                         
                         What
                         absurdity
                         the
                         several
                         acts
                         of
                         Religion
                         should
                         be
                         comprehended
                         under
                         Delight
                         in
                         God
                         ?
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Explicite
                     Delight
                     in
                     God
                     may
                     be
                     considered
                     ,
                     as
                     to
                     its
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Nature
                         ,
                         which
                         is
                         the
                         rest
                         of
                         the
                         Soul
                         in
                         God
                         ,
                         by
                         a
                         satisfiedness
                         of
                         will
                         in
                         him
                         ,
                         as
                         the
                         best
                         and
                         most
                         excellent
                         Good.
                         155
                      
                       
                         Which
                         supposeth
                         ,
                         
                           
                             1.
                             
                             A
                             knowledg
                             of
                             him
                             .
                             156
                          
                           
                             2.
                             
                             Actual
                             thoughts
                             of
                             him
                             .
                             157
                          
                           
                             3.
                             
                             A
                             pleasedness
                             with
                             the
                             first
                             view
                             of
                             him
                             .
                          
                           
                             4.
                             
                             A
                             desire
                             of
                             what
                             is
                             due
                             to
                             him
                             ,
                             or
                             wanted
                             from
                             him
                             .
                          
                           
                             5.
                             
                             Satisfaction
                             and
                             repose
                             it self
                             ,
                             so
                             far
                             as
                             desire
                             is
                             satisfied
                             ,
                             work
                             as
                             our
                             love
                             to
                             him
                             ,
                             
                               
                                 either
                                 for
                                 
                                   
                                     himself
                                     ,
                                  
                                   
                                     or
                                  
                                   
                                     our selves
                                     .
                                     158
                                  
                                
                              
                            
                          
                           
                             6.
                             
                             A
                             stirring
                             up
                             of
                             our selves
                             to
                             heighten
                             our
                             delight
                             .
                             159
                          
                        
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Modification
                         ,
                         manner
                         or
                         measure
                         of
                         this
                         delight
                         in
                         God
                         ,
                      
                       
                         in
                         respect
                         of
                         the
                         
                           
                             Excellency
                             ,
                             highest
                             delight
                             simply
                             and
                             comparatively
                             ,
                             160
                          
                           
                             Permanency
                             ,
                             sutable
                             to
                             the
                             object
                             .
                             162
                          
                        
                      
                    
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 How
                 't
                 is
                 we
                 are
                 called
                 to
                 it
                 .
                 163
              
               
                 And
                 that
                 is
                 according
                 to
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 in
                 it self
                 ,
                 both
              
               
                 As
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     A
                     Priviledg
                     ,
                     by
                     Gracious
                     Invitation
                     .
                     164
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     A
                     Duty
                     ,
                     by
                     way
                     of
                     Authoritative
                     Command
                     ;
                     It
                     is
                     a
                     great
                     piece
                     of
                     Homage
                     .
                     165
                  
                
              
               
                 Therefore
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 well
                 informed
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     That
                     we
                     are
                     to
                     delight
                     in
                     him
                     supreamly
                     .
                     169
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     That
                     we
                     continue
                     therein
                     .
                     170
                  
                
              
            
          
           
             II.
             Practice
             or
             Exercise
             of
             Delight
             in
             God.
             173
          
           
             Both
             as
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Adhaerent
             to
             the
             other
             Duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             so
             treat
             of
             the
             exercise
             of
             Religion
             as
             delightful
             .
             175
          
           
             Wherein
             ,
             
               
               
                 1.
                 
                 We
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 rest
                 in
                 or
                 practise
                 a
                 Religion
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 naturally
                 and
                 in
                 it self
                 delightful
                 .
                 176
              
               
                 Hence
                 more
                 distinctly
                 is
                 shew'd
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     What
                     that
                     Religion
                     is
                     ,
                     which
                     is
                     wholly
                     in
                     it self
                     undelightful
                     .
                     Taking
                     two
                     Cautions
                     ,
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         That
                         even
                         such
                         Religion
                         as
                         is
                         true
                         and
                         living
                         ,
                         and
                         consequently
                         in
                         it self
                         delightful
                         ,
                         yet
                         may
                         by
                         accident
                         sometimes
                         not
                         appear
                         or
                         be
                         thought
                         so
                         .
                         177
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         That
                         a
                         dead
                         Religion
                         may
                         be
                         thought
                         delightful
                         ,
                         through
                         the
                         ill
                         temper
                         of
                         the
                         subject
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     And
                     premising
                     a
                     twofold
                     General
                     Rule
                     ,
                     viz.
                     
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Such
                         Delight
                         which
                         is
                         taken
                         in
                         any
                         thing
                         not
                         answering
                         the
                         end
                         to
                         which
                         it
                         serves
                         .
                         178
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Such
                         as
                         is
                         accompanied
                         with
                         a
                         real
                         hurt
                         greater
                         than
                         the
                         Delight
                         can
                         countervail
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     So
                     then
                     that
                     Religion
                     is
                     undelightful
                     ,
                     i.e.
                     not
                     chiefly
                     delightful
                     .
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Which
                         consists
                         wholly
                         in
                         revolving
                         in
                         one's
                         mind
                         the
                         notions
                         that
                         belong
                         to
                         Religion
                         ,
                         without
                         either
                         the
                         experience
                         or
                         the
                         design
                         and
                         expectation
                         of
                         having
                         the
                         heart
                         and
                         conversation
                         formed
                         according
                         to
                         them
                         .
                         180
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Which
                         too
                         many
                         place
                         in
                         some
                         peculiar
                         opinions
                         ,
                         that
                         are
                         either
                         false
                         and
                         contrary
                         to
                         Religion
                         ,
                         or
                         doubtful
                         and
                         cumbersom
                         to
                         it
                         .
                         182
                      
                       
                         3.
                         
                         Hitherto
                         may
                         be
                         referr'd
                         the
                         much
                         less
                         rational
                         pleasure
                         which
                         is
                         taken
                         by
                         some
                         in
                         the
                         meer
                         dress
                         wherewith
                         such
                         notions
                         and
                         opinions
                         may
                         be
                         artificially
                         clothed
                         by
                         themselves
                         or
                         others
                         .
                         184
                      
                       
                         4.
                         
                         Which
                         is
                         made
                         all
                         of
                         Talk.
                         186
                      
                       
                         5.
                         
                         Which
                         stands
                         all
                         in
                         hearing
                         .
                         187
                      
                       
                         6.
                         
                         Which
                         consists
                         entirely
                         in
                         the
                         external
                         additaments
                         and
                         forms
                         of
                         Worship
                         ,
                         which
                         this
                         or
                         that
                         party
                         have
                         chosen
                         to
                         affix
                         to
                         it
                         .
                         188
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     How
                     unfit
                     that
                     Religion
                     is
                     to
                     be
                     chosen
                     and
                     rested
                     in
                     .
                     189
                  
                
              
               
                 Here
                 let
                 it
                 be
                 considered
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     That
                     Religion
                     which
                     is
                     in
                     it self
                     undelightful
                     ,
                     is
                     uncapable
                     of
                     growth
                     ,
                     because
                     a
                     dead
                     thing
                     .
                     190
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Nor
                     for
                     the
                     same
                     reason
                     can
                     it
                     be
                     a
                     lasting
                     thing
                     .
                     192
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     While
                     it
                     doth
                     last
                     it
                     wants
                     the
                     fruit
                     and
                     profit
                     which
                     should
                     be
                     designed
                     and
                     sought
                     by
                     Religion
                     .
                     193
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     How
                     foolish
                     a
                     thing
                     it
                     is
                     ,
                     and
                     unworthy
                     of
                     a
                     reasonable
                     creature
                     ,
                     to
                     do
                     that
                     in
                     a
                     continued
                     course
                     and
                     series
                     of
                     actions
                     ,
                     wherein
                     we
                     can
                     have
                     no
                     design
                     ,
                     and
                     do
                     aim
                     at
                     nothing
                     .
                     194
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     What
                     Reflexions
                     are
                     likely
                     to
                     be
                     made
                     upon
                     this
                     matter
                     hereafter
                     ,
                     when
                     this
                     short
                     course
                     in
                     this
                     world
                     is
                     run
                     out
                     .
                     196
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     How
                     offensive
                     it
                     must
                     be
                     to
                     the
                     jealous
                     God
                     ,
                     that
                     any
                     should
                     thus
                     trifle
                     with
                     him
                     in
                     his
                     holy
                     things
                     ,
                     under
                     a
                     shew
                     of
                     Religion
                     and
                     devotion
                     to
                     him
                     .
                     197
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 What
                 Religion
                 is
                 fit
                 to
                 be
                 chosen
                 ,
                 i.e.
                 such
                 as
                 is
                 in
                 it self
                 rationally
                 and
                 justly
                 delectable
                 .
                 199
              
            
          
           
             
             Where
             somewhat
             is
             to
             be
             offer'd
             for
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Direction
                 in
                 these
                 Rules
                 following
                 ,
                 viz.
                 
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Endeavour
                     to
                     have
                     a
                     mind
                     well-instructed
                     in
                     the
                     knowledg
                     of
                     such
                     things
                     as
                     more
                     directly
                     concern
                     the
                     Practice
                     of
                     a
                     Religious
                     man
                     ,
                     as
                     such
                     .
                     200
                  
                   
                     To
                     which
                     are
                     opposite
                     ,
                     an
                     excessive
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Curiosity
                         in
                         speculation
                         of
                         Truths
                         .
                         201
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Scrupulosity
                         about
                         matters
                         of
                         Practice
                         .
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Be
                     principally
                     intent
                     to
                     have
                     your
                     Soul
                     good
                     and
                     holy
                     ,
                     by
                     its
                     own
                     setled
                     temper
                     and
                     complexion
                     .
                     203
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     When
                     your
                     spirit
                     is
                     well-inclin'd
                     ,
                     know
                     yet
                     that
                     it
                     needs
                     your
                     continual
                     inspection
                     and
                     care
                     ,
                     to
                     cherish
                     good
                     principles
                     and
                     repress
                     evil
                     ones
                     .
                     205
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Be
                     frequent
                     and
                     impartial
                     in
                     the
                     actual
                     exercise
                     of
                     gracious
                     Principles
                     ,
                     or
                     in
                     practising
                     and
                     doing
                     as
                     they
                     direct
                     .
                     208
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Be
                     confirmed
                     in
                     the
                     apprehension
                     ,
                     That
                     Religion
                     is
                     in
                     it self
                     a
                     delightful
                     thing
                     ,
                     even
                     universally
                     and
                     in
                     the
                     whole
                     nature
                     of
                     it
                     .
                     Whereby
                     a
                     double
                     mistake
                     will
                     be
                     avoided
                     ;
                     either
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         That
                         Religion
                         is
                         such
                         a
                         thing
                         to
                         which
                         delight
                         must
                         be
                         alien
                         and
                         banish'd
                         from
                         it
                         .
                         Or
                         ,
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         If
                         any
                         delight
                         did
                         belong
                         to
                         it
                         at
                         all
                         ,
                         it
                         must
                         be
                         found
                         in
                         the
                         extraordinary
                         assurances
                         of
                         Gods
                         love
                         .
                         212
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     However
                     all
                     the
                     acts
                     and
                     operations
                     of
                     true
                     and
                     living
                     Religion
                     be
                     in
                     themselves
                     delightful
                     ,
                     yet
                     apply
                     your selves
                     to
                     the
                     doing
                     of
                     them
                     for
                     an
                     higher
                     reason
                     ,
                     and
                     with
                     a
                     greater
                     design
                     than
                     your
                     own
                     delight
                     .
                     213
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Yet
                     disallow
                     not
                     your self
                     to
                     taste
                     and
                     enjoy
                     the
                     pleasure
                     of
                     well-doing
                     ,
                     yea
                     and
                     (
                     secondarily
                     and
                     in
                     due
                     subordination
                     )
                     to
                     design
                     and
                     endeavour
                     that
                     you
                     may
                     do
                     so
                     .
                     214
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     Take
                     heed
                     distempers
                     you
                     now
                     discern
                     in
                     your
                     own
                     spirit
                     ,
                     you
                     do
                     neither
                     indulge
                     your self
                     nor
                     despair
                     ,
                     but
                     take
                     the
                     proper
                     cause
                     of
                     redress
                     .
                     218
                  
                
              
               
                 This
                 must
                 be
                 done
                 in
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 the
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 .
                 223
              
               
                 By
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Dependence
                     and
                     trust
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Subjection
                     and
                     obedient
                     surrender
                     to
                     the
                     spiritual
                     conduct
                     .
                     226
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Excitation
                 .
                 And
                 do
                 we
                 need
                 it
                 to
                 a
                 Life
                 of
                 Delight
                 ?
                 228
              
            
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             very
             act
             of
             Delight
             hath
             its
             direct
             exercise
             upon
             himself
             ,
             as
             a
             distinct
             Duty
             of
             it self
             .
             234
          
           
             About
             the
             Practice
             of
             which
             ,
             will
             be
             requisite
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Expostulation
             ,
             concerning
             the
             omission
             of
             it
             ,
             both
             with
             those
             who
             are
             averse
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             defective
             in
             it
             .
             235
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 With
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 averse
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 alienated
                 from
                 Delighting
                 in
                 God
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 conviction
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 fact
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 evil
                 of
                 it
                 .
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     That
                     this
                     is
                     the
                     state
                     of
                     their
                     case
                     ,
                     tried
                     by
                     the
                     word
                     ,
                     to
                     be
                     apostacy
                     from
                     God
                     ,
                     
                       You
                       were
                       sometimes
                       haters
                       of
                       God.
                    
                     237
                     
                       
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Are
                         you
                         altered
                         ?
                         What
                         difference
                         do
                         you
                         observe
                         ?
                         237
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         What
                         is
                         your
                         present
                         temper
                         ?
                         Do
                         you
                         dislike
                         thoughts
                         of
                         God
                         ?
                         238
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     That
                     this
                     sin
                     is
                     great
                     and
                     horrid
                     .
                     245
                  
                
              
               
                 Considering
                 ,
                 There
                 is
                 a
                 taking
                 delight
                 in
                 one
                 thing
                 more
                 than
                 another
                 ,
                 and
                 should
                 be
                 something
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 known
                 good
                 ?
                 Is
                 not
                 the
                 blessed
                 God
                 acknowledged
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 best
                 good
                 ?
                 246
              
               
                 More
                 particularly
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     How
                     tumultuous
                     and
                     disorderly
                     a
                     thing
                     this
                     your
                     disaffection
                     to
                     God
                     is
                     ?
                     248
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     What
                     an
                     unnatural
                     wickedness
                     it
                     is
                     !
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     A
                     comprehensive
                     wickedness
                     ,
                     which
                     contains
                     all
                     others
                     in
                     it
                     !
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     A
                     reproachful
                     contemptuous
                     wickedness
                     to
                     the
                     most
                     high
                     God!
                     
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 With
                 those
                 who
                 are
                 defective
                 in
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 dispute
                 it
                 .
                 254
              
            
          
           
             Considering
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 What
                 evil
                 is
                 included
                 in
                 the
                 neglect
                 of
                 this
                 part
                 of
                 holy
                 Practice
                 ,
                 and
                 judg
                 by
                 the
                 measures
                 .
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     How
                     directly
                     opposite
                     is
                     it
                     to
                     the
                     Law
                     of
                     God
                     ?
                     255
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     To
                     your
                     own
                     Conscience
                     ,
                     as
                     agreeing
                     with
                     the
                     Royal
                     Law.
                     259
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Your
                     own
                     experience
                     ,
                     which
                     ought
                     to
                     have
                     been
                     instructive
                     to
                     you
                     .
                     260
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     The
                     great
                     obligations
                     the
                     Love
                     of
                     God
                     hath
                     laid
                     on
                     you
                     .
                     261
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     What
                     by
                     solemn
                     Law
                     and
                     astipulation
                     you
                     have
                     bound
                     your selves
                     to
                     .
                     263
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Your
                     Relation
                     to
                     God
                     ,
                     which
                     arises
                     from
                     your
                     Covenant
                     .
                     264
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Your
                     Profession
                     to
                     own
                     God
                     to
                     be
                     your
                     supream
                     delight
                     .
                     265
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     The
                     tendency
                     of
                     that
                     new
                     Nature
                     within
                     you
                     .
                     268
                  
                   
                     9.
                     
                     The
                     Spirit
                     of
                     Grace
                     ,
                     in
                     sleighting
                     his
                     dictates
                     .
                     270
                  
                   
                     10.
                     
                     Gods
                     design
                     for
                     magnifying
                     his
                     Grace
                     .
                     273
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 What
                 evil
                 is
                 derived
                 into
                 it
                 from
                 its
                 very
                 faulty
                 Causes
                 ,
                 as
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Great
                     blindness
                     and
                     ignorance
                     of
                     God.
                     275
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Much
                     unmindfulness
                     of
                     him
                     .
                     276
                     
                       
                         By
                         thoughts
                         of
                         him
                         ,
                         
                           
                             1.
                             
                             Slight
                             and
                             transient
                             .
                          
                           
                             2.
                             
                             Low
                             and
                             mean.
                             277
                          
                           
                             3.
                             
                             Hard
                             and
                             full
                             of
                             censure
                             .
                             278
                          
                           
                             4.
                             
                             Few
                             and
                             unwonted
                             .
                             280
                          
                        
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Much
                     carnality
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Downright
                     aversion
                     to
                     him
                     .
                     281
                  
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 What
                 evils
                 follow
                 upon
                 this
                 neglect
                 ,
                 as
                 natural
                 consequents
                 .
                 283
              
            
          
           
             2.
             
             Invitation
             thereunto
             ;
             as
             a
             kind
             of
             manuduction
             .
             287
          
           
             Q.
             
               But
               how
               shall
               we
               go
               about
               it
               ?
               A.
            
             Take
             some
             plain
             Prescriptions
             .
             To
             those
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Less
                 disposed
                 ,
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     It
                     is
                     necessary
                     that
                     you
                     deliberately
                     and
                     resolvedly
                     design
                     the
                     thing
                     it self
                     .
                     288
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Consider
                     your
                     present
                     state
                     Godward
                     .
                     290
                  
                   
                     
                     3.
                     
                     Yet
                     do
                     not
                     think
                     it
                     unalterable
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Acquaint
                     your self
                     with
                     the
                     way
                     and
                     terms
                     upon
                     which
                     his
                     Gospel
                     declares
                     him
                     reconcilable
                     .
                     291
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Make
                     request
                     to
                     him
                     ,
                     that
                     he
                     would
                     draw
                     you
                     into
                     that
                     union
                     with
                     his
                     Son
                     ,
                     unto
                     whom
                     none
                     can
                     come
                     but
                     who
                     are
                     drawn
                     by
                     himself
                     .
                     292
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Accepting
                     Christ
                     ,
                     accept
                     with
                     humble
                     reverence
                     ▪
                     thankfulness
                     and
                     admiration
                     ,
                     the
                     blessed
                     God
                     to
                     be
                     thy
                     God.
                     293
                  
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 More
                 disposed
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 a
                 nearer
                 capacity
                 ,
                 yet
                 are
                 grown
                 strange
                 .
                 294
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Make
                     a
                     stand
                     and
                     bethink
                     your selves
                     .
                     295
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Represent
                     to
                     your selves
                     the
                     greatness
                     of
                     the
                     fault
                     .
                     296
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Return
                     to
                     him
                     with
                     weeping
                     and
                     supplication
                     .
                     297
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Yet
                     apprehend
                     you
                     are
                     before
                     a
                     Mercy
                     Seat.
                     298
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Most
                     earnestly
                     seek
                     and
                     crave
                     a
                     better
                     and
                     more
                     fixed
                     temper
                     of
                     spirit
                     .
                     300
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Let
                     there
                     be
                     a
                     solemn
                     recognition
                     and
                     renewal
                     of
                     your
                     engagement
                     ,
                     and
                     devoting
                     of
                     your self
                     to
                     God.
                     304
                  
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Desirous
                 of
                 direction
                 how
                 to
                 proceed
                 and
                 improve
                 in
                 this
                 holy
                 Exercise
                 .
                 305
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Endeavour
                     to
                     get
                     a
                     temper
                     of
                     mind
                     actually
                     more
                     spiritual
                     .
                     305
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Endeavour
                     your
                     knowledg
                     of
                     God
                     may
                     be
                     more
                     distinct
                     .
                     315
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Imploy
                     your
                     knowledg
                     in
                     frequent
                     ,
                     solemn
                     thinking
                     of
                     him
                     .
                     322
                  
                   
                     Here
                     more
                     particularly
                     ,
                     
                       
                         1.
                         
                         Set
                         your selves
                         at
                         chosen
                         times
                         to
                         think
                         on
                         God.
                         325
                      
                       
                         2.
                         
                         Think
                         often
                         of
                         him
                         amidst
                         your
                         other
                         affairs
                         .
                         326
                      
                    
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Look
                     often
                     to
                     him
                     as
                     absolutely
                     considered
                     in
                     himself
                     .
                     329
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Take
                     heed
                     of
                     denying
                     your
                     own
                     interest
                     in
                     God
                     ,
                     as
                     a
                     good
                     sutable
                     to
                     you
                     ,
                     to
                     have
                     any
                     place
                     in
                     your
                     delight
                     .
                     344
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Take
                     heed
                     of
                     grosser
                     transgressions
                     ,
                     which
                     will
                     interrupt
                     the
                     pleasant
                     intercourse
                     both
                     on
                     Gods
                     part
                     and
                     yours
                     .
                     349
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Cherish
                     the
                     great
                     Grace
                     of
                     Humility
                     .
                     351
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     Reckon
                     upon
                     an
                     eternal
                     abode
                     in
                     that
                     presence
                     where
                     there
                     is
                     fulness
                     of
                     joy
                     for
                     ever
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Excitation
                 to
                 it
                 .
                 355
              
               
                 Considering
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     The
                     Grace
                     breathing
                     in
                     these
                     words
                     
                       [
                       Delight
                       thy self
                       also
                       in
                       the
                       Lord
                       ]
                       .
                    
                     355
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     
                       The
                       thing
                       desired
                    
                     ,
                     [
                     And
                     he
                     shall
                     give
                     thee
                     the
                     Desires
                     of
                     thine
                     heart
                     ]
                     .
                     viz.
                     357
                  
                
              
               
                 Either
                 
                   
                     1
                     :
                     Spiritual
                     good
                     things
                     ;
                     so
                     
                       delight
                       in
                       God
                    
                     is
                     satisfaction
                     it self
                     of
                     such
                     desire
                     .
                     Or
                     ,
                     358
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     External
                     ,
                     of
                     an
                     inferior
                     kind
                     ,
                     so
                     far
                     satisfying
                     of
                     them
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 It
                 doth
                 either
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     Moderate
                     them
                     ,
                     and
                     dispose
                     to
                     acquiescence
                     ,
                     if
                     the
                     good
                     be
                     withheld
                     .
                     359
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Add
                     a
                     satisfying
                     sweetness
                     to
                     the
                     enjoyment
                     ,
                     if
                     it
                     be
                     granted
                     .
                     363
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Deliver
                     from
                     the
                     torment
                     of
                     unsatisfied
                     Desire
                     .
                     364
                  
                
              
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           A
           TREATISE
           OF
           Delighting
           in
           GOD
           :
           From
           
             PSAL.
             37.
             4.
             
          
           
             Delight
             thy self
             also
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             give
             thee
             the
             desires
             of
             thine
             heart
             .
          
        
         
           
             PART
             I.
             
          
           
             Shewing
             the
             Import
             of
             this
             Precept
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Psalm
             ,
             by
             the
             Contents
             of
             it
             ,
             seems
             to
             suppose
             ,
          
           
             An
             afflicted
             state
             of
             
               good
               men
            
             ,
             by
             the
             oppression
             of
             such
             as
             were
             (
             in
             that
             and
             other
             respects
             )
             
               very
               wicked
            
             .
          
           
             The
             prosperity
             of
             these
             
               wicked
               ones
            
             in
             their
             oppressive
             course
             .
          
           
             An
             aptness
             in
             the
             oppressed
             to
             impatience
             under
             the
             evils
             they
             suffered
             .
          
           
             A
             disposition
             to
             behold
             ,
             with
             a
             lingering
             and
             an
             envious
             eye
             ,
             the
             
               good
               things
            
             which
             their
             oppressors
             enjoyed
             ,
             and
             themselves
             wanted
             .
          
           
           
             Hence
             the
             composure
             of
             it
             is
             such
             as
             might
             be
             most
             agreeable
             to
             these
             suppositions
             ,
             and
             serviceable
             to
             the
             fortifying
             of
             the
             Righteous
             against
             the
             sin
             and
             trouble
             which
             such
             a
             state
             of
             things
             might
             prove
             the
             occasion
             of
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             This
             Verse
             hath
             a
             more
             direct
             aspect
             on
             the
             last
             of
             these
             cases
             ,
             or
             on
             this
             last
             mentioned
             thing
             considerable
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             of
             Upright
             men
             suffering
             under
             the
             oppression
             of
             violent
             and
             prosperous
             wickedness
             ,
             viz.
             That
             they
             might
             hereupon
             be
             apt
             both
             to
             covet
             and
             envy
             the
             
               worldly
               delights
            
             of
             their
             enemies
             ;
             To
             be
             desirous
             of
             their
             dainties
             ,
             and
             grudg
             they
             should
             be
             theirs
             ,
             who
             ,
             they
             knew
             ,
             deserved
             worse
             things
             :
             And
             while
             themselves
             also
             felt
             the
             pressure
             of
             worse
             ,
             which
             at
             their
             hands
             they
             deserved
             not
             .
          
           
             What
             is
             here
             offered
             to
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             sufferers
             ,
             tends
             aptly
             to
             allay
             their
             discontent
             ,
             to
             check
             and
             repress
             their
             inordinate
             desire
             towards
             inferior
             things
             ;
             or
             to
             divert
             and
             turn
             it
             another
             way
             ;
             as
             in
             case
             of
             bleeding
             to
             excess
             and
             danger
             ,
             the
             way
             is
             to
             open
             a
             Vein
             ,
             and
             stop
             the
             course
             of
             that
             profusion
             by
             altering
             it
             .
          
           
             As
             if
             it
             had
             been
             said
             ,
             
               You
               have
               no
               such
               cause
               to
               look
               with
               displeasure
               or
               immoderate
               desire
               upon
               their
               delicacies
               ;
               You
               may
               have
               better
               ,
               Better
               belong
               to
               you
               ,
               and
               invite
               you
               ,
               The
               Lord
               himself
               is
               your
               portion
               ;
               It
               becomes
               both
               your
               state
               and
               spirit
               ,
               to
               apply
               your selves
               to
               an
               holy
               delight
               in
               him
               ;
               To
               let
               your
               Souls
               loose
               ,
               and
               set
               them
               
               at
               liberty
               ,
               to
               satiate
               themselves
               ,
               and
               feed
               unto
               fulness
               upon
               those
               undefiled
               and
               satisfying
               pleasures
               unto
               which
               you
               have
               a
               right
               ;
               and
               in
               which
               you
               will
               find
               the
               loss
               and
               want
               of
               their
               meaner
               enjoyments
               abundantly
               made
               up
               unto
               you
               .
               You
               have
               your
               natural
               desires
               and
               cravings
               as
               well
               as
               other
               men
               ;
               and
               those
               may
               be
               too
               apt
               to
               exceed
               their
               just
               bounds
               and
               measures
               ;
               But
               if
               you
               take
               this
               course
               ,
               they
               will
               soon
               become
               sober
               and
               moderate
               ,
               such
               as
               will
               be
               satisfied
               with
               what
               is
               competent
               ,
               with
               an
               indifferent
               allowance
               of
               the
               good
               things
               of
               this
               earth
               .
               And
               towards
               the
               Lord
               ,
               let
               them
               be
               as
               vast
               and
               large
               as
               can
               be
               supposed
               ,
               they
               can
               never
               be
               larger
               than
               the
               Rule
               will
               allow
               ;
               nor
               than
               the
               object
               will
               satisfie
               .
               The
               direction
               and
               obligation
               of
               the
               former
               being
               indeed
               proportioned
               to
               the
               immense
               and
               boundless
               fulness
               of
               the
               latter
               .
            
          
           
             We
             need
             not
             operously
             inquire
             what
             sort
             of
             persons
             this
             direction
             is
             given
             unto
             .
             It
             is
             plain
             ,
             that
             it
             's
             the
             common
             duty
             of
             all
             
               to
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             But
             it
             cannot
             be
             the
             immediate
             duty
             of
             all
             .
             Men
             that
             know
             not
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             enemies
             to
             him
             ,
             have
             somewhat
             else
             to
             do
             first
             .
             They
             to
             whom
             the
             Precept
             is
             directly
             meant
             ,
             are
             the
             regenerate
             (
             the
             righteous
             and
             the
             upright
             ,
             as
             the
             Psalm
             it self
             doth
             plainly
             design
             them
             )
             or
             
               his
               own
               people
            
             .
          
           
             The
             most
             profitable
             way
             of
             considering
             these
             words
             ,
             will
             be
             chiefly
             to
             insist
             on
             the
             direction
             given
             in
             the
             former
             part
             of
             the
             Verse
             .
             And
             then
             to
             shew
             towards
             the
             close
             ,
             how
             the
             
             event
             promised
             in
             the
             latter
             part
             ,
             will
             not
             only
             by
             virtue
             of
             the
             Promise
             ,
             but
             even
             naturally
             follow
             thereupon
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Direction
               in
               the
               former
               part
               ,
               gives
               us
            
             a
             plain
             signification
             of
             Gods
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             that
             he
             himself
             would
             be
             the
             great
             object
             of
             his
             peoples
             delight
             .
             Or
             ,
             it
             is
             his
             will
             ,
             that
             they
             principally
             delight
             themselves
             in
             him
             .
          
           
             Our
             discourse
             upon
             this
             Subject
             will
             fall
             naturally
             into
             two
             parts
             :
          
           
             The
             
               
                 Former
              
               
                 Latter
              
            
             whereof
             will
             concern
             the
             
               
                 Import
              
               
                 Practice
              
            
             of
             the
             enjoined
             Delighting
             in
             God.
             
          
           
             (
             Under
             which
             latter
             ,
             what
             will
             be
             said
             of
             the
             latter
             part
             of
             the
             Verse
             will
             fitly
             fall
             in
             )
             .
          
           
             That
             we
             may
             more
             distinctly
             open
             the
             import
             and
             meaning
             of
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             ;
             It
             will
             be
             necessary
             that
             we
             treat
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Of
                 the
                 Delectable
                 Object
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Of
                 the
                 Delight
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 therein
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             As
             to
             the
             former
             ,
             The
             general
             object
             of
             Delight
             is
             
               some
               good
            
             ,
             or
             somewhat
             so
             conceived
             of
             ;
             with
             the
             addition
             of
             being
             
               apprehended
               some
               way
               present
               .
               Here
            
             it
             is
             the
             
               cheif
               and
               best
               good
            
             .
             The
             highest
             and
             most
             perfect
             excellency
             .
             Which
             goodness
             and
             excellency
             considered
             as
             residing
             in
             God
             ,
             gives
             us
             a
             twofold
             notion
             or
             view
             of
             the
             object
             ,
             whereupon
             this
             delight
             may
             have
             it's
             exercise
             .
          
           
             
             
               Absolute
               .
            
             
               Relative
               .
            
          
           
             1.
             
             God
             may
             be
             lookt
             upon
             in
             an
             
               absolute
               consideration
            
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             in
             himself
             the
             
               best
               and
               most
               excellent
               Being
            
             ;
             wherein
             we
             behold
             the
             concurrence
             of
             all
             perfections
             ;
             The
             most
             amiable
             and
             beauteous
             excellencies
             ,
             to
             an
             intellectual
             eye
             ,
             that
             it
             can
             have
             any
             apprehension
             of
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               In
               a
               Relative
               ,
               viz.
            
             As
             his
             Goodness
             and
             Excellency
             are
             considered
             ,
             not
             meerly
             as
             they
             are
             in
             himself
             ,
             but
             also
             as
             having
             someway
             an
             aspect
             on
             his
             creatures
             .
             For
             considering
             him
             as
             in
             himself
             the
             
               most
               excellent
               Being
            
             ;
             If
             here
             we
             give
             our
             thoughts
             liberty
             of
             exercising
             themselves
             ,
             we
             shall
             soon
             find
             ,
             that
             hereupon
             he
             must
             be
             considered
             also
             as
             
               the
               first
               Being
            
             ,
             the
             Original
             and
             Author
             of
             all
             other
             Beings
             ;
             Otherwise
             he
             were
             not
             the
             most
             excellent
             .
          
           
             From
             whence
             we
             will
             see
             ,
             Relation
             doth
             arise
             between
             him
             and
             his
             creatures
             that
             have
             there
             Being
             from
             him
             .
          
           
             And
             besides
             the
             
               general
               relations
            
             which
             he
             beareth
             to
             them
             all
             ,
             as
             the
             common
             Maker
             ,
             Sustainer
             ,
             and
             Disposer
             of
             them
             ;
             Observing
             that
             there
             are
             some
             which
             by
             their
             
               reasonable
               natures
            
             ,
             are
             capable
             of
             
               Government
               by
               him
            
             (
             in
             the
             proper
             sense
             ,
             viz.
             by
             a
             Law
             )
             and
             of
             
               blessedness
               in
               him
            
             .
          
           
             To
             these
             we
             consider
             him
             as
             standing
             in
             
             a
             twofold
             reference
             ,
             in
             both
             which
             we
             are
             to
             eye
             and
             act
             towards
             him
             ,
             viz.
             As
             a
             
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 obey'd
                 .
              
               
                 Portion
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 enjoy'd
                 .
              
            
          
           
             And
             have
             most
             delectable
             excellencies
             to
             take
             notice
             of
             in
             him
             (
             that
             require
             we
             should
             sutably
             comport
             with
             them
             )
             ,
             answerable
             peculiarly
             to
             each
             of
             these
             considerations
             ,
             in
             respect
             whereof
             we
             are
             to
             look
             upon
             him
             ;
          
           
             1.
             
             As
             the
             
               most
               excellent
               Lord
            
             ;
             most
             delectably
             excellent
             (
             we
             take
             not
             here
             that
             title
             so
             strictly
             ,
             as
             to
             intend
             by
             it
             meer
             propriety
             or
             dominion
             ;
             But
             as
             to
             ordinary
             apprehension
             it
             is
             more
             commonly
             understood
             to
             signify
             also
             
               governing
               Power
            
             ,
             or
             Authority
             founded
             in
             the
             other
             )
             whom
             we
             cannot
             but
             esteem
             worthy
             of
             all
             possible
             honour
             and
             Glory
             ;
             that
             every
             knee
             bow
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             every
             tongue
             confess
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             universal
             homage
             ,
             subjection
             and
             adoration
             be
             given
             him
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               As
               the
               most
               excellent
               Portion
            
             ,
             in
             whom
             all
             things
             that
             may
             render
             him
             such
             do
             concur
             and
             meet
             together
             ;
             all
             desirable
             and
             imaginable
             riches
             and
             fulness
             ,
             together
             with
             large
             bounty
             ,
             flowing
             goodness
             every
             way
             correspondent
             to
             the
             wants
             and
             cravings
             of
             indigent
             and
             thirsty
             Souls
             .
          
           
             The
             
               former
               notion
            
             of
             him
             intimates
             to
             us
             our
             obligation
             of
             duty
             to
             him
             :
             The
             latter
             prompts
             to
             an
             expectation
             of
             benefit
             from
             him
             .
          
           
             But
             now
             because
             by
             the
             apostacy
             we
             have
             
             injur'd
             his
             right
             in
             us
             ,
             
               as
               our
               Lord
               ;
               forfeited
            
             our
             own
             right
             in
             him
             ,
             as
             
               our
               portion
            
             ;
             and
             lost
             our
             
               immediate
               capacity
            
             or
             disposition
             both
             to
             serve
             and
             injoy
             him
             :
             This
             great
             breach
             between
             him
             and
             us
             was
             not
             otherwise
             to
             be
             made
             up
             but
             by
             a
             Mediator
             .
             Unto
             which
             office
             and
             undertaking
             ,
             his
             own
             Son
             ,
             incarnate
             ,
             the
             Word
             made
             Flesh
             (
             being
             only
             fit
             )
             was
             designed
             .
             By
             him
             ,
             dealing
             between
             both
             the
             distanced
             Parties
             ,
             satisfying
             the
             Justice
             of
             God
             ,
             overcoming
             the
             enmity
             of
             man
             ,
             the
             difference
             (
             so
             far
             as
             the
             efficacy
             of
             his
             Mediation
             doth
             extend
             )
             is
             composed
             .
             And
             
               to
               the
               reconciled
            
             ,
             God
             becomes
             again
             their
             acknowledg'd
             both
             Lord
             and
             Portion
             .
             His
             right
             is
             vindicated
             ,
             theirs
             is
             restored
             ;
             and
             both
             are
             established
             upon
             new
             grounds
             ,
             added
             to
             those
             upon
             which
             they
             stood
             before
             .
             And
             so
             ,
             as
             that
             now
             our
             actings
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             expectations
             from
             him
             ,
             must
             be
             through
             the
             Mediator
             .
          
           
             Whereupon
             this
             object
             of
             our
             delight
             ,
             
               considered
               relatively
               unto
               us
            
             ,
             is
             intirely
             
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               —
               Being
               reconciled
               ,
               —
               We
               joy
               in
               God
               through
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             
               by
               whom
               &c.
            
             
          
           
             In
             these
             several
             ways
             that
             have
             been
             thus
             briefly
             mentioned
             ,
             may
             God
             come
             under
             our
             consideration
             .
             Nor
             are
             they
             ,
             any
             of
             them
             ,
             unapplicable
             or
             impertinent
             to
             our
             purpose
             ,
             when
             we
             would
             design
             him
             the
             object
             of
             our
             delight
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             surely
             God
             considered
             each
             of
             these
             ways
             ought
             to
             be
             lookt
             on
             by
             us
             ,
             as
             a
             most
             
               delectable
               object
            
             .
          
           
             For
             it
             is
             pleasant
             to
             contemplate
             him
             ,
             even
             
               most
               absolutely
               considered
            
             ,
             as
             the
             most
             excellent
             
             Being
             ,
             when
             we
             behold
             his
             glorious
             excellencies
             in
             themselves
             ;
             that
             is
             (
             not
             with
             the
             denial
             ,
             but
             )
             without
             the
             actual
             present
             consideration
             of
             any
             advantage
             that
             may
             redound
             to
             us
             from
             them
             .
             As
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             find
             our selves
             pleased
             and
             gratifi'd
             in
             viewing
             an
             excellent
             object
             (
             suppose
             a
             stately
             Edifice
             ,
             or
             beautiful
             Flower
             )
             ,
             from
             which
             we
             expect
             no
             other
             benefit
             .
          
           
             Again
             ,
             If
             we
             consider
             him
             relatively
             ,
             1.
             
             In
             the
             former
             capacity
             
               of
               a
               Lord
            
             ,
             it
             is
             grateful
             
               to
               behold
               him
            
             deckt
             with
             Majesty
             ,
             array'd
             in
             Glory
             ,
             cloth'd
             with
             Righteosness
             ,
             arm'd
             with
             Power
             ,
             shining
             in
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             guiding
             himself
             with
             Wisdom
             and
             Counsel
             in
             all
             his
             administrations
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             delightful
             to
             
               obey
               him
            
             ;
             while
             we
             are
             most
             fully
             satisfy'd
             of
             his
             unexceptionable
             right
             to
             
               command
               us
            
             .
             For
             there
             is
             a
             great
             pleasure
             naturally
             arising
             to
             a
             well-tempered
             spirit
             ,
             from
             the
             apprehended
             congruity
             or
             
               fitness
               of
               things
            
             ,
             as
             that
             he
             should
             command
             and
             that
             we
             should
             obey
             .
             His
             right
             ,
             and
             our
             obligation
             ,
             being
             so
             undoubtedly
             clear
             and
             great
             .
             Especially
             when
             we
             also
             consider
             
               what
               he
               commands
            
             ,
             and
             find
             it
             is
             no
             hard
             bondage
             ;
             that
             they
             are
             not
             grievous
             commands
             which
             he
             requires
             we
             be
             subject
             to
             ;
             but
             such
             ,
             in
             the
             keeping
             whereof
             
               there
               is
               great
               reward
            
             ;
             And
             that
             
               his
               ways
               are
               all
               pleasantness
               and
               peace
               .
            
          
           
             And
             being
             considered
             as
             a
             Portion
             ,
             the
             matter
             is
             plain
             ,
             That
             so
             rich
             and
             abounding
             fulness
             ,
             where
             also
             there
             is
             so
             communicative
             an
             inclination
             ,
             cannot
             but
             recommend
             him
             a
             most
             satisfying
             object
             of
             delight
             .
          
           
           
             And
             thus
             we
             are
             more
             principally
             to
             consider
             him
             ,
             viz.
             rather
             relatively
             than
             absolutely
             ;
             and
             that
             relatedness
             (
             which
             the
             state
             of
             the
             case
             requires
             )
             as
             now
             anew
             setled
             in
             Christ.
             And
             so
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             very
             delightful
             to
             look
             upon
             him
             ,
             
               as
               one
               that
               may
               ,
               and
               is
               ready
               to
               become
               related
               to
               us
               ,
            
             (
             as
             he
             is
             to
             any
             that
             will
             consent
             and
             agree
             with
             him
             upon
             the
             Mediators
             terms
             )
             :
             Yet
             it
             adds
             unspeakably
             to
             the
             pleasantness
             of
             this
             object
             ,
             when
             we
             can
             reflect
             upon
             such
             characters
             in
             our selves
             ,
             as
             from
             whence
             we
             may
             regularly
             conclude
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             actually
             thus
             related
             
               unto
               us
            
             .
             That
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             consented
             ;
             That
             our
             relation
             to
             him
             immediately
             arises
             from
             the
             
               Covenant
               of
               life
               and
               peace
            
             ;
             That
             he
             hath
             entered
             into
             Covenant
             with
             us
             ,
             and
             so
             we
             are
             become
             his
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             pleasant
             thus
             to
             behold
             and
             serve
             him
             as
             
               [
               our
               ]
               Lord.
            
             How
             great
             is
             the
             emphasis
             of
             these
             words
             ,
             
               I
               count
               all
               things
               but
               loss
               for
               the
               excellency
               of
               the
               knowledg
               of
               Christ
               Jesus
               [
               my
               Lord
               !
               ]
               .
            
             To
             consider
             not
             only
             how
             well
             he
             deserves
             the
             acknowledgments
             and
             subjection
             of
             all
             ;
             But
             also
             to
             find
             our selves
             under
             the
             chosen
             and
             gentle
             bonds
             of
             perpetual
             service
             ,
             and
             devotedness
             to
             him
             ,
             is
             c●rtainly
             matter
             of
             very
             high
             delight
             and
             pleasure
             .
          
           
             But
             how
             infinitely
             delightful
             is
             it
             ,
             to
             view
             and
             enjoy
             him
             
               as
               [
               our
               ]
               Portion
            
             !
          
           
             And
             this
             seems
             very
             pertinent
             to
             the
             design
             of
             this
             Scripture
             ;
             which
             aiming
             to
             recal
             and
             draw
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             godly
             Persons
             
             from
             too
             earnest
             ,
             and
             from
             envious
             lingerings
             after
             the
             enjoyments
             of
             worldly
             men
             (
             their
             enemies
             and
             oppressors
             )
             ,
             propounds
             what
             may
             be
             an
             over-ballance
             to
             the
             (
             imagined
             )
             felicity
             of
             their
             state
             ;
             And
             wherein
             they
             should
             more
             than
             equal
             them
             
               in
               point
               of
               injoyment
            
             .
          
           
             And
             should
             we
             single
             out
             this
             ,
             as
             the
             object
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             
               God
               as
               a
               portion
            
             .
             That
             it
             might
             be
             more
             distinctly
             represented
             ,
             we
             should
             have
             two
             things
             to
             take
             notice
             of
             ,
             that
             would
             render
             it
             most
             delectable
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             wherein
             holy
             hearts
             may
             acquiesce
             ,
             and
             rest
             with
             fullest
             satisfaction
             .
          
           
             The
             
               
                 Sufficiency
              
               
                 Communicableness
              
            
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               The
               Sufficiency
               of
               it
            
             .
             Which
             cannot
             but
             be
             every
             way
             compleat
             and
             full
             ;
             it
             being
             the
             
               all-comprehensive
               good
            
             ,
             which
             is
             this
             portion
             .
             
               God
               all-Sufficient
            
             .
          
           
             The
             most
             eminent
             and
             known
             Attributes
             of
             his
             Being
             ;
             wherein
             by
             any
             issues
             of
             them
             they
             can
             be
             communicated
             ,
             having
             an
             ingrediency
             and
             concurrence
             to
             the
             happiness
             of
             his
             people
             therein
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             
               Communicableness
               thereof
            
             .
             Which
             proceeds
             from
             his
             bounty
             ,
             more
             peculiarly
             ,
             and
             his
             gracious
             inclination
             to
             do
             good
             ,
             and
             make
             his
             boundless
             fulness
             overflow
             to
             the
             replenishing
             of
             thirsty
             longing
             Souls
             ,
             whom
             first
             it
             had
             allured
             and
             caused
             so
             to
             long
             .
             But
             
             though
             the
             scope
             and
             order
             of
             the
             discourse
             in
             this
             Psalm
             ,
             did
             not
             directly
             seem
             to
             import
             more
             than
             a
             design
             of
             calling
             off
             the
             persons
             here
             spoken
             to
             ,
             from
             one
             sort
             of
             enjoyment
             to
             another
             ,
             from
             a
             meaner
             and
             more
             empty
             to
             a
             better
             :
             Yet
             it
             is
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             true
             (
             and
             the
             
               best
               )
               injoyment
            
             ,
             cannot
             be
             unaccompanied
             with
             duty
             ;
             and
             that
             God
             is
             not
             otherwise
             to
             be
             injoyed
             ,
             than
             as
             he
             is
             obeyed
             ,
             nor
             indeed
             are
             the
             notions
             of
             him
             ,
             as
             a
             
               Lord
               to
               be
               obeyed
            
             ,
             and
             as
             
               a
               good
               to
               be
               injoyed
            
             ,
             intirely
             distinct
             ;
             but
             are
             interwoven
             ,
             and
             do
             run
             into
             one
             another
             .
             We
             obey
             him
             ,
             even
             in
             injoying
             him
             ;
             It
             being
             part
             of
             our
             injoyned
             duty
             ,
             to
             set
             our
             hearts
             upon
             him
             ,
             as
             our
             best
             and
             highest
             good
             .
             And
             we
             injoy
             him
             in
             obeying
             him
             .
             The
             advantage
             and
             benefit
             of
             his
             government
             ,
             being
             a
             real
             and
             most
             momentous
             part
             of
             that
             good
             which
             we
             injoy
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             .
             He
             is
             our
             Benefactor
             even
             as
             he
             is
             our
             Ruler
             ;
             and
             is
             therein
             our
             Ruler
             ,
             as
             he
             proposes
             to
             us
             benefits
             ,
             which
             he
             thereby
             binds
             us
             to
             accept
             ;
             for
             even
             his
             invitations
             and
             offers
             ,
             are
             also
             laws
             and
             formal
             bonds
             of
             duty
             upon
             us
             .
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             and
             even
             the
             
               act
               of
               delight
               it self
            
             pitcht
             upon
             him
             ,
             is
             an
             
               act
               of
               homage
            
             ,
             as
             there
             will
             be
             occasion
             hereafter
             to
             take
             notice
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             it
             will
             be
             fit
             to
             steer
             a
             larger
             course
             ,
             than
             meerly
             to
             consider
             him
             as
             a
             good
             commensurate
             to
             our
             
               partial
               appetites
            
             .
             Which
             are
             apt
             to
             prescribe
             to
             ,
             and
             limit
             our
             apprehensions
             to
             this
             or
             that
             particular
             sort
             of
             good
             ,
             and
             tincture
             them
             with
             such
             a
             notion
             
             of
             delight
             ,
             as
             which
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             false
             and
             grosly
             carnal
             ,
             may
             yet
             be
             much
             too
             narrow
             and
             unproportionable
             to
             the
             universal
             ,
             all-comprehending
             good
             :
             And
             though
             we
             shall
             not
             here
             go
             beyond
             the
             compass
             of
             delectable
             good
             ;
             yet
             as
             there
             is
             no
             good
             (
             truly
             so
             called
             )
             which
             is
             not
             in
             ,
             or
             from
             the
             
               first
               goodness
            
             ;
             So
             indeed
             ,
             nor
             is
             there
             any
             capable
             of
             being
             gathered
             up
             into
             that
             sum
             which
             is
             not
             delectable
             .
          
           
             Nor
             therefore
             
               can
               the
               usual
               distribution
            
             of
             goodness
             into
             
               profitable
               ,
               honest
            
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             ,
             bear
             a
             strict
             test
             .
             Only
             the
             false
             relishes
             of
             vitiated
             appetite
             in
             this
             corrupted
             state
             of
             man
             ,
             have
             given
             ground
             for
             it
             .
             Otherwise
             to
             a
             mind
             and
             will
             that
             is
             not
             distempered
             ,
             the
             account
             would
             be
             much
             otherwise
             .
             To
             a
             
               prudent
               mind
            
             ,
             profitable
             good
             would
             be
             pleasant
             ,
             even
             as
             it
             's
             profitable
             .
             To
             a
             
               just
               and
               generous
               mind
            
             ,
             honest
             comely
             good
             would
             be
             pleasant
             ,
             even
             as
             it
             is
             honest
             .
             Nor
             would
             there
             need
             another
             distinction
             ,
             but
             into
             the
             
               goodness
               of
               the
               end
            
             ,
             which
             is
             
               pleasant
               for
               it self
            
             ,
             and
             the
             goodness
             of
             the
             means
             ,
             which
             is
             pleasant
             as
             it
             is
             
               honestly
               and
               decently
               profitable
            
             ,
             (
             and
             otherwise
             it
             cannot
             be
             )
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             That
             we
             may
             here
             therefore
             with
             the
             more
             advantage
             state
             the
             
               delectable
               good
            
             ,
             we
             are
             now
             to
             consider
             ,
             It
             will
             be
             requisite
             to
             promise
             two
             things
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               That
               all
               delightful
               injoyment
               of
               God
               ,
               supposes
               some
               communication
               from
               him
               .
            
             Nothing
             can
             delight
             us
             ,
             or
             be
             injoy'd
             by
             us
             ;
             whereof
             
             we
             do
             not
             ,
             some
             way
             ,
             or
             by
             some
             faculty
             or
             other
             ,
             
               partake
               somewhat
            
             .
             Either
             by
             our
             external
             sense
             ,
             sensitive
             appetite
             ,
             phansie
             ,
             memory
             ,
             mind
             ,
             will
             ;
             and
             either
             in
             an
             higher
             ,
             or
             lower
             degree
             ,
             for
             a
             longer
             or
             a
             shorter
             time
             ,
             according
             as
             the
             delight
             is
             ,
             for
             kind
             ,
             degree
             ,
             or
             continuance
             which
             is
             taken
             therein
             .
             This
             is
             plain
             in
             it self
             .
             And
             in
             the
             present
             case
             therefore
             of
             delighting
             in
             God
             or
             enjoying
             him
             ,
             some
             communication
             ,
             or
             participation
             there
             must
             be
             one
             way
             or
             other
             according
             as
             the
             injoyment
             of
             him
             is
             .
             And
             as
             the
             case
             with
             man
             now
             is
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             he
             do
             with
             clearest
             and
             the
             most
             penetrative
             light
             and
             power
             ,
             come
             in
             upon
             his
             mind
             and
             heart
             ,
             scatter
             darkness
             ,
             remove
             prejudice
             ,
             abolish
             former
             relishes
             ,
             transfuse
             his
             own
             sweet
             savor
             through
             the
             Soul.
             Proportionably
             therefore
             ,
             to
             what
             is
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             he
             communicates
             himself
             ,
             as
             the
             event
             constantly
             shews
             ,
             with
             all
             them
             that
             are
             ever
             brought
             to
             any
             real
             injoyment
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             For
             we
             plainly
             see
             ,
             that
             the
             
               same
               divine
               communication
               which
            
             being
             received
             ,
             doth
             delight
             and
             satisfy
             ,
             doth
             also
             procure
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             desired
             and
             received
             ;
             makes
             its
             own
             way
             ,
             attempers
             and
             frames
             the
             Soul
             to
             it self
             ;
             and
             gives
             it
             the
             sweet
             relish
             and
             savor
             thereof
             ,
             
               wherein
               God
               is
               actually
               injoyed
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             however
             
               God
               himself
            
             ,
             is
             truly
             said
             to
             be
             injoyed
             or
             delighted
             in
             by
             holy
             Souls
             ;
             yet
             
               this
               communication
            
             is
             also
             a
             sort
             of
             
               mediate
               object
            
             of
             this
             delight
             or
             injoyment
             .
             These
             things
             being
             fore-laid
             ,
             It
             is
             now
             needful
             to
             
             to
             inquire
             somewhat
             more
             distinctly
             ,
             what
             that
             communication
             or
             
               communicable
               good
               is
            
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             
               immediate
               matter
            
             of
             proper
             spiritual
             injoyment
             unto
             holy
             men
             in
             this
             world
             .
             Because
             many
             have
             that
             phrase
             of
             Speech
             
               [
               injoying
               God
            
             ]
             often
             in
             their
             mouths
             ,
             that
             well
             understand
             not
             what
             they
             mean
             by
             it
             ;
             Yea
             even
             divers
             of
             them
             that
             
               have
               real
               injoyment
               of
               him
            
             ;
             Unto
             whom
             ,
             though
             they
             possibly
             taste
             the
             thing
             which
             they
             cannot
             express
             or
             form
             distinct
             conceptions
             of
             ;
             it
             might
             be
             somewhat
             their
             advantage
             to
             have
             it
             more
             cleared
             up
             to
             their
             apprehension
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             that
             they
             immediately
             injoy
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             said
             to
             injoy
             God
             ;
             or
             by
             what
             he
             is
             to
             be
             injoyed
             ?
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             a
             meer
             fancy
             (
             as
             too
             many
             profanely
             think
             ,
             and
             are
             too
             apt
             to
             speak
             )
             that
             is
             the
             
               thing
               to
               be
               injoyed
            
             .
             There
             have
             been
             those
             ,
             who
             ,
             comparing
             their
             own
             experience
             with
             Gods
             promises
             ,
             and
             precepts
             (
             the
             rule
             by
             which
             he
             imports
             and
             according
             whereto
             men
             are
             to
             expect
             his
             gracious
             influence
             )
             were
             capable
             of
             avowing
             it
             ,
             rationally
             ,
             to
             be
             some
             very
             substantial
             thing
             they
             have
             had
             the
             injoyment
             of
             .
             The
             sobriety
             of
             their
             spirits
             ,
             the
             regularity
             of
             their
             workings
             ,
             their
             gracious
             composure
             ,
             the
             meekness
             ,
             humility
             ,
             denial
             of
             self
             ,
             the
             sensible
             refreshing
             ,
             the
             mighty
             strength
             and
             vigour
             which
             hath
             accompanied
             such
             enjoyments
             ,
             sufficiently
             proving
             to
             them
             that
             they
             did
             not
             hug
             an
             empty
             cloud
             ,
             or
             embrace
             a
             shadow
             ,
             under
             the
             name
             of
             injoying
             God.
             Such
             expressions
             as
             we
             find
             in
             
             the
             book
             of
             Psalms
             (
             the
             16.
             and
             many
             other
             )
             with
             sundry
             parts
             of
             Scripture
             besides
             ,
             leave
             us
             not
             without
             Instance
             :
             That
             import
             nothing
             like
             flashy
             and
             flaunting
             bombast
             ,
             no
             appearance
             of
             affectation
             ,
             no
             pompous
             shew
             of
             vain-glory
             ,
             no
             semblance
             of
             swelling
             words
             of
             vanity
             ,
             but
             which
             discover
             a
             most
             equal
             orderly
             well-poys'd
             temper
             of
             mind
             ,
             in
             conjunction
             with
             the
             highest
             delight
             and
             well-pleasedness
             in
             God.
             That
             rich
             and
             unimitable
             fulness
             of
             living
             sence
             ,
             could
             not
             but
             be
             from
             the
             apprehension
             of
             
               a
               real
               somewhat
            
             ,
             and
             that
             ,
             of
             
               a
               most
               excellent
               nature
               and
               kind
               ,
            
             whatsoever
             be
             the
             notion
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             most
             fitly
             ▪
             put
             upon
             it
             .
          
           
             Nor
             yet
             is
             it
             the
             
               meer
               essence
               of
               God
            
             which
             men
             can
             be
             said
             to
             enjoy
             .
             For
             that
             is
             not
             communicated
             nor
             communicable
             .
             Injoyment
             supposes
             possession
             .
             But
             it
             would
             be
             a
             strange
             Language
             to
             say
             we
             possess
             the
             Essence
             of
             God
             otherwise
             than
             relatively
             ;
             which
             is
             not
             enough
             unto
             actual
             enjoyment
             .
             His
             meer
             
               essential
               presence
            
             is
             not
             enough
             .
             That
             renders
             him
             not
             injoy'd
             by
             any
             ,
             for
             that
             is
             equally
             with
             all
             and
             every
             where
             ;
             But
             all
             cannot
             be
             said
             to
             enjoy
             him
             .
          
           
             As
             therefore
             it
             is
             a
             real
             ,
             so
             there
             must
             be
             some
             special
             communication
             ,
             by
             which
             ,
             being
             received
             ,
             we
             are
             truly
             said
             to
             injoy
             him
             .
          
           
             A
             
               special
               good
            
             it
             must
             be
             ,
             not
             such
             as
             is
             common
             to
             all
             .
             For
             there
             is
             a
             communication
             from
             him
             that
             is
             of
             that
             extent
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             all
             live
             and
             move
             and
             have
             there
             Beings
             in
             him
             and
             the
             whole
             earth
             is
             full
             of
             his
             goodness
             .
          
           
           
             This
             is
             
               a
               Good
            
             peculiar
             to
             them
             that
             are
             
               born
               of
               God.
            
             And
             suted
             to
             the
             apprehension
             and
             sense
             of
             that
             
               divine
               Creature
            
             which
             is
             so
             born
             .
          
           
             What
             this
             Good
             is
             ,
             how
             fully
             sufficient
             it
             is
             ,
             and
             how
             or
             which
             way
             it
             is
             communicable
             ,
             may
             be
             the
             better
             understood
             when
             we
             have
             considered
             what
             are
             the
             
               wants
               and
               cravings
            
             of
             
               this
               Creature
            
             ,
             or
             of
             them
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             formed
             and
             wrought
             .
             For
             when
             we
             have
             pitch'd
             upon
             the
             very
             thing
             it self
             ,
             
               which
               they
               most
               desire
            
             ,
             (
             and
             which
             they
             can
             tell
             
               is
               it
            
             ,
             when
             they
             hear
             it
             named
             ,
             though
             their
             thoughts
             are
             not
             so
             well
             formed
             about
             it
             as
             to
             give
             it
             the
             right
             Name
             before
             )
             we
             shall
             then
             understand
             it
             to
             be
             both
             what
             will
             be
             
               sufficient
               to
               Satisfie
            
             ,
             and
             what
             
               may
               be
               communicated
            
             to
             that
             purpose
             .
          
           
             But
             now
             before
             that
             
               new
               birth
            
             take
             place
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             man
             ,
             it
             wants
             but
             knows
             not
             what
             ;
             craves
             indeterminately
             
               (
               who
               will
               shew
               us
               any
               good
               ?
               )
            
             not
             fixing
             upon
             any
             particular
             one
             that
             is
             sufficient
             and
             finite
             ,
             and
             laboring
             at
             once
             ,
             under
             an
             ignorance
             of
             the
             infinite
             ;
             together
             with
             a
             disaffection
             thereunto
             .
             Its
             wants
             and
             cravings
             are
             beyond
             the
             measure
             ,
             of
             all
             
               finite
               good
            
             ;
             for
             suppose
             it
             to
             have
             never
             so
             large
             a
             share
             ,
             nay
             could
             it
             grasp
             and
             ingross
             the
             whole
             of
             it
             ,
             an
             unsatisfiedness
             and
             desire
             of
             more
             would
             still
             remain
             .
             But
             
               that
               more
            
             is
             somewhat
             indeterminate
             ,
             and
             meerly
             imaginary
             .
             An
             infinite
             nothing
             .
             An
             idol
             of
             fancy
             .
             A
             God
             of
             its
             own
             making
             .
             God
             it
             must
             have
             ,
             but
             what
             a
             one
             he
             is
             it
             misapprehends
             ,
             
             and
             wherein
             it
             rightly
             apprehends
             him
             likes
             and
             loves
             him
             not
             ;
             will
             by
             no
             means
             choose
             ,
             desire
             ,
             or
             take
             complacency
             in
             him
             .
             So
             that
             an
             unregenerate
             soul
             is
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             such
             ,
             necessarily
             doom'd
             to
             be
             miserable
             .
             It
             cannot
             be
             happy
             in
             any
             
               inferior
               good
            
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Supream
             ,
             it
             
               will
               not
            
             .
          
           
             What
             the
             
               real
               wants
               and
               just
               cravings
            
             of
             a
             mans
             spirit
             therefore
             are
             ,
             is
             not
             to
             be
             understood
             by
             considering
             it
             in
             that
             state
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             the
             work
             of
             the
             
               new
               creature
            
             were
             perfected
             in
             it
             ,
             it
             would
             want
             and
             crave
             no
             more
             ;
             But
             were
             satisfy'd
             fully
             and
             at
             perfect
             rest
             .
             Nor
             is
             that
             state
             so
             known
             to
             us
             as
             yet
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             they
             are
             best
             to
             be
             discerned
             in
             the
             state
             wherein
             that
             worke
             is
             begun
             and
             hitherto
             unfinished
             .
             In
             which
             it
             therefore
             desires
             rightly
             ,
             and
             still
             continues
             to
             desire
             .
             A
             state
             of
             intermingled
             motion
             and
             rest
             ;
             wherein
             delight
             is
             imperfect
             ,
             and
             allay'd
             by
             the
             continual
             mixture
             of
             yet-unsatisfy'd
             desire
             .
             And
             yet
             it
             may
             be
             collected
             what
             it
             is
             that
             would
             be
             Sufficient
             to
             satisfy
             ;
             because
             their
             desire
             is
             still
             determined
             to
             
               one
               thing
            
             ,
             
             is
             not
             vagrant
             ,
             wanders
             not
             after
             things
             of
             another
             kind
             ,
             but
             is
             intent
             only
             upon
             more
             of
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             Now
             let
             it
             be
             enquired
             of
             such
             a
             one
             what
             that
             thing
             is
             .
             We
             are
             generally
             told
             there
             ,
             *
             
               One
               thing
               have
               I
               desired
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               that
               will
               I
               seek
               after
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               dwell
               in
               the
               house
               of
               the
               Lord
               all
               the
               dayes
               of
               my
               life
               to
               behold
               the
               beauty
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             And
             it
             may
             be
             many
             would
             
             more
             shortly
             tell
             you
             it
             is
             God
             they
             desire
             ,
             whence
             it
             would
             only
             be
             concluded
             it
             is
             God
             they
             aim
             to
             enjoy
             or
             delight
             in
             .
             But
             because
             this
             brings
             us
             but
             where
             we
             were
             ;
             Let
             it
             be
             further
             enquired
             ,
             what
             then
             is
             your
             business
             with
             God
             ,
             or
             what
             would
             you
             have
             of
             him
             ?
             It
             is
             not
             ,
             sure
             ,
             to
             
               be
               God
            
             that
             you
             expect
             or
             seek
             ,
             or
             to
             enjoy
             God
             in
             that
             sence
             wherein
             he
             possesses
             and
             enjoys
             himself
             .
             No
             ,
             not
             by
             any
             means
             .
             It
             is
             then
             
               some
               communication
               from
               God
               ,
               diverse
               from
               what
               all
               men
               have
            
             (
             for
             that
             they
             do
             not
             find
             apt
             to
             satisfy
             )
             which
             they
             desire
             and
             crave
             .
             And
             what
             is
             that
             ?
             T
             is
             somewhat
             ,
             as
             
               possible
               to
               be
               apprehended
            
             ,
             and
             as
             distinguishable
             both
             from
             his
             incommunicable
             Being
             ,
             and
             his
             so
             generally
             communicated
             Bounty
             towards
             all
             .
             As
             if
             the
             enquiry
             were
             ,
             
               What
               it
               is
               that
               I
               desire
               really
               to
               enjoy
               when
               I
               desire
               to
               enjoy
               a
               friend
               ?
               (
               viz.
            
             as
             the
             notion
             of
             
               a
               friend
            
             or
             friendship
             doth
             most
             properly
             import
             )
             .
             That
             is
             neither
             to
             desire
             the
             
               impossible
               thing
            
             ,
             of
             possessing
             his
             Being
             as
             my
             own
             ;
             Nor
             the
             
               unsatisfying
               thing
            
             ,
             the
             meer
             partaking
             some
             part
             of
             his
             external
             goods
             and
             wealth
             ;
             whereof
             it
             may
             be
             he
             daily
             imparts
             somewhat
             to
             every
             beggar
             at
             at
             his
             door
             .
             But
             it
             is
             to
             have
             his
             
               intimate
               acquaintance
            
             ,
             his
             counsel
             and
             advice
             ,
             the
             advantage
             of
             improving
             my self
             by
             his
             converse
             ,
             and
             of
             conforming
             my self
             to
             his
             example
             in
             his
             imitable
             perfections
             ;
             The
             assurances
             of
             his
             faithful
             constant
             love
             and
             friendship
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             all
             future
             emergencies
             .
             A
             friend
             is
             really
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             in
             such
             things
             as
             these
             .
          
           
           
             And
             in
             such-like
             is
             God
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             also
             ;
             But
             with
             this
             difference
             ,
             that
             Gods
             communications
             are
             more
             immediate
             ,
             more
             constant
             ,
             more
             powerful
             and
             efficacious
             ,
             more
             delightful
             infinitely
             and
             satisfying
             ,
             in
             respect
             both
             of
             the
             good
             communicated
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             of
             communication
             .
          
           
             In
             short
             then
             ,
             the
             wants
             and
             desires
             of
             a
             renewed
             soul
             ,
             the
             supply
             and
             satisfaction
             whereof
             it
             seeks
             from
             God
             ,
             would
             be
             summ'd
             up
             in
             these
             things
             .
          
           
             That
             it
             may
             know
             him
             more
             fully
             ,
             Or
             have
             clearer
             apprehensions
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             That
             it
             may
             become
             like
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             framed
             more
             perfectly
             after
             his
             own
             holy
             image
             .
          
           
             That
             it
             may
             be
             ascertain'd
             of
             his
             love
             and
             good
             will
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             those
             favorable
             inclinations
             towards
             it
             ,
             which
             shall
             certainly
             infer
             his
             doing
             all
             that
             for
             it
             which
             its
             real
             necessities
             
               (
               to
               be
               estimated
               by
               his
               infinite
               Wisdom
               )
            
             can
             call
             for
             .
          
           
             These
             are
             the
             things
             ,
             
               in
               kind
            
             ,
             which
             would
             satisfy
             it
             .
             And
             answerably
             to
             these
             we
             may
             conceive
             the
             
               communicable
               good
            
             which
             is
             the
             immediate
             object
             of
             their
             enjoyment
             .
             So
             that
             ,
             as
             God
             himself
             is
             the
             
               object
               which
            
             is
             enjoyed
             ;
             This
             is
             the
             
               object
               by
               which
            
             ,
             or
             in
             respect
             whereof
             he
             is
             injoyable
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             the
             divine
             communication
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             is
             communicated
             from
             God
             to
             regenerate
             souls
             wherein
             they
             are
             to
             delight
             themselves
             ,
             contains
             in
             it
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               An
               inwardly
               enlightening
               revelation
               of
            
             
             
               himself
               to
               them
            
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             know
             him
             
             more
             distinctly
             .
             This
             is
             a
             part
             of
             the
             one
             thing
             ,
             would
             be
             so
             highly
             satisfying
             ,
             and
             delightful
             .
             
             
               Shew
               us
               the
               father
               and
               it
               sufficeth
               us
               .
            
             When
             their
             desires
             are
             towards
             God
             only
             ,
             it
             is
             with
             this
             aim
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             
               that
               they
               may
               know
               him
            
             ,
             which
             is
             supposed
             ,
             when
             that
             is
             given
             as
             an
             encouragement
             to
             the
             pursuit
             of
             this
             knowledg
             .
             
             
               We
               shall
               know
               if
               we
               follow
               on
               to
               know
               the
               Lord.
            
             As
             if
             it
             had
             been
             said
             ;
             This
             is
             a
             thing
             not
             doubted
             of
             but
             taken
             for
             granted
             ,
             that
             
               we
               would
               fain
               know
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             we
             shall
             ,
             if
             we
             follow
             on
             ,
             &c.
             
             This
             is
             a
             dictate
             of
             pure
             and
             primitive
             nature
             to
             covet
             the
             knowledg
             of
             our
             own
             orignal
             ,
             him
             from
             whom
             we
             and
             all
             things
             sprang
             .
             Men
             are
             herein
             become
             most
             unnaturally
             wicked
             when
             
               they
               like
               not
               to
               retain
               God
               in
               their
               knowledg
               .
            
             
          
           
             The
             new
             and
             divine
             nature
             once
             imparted
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             
               primitive
               nature
            
             renewed
             and
             restored
             to
             it self
             ,
             revives
             the
             desire
             of
             this
             knowledg
             .
             And
             in
             compliance
             with
             the
             present
             exigencie
             of
             the
             case
             hath
             this
             inclination
             ingrafted
             into
             it
             ,
             to
             know
             him
             (
             as
             he
             is
             now
             only
             to
             be
             comfortably
             known
             )
             viz.
             
             
               in
               the
               Mediator
               .
               I
               determined
               to
               know
               nothing
               among
               you
            
             (
             saith
             S.
             Paul
             )
             
               but
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               &c.
               i.e.
            
             to
             glory
             in
             ,
             to
             make
             shew
             of
             ,
             to
             discover
             my self
             taken
             with
             no
             other
             knowledg
             than
             this
             ,
             or
             with
             none
             so
             much
             as
             this
             .
             To
             which
             purpose
             ,
             he
             elsewhere
             professes
             to
             
               count
               all
               things
               loss
               for
               the
               excellency
               of
               this
               knowledg
               .
            
             
             So
             vehemently
             did
             desire
             work
             this
             way
             .
             And
             proportionably
             as
             it
             is
             apprehended
             desirable
             ,
             must
             it
             be
             esteemed
             delightful
             
             also
             .
             Nor
             are
             we
             here
             to
             think
             that
             this
             desired
             knowledg
             was
             intended
             finally
             to
             terminate
             in
             the
             Mediator
             ,
             for
             that
             the
             very
             notion
             of
             Mediator
             resists
             .
             The
             name
             Christ
             is
             the
             proper
             name
             of
             that
             office
             ,
             and
             the
             desire
             of
             knowing
             him
             under
             that
             name
             imports
             a
             desire
             to
             know
             him
             
               in
               his
               office
            
             .
             viz.
             as
             one
             that
             is
             to
             lead
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             restore
             our
             acquaintance
             with
             him
             ,
             which
             was
             not
             to
             be
             recovered
             upon
             other
             terms
             .
             So
             that
             it
             is
             ultimately
             the
             
               knowledg
               of
               God
            
             that
             is
             the
             so
             much
             desired
             thing
             ,
             and
             of
             Christ
             ,
             as
             the
             way
             and
             our
             conductor
             to
             God.
             That
             is
             ,
             the
             knowledg
             of
             God
             not
             absolutely
             considered
             alone
             ,
             (
             though
             he
             is
             ,
             even
             so
             ,
             a
             very
             delectable
             object
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             )
             ;
             But
             as
             he
             is
             
               related
               to
               us
            
             ,
             and
             from
             whom
             we
             have
             great
             expectations
             ,
             
               our
               all
            
             being
             comprehended
             in
             him
             .
             It
             cannot
             but
             be
             very
             delightful
             (
             answerably
             to
             a
             certain
             sort
             of
             delectation
             of
             which
             we
             shall
             have
             occasion
             to
             speak
             in
             its
             proper
             place
             )
             to
             have
             him
             
               before
               our
               eyes
            
             represented
             and
             revealed
             to
             us
             ,
             
               as
               the
               all-comprehending
               good
            
             ,
             and
             that
             (
             in
             the
             way
             and
             method
             whereinto
             things
             are
             now
             cast
             )
             may
             ,
             at
             least
             ,
             become
             our
             portion
             .
             He
             is
             some
             way
             ,
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             even
             in
             this
             view
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             thing
             apt
             to
             infer
             complacency
             and
             delight
             thus
             to
             look
             upon
             him
             .
             They
             who
             place
             felicity
             in
             contemplation
             ,
             especially
             in
             the
             contemplation
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             not
             besides
             the
             mark
             ;
             If
             they
             do
             not
             circumscribe
             and
             confine
             it
             there
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             make
             it
             stand
             in
             
               meer
               eontemplation
            
             ,
             or
             in
             an
             idle
             ,
             and
             vainly
             curious
             view
             of
             so
             
             glorious
             an
             object
             ,
             without
             any
             further
             concern
             about
             it
             .
             They
             will
             then
             be
             found
             to
             speak
             very
             agreeably
             to
             the
             language
             of
             holy
             scripture
             which
             so
             frequently
             expresses
             the
             blessedness
             of
             the
             other
             state
             by
             
               seeing
               God.
            
             
          
           
             And
             if
             the
             act
             of
             vision
             be
             delicious
             ,
             The
             representation
             of
             the
             object
             must
             have
             proportionable
             matter
             of
             delight
             in
             it
             .
             It
             cannot
             but
             have
             so
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             the
             nature
             of
             this
             representation
             ;
          
           
             Which
             ,
             answerably
             to
             the
             sensible
             want
             and
             desire
             of
             such
             as
             shall
             be
             delighted
             there-with
             ,
             must
             have
             somewhat
             more
             in
             it
             than
             the
             
               common
               appearances
            
             of
             God
             which
             offer
             themselves
             equally
             to
             the
             view
             of
             all
             men
             .
             Though
             it
             is
             their
             own
             
               as
               common
               fault
            
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             destitute
             of
             the
             more
             grateful
             and
             necessary
             additions
             .
          
           
             That
             it
             hath
             more
             in
             it
             ,
             is
             evident
             from
             Gods
             own
             way
             of
             speaking
             of
             it
             .
             For
             we
             find
             that
             his
             
               revealing
               himself
            
             in
             this
             delectable
             way
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Is
               attributed
               to
               the
               spirit
            
             .
             
             And
             as
             a
             work
             to
             be
             done
             by
             it
             
               when
               it
               shall
               be
               given
            
             (
             supposing
             it
             therefore
             
               yet
               not
               given
            
             and
             that
             all
             have
             it
             not
             )
             yea
             that
             such
             have
             it
             not
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             measure
             as
             they
             may
             have
             it
             ,
             unto
             this
             purpose
             ;
             who
             yet
             
               truly
               have
               it
            
             ,
             in
             some
             measure
             already
             ;
             
             even
             as
             a
             thing
             peculiar
             to
             them
             from
             the
             unbelieving
             world
             .
             For
             it
             is
             prayed
             for
             to
             such
             as
             concerning
             whom
             it
             is
             said
             
               that
               after
               they
               believed
            
             (
             not
             before
             )
             
               they
               were
               sealed
               by
               the
               spirit
               of
               promise
               ,
            
             
             
               that
               the
               God
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               the
               father
               of
               glory
               would
               give
               
               
               it
               them
            
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             mentioned
             by
             a
             name
             and
             title
             proper
             to
             the
             end
             and
             purpose
             for
             which
             it
             is
             desired
             to
             be
             given
             them
             ,
             viz.
             
               as
               the
               spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               and
               Revelation
               ,
            
             that
             end
             and
             purpose
             being
             immediately
             exprest
             in
             or
             (
             as
             that
             particle
             is
             some
             time
             used
             )
             
               [
               for
               ]
               the
               knowledg
               of
               him
               .
            
             
             The
             eyes
             of
             their
             understanding
             being
             enlightened
             by
             it
             (
             which
             are
             supposed
             blind
             before
             )
             for
             the
             same
             purpose
             .
             By
             which
             prayer
             it
             is
             supposed
             a
             communicable
             thing
             ;
             Yea
             and
             that
             these
             had
             some
             way
             
               a
               right
            
             to
             the
             communication
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             that
             it
             was
             a
             thing
             proper
             to
             their
             state
             ,
             fit
             to
             be
             prayed
             for
             ,
             as
             some
             way
             belonging
             to
             them
             ,
             they
             being
             in
             a
             more
             immediate
             capacity
             of
             such
             revelation
             than
             others
             .
          
           
             But
             how
             incongruous
             had
             it
             been
             with
             such
             solemnity
             of
             address
             to
             make
             request
             on
             their
             behalf
             for
             that
             which
             they
             already
             sufficiently
             had
             as
             a
             thing
             common
             to
             all
             men
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             is
             spoken
             of
             as
             a
             reward
             of
             their
             former
             love
             ,
             
             loyalty
             ,
             and
             obedience
             .
             
               He
               that
               hath
               my
               commandments
               and
               keepeth
               them
               ,
               he
               it
               is
               that
               loveth
               me
               :
               and
               he
               that
               loveth
               me
               ,
               shall
               be
               loved
               of
               my
               father
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               will
               manifest
               my self
               to
               him
               .
            
             Therefore
             is
             such
             manifestation
             no
             more
             to
             be
             accounted
             common
             ,
             than
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             is
             and
             keeping
             his
             commandments
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             spoken
             of
             as
             given
             discriminatingly
             ,
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             admired
             upon
             that
             account
             .
             In
             the
             next
             words
             ,
             
             
               Judas
               saith
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             (
             not
             Iscariot
             ,
             it
             being
             well
             understood
             how
             little
             covetous
             he
             was
             of
             ,
             or
             qualifyed
             
             for
             such
             manifestations
             )
             
               Lord
               how
               is
               it
               ,
               that
               thou
               wilt
               manifest
               thy self
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               not
               to
               the
               world
               ?
            
          
           
             What
             it
             hath
             more
             than
             common
             light
             ,
             external
             or
             internal
             ,
             answerable
             to
             the
             deeply
             resented
             wants
             ,
             and
             the
             hearts
             desires
             of
             the
             regenerate
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             becomes
             so
             highly
             pleasant
             and
             delectable
             to
             them
             ,
             though
             it
             is
             rather
             to
             be
             felt
             than
             told
             (
             as
             it
             is
             hard
             to
             describe
             the
             
               very
               things
            
             we
             have
             only
             immediate
             sensible
             perception
             of
             )
             may
             yet
             in
             some
             degree
             be
             understood
             by
             such
             characters
             as
             these
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               It
               is
               much
               more
               distinct
               and
               clear
               .
            
             They
             
               are
               confused
               and
               dark
               glimmerings
            
             which
             other
             men
             have
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             so
             that
             
               the
               light
               which
               is
               in
               them
               is
               darkness
               .
            
             
             'T
             is
             true
             that
             an
             unregenerate
             person
             may
             possibly
             have
             clearer
             acquired
             notions
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             those
             may
             be
             
               which
               are
               of
               the
               same
               kind
               only
            
             in
             some
             who
             are
             regenerate
             .
             So
             that
             he
             may
             ,
             by
             the
             advantages
             he
             may
             have
             above
             some
             of
             the
             other
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             better
             natural
             abilities
             ,
             more
             liberal
             education
             ,
             such
             circumstances
             of
             his
             condition
             as
             may
             more
             engage
             him
             to
             study
             and
             contemplation
             and
             befriend
             him
             therein
             ,
             be
             capable
             of
             finding
             out
             more
             ,
             of
             making
             fuller
             discoveries
             ,
             and
             more
             evident
             deductions
             ,
             and
             be
             able
             to
             discourse
             thence
             ,
             more
             rationally
             and
             satisfyingly
             to
             others
             ,
             even
             concerning
             God
             ,
             his
             nature
             ,
             attributes
             and
             works
             ,
             than
             some
             very
             pious
             persons
             destitute
             of
             those
             advantages
             may
             be
             able
             to
             
             do
             .
             But
             these
             though
             their
             candle
             give
             a
             dimmer
             light
             ,
             than
             the
             others
             ,
             have
             the
             beams
             of
             a
             Sun
             raying
             in
             upon
             them
             ,
             that
             much
             out-shines
             the
             others
             candle
             .
             And
             though
             they
             know
             not
             so
             many
             things
             ,
             nor
             discern
             the
             connexions
             of
             things
             so
             throughly
             ;
             yet
             as
             they
             do
             know
             what
             is
             most
             necessary
             to
             be
             known
             ,
             so
             what
             they
             do
             know
             ,
             they
             know
             better
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             more
             excellent
             sort
             of
             knowledg
             ;
             proportionably
             as
             whatsoever
             is
             originally
             ,
             and
             immediately
             divine
             ,
             cannot
             but
             much
             excel
             that
             which
             is
             meerly
             human
             .
          
           
             Those
             do
             but
             blunder
             in
             the
             dark
             ,
             
               These
               ,
               in
               Gods
               own
               light
               do
               see
               light
               .
            
             
             And
             his
             light
             puts
             a
             brighter
             hue
             and
             aspect
             upon
             the
             same
             things
             ,
             than
             any
             other
             representation
             can
             put
             upon
             them
             .
             Things
             are
             by
             it
             represented
             to
             the
             life
             ,
             which
             to
             others
             carry
             with
             them
             but
             a
             faint
             and
             languid
             appearance
             ;
             and
             are
             all
             covered
             over
             with
             nothing
             else
             but
             dark
             and
             dusky
             shadow
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             may
             be
             
               hid
               from
               the
               wise
               and
               prudent
               which
               is
               revealed
               to
               babes
               .
            
             
             How
             bright
             and
             glorious
             things
             ,
             are
             divine
             wisdom
             ,
             love
             ,
             holiness
             ,
             to
             an
             enlightened
             mind
             !
             which
             is
             therefore
             supposed
             to
             have
             a
             clearer
             discovery
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             But
             it
             may
             be
             said
             ;
             Is
             there
             any
             thing
             apprehensible
             concerning
             these
             or
             any
             other
             matters
             which
             may
             not
             be
             expressed
             in
             some
             proposition
             or
             other
             .
             And
             what
             proposition
             is
             there
             which
             a
             regenerate
             person
             can
             assent
             to
             ,
             but
             one
             who
             is
             not
             regenerate
             may
             assent
             to
             it
             also
             ?
             what
             definition
             ,
             so
             truly
             expressive
             of
             the
             natures
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             can
             be
             thought
             ,
             
             of
             unto
             which
             a
             carnal
             mind
             may
             not
             give
             its
             approbation
             ?
             what
             can
             be
             said
             or
             conceived
             so
             fully
             aud
             truly
             tending
             to
             describe
             and
             clear
             them
             up
             but
             an
             unrenewed
             understanding
             may
             have
             the
             representation
             of
             the
             fame
             truth
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             give
             entertainment
             to
             it
             ?
          
           
             'T
             is
             answered
             there
             are
             many
             things
             ,
             to
             which
             
               somewhat
               may
               belong
            
             not
             capable
             of
             description
             ,
             and
             whereof
             we
             have
             yet
             a
             most
             certain
             perception
             .
             As
             the
             different
             relishes
             of
             the
             things
             we
             taste
             .
             There
             are
             no
             words
             that
             will
             express
             those
             many
             peculiarities
             .
             And
             as
             to
             the
             present
             matter
             ;
             There
             is
             somewhat
             belonging
             to
             the
             things
             of
             God
             (
             those
             for
             instance
             that
             were
             mentioned
             ,
             his
             wisdom
             ,
             holiness
             &c.
             )
             besides
             the
             Truth
             of
             the
             conceptions
             that
             may
             be
             formed
             about
             them
             ;
             which
             is
             more
             clearly
             apprehensible
             to
             
               a
               divinely
               enlightened
            
             understanding
             than
             to
             one
             that
             is
             not
             so
             .
             As
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             beauty
             of
             those
             Truths
             ;
             
               which
               it
               is
               most
               delightful
               to
               behold
               ,
               Their
               lively
               sparkling
               lustre
               ,
               by
               which
               they
               appear
               so
               amiable
               and
               lovely
               ,
               to
               a
               well-tempered
               spirit
               ;
               as
               to
               transport
               it
               with
               pleasure
               and
               ravish
               it
               from
               it self
               into
               union
               with
               them
               .
               There
               was
               somewhat
               else
               apprehensible
               no
               doubt
               ,
               and
               apprehended
               by
               them
               ,
               the
               inward
               sentiments
               of
               whose
               souls
               those
               words
               so
               defectively
               served
               to
               express
               ,
            
             Who
             is
             like
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             among
             the
             Gods
             ,
             who
             is
             like
             thee
             ,
             glorious
             in
             holiness
             !
             &c.
             besides
             the
             meer
             truth
             
               of
               any
               propositions
               that
               those
               words
               can
               be
               resolved
               into
               .
               And
               so
               in
               those
               ,
            
             O
             the
             depth
             
             of
             the
             riches
             both
             of
             the
             wisdom
             and
             knowledg
             of
             God!
             
               &c.
               
               And
               those
            
             ,
             God
             so
             loved
             the
             world
             ,
             that
             he
             gave
             his
             only
             begotten
             Son
             ,
             that
             ,
             
               &c.
               
               Or
               those
            
             ,
             This
             is
             a
             faithful
             saying
             ,
             and
             worthy
             of
             all
             acceptation
             ,
             That
             Jesus
             Christ
             came
             into
             the
             world
             to
             save
             sinners
             ,
             whereof
             I
             am
             chief
             .
             
               Or
               the
               strains
               of
               that
               rapturous
               prayer
               ,
            
             —
             That
             he
             would
             grant
             you
             according
             to
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             glory
             ,
             to
             be
             strengthned
             with
             might
             by
             his
             Spirit
             in
             the
             inner
             man.
             That
             Christ
             may
             dwell
             in
             your
             hearts
             by
             faith
             ;
             that
             ye
             being
             rooted
             and
             grounded
             in
             love
             ,
             may
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             with
             all
             Saints
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             breadth
             ,
             and
             length
             ,
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             height
             :
             And
             to
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             that
             passeth
             knowledg
             ,
             that
             ye
             might
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             the
             fulness
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             There
             is
             a
             certain
             acceptableness
             in
             some
             Truths
             (
             necessary
             to
             their
             being
             received
             in
             the
             love
             thereof
             )
             ,
             which
             is
             peculiarly
             so
             represented
             to
             some
             ,
             as
             that
             their
             apprehension
             is
             clear
             and
             vivid
             ,
             beyond
             that
             of
             other
             men
             ;
             who
             ,
             however
             they
             have
             the
             representation
             of
             the
             
               same
               things
            
             ,
             yet
             have
             not
             the
             
               same
               representation
            
             ;
             Though
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             things
             of
             necessary
             and
             common
             concernment
             ,
             it
             is
             (
             as
             was
             said
             )
             their
             own
             fault
             that
             they
             have
             it
             not
             .
             And
             to
             have
             yet
             clearer
             apprehensions
             of
             this
             sort
             ,
             is
             what
             the
             renewed
             Soul
             doth
             most
             earnestly
             crave
             ,
             and
             would
             be
             proportionably
             delighted
             with
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               The
               tendency
               of
               such
               Truths
            
             ,
             is
             much
             more
             clearly
             conceivable
             to
             an
             holy
             Soul
             ,
             than
             another
             ;
             what
             their
             scope
             and
             aim
             or
             aspect
             is
             ,
             which
             way
             they
             look
             ,
             and
             what
             
             they
             drive
             at
             ,
             or
             lead
             to
             .
             I
             mean
             not
             what
             other
             truth
             they
             are
             connected
             with
             ,
             and
             would
             aptly
             tend
             to
             infer
             ;
             But
             what
             design
             God
             hath
             upon
             us
             in
             revealing
             them
             ,
             and
             what
             impression
             they
             ought
             to
             make
             upon
             us
             .
             To
             the
             ignorance
             or
             disregard
             of
             which
             tendency
             and
             design
             of
             Gods
             revelation
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             attributed
             ,
             that
             many
             have
             long
             the
             same
             notions
             of
             things
             hovering
             in
             their
             minds
             ,
             without
             ever
             reflecting
             with
             any
             displeasure
             upon
             the
             so
             vastly
             unsutable
             temper
             of
             their
             spirits
             thereto
             .
             They
             know
             it
             may
             be
             such
             things
             concerning
             God
             ,
             the
             tendency
             whereof
             is
             to
             draw
             their
             hearts
             into
             union
             with
             him
             ,
             to
             transform
             them
             into
             his
             likeness
             ,
             to
             inflame
             them
             with
             his
             love
             .
             But
             they
             still
             remain
             notwithstanding
             at
             the
             greatest
             distance
             ,
             most
             unsutable
             ,
             averse
             ,
             coldly
             affected
             towards
             him
             ,
             yea
             utterly
             opposite
             and
             disaffected
             ;
             and
             fall
             not
             out
             with
             themselves
             upon
             this
             account
             ,
             have
             no
             quarrel
             nor
             dislike
             ,
             take
             not
             any
             distaste
             at
             themselves
             for
             it
             .
             They
             take
             no
             notice
             of
             an
             incongruity
             and
             unfitness
             in
             the
             ill
             temper
             of
             their
             own
             spirits
             ;
             but
             seem
             as
             if
             they
             thought
             all
             were
             very
             well
             with
             them
             ,
             nothing
             amiss
             ;
             and
             apprehend
             not
             a
             repugnancy
             in
             their
             habitual
             dispositions
             towards
             God
             to
             their
             notions
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             For
             a
             vicious
             prejudice
             blinds
             their
             eyes
             ,
             their
             corrupt
             inclinations
             and
             rotten
             hearts
             send
             up
             a
             malignant
             dark
             and
             clammy
             fog
             and
             vapour
             ,
             and
             cast
             so
             black
             a
             cloud
             upon
             these
             bright
             things
             ,
             that
             their
             tendency
             and
             design
             is
             not
             perceived
             .
             That
             prejudice
             not
             
             being
             conceived
             so
             much
             against
             the
             
               abstract
               notions
            
             of
             the
             things
             themselves
             ,
             (
             whence
             they
             are
             entertained
             with
             less
             reluctancy
             )
             but
             only
             against
             the
             design
             and
             scope
             of
             them
             .
             Against
             which
             poysonous
             cloud
             Gods
             own
             glorious
             revelation
             directs
             its
             beams
             ,
             dissolves
             its
             gross
             consistency
             ,
             scatters
             its
             darkness
             ,
             as
             to
             them
             to
             whom
             he
             by
             special
             grace
             affords
             it
             .
             Whereupon
             ,
             observing
             any
             remainders
             of
             the
             same
             distemper
             in
             their
             spirits
             (
             though
             it
             be
             in
             a
             considerable
             degree
             abated
             and
             lessened
             )
             they
             are
             ashamed
             of
             themselves
             for
             it
             ,
             fill'd
             with
             confusion
             ,
             yea
             and
             indignation
             ;
             do
             loath
             and
             abhor
             ,
             and
             could
             even
             be
             ready
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             possible
             ,
             to
             run
             away
             from
             themselves
             .
             And
             what
             is
             the
             reason
             of
             this
             so
             great
             difference
             ?
             Surely
             somewhat
             appears
             discernible
             to
             these
             in
             Gods
             revelation
             of
             himself
             ,
             which
             to
             the
             other
             doth
             not
             .
             They
             have
             then
             before
             their
             eyes
             a
             more
             clear
             prospect
             of
             the
             aim
             and
             scope
             of
             it
             .
             Which
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             they
             have
             it
             ,
             pleases
             them
             (
             for
             they
             like
             the
             design
             well
             )
             ,
             only
             they
             are
             displeased
             at
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             comport
             no
             more
             with
             it
             .
             And
             as
             the
             end
             therefore
             aimed
             at
             is
             desirable
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             would
             be
             delightful
             (
             as
             will
             be
             shewn
             in
             its
             proper
             place
             )
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             to
             have
             that
             representation
             immediately
             offered
             to
             the
             view
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             which
             hath
             so
             apt
             and
             comely
             an
             aspect
             thereon
             ,
             not
             meerly
             for
             its
             own
             sake
             ,
             but
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             the
             end
             it self
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             there
             is
             somewhat
             to
             be
             apprehended
             by
             Gods
             representation
             of
             himself
             
             to
             the
             minds
             of
             this
             regenerate
             people
             ,
             at
             least
             
               more
               clearly
            
             than
             by
             other
             men
             .
             Whence
             the
             work
             of
             regenerating
             or
             converting
             them
             it self
             ,
             
             is
             expressed
             
               by
               opening
               their
               eyes
            
             .
             For
             the
             divine
             communication
             makes
             its
             own
             way
             ,
             and
             enters
             at
             the
             eye
             ,
             the
             Souls
             
               seeing
               faculty
            
             ,
             which
             it
             doth
             find
             (
             as
             opening
             the
             eyes
             imports
             )
             and
             not
             
               now
               create
            
             :
             But
             finding
             it
             vitiated
             ,
             and
             as
             to
             any
             right
             seeing
             of
             God
             ,
             shut
             and
             closed
             up
             ,
             it
             heals
             ,
             opens
             ,
             and
             restores
             it
             as
             it
             enters
             .
             It
             is
             expressed
             ,
             
               By
               turning
               them
               from
               darkness
            
             ,
             to
             light
             ;
             
               And
               from
               the
               power
               of
               Satan
               ,
            
             (
             the
             Prince
             of
             that
             Darkness
             ,
             the
             God
             of
             this
             World
             ;
             who
             had
             blinded
             their
             eyes
             —
             )
             
               unto
               God.
            
             Which
             (
             because
             they
             cannot
             turn
             and
             move
             towards
             God
             blindfold
             ,
             and
             that
             this
             opening
             their
             eyes
             is
             in
             order
             to
             their
             turning
             to
             God
             )
             implies
             ,
             that
             their
             eyes
             were
             so
             distempered
             ,
             blinded
             ,
             and
             sealed
             up
             ,
             
               cheifly
               towards
               him
            
             ;
             So
             that
             ,
             though
             they
             could
             see
             other
             things
             ,
             him
             they
             could
             not
             see
             ;
             but
             he
             was
             invisible
             to
             their
             intellectual
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             their
             bodily
             eyes
             .
             Hence
             also
             is
             that
             understanding
             said
             
               to
               be
               given
               (
               i.e.
            
             as
             rectify'd
             and
             renewed
             )
             by
             which
             we
             
               know
               God
            
             ;
             which
             implies
             it
             to
             be
             (
             wherein
             it
             is
             now
             given
             )
             somewhat
             superadded
             to
             the
             whole
             natural
             being
             and
             powers
             of
             the
             human
             Soul
             ,
             as
             in
             its
             present
             corrupted
             state
             ,
             —
             
               He
               hath
               given
               us
               an
               understanding
               to
               know
               him
               that
               is
               true
               .
            
             
             And
             that
             
               given
               rectitude
            
             of
             understanding
             is
             is
             by
             such
             a
             communication
             from
             God
             ,
             as
             hath
             that
             aptitude
             and
             power
             in
             it
             to
             infer
             so
             happy
             a
             change
             .
             The
             same
             renewing-work
             
             is
             also
             said
             to
             be
             
               a
               calling
               of
               men
               out
               of
               darkness
               into
               his
               marvelouslight
               .
            
             
             As
             if
             they
             were
             brought
             by
             it
             into
             a
             new
             world
             ,
             wherein
             they
             found
             themselves
             beset
             with
             wonders
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             were
             surprising
             to
             them
             .
             To
             which
             purpose
             is
             that
             prayer
             of
             the
             Psalmist
             (
             out
             of
             a
             just
             consciousness
             ,
             that
             this
             work
             was
             not
             perfect
             in
             him
             ,
             but
             might
             yet
             admit
             great
             additional
             degrees
             )
             ,
             
             
               Open
               thou
               mine
               eyes
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               behold
               wondrous
               things
               out
               of
               thy
               law
               .
            
             He
             supposed
             many
             undiscovered
             wonders
             ,
             which
             
               more
               open
               eyes
            
             might
             yet
             behold
             in
             that
             external
             revelation
             of
             Gods
             mind
             ,
             which
             was
             then
             afforded
             (
             and
             which
             was
             wont
             in
             those
             days
             to
             go
             under
             the
             name
             of
             
               his
               Law
            
             ,
             though
             it
             contained
             Histories
             ,
             Prophecies
             ,
             and
             Promises
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Precepts
             )
             although
             he
             was
             no
             stranger
             to
             those
             records
             ,
             nor
             little
             insighted
             into
             them
             ,
             he
             yet
             apprehended
             a
             need
             of
             more
             light
             and
             better
             eyes
             ;
             which
             he
             therefore
             desires
             .
             Not
             that
             God
             would
             cause
             a
             new
             revelation
             to
             be
             written
             ,
             (
             though
             that
             he
             vouchsafed
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             partly
             by
             himself
             ,
             but
             that
             he
             might
             learn
             more
             out
             of
             that
             already
             extant
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             wonderful
             things
             
               contained
               in
               it
            
             might
             be
             made
             more
             clear
             to
             him
             .
             Nor
             can
             we
             suppose
             him
             ,
             herein
             ,
             to
             desire
             to
             be
             gratified
             and
             delighted
             by
             the
             communication
             of
             an
             incommunicable
             thing
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               It
               is
               more
               powerfully
               assuring
            
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             is
             apt
             to
             beget
             
               a
               more
               certain
               operative
               belief
            
             of
             the
             things
             revealed
             .
             That
             is
             ,
             being
             added
             to
             the
             means
             of
             Faith
             men
             may
             be
             supposed
             to
             have
             had
             before
             ,
             it
             adds
             much
             to
             their
             assurance
             of
             the
             same
             things
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             make
             it
             efficacious
             
             upon
             their
             spirits
             .
             And
             as
             well
             cures
             the
             doubtfulness
             ,
             irresolution
             ,
             and
             way-wardness
             of
             their
             minds
             and
             hearts
             ,
             as
             the
             confusion
             and
             darkness
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             very
             possible
             those
             things
             may
             be
             distinctly
             understood
             ,
             which
             the
             more
             we
             understand
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             disbeleive
             them
             through
             their
             apprehended
             inconsistency
             with
             themselves
             or
             some
             certain
             truth
             .
             The
             delectable
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             his
             own
             discovery
             procures
             at
             once
             ,
             by
             one
             and
             the
             same
             radiation
             of
             light
             ,
             both
             to
             be
             
               clearly
               understood
            
             ,
             and
             
               effectually
               believed
            
             .
             Others
             have
             the
             
               word
               of
               faith
            
             without
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               faith
            
             .
             The
             faith
             therefore
             which
             they
             have
             is
             a
             carcase
             ;
             Not
             
               a
               weak
            
             only
             (
             which
             imports
             but
             diminished
             power
             )
             but
             
               a
               dead
               thing
            
             .
             And
             which
             hath
             no
             power
             at
             all
             to
             determine
             the
             soul
             and
             compose
             it
             to
             that
             delightful
             rest
             which
             such
             things
             ,
             duly
             believed
             ,
             would
             certainly
             infer
             .
             The
             most
             delectable
             truths
             of
             God
             and
             such
             as
             most
             directly
             tend
             (
             in
             this
             apostate
             lapsed
             state
             of
             man
             )
             to
             give
             us
             the
             sweet
             and
             refreshing
             relishes
             of
             a
             just
             and
             rational
             joy
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             are
             such
             as
             are
             contained
             in
             the
             Gospel
             of
             Christ.
             The
             things
             that
             concern
             our
             reconciliation
             ,
             friendship
             and
             communion
             with
             God
             in
             him
             .
             And
             which
             are
             therefore
             wholly
             of
             immediately
             divine
             and
             supernatural
             revelation
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             received
             by
             faith
             .
             Therefore
             one
             Apostle
             prayes
             for
             some
             they
             might
             be
             filled
             with
             
               joy
               and
               peace
               [
               in
               believing
               ]
               .
            
             
             And
             another
             says
             of
             others
             
               that
               [
               believing
               ]
               they
               rejoyced
               with
               joy
               unspeakable
               and
               full
               of
               
               
               glory
               .
            
             The
             external
             Revelation
             in
             the
             Gospel
             is
             
               an
               apt
               means
            
             ,
             to
             beget
             that
             Faith
             (
             which
             it
             is
             said
             
               comes
               by
               hearing
               )
            
             :
             But
             the
             very
             notion
             of
             means
             importing
             what
             intervenes
             to
             the
             effect
             ,
             between
             that
             and
             the
             Principal
             Agent
             ,
             necessarily
             supposes
             such
             an
             Agent
             .
             And
             that
             what
             is
             
               only
               means
            
             ,
             cannot
             work
             the
             effect
             alone
             .
             That
             Agent
             ,
             viz.
             (
             in
             this
             case
             )
             
               God
               himself
            
             ,
             or
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             besides
             the
             means
             which
             he
             uses
             ,
             and
             makes
             effectual
             ,
             must
             have
             
               his
               own
               influence
            
             whereby
             he
             makes
             them
             so
             .
             If
             a
             pen
             be
             a
             fit
             means
             or
             instrument
             to
             write
             with
             ,
             it
             doth
             not
             therefore
             follow
             ,
             that
             it
             can
             write
             alone
             ,
             without
             an
             hand
             to
             move
             and
             guide
             it
             ,
             in
             order
             whereto
             a
             motive
             and
             directive
             influence
             is
             imparted
             .
             In
             the
             present
             case
             ,
             The
             influence
             is
             
               the
               inward
               enlightening
               overpow'ring
               communication
            
             ,
             whereof
             we
             speak
             .
             The
             efficacy
             whereof
             is
             such
             ,
             as
             to
             give
             the
             Soul
             that
             peaceful
             rest
             
               in
               believing
            
             ,
             which
             is
             also
             most
             
               pleasant
               and
               delightful
            
             ,
             according
             as
             the
             things
             are
             found
             to
             be
             so
             ,
             which
             are
             believed
             .
             Nor
             doth
             it
             in
             order
             hereto
             work
             by
             way
             of
             Enthusiastical
             impulsion
             ,
             without
             any
             reference
             to
             the
             external
             Revelation
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             rationally
             and
             aptly
             sutable
             to
             the
             working
             of
             the
             effect
             .
             For
             then
             ,
             that
             should
             no
             way
             have
             the
             place
             
               so
               much
               as
               of
               means
            
             .
             But
             there
             being
             sufficient
             inducement
             to
             perswade
             that
             this
             external
             Revelation
             is
             divine
             (
             so
             as
             to
             procure
             a
             rational
             assent
             to
             the
             things
             revealed
             ,
             with
             any
             man
             ,
             that
             ,
             having
             that
             revelation
             ,
             with
             the
             account
             of
             its
             first
             confirmations
             ,
             shall
             but
             use
             his
             understanding
             
             in
             reference
             thereto
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             besotted
             to
             a
             party
             of
             sworn
             enemies
             to
             the
             Christian
             name
             )
             .
             This
             inward
             revelation
             then
             falling
             in
             ,
             captivates
             his
             heart
             to
             an
             entire
             unitive
             closure
             ,
             with
             the
             great
             things
             contained
             in
             the
             outward
             one
             ;
             and
             principally
             with
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             himself
             ,
             
               unto
               which
               union
            
             ,
             that
             whole
             revelation
             is
             most
             directly
             subservient
             .
             Therefore
             it
             was
             ,
             that
             when
             divers
             others
             (
             of
             whom
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             and
             particularly
             of
             Judas
             ,
             
             that
             they
             believed
             not
             )
             forsook
             Christ
             ,
             Peter
             and
             the
             other
             Apostles
             stuck
             so
             resolutely
             to
             him
             ,
             because
             ,
             
               we
               believe
            
             (
             say
             they
             )
             and
             
               are
               sure
            
             that
             
               thou
               art
               Christ
               the
               son
               of
               the
               living
               God
            
             ;
             which
             assurance
             we
             may
             then
             conclude
             was
             much
             of
             another
             sort
             than
             that
             of
             Judas
             ;
             though
             we
             canno●
             suppose
             him
             to
             have
             wanted
             
               a
               rational
               ●●●●●ty
            
             of
             the
             same
             truth
             ,
             sufficient
             to
             have
             ove●come
             
               objections
               in
               his
               judgment
            
             :
             but
             
               not
               sufficient
            
             to
             overcome
             the
             
               contrary
               corrupt
               inclinations
               of
               his
               wicked
               heart
               .
            
             Therefore
             as
             the
             inward
             revelation
             uses
             not
             to
             do
             its
             work
             without
             the
             outward
             ,
             (
             for
             I
             suppose
             we
             have
             not
             heard
             of
             many
             Christians
             where
             the
             Gospel
             hath
             not
             been
             )
             ,
             so
             nor
             is
             the
             outward
             revelation
             able
             ,
             alone
             to
             beget
             that
             which
             ,
             in
             the
             more
             eminent
             sence
             ,
             goes
             in
             Scripture
             under
             the
             name
             of
             Faith.
             It
             may
             beget
             that
             meerly
             
               intellectual
               certainty
            
             which
             may
             prevail
             against
             all
             doubts
             and
             objections
             in
             a
             mans
             mind
             to
             the
             contrary
             ;
             but
             not
             the
             contrary
             inclinations
             of
             his
             corrupt
             will.
             Most
             mens
             faith
             is
             but
             opinionative
             ,
             and
             many
             mens
             never
             
             reaches
             so
             high
             as
             to
             a
             rational
             opinion
             ;
             that
             proceeds
             upon
             having
             ballanced
             considerations
             on
             both
             sides
             ,
             and
             inclines
             to
             that
             part
             on
             which
             seems
             to
             be
             the
             most
             weighty
             ;
             whereas
             the
             Faith
             (
             as
             they
             call
             it
             )
             of
             too
             many
             is
             no
             other
             thing
             than
             a
             meerly
             blind
             and
             sequacious
             humor
             ,
             grounded
             upon
             nothing
             but
             a
             willingness
             to
             be
             in
             the
             fashion
             ;
             or
             the
             apprehension
             of
             disgrace
             with
             other
             inconveniencies
             ,
             if
             where
             that
             is
             the
             common
             profession
             one
             should
             profess
             to
             be
             any
             thing
             but
             a
             Christian
             ;
             or
             a
             lazy
             indifferency
             easily
             determinable
             to
             that
             part
             which
             is
             next
             at
             hand
             to
             be
             chosen
             ;
             or
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             they
             never
             having
             heard
             of
             another
             profession
             (
             which
             precludes
             any
             choice
             at
             all
             )
             .
          
           
             But
             admit
             it
             did
             arrive
             to
             
               a
               rational
               certainty
            
             (
             as
             it
             easily
             might
             with
             them
             that
             have
             with
             the
             external
             requisite
             advantages
             ,
             competent
             understanding
             ,
             patience
             ,
             diligence
             ,
             and
             impartiality
             to
             consider
             )
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             suppose
             it
             to
             proceed
             upon
             that
             abundant
             evidence
             which
             the
             case
             will
             admit
             ,
             that
             the
             Christian
             Doctrine
             hath
             been
             testified
             by
             God
             ;
             And
             that
             Gods
             testimony
             cannot
             deceive
             :
             There
             needs
             more
             
               to
               win
               and
               overcome
               mens
               hearts
            
             ;
             which
             must
             be
             done
             e're
             the
             things
             revealed
             in
             the
             Gospel
             can
             be
             apprehended
             delectable
             .
             What
             can
             any
             man
             have
             greater
             certainty
             of
             ,
             
               in
               a
               meer
               human
               way
            
             ,
             than
             all
             men
             have
             that
             they
             must
             dye
             ?
             And
             yet
             how
             few
             are
             there
             whose
             spirits
             are
             formed
             hereby
             to
             any
             seriousness
             agreeable
             to
             that
             perswasion
             ?
             Whatever
             way
             a
             man
             comes
             to
             be
             
             certain
             of
             any
             thing
             that
             hath
             a
             contrary
             tendency
             to
             the
             bent
             of
             his
             habitually
             wicked
             heart
             ,
             he
             needs
             more
             than
             the
             evidence
             of
             the
             thing
             ,
             to
             make
             it
             efficaciously
             determine
             his
             will
             against
             his
             former
             vicious
             course
             .
             If
             the
             matter
             be
             such
             as
             properly
             falls
             under
             Faith
             ;
             That
             Faith
             grounds
             upon
             the
             Authority
             of
             God
             apprehended
             as
             avouching
             the
             Truth
             of
             that
             revelation
             to
             which
             we
             subscribe
             our
             assent
             .
             But
             then
             it
             is
             lively
             or
             languid
             ,
             according
             as
             the
             apprehension
             is
             we
             have
             of
             that
             avouchment
             .
             But
             the
             apprehension
             which
             is
             only
             the
             product
             of
             the
             external
             revelation
             ,
             even
             recommended
             by
             the
             most
             advantagious
             and
             convincing
             circumstances
             ,
             is
             too
             faint
             to
             command
             the
             Soul.
             Who
             amongst
             all
             the
             people
             of
             the
             Jews
             at
             Mount
             Horeb
             ,
             could
             have
             any
             doubt
             ,
             but
             the
             Authority
             that
             avouched
             the
             Law
             there
             given
             them
             was
             Divine
             ?
             And
             yet
             how
             boldly
             do
             they
             rush
             into
             Idolatry
             ,
             against
             the
             express
             letter
             of
             that
             Law
             ;
             while
             the
             sound
             of
             that
             dreadful
             
               voice
               of
               words
            
             which
             delivered
             it
             ,
             could
             hardly
             ,
             one
             would
             think
             ,
             be
             well
             out
             of
             their
             ears
             !
             And
             though
             they
             could
             not
             doubt
             of
             Gods
             Authority
             ,
             yet
             for
             all
             that
             ,
             their
             frequent
             rebellions
             are
             plainly
             resolved
             into
             
               their
               infidelity
            
             .
             
             
               How
               long
               will
               this
               people
               provoke
               me
               ?
               And
               how
               long
               will
               it
               be
               ere
               [
               they
               believe
               me
               ]
               ,
            
             
             
               for
               all
               the
               signs
               which
               I
               have
               shewed
               among
               them
               ?
               Yea
               they
               despised
               the
               pleasant
               land
               :
               [
               they
               believed
               not
               ]
               his
               word
               .
            
             Or
             what
             place
             could
             be
             left
             for
             
               rational
               doubt
            
             ,
             with
             the
             multitudes
             that
             beheld
             
             Miracles
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             were
             Gods
             own
             Seal
             affixed
             purposely
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             taught
             by
             him
             ?
             Yet
             how
             few
             (
             though
             we
             must
             suppose
             many
             convinc't
             )
             did
             heartily
             believe
             in
             him
             ?
             more
             (
             abundantly
             )
             did
             upon
             a
             less-advantagious-external
             revelation
             after
             his
             ascension
             ;
             And
             the
             reason
             is
             plainly
             told
             us
             ,
             
               The
               Spirit
               was
               not
               yet
               given
               ,
            
             
             
               because
               that
               Jesus
               was
               not
               yet
               glorified
               .
            
             And
             how
             expresly
             have
             we
             it
             from
             his
             own
             mouth
             *
             ,
             
             (
             after
             he
             had
             interpreted
             
               coming
               to
               him
            
             by
             
               believing
               on
               him
               )
               No
               man
               can
               come
               unto
               me
               ,
               
               ,
               except
               the
               Father
               that
               hath
               sent
               me
               draw
               him
               .
            
             And
             afterwards
             having
             said
             ,
             
             
               It
               is
               the
               Spirit
               that
               quickeneth
            
             ;
             he
             adds
             ,
             
               But
               there
               are
               some
               of
               you
               ,
               that
               believe
               not
               ,
            
             
             (
             so
             that
             no
             mans
             professed
             assent
             ,
             though
             as
             forward
             a
             professor
             as
             Judas
             was
             ,
             
               there
               refer'd
               to
            
             ,
             will
             in
             strict
             account
             intitle
             him
             a
             Believer
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             produced
             by
             the
             quickening
             influence
             of
             the
             Spirit
             )
             .
             And
             then
             repeats
             ,
             
             
               Therefore
               I
               said
               unto
               you
               ,
               that
               no
               man
               can
               come
               unto
               me
               ,
               except
               it
               were
               given
               him
               of
               my
               Father
               .
            
             And
             what
             provocation
             the
             Father
             had
             to
             with-hold
             that
             quickening
             Spirit
             ,
             so
             generally
             ,
             from
             that
             people
             ,
             any
             one
             may
             see
             that
             reads
             their
             story
             .
             Upon
             which
             ,
             by
             the
             recess
             of
             that
             Spirit
             ,
             they
             are
             hardened
             to
             as
             great
             a
             Miracle
             as
             formerly
             their
             AEgyptian
             oppressors
             were
             many
             ages
             before
             (
             there
             being
             indeed
             no
             greater
             Miracle
             as
             was
             said
             of
             old
             ,
             than
             that
             men
             should
             not
             believe
             upon
             the
             sight
             of
             so
             many
             Miracles
             )
             .
             And
             this
             
             dreadful
             dereliction
             ,
             and
             consequent
             obduration
             we
             see
             is
             refer'd
             to
             
               primitive
               Justice
            
             as
             a
             vindictive
             dispensation
             .
             
               But
               though
               he
               had
               done
               so
               many
               Miracles
               before
               them
               ,
            
             
             
               yet
               they
               believed
               not
               on
               him
               .
               
               That
               the
               saying
               of
               Esaias
               the
               Prophet
               might
               be
               fulfilled
               which
               he
               spake
               ,
            
             
             
               Lord
               who
               hath
               believed
               our
               report
               ?
               And
               to
               whom
               is
               the
               arm
               of
               the
               Lord
               revealed
               ,
            
             
             (
             where
             it
             is
             obvious
             to
             observe
             ,
             that
             the
             
               believing
               of
               the
               Gospel-report
            
             owes
             it self
             to
             the
             
               revelation
               of
               Gods
               arm
            
             ;
             or
             requires
             the
             exerting
             of
             his
             power
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             that
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               That
               ye
               may
               know
               what
               is
               the
               exceeding
               greatness
               of
               his
               power
               to
               us-ward
               ,
            
             
             
               who
               believe
               according
               to
               the
               working
               of
               his
               mighty
               power
               ,
               which
               he
               wrought
               in
               Christ
               ,
               when
               he
               raised
               him
               from
               the
               dead
               ,
               &c.
               )
               .
            
             And
             how
             the
             arm
             of
             the
             Lord
             came
             not
             to
             be
             revealed
             ,
             or
             that
             power
             not
             to
             be
             put
             forth
             ,
             is
             intimated
             in
             what
             follows
             ,
             
               Therefore
               they
               could
               not
               believe
               ,
               because
            
             (
             for
             which
             Isaias
             is
             again
             quoted
             )
             ,
             
             
               he
               had
               blinded
               their
               eyes
               ,
               and
               hardened
               their
               hearts
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             Which
             shews
             ,
             that
             as
             that
             blinding
             and
             hardening
             of
             eyes
             and
             hearts
             ,
             in
             some
             superadded
             degrees
             thereof
             ,
             is
             the
             effect
             of
             a
             penal
             dereliction
             or
             retraction
             of
             Gods
             arm
             ,
             for
             former
             obstinate
             opposition
             to
             the
             external
             revelation
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             So
             that
             there
             is
             a
             precedent
             blindness
             and
             hardness
             ,
             not
             otherwise
             vincible
             than
             by
             the
             arm
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             And
             which
             ,
             it
             being
             penally
             withheld
             ,
             will
             naturally
             grow
             worse
             and
             worse
             .
             And
             certainly
             that
             ,
             upon
             the
             with-holding
             whereof
             ,
             such
             things
             certainly
             ensue
             as
             are
             
             
               inconsistent
               with
               believing
            
             ,
             must
             needs
             it self
             
               be
               necessary
               to
               it
            
             .
             All
             which
             things
             considered
             ,
             do
             so
             plainly
             speak
             the
             
               insufficiency
               of
               a
               meer
               external
               revelation
               ,
            
             and
             the
             
               necessity
               of
               an
               internal
               besides
            
             ,
             unto
             that
             Faith
             ,
             
               which
               is
               the
               immediate
               spring
               of
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ;
             that
             it
             is
             not
             needful
             to
             insist
             upon
             many
             plain
             Texts
             of
             Scripture
             besides
             ,
             that
             fully
             say
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             
             
               As
               that
               no
               man
               can
               say
               that
               Jesus
               is
               the
               Lord
               ,
               but
               by
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               .
            
             And
             again
             ,
             
               Whosoever
               shall
               confess
               that
               Jesus
               is
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               God
               dwelleth
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               in
               God.
               And
               whosoever
               believeth
               that
               Jesus
               is
               the
               Christ
               is
               born
               of
               God.
            
             
             Upon
             which
             words
             ,
             with
             many
             more
             of
             like
             import
             in
             the
             sacred
             Volume
             ,
             no
             sense
             can
             be
             put
             which
             is
             tolerable
             ,
             and
             not
             the
             same
             with
             what
             we
             have
             above
             asserted
             .
          
           
             In
             short
             ,
             Faith
             is
             a
             part
             of
             homage
             paid
             to
             the
             Authority
             of
             the
             great
             God
             ;
             which
             is
             to
             be
             estimated
             sincere
             ,
             according
             as
             it
             answers
             the
             end
             ,
             for
             which
             the
             things
             to
             be
             beleived
             were
             revealed
             .
             That
             end
             is
             not
             to
             beget
             only
             the
             notion
             of
             those
             things
             ,
             as
             truths
             that
             are
             to
             be
             lodg'd
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             go
             no
             further
             ;
             as
             if
             they
             were
             to
             be
             understood
             true
             only
             that
             they
             might
             be
             so
             understood
             ;
             But
             that
             the
             person
             might
             accordingly
             have
             his
             spirit
             formed
             ,
             and
             might
             shape
             the
             course
             of
             his
             whole
             conversation
             ;
             Therefore
             is
             it
             called
             the
             
               obedience
               of
               faith
            
             :
             And
             the
             same
             word
             which
             is
             wont
             to
             be
             rendered
             unbelief
             signifies
             disobedience
             ,
             obstinacy
             unperswadeableness
             ;
             being
             from
             a
             theam
             ,
             which
             (
             as
             is
             
             known
             )
             signifies
             to
             perswade
             .
             So
             that
             this
             homage
             is
             then
             truly
             given
             to
             the
             eternal
             God
             ,
             when
             his
             revelation
             is
             comply'd
             with
             and
             submitted
             to
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             true
             intent
             and
             purpose
             of
             it
             .
             Which
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             requires
             that
             
               his
               spirit
            
             urge
             the
             soul
             with
             
               his
               Authority
            
             ,
             and
             overpower
             it
             into
             an
             awful
             subjection
             thereto
             .
             The
             soul
             being
             so
             disjointed
             by
             the
             Apostacy
             that
             its
             own
             faculties
             keep
             not
             (
             in
             reference
             to
             the
             things
             of
             God
             )
             their
             
               natural
               order
            
             to
             one
             another
             ,
             further
             than
             as
             an
             holy
             rectitude
             is
             renewed
             in
             them
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             .
             Therefore
             is
             it
             necessary
             ,
             that
             the
             enlightening
             communication
             which
             he
             transmits
             into
             it
             ,
             be
             not
             only
             so
             clear
             ,
             as
             to
             scatter
             the
             darkness
             that
             beclouded
             the
             mind
             ,
             but
             so
             penetrating
             ,
             as
             to
             strike
             and
             pierce
             the
             heart
             ,
             to
             dissolve
             and
             relaxe
             its
             stiff
             and
             frozen
             rigor
             ,
             and
             render
             it
             capable
             of
             a
             new
             mould
             &
             frame
             .
             In
             order
             whereto
             ,
             
               God
               that
            
             (
             at
             first
             )
             
               commanded
               the
               light
               to
               shine
               out
               of
               darkness
               ,
               is
               said
               to
               have
               shined
               into
               the
               hearts
            
             (
             of
             them
             viz.
             
             whom
             he
             renews
             )
             
               to
               give
               the
               light
               of
               the
               knowledg
               of
               the
               glory
               of
               God
               in
               the
               face
               of
               Jesus
               Christ.
               
            
          
           
             And
             as
             they
             to
             whom
             this
             communication
             of
             God
             is
             in
             some
             degree
             afforded
             ,
             do
             hereupon
             apprehend
             how
             necessary
             it
             was
             to
             them
             that
             it
             should
             be
             afforded
             ;
             and
             
               be
               such
            
             as
             they
             
               now
               find
               it
               ▪
            
             (
             which
             they
             apprehended
             not
             before
             )
             ,
             so
             they
             perceive
             it
             to
             be
             delightful
             also
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             necessary
             .
             And
             finding
             it
             yet
             given
             into
             them
             but
             in
             an
             imperfect
             degree
             ,
             their
             continual
             cravings
             are
             still
             for
             more
             .
             
             And
             having
             
               tasted
               hereby
            
             ,
             
             
               how
               gracious
               the
               Lord
               is
               ;
               as
               new-born-babes
               ,
               they
               desire
               it
               ,
               as
               sincere
               milk
               that
               they
               may
               grow
               thereby
               .
            
             They
             hereby
             ,
             come
             to
             know
             God
             and
             the
             things
             of
             God
             
               with
               savor
            
             .
             
             And
             
               wisdom
               having
               entered
               into
               their
               hearts
               ,
               knowledg
               is
               pleasant
               to
               their
               soul.
            
             Whereby
             ,
             as
             every
             renewed
             taste
             provokes
             in
             them
             
               new
               desire
            
             ,
             all
             such
             renewed
             desires
             dispose
             them
             unto
             
               further
               and
               more
               satisfying
               delight
            
             .
             They
             sensibly
             discern
             the
             difference
             between
             their
             former
             dry
             and
             sapless
             notions
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             lively-spirited
             apprehensions
             which
             they
             now
             have
             .
             They
             can
             in
             some
             measure
             understand
             the
             reason
             why
             the
             Apostle
             should
             in
             such
             a
             rapture
             speak
             of
             the
             
               excellency
               of
               the
               knowledg
               of
               Christ
               Jesus
               our
               Lord
            
             ;
             And
             why
             he
             should
             so
             triumphingly
             give
             thanks
             to
             God
             for
             the
             
               manifestation
               of
               the
               [
               savor
               ]
               of
               his
               knowledg
            
             in
             every
             place
             .
             
             They
             can
             perceive
             there
             was
             good
             sence
             in
             those
             words
             ,
             as
             they
             have
             a
             more
             quick
             and
             judicious
             perception
             of
             the
             fragrancy
             of
             that
             knowledg
             .
             It
             is
             to
             them
             a
             refreshing
             ,
             vital
             ,
             quickening
             perfume
             ,
             
             (
             as
             the
             word
             there
             ,
             and
             before
             imports
             )
             most
             cheeringly
             odoriferous
             ,
             the
             
               savor
               of
               life
               to
               life
            
             ,
             lively
             in
             it self
             ,
             and
             to
             them
             .
             So
             full
             of
             life
             ,
             as
             to
             beget
             and
             transmit
             it
             ;
             and
             replenish
             their
             Souls
             therewith
             .
             So
             as
             they
             might
             feel
             life
             thence
             working
             in
             all
             their
             powers
             ;
             A
             revelation
             
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             is
             of
             such
             
               a
               nature
            
             ,
             cannot
             but
             be
             highly
             delectable
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             In
             respect
             of
             the
             matter
             revealed
             ,
             
               God
               himself
            
             especially
             (
             if
             not
             yet
             testifying
             himself
             
             to
             be
             ,
             yet
             at
             least
             willing
             in
             Christ
             to
             become
             )
             
               our
               God
            
             ;
             in
             such
             a
             way
             ,
             and
             upon
             such
             terms
             as
             is
             expressed
             in
             the
             Gospel
             .
             A
             more
             particular
             mention
             of
             the
             things
             (
             contained
             in
             this
             revelation
             )
             that
             are
             more
             apt
             to
             beget
             delight
             and
             feed
             it
             ,
             is
             purposely
             defer'd
             ,
             till
             we
             come
             to
             press
             and
             inforce
             the
             duty
             it self
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             In
             respect
             of
             the
             immediate
             way
             and
             manner
             of
             Revelation
             ,
             with
             so
             much
             facility
             continually
             coming
             in
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ,
             upon
             the
             Soul
             ,
             according
             as
             it
             is
             found
             ready
             by
             a
             dutiful
             compliance
             to
             admit
             it
             ,
             and
             doth
             ly
             open
             to
             it
             :
             (
             For
             otherwise
             ,
             a
             fatherly
             severity
             ,
             is
             most
             fitly
             expressed
             in
             with-holding
             it
             at
             some
             times
             )
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             In
             respect
             of
             the
             life
             and
             vigor
             which
             it
             carries
             with
             it
             ,
             whereby
             it
             is
             experienced
             to
             be
             
               a
               vital
               light
            
             ;
             and
             that
             it
             is
             indeed
             (
             as
             is
             said
             )
             life
             ,
             
             which
             is
             the
             
               light
               of
               men
            
             .
             Dull
             ,
             sluggish
             ,
             ineffectual
             notions
             of
             such
             things
             can
             have
             little
             (
             comparatively
             )
             of
             delectation
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             In
             respect
             of
             the
             design
             and
             tendency
             of
             the
             Revelation
             ,
             (
             discernible
             at
             the
             same
             time
             )
             ,
             to
             draw
             the
             Soul
             into
             union
             with
             God
             ;
             And
             that
             there
             may
             be
             a
             continual
             intercourse
             between
             him
             and
             it
             .
             Not
             that
             it
             might
             have
             a
             transient
             glance
             of
             so
             lovely
             an
             object
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             .
             When
             once
             it
             apprehends
             God
             hath
             made
             this
             light
             shine
             in
             upon
             me
             ,
             
               not
               to
               amuse
            
             me
             ,
             but
             here
             he
             fixes
             it
             as
             a
             lamp
             
               to
               guide
            
             me
             ,
             in
             a
             stated
             course
             of
             communion
             with
             him
             .
             How
             pleasant
             is
             it
             to
             think
             he
             will
             be
             known
             for
             this
             blessed
             purpose
             !
          
           
           
             Now
             a
             communication
             of
             God
             ,
             including
             a
             revelation
             of
             him
             ,
             apt
             to
             beget
             such
             a
             knowledg
             ,
             cannot
             be
             without
             much
             matter
             of
             delight
             .
          
           
             But
             besides
             ,
             that
             (
             though
             most
             naturally
             following
             thereupon
             )
             it
             also
             includes
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             
               A
               transforming
               impression
               of
               his
               image
               .
            
             
             This
             yet
             more
             fully
             answers
             the
             enquiry
             when
             a
             person
             is
             said
             
               to
               enjoy
               God
            
             ;
             what
             doth
             he
             immediately
             enjoy
             ?
             or
             whereby
             is
             he
             said
             to
             
               enjoy
               God
            
             ?
             what
             doth
             God
             communicate
             or
             transmit
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             may
             be
             said
             
               to
               be
               enjoyed
            
             ?
             He
             communicates
             
               his
               own
               living
               likeness
            
             ,
             the
             very
             image
             of
             himself
             ;
             not
             the
             Idaea
             or
             likeness
             only
             by
             which
             he
             is
             known
             ;
             Though
             it
             must
             be
             confessed
             ,
             the
             knowledg
             of
             him
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             known
             to
             be
             what
             he
             truly
             is
             ,
             must
             suppose
             a
             true
             likeness
             of
             him
             ,
             offered
             to
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             formed
             there
             .
             But
             this
             of
             which
             we
             now
             speak
             ,
             is
             a
             not
             meerly
             representative
             but
             
               a
               real
               image
            
             .
          
           
             The
             product
             of
             the
             former
             it
             is
             ,
             as
             is
             sufficiently
             to
             be
             collected
             from
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             .
             For
             that
             appears
             to
             be
             not
             a
             meer
             aiery
             ,
             spiritless
             ,
             ineffectual
             thing
             ,
             as
             the
             notion
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             divine
             matters
             is
             with
             the
             most
             ;
             but
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             operative
             ,
             penetrating
             ,
             efficacious
             ,
             apt
             to
             beget
             sutable
             impressions
             upon
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             wholly
             transform
             the
             Soul.
             The
             effect
             of
             it
             then
             is
             ,
             
               this
               transformative
               impression
               it self
            
             ;
             By
             which
             the
             Soul
             becomes
             another
             thing
             than
             it
             was
             ;
             
             
               A
               new
               creature
            
             ;
             old
             things
             being
             done
             away
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             made
             new
             .
             In
             respect
             of
             this
             it
             is
             said
             
             to
             be
             ,
             
               born
               of
               God.
            
             This
             is
             the
             
               new
               man
               which
               after
               God
               is
               said
               to
               be
               created
               in
               knowledg
               ,
            
             
             righteousness
             ,
             
             
               and
               true
               holiness
               ;
               The
               divine
               nature
               participated
            
             ;
             
             The
             
               seed
               of
               God
            
             ;
             The
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             the
             prime
             and
             most
             excellent
             part
             of
             his
             creatures
             .
             
          
           
             Concerning
             this
             likeness
             ,
             and
             the
             satisfyingness
             of
             it
             ,
             in
             its
             perfect
             state
             ,
             though
             much
             have
             been
             discoursed
             elsewhere
             ;
             It
             will
             be
             requisite
             to
             say
             somewhat
             here
             also
             ,
             that
             may
             bear
             a
             more
             direct
             reference
             to
             the
             present
             imperfect
             state
             of
             the
             regenerate
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             That
             communication
             of
             God
             which
             must
             be
             supposed
             afforded
             them
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             their
             delighting
             in
             him
             ,
             could
             signify
             little
             to
             that
             purpose
             ,
             if
             with
             deformed
             and
             diseased
             Souls
             they
             were
             only
             to
             look
             upon
             a
             very
             lovely
             object
             ;
             still
             themselves
             remaining
             what
             they
             were
             .
             Nor
             doth
             it
             delight
             them
             only
             as
             it
             is
             apprehended
             
               apt
               and
               aiming
            
             to
             work
             an
             happy
             change
             in
             them
             ;
             but
             as
             it
             doth
             it
             or
             hath
             in
             part
             done
             it
             .
             As
             like
             an
             active
             quick
             flame
             it
             passes
             through
             their
             Souls
             ,
             searches
             ,
             melts
             them
             ,
             burns
             up
             their
             dross
             ,
             makes
             them
             a
             new
             lump
             or
             mass
             ,
             forms
             them
             for
             Gods
             own
             use
             and
             converse
             .
          
           
             God
             is
             proposed
             unto
             our
             communion
             and
             fellowship
             under
             the
             name
             of
             Light.
             
             But
             such
             a
             light
             (
             it
             appears
             )
             as
             whereby
             
               we
               that
               were
               darkness
               do
               also
               become
               light
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             (
             as
             elsewhere
             it
             is
             exprest
             .
             )
             
             That
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             the
             
               father
               of
               lights
            
             ,
             we
             may
             appear
             the
             children
             of
             such
             a
             father
             ,
             and
             walk
             accordingly
             
               i.
               e.
            
             as
             
               children
               of
               light
            
             .
             For
             we
             are
             presently
             told
             
             
               that
               if
               we
               say
               we
               have
               fellowship
               with
               him
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               walk
               in
               darkness
               ,
               we
               lie
               ,
               and
               do
               not
               the
               truth
               .
               But
               if
               we
               walk
               in
               the
               light
               as
               he
               is
               in
               the
               light
               ,
            
             
             
               then
               we
               have
               a
               mutual
               fellowship
               ,
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             God
             and
             we
             )
             .
             It
             is
             needful
             then
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             that
             apprehension
             of
             him
             .
             And
             he
             therefore
             by
             solemn
             message
             makes
             that
             declaration
             of
             himself
             that
             he
             is
             
               Light
               ,
               (
               This
               then
               is
               the
               message
               which
               we
               have
               heard
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               declare
               unto
               you
               ,
               that
               God
               is
               light
               ,
               and
               with
               him
               is
               no
               darkness
               at
               all
               )
               ,
               i.
               e.
            
             the
             most
             pure
             ,
             holy
             ,
             excellent
             ,
             glorious
             Being
             .
          
           
             But
             for
             what
             purpose
             are
             we
             to
             have
             that
             apprehension
             ?
             We
             are
             told
             by
             the
             Apostle
             for
             what
             ;
             He
             there
             makes
             that
             declaration
             with
             that
             design
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             be
             entered
             into
             the
             same
             fellowship
             in
             which
             he
             was
             already
             :
             For
             that
             end
             therefore
             we
             are
             to
             have
             this
             apprehension
             .
             But
             inasmuch
             as
             he
             immediately
             adds
             ,
             That
             yet
             while
             we
             converse
             in
             darkness
             ,
             we
             lie
             ,
             if
             we
             pretend
             to
             that
             fellowship
             :
             'T
             is
             manifest
             ,
             that
             this
             discovery
             of
             God
             and
             our
             sutable
             apprehension
             are
             no
             further
             serviceable
             to
             
               their
               end
            
             ,
             than
             
               bringing
               us
               into
               fellowship
               with
               him
               ,
            
             than
             as
             by
             his
             beams
             he
             begets
             us
             into
             his
             own
             likeness
             herein
             :
             And
             that
             (
             so
             far
             as
             our
             capacity
             and
             present
             state
             admit
             )
             we
             be
             truly
             in
             a
             degree
             made
             pure
             ,
             bright
             ,
             shining
             ,
             excellent
             creatures
             ,
             resembling
             our
             Maker
             ,
             and
             being
             a
             second
             time
             formed
             after
             the
             image
             of
             him
             that
             created
             us
             .
          
           
             The
             Gospel
             is
             the
             formative
             instrument
             in
             this
             work
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             said
             to
             be
             the
             instrument
             
             or
             means
             of
             our
             
               intellectual
               illumination
            
             .
             The
             new
             creature
             is
             said
             to
             be
             begotten
             of
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ;
             And
             the
             divine
             Nature
             to
             be
             communicated
             through
             the
             exceeding
             great
             and
             precious
             promises
             ,
             (
             which
             discovering
             Gods
             
               gracious
               Nature
            
             and
             
               favourable
               inclination
            
             towards
             us
             ,
             are
             an
             apt
             means
             (
             but
             no
             more
             than
             a
             means
             )
             to
             render
             us
             well-natur'd
             (
             not
             cross
             ,
             thwarting
             ,
             contrary
             )
             unto
             him
             .
             Faith
             admits
             the
             Gospel-discovery
             into
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             of
             an
             external
             word
             without
             ,
             makes
             it
             become
             an
             
               ingrafted
               word
               ;
               The
               word
               of
               Christ
               dwelling
               richly
               in
               us
            
             ;
             And
             so
             gives
             it
             the
             advantage
             of
             becoming
             thus
             mightily
             operative
             ;
             For
             unto
             them
             only
             
               who
               believe
            
             is
             it
             the
             power
             of
             God
             to
             Salvation
             .
             And
             being
             received
             ,
             not
             as
             the
             word
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             as
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             works
             effectually
             
               in
               them
               that
               believe
            
             .
             To
             them
             who
             believe
             it
             not
             ,
             it
             signifies
             nothing
             ,
             is
             to
             them
             an
             empty
             sound
             ,
             or
             only
             as
             a
             tale
             that
             is
             told
             .
          
           
             And
             inasmuch
             as
             the
             Gospel-revelation
             is
             the
             instrument
             of
             this
             impression
             ;
             by
             it
             the
             impression
             must
             be
             measured
             ,
             with
             it
             must
             it
             agree
             .
             Which
             revelation
             being
             expressive
             of
             the
             Nature
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             mind
             and
             will
             in
             reference
             to
             us
             ;
             the
             impression
             cannot
             but
             be
             agreeable
             to
             that
             revelation
             ;
             but
             it
             must
             also
             carry
             in
             it
             the
             resemblance
             and
             likeness
             of
             God
             himself
             ;
             for
             the
             Gospel-revelation
             is
             Gods
             Seal
             ;
             the
             stamp
             upon
             it
             is
             a
             model
             of
             his
             Image
             .
             Whence
             therefore
             the
             Soul
             sealed
             therewith
             ,
             bears
             on
             it
             at
             once
             the
             signature
             both
             of
             the
             Author
             and
             the
             
             Instrument
             .
             But
             because
             our
             best
             and
             surest
             way
             of
             forming
             true
             and
             right
             apprehensions
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             to
             attend
             and
             guide
             our selves
             by
             the
             representation
             that
             is
             there
             made
             of
             him
             (
             for
             it
             were
             useless
             and
             in
             vain
             ,
             if
             letting
             our
             thoughts
             work
             at
             random
             without
             reference
             to
             it
             ,
             we
             might
             conceive
             as
             fitly
             of
             God
             and
             his
             mind
             concerning
             us
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             direction
             and
             guidance
             of
             it
             )
             ;
             Therefore
             are
             we
             to
             aim
             at
             conformity
             to
             God
             
               as
               he
               is
               there
               represented
            
             .
             For
             that
             is
             the
             proper
             likeness
             to
             him
             we
             are
             to
             inquire
             after
             (
             and
             which
             only
             could
             be
             impressed
             by
             his
             Gospel
             )
             
               that
               is
            
             expressed
             and
             represented
             there
             .
             
             
               We
               all
               with
               open
               face
               beholding
               as
               in
               a
               glass
               the
               glory
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               are
               changed
               into
               the
               same
               Image
               from
               glory
               to
               glory
               .
            
             It
             is
             by
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             Lord
             shining
             through
             
               that
               glass
            
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             changed
             .
             And
             the
             image
             whereinto
             we
             are
             changed
             is
             the
             
               same
               image
            
             that
             is
             to
             be
             seen
             in
             that
             glass
             .
             For
             there
             God
             hath
             provided
             such
             a
             representation
             of
             himself
             and
             of
             his
             mind
             should
             appear
             ,
             as
             is
             most
             sutable
             to
             our
             case
             and
             state
             ,
             and
             which
             it
             most
             concerned
             us
             to
             have
             the
             view
             and
             the
             image
             of
             .
             That
             represents
             him
             in
             his
             
               imitable
               excellencies
            
             ;
             and
             shews
             what
             he
             is
             
               towards
               us
            
             ,
             what
             his
             counsels
             ,
             determinations
             ,
             and
             constitutions
             are
             concerning
             us
             ,
             and
             hereupon
             shews
             ,
             
               what
               we
               should
               be
            
             ,
             or
             what
             temper
             of
             Spirit
             becomes
             us
             in
             reference
             to
             such
             a
             revelation
             .
             And
             such
             ,
             when
             we
             receive
             this
             his
             impressive
             communication
             ,
             he
             really
             makes
             us
             thereby
             become
             .
             And
             then
             
             is
             it
             that
             it
             will
             be
             found
             most
             highly
             delectable
             .
             An
             heart
             formed
             according
             to
             the
             revelation
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             cast
             into
             the
             mould
             of
             the
             Gospel
             (
             as
             is
             the
             import
             of
             the
             Apostles
             words
             ,
             —
             
               Ye
               have
               obeyed
               from
               the
               heart
               the
               doctrine
               ,
            
             
             into
             the
             type
             or
             frame
             whereof
             ye
             were
             delivered
             )
             hath
             a
             spring
             of
             pleasure
             in
             it self
             .
             Not
             of
             perfect
             unmixed
             pleasure
             ;
             for
             there
             is
             much
             yet
             remaining
             ,
             that
             cannot
             but
             be
             very
             displeasing
             and
             offensive
             to
             such
             as
             have
             learned
             no
             longer
             to
             put
             bitter
             for
             sweet
             ,
             and
             sweet
             for
             bitter
             ,
             and
             have
             senses
             exercised
             to
             discern
             betwixt
             good
             and
             evil
             .
             And
             indeed
             by
             the
             same
             vital
             principle
             the
             Soul
             is
             made
             capable
             of
             both
             the
             sweetest
             delights
             and
             the
             quickest
             sense
             of
             pain
             ;
             while
             it
             was
             dead
             it
             was
             sensible
             of
             neither
             .
          
           
             Nor
             is
             it
             an
             original
             Spring
             ;
             Whatever
             it
             hath
             that
             is
             good
             and
             pleasant
             comes
             from
             an
             higher
             Head
             ,
             and
             is
             communicated
             .
             But
             the
             communication
             remains
             not
             in
             this
             heart
             as
             in
             a
             dead
             receptacle
             ,
             but
             creates
             the
             Soul
             where
             it
             is
             a
             living
             spring
             it self
             .
             
               The
               Lord
               shall
               satisfie
               thy
               Soul
               in
               drought
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               make
               fat
               thy
               bones
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               be
               like
               a
               watered
               garden
               ,
               and
               as
               a
               spring
               of
               water
               whose
               waters
               fail
               not
               .
            
             After
             which
             it
             follows
             ,
             
               Then
               shalt
               thou
               delight
               thy self
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             
             &c.
             
             So
             though
             the
             waters
             that
             are
             so
             pleasantly
             refreshing
             to
             holy
             Souls
             are
             given
             by
             Christ
             ;
             yet
             he
             himself
             tells
             us
             ,
             
             they
             
               shall
               be
               in
               him
               to
               whom
               they
               are
               given
               a
               well
               of
               water
               springing
               up
               into
               everlasting
               life
               .
            
             Whence
             also
             the
             
               Good
               man
            
             is
             said
             to
             be
             
               satisfied
               from
               himself
            
             ;
             
             And
             
               the
               mouth
               of
               the
               righteous
            
             
             
             to
             be
             
               a
               well
               of
               life
               i.
               e.
               to
               others
               ,
            
             much
             more
             must
             his
             heart
             be
             so
             
               to
               himself
            
             .
             Nor
             indeed
             can
             there
             be
             a
             vainer
             or
             more
             absurd
             design
             and
             expectation
             ,
             than
             to
             aim
             immediately
             at
             delights
             and
             joys
             ,
             without
             ever
             looking
             after
             that
             transforming
             ,
             purifying
             ,
             quickening
             communication
             from
             God
             ,
             in
             which
             he
             is
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ;
             which
             is
             apparently
             the
             (
             most
             prejudicial
             and
             dangerous
             )
             mistake
             ,
             the
             practical
             error
             (
             and
             so
             much
             the
             worse
             therefore
             )
             of
             many
             persons
             of
             much
             pretence
             to
             Religion
             ,
             that
             dream
             and
             boast
             of
             nothing
             less
             than
             raptures
             and
             transports
             ,
             having
             never
             yet
             known
             or
             felt
             what
             the
             work
             of
             regeneration
             or
             the
             
               new
               creature
            
             means
             .
             And
             having
             only
             got
             some
             notions
             of
             God
             and
             Christ
             ,
             that
             tickle
             their
             fancies
             without
             ever
             changing
             their
             hearts
             ,
             these
             go
             for
             divine
             injoyments
             .
             Others
             somewhat
             awakened
             and
             convinced
             but
             not
             renewed
             ,
             though
             they
             do
             not
             pretend
             already
             to
             have
             ,
             yet
             do
             (
             from
             the
             same
             mistaken
             apprehension
             )
             as
             vainly
             seek
             and
             catch
             at
             joys
             and
             sweetnesses
             ;
             while
             their
             unsanctified
             hearts
             do
             yet
             ly
             steept
             in
             the
             gall
             of
             bitterness
             :
             And
             they
             wonder
             and
             complain
             ,
             that
             they
             feel
             not
             in
             themselves
             the
             delights
             whereof
             they
             find
             Scripture
             sometimes
             make
             mention
             ,
             while
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             they
             expect
             and
             snatch
             at
             them
             in
             that
             preposterous
             impossible
             way
             ,
             as
             to
             abstract
             them
             from
             the
             things
             themselves
             ,
             wherein
             the
             pleasure
             and
             delight
             lies
             .
             They
             would
             have
             delight
             without
             the
             
               delectable
               good
            
             ,
             that
             must
             immediately
             afford
             and
             yield
             it
             ;
             or
             without
             
             foregoing
             the
             noysom
             evils
             that
             resist
             and
             hinder
             it
             ;
             which
             therefore
             makes
             it
             necessary
             to
             treat
             the
             more
             largely
             of
             the
             
               delightful
               communication
            
             ,
             by
             which
             only
             intervening
             Souls
             are
             capable
             of
             delighting
             in
             God.
             
          
           
             And
             as
             to
             this
             Branch
             of
             it
             ,
             
               The
               vital
               Sanctifying
               transforming
               influence
            
             ,
             whereby
             the
             Soul
             is
             wrought
             to
             a
             conformity
             to
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             If
             we
             take
             a
             (
             somewhat
             more
             distinct
             )
             view
             of
             it
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             it
             cannot
             but
             have
             in
             it
             abundant
             matter
             of
             delight
             .
             In
             the
             general
             ,
             The
             thing
             here
             to
             be
             communicated
             ,
             is
             
               an
               universal
               rectitude
            
             of
             temper
             and
             dispositions
             ,
             including
             The
             
               
                 Removal
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 sinful
                 and
                 corrupt
                 ;
              
               
                 Settlement
                 of
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 holy
                 and
                 gracious
                 .
              
            
          
           
             Both
             to
             be
             measured
             and
             estimated
             ,
             as
             to
             their
             good
             or
             evil
             ,
             by
             the
             Gospel
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ.
             Now
             surely
             that
             must
             be
             a
             blessed
             and
             delighful
             state
             (
             and
             it
             s
             that
             towards
             which
             this
             divine
             communication
             gradually
             tends
             )
             wherein
             a
             wretched
             Soul
             ,
             that
             was
             lost
             in
             the
             impurities
             of
             sin
             ,
             shall
             be
             stript
             and
             unclothed
             of
             all
             the
             pravity
             ,
             perverse
             inclinations
             ,
             corrupt
             affections
             which
             the
             Gospel
             of
             Christ
             condemns
             ;
             and
             invested
             with
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             that
             purity
             ,
             that
             gracious
             and
             holy-frame
             which
             that
             Gospel
             recommends
             .
             For
             as
             the
             former
             carry
             in
             them
             matter
             of
             certain
             vexation
             and
             anguish
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             hereby
             freed
             from
             ;
             So
             the
             latter
             manifestly
             carry
             in
             
             themselves
             matter
             of
             unspeakable
             delight
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             which
             it
             hereby
             partakes
             .
             And
             by
             the
             same
             degrees
             by
             which
             this
             divine
             communication
             infers
             the
             latter
             of
             these
             ,
             it
             expels
             the
             former
             .
             By
             the
             same
             degrees
             by
             which
             any
             are
             made
             
               partakers
               of
               the
               divine
               nature
            
             ,
             they
             
               escape
               the
               corruptions
               which
               are
               in
               the
               world
               through
               lust
               .
            
          
           
             And
             that
             we
             may
             be
             here
             a
             little
             more
             particular
             ,
             without
             descending
             into
             the
             innumerable
             particularities
             which
             might
             be
             severally
             spoken
             of
             upon
             this
             occasion
             ;
             we
             shall
             only
             consider
             this
             
               heart-rectifying
               communication
            
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             some
             of
             the
             more
             principal
             things
             ,
             towards
             which
             the
             spirit
             of
             man
             may
             be
             either
             perversly
             ,
             or
             
               duly
               and
               aright
            
             inclin'd
             ;
             that
             we
             may
             see
             what
             matter
             of
             delight
             it
             infers
             and
             brings
             with
             it
             .
          
           
             In
             order
             whereto
             it
             must
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             wherein
             it
             is
             transforming
             ,
             it
             is
             also
             enlivening
             ;
             And
             therefore
             furnishes
             the
             Soul
             ,
             with
             the
             power
             of
             
               spiritual
               sensation
            
             ;
             whereby
             it
             comes
             to
             apprehend
             its
             former
             temper
             ,
             as
             very
             grievous
             and
             detestable
             ;
             not
             only
             being
             intire
             and
             undiminished
             ,
             but
             even
             the
             reliques
             of
             it
             which
             do
             yet
             remain
             ;
             and
             proportionably
             ,
             the
             holy
             frame
             to
             be
             introduc't
             ,
             as
             highly
             covetable
             and
             to
             be
             infinitely
             desired
             .
          
           
             Which
             being
             supposed
             ,
             It
             must
             needs
             be
             very
             delightful
             to
             such
             a
             Soul
             ,
             to
             feel
             it self
             in
             part
             rectified
             ,
             and
             to
             expect
             it
             further
             in
             its
             temper
             and
             inclinations
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Towards
             God
             ,
             towards
             whom
             it
             was
             
             most
             disinclined
             :
             That
             is
             ,
             both
             
               towards
               him
               as
               its
               end
            
             ,
             and
             
               towards
               Christ
               as
               its
               way
               to
               him
               .
            
          
           
             As
             to
             himself
             it
             's
             end
             .
             It
             finds
             upon
             reflection
             ,
             it
             
               was
               dead
               towards
               God
            
             ,
             without
             motion
             towards
             him
             ,
             without
             inclination
             ,
             all
             it's
             powers
             bent
             and
             set
             quite
             another
             way
             ;
             So
             that
             to
             perswade
             it
             to
             begin
             a
             course
             of
             holy
             motion
             towards
             God
             ,
             was
             a
             like
             thing
             as
             to
             perswade
             a
             stone
             to
             fly
             upwards
             .
             It
             could
             not
             trust
             the
             
               original
               Truth
            
             ,
             nor
             love
             the
             
               soveraign
               Good
            
             ,
             nor
             obey
             the
             
               supream
               Authority
            
             .
             It
             s
             course
             was
             nothing
             else
             but
             continual
             recession
             from
             him
             ,
             towards
             whom
             it
             should
             have
             been
             continually
             pressing
             forward
             with
             all
             its
             might
             .
             It
             was
             wont
             to
             say
             to
             him
             ,
             in
             whom
             was
             its
             life
             and
             all
             its
             hope
             ,
             
               Depart
               from
               me
               ,
               I
               desire
               not
               the
               knowledg
               of
               thy
               ways
            
             ;
             was
             utterly
             
               alienated
               from
               the
               life
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             did
             chuse
             to
             
               live
               as
               without
               him
               in
               the
               world
               .
            
             And
             although
             it
             still
             remain
             thus
             in
             too
             great
             a
             degree
             ,
             yet
             as
             it
             abhors
             this
             as
             an
             hateful
             way
             of
             living
             ,
             and
             desires
             it
             may
             be
             otherwise
             ;
             so
             is
             it
             sensibly
             delightful
             that
             it
             doth
             in
             some
             degree
             perceive
             a
             change
             ;
             That
             now
             it
             can
             find
             it self
             returning
             into
             its
             right
             and
             natural
             state
             of
             subordination
             to
             God.
             Which
             while
             it
             was
             out
             of
             it
             ,
             laid
             that
             claim
             to
             it
             ,
             that
             its
             dislocation
             was
             uneasie
             ,
             and
             it
             could
             have
             no
             rest
             ;
             though
             it
             was
             not
             aware
             what
             the
             matter
             was
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             could
             never
             throughly
             apprehend
             ,
             that
             it
             ought
             (
             much
             less
             could
             desire
             or
             aim
             )
             to
             return
             .
          
           
           
             And
             if
             in
             returning
             ,
             and
             it
             's
             continual
             course
             afterwards
             (
             which
             ought
             to
             be
             but
             a
             continuing
             return
             and
             moving
             back
             towards
             God
             )
             ,
             there
             be
             much
             cause
             for
             the
             exercise
             of
             Repentance
             ;
             the
             disposition
             whereto
             is
             a
             part
             of
             that
             new
             nature
             now
             communicated
             ;
             yet
             even
             such
             relentings
             as
             are
             due
             and
             sutable
             upon
             this
             account
             are
             not
             unpleasant
             :
             There
             is
             pleasure
             mingled
             with
             such
             tears
             ,
             and
             with
             those
             mournings
             which
             are
             not
             without
             hope
             ,
             and
             which
             flow
             naturally
             and
             without
             force
             ,
             from
             a
             living
             principle
             within
             ,
             as
             waters
             from
             their
             still-freshly
             springing
             fountain
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             finds
             it self
             unbound
             and
             set
             at
             liberty
             ;
             when
             it
             can
             freely
             pour
             out
             it self
             to
             God
             ,
             dissolve
             kindly
             and
             melt
             before
             him
             ;
             It
             doth
             it
             with
             regret
             only
             at
             what
             it
             hath
             done
             and
             been
             ,
             not
             at
             what
             it
             is
             now
             doing
             ,
             except
             that
             it
             can
             do
             it
             no
             more
             ;
             affecting
             even
             to
             be
             infinite
             herein
             ,
             while
             it
             yet
             sees
             it
             must
             be
             confined
             within
             some
             bounds
             .
             It
             loves
             to
             lye
             in
             the
             dust
             and
             abase
             it self
             ;
             and
             is
             pleased
             with
             the
             humiliation
             ,
             contrition
             and
             brokenness
             of
             heart
             which
             
               repentance
               towards
               God
            
             includes
             in
             it
             .
             So
             that
             as
             God
             is
             delighted
             with
             this
             Sacrifice
             ,
             so
             
               it
               is
            
             with
             the
             offering
             of
             it
             up
             to
             him
             .
             Many
             men
             apprehend
             a
             certain
             sweetness
             in
             revenge
             ;
             such
             a
             one
             finds
             it
             only
             in
             this
             just
             revenge
             upon
             himself
             .
          
           
             How
             unexpressible
             pleasure
             accompanies
             its
             devoting
             it self
             to
             God
             ,
             when
             bemoaning
             it self
             ,
             and
             returning
             with
             weeping
             and
             supplication
             ,
             
             It
             says
             ,
             
               Now
               
                 Lo
                 I
                 come
                 to
                 thee
                 ,
                 thou
                 art
                 the
                 Lord
                 my
                 God.
              
               I
               have
               brought
               thee
               back
               thine
               own
               ,
               what
               I
               had
               sacrilegiously
               alienated
               and
               stol'n
               away
               ,
               the
               heart
               which
               was
               gone
               astray
               ,
               that
               hath
               been
               so
               long
               a
               vagabond
               and
               fugitive
               from
               thy
               blessed
               presence
               ,
               service
               and
               communion
               .
               Take
               now
               the
               Soul
               which
               thou
               hast
               made
               ;
               Possess
               thy
               own
               right
               ;
               enter
               upon
               it
               ,
               stamp
               it
               with
               the
               intire
               impression
               of
               thine
               own
               Seal
               ,
               and
               mark
               it
               for
               thine
               .
               Other
               Lords
               shall
               no
               more
               have
               dominion
               .
               What
               have
               I
               to
               do
               any
               more
               with
               the
               Idols
               wherewith
               I
               was
               wont
               to
               provoke
               thee
               to
               jealousie
               ?
               I
               will
               now
               make
               mention
               of
               thy
               name
               ,
               and
               of
               thine
               only
               .
               I
               bind
               my self
               to
               thee
               in
               everlasting
               bonds
               ,
               in
               a
               covenant
               never
               to
               be
               forgotten
               .
            
          
           
             The
             self-denial
             which
             is
             included
             in
             this
             transaction
             ,
             hath
             no
             little
             pleasure
             in
             it
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             freely
             quits
             all
             pretence
             to
             it self
             ,
             and
             by
             its
             own
             consent
             passes
             into
             his
             (
             now
             acknowleged
             )
             right
             ;
             disclaims
             it self
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             own
             former
             interests
             ,
             inclinations
             and
             ends
             ,
             and
             is
             resolved
             to
             be
             to
             him
             and
             to
             no
             other
             .
             When
             this
             is
             done
             Vnreservedly
             ,
             without
             any
             intention
             of
             retaining
             or
             keeping
             back
             any
             thing
             from
             him
             ;
             Absolutely
             ,
             and
             without
             making
             any
             conditions
             of
             its
             own
             ,
             but
             only
             agreeing
             to
             and
             thankfully
             accepting
             his
             ;
             Peremptorily
             and
             without
             hesitation
             ,
             and
             without
             halting
             between
             two
             opinions
             ,
             
               Shall
               I
            
             ?
             or
             
               shall
               I
               not
            
             ?
             (
             as
             if
             it
             were
             ready
             in
             the
             same
             breath
             to
             retract
             and
             undo
             
             its
             own
             act
             )
             How
             doth
             it
             now
             rejoice
             to
             feel
             it self
             offer
             willingly
             !
             They
             that
             have
             life
             and
             sense
             about
             them
             ,
             can
             tell
             there
             is
             pleasure
             in
             all
             this
             .
             And
             the
             oftner
             repetition
             is
             made
             hereof
             (
             so
             it
             be
             done
             with
             life
             ,
             not
             with
             trifling
             formality
             )
             they
             so
             often
             renew
             the
             relishes
             with
             themselves
             of
             the
             same
             pleasure
             .
          
           
             Continued
             commerce
             with
             God
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             the
             tenor
             of
             that
             League
             and
             Covenant
             struck
             with
             him
             ,
             how
             pleasant
             and
             delightful
             is
             it
             !
             To
             be
             a
             
               friend
               of
               God
            
             ,
             an
             associate
             of
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             a
             domestique
             ,
             no
             more
             a
             stranger
             ,
             a
             foreigner
             ,
             but
             of
             his
             own
             houshold
             .
             To
             live
             wholly
             upon
             the
             plentiful
             provisions
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             happy
             order
             and
             government
             of
             his
             family
             .
             To
             have
             an
             heart
             to
             seek
             all
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             lay
             out
             all
             for
             him
             !
             How
             great
             is
             the
             pleasure
             of
             trust
             ,
             of
             living
             free
             from
             care
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             of
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             how
             to
             please
             and
             honour
             him
             in
             a
             cheerful
             unsolicitous
             dependance
             ,
             expecting
             from
             him
             our
             daily
             bread
             ,
             believing
             he
             will
             not
             let
             our
             Souls
             famish
             .
             That
             while
             they
             hunger
             and
             thirst
             after
             righteousness
             they
             shall
             be
             filled
             ;
             that
             they
             shall
             be
             sustained
             with
             the
             bread
             and
             waters
             of
             life
             ;
             that
             when
             they
             hunger
             he
             will
             feed
             them
             with
             hidden
             Manna
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             fruits
             that
             grow
             on
             the
             tree
             of
             life
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             Paradise
             of
             God
             ;
             that
             when
             they
             thirst
             he
             will
             give
             water
             ,
             and
             add
             milk
             and
             honey
             without
             money
             ,
             without
             price
             .
          
           
             And
             for
             the
             body
             not
             to
             doubt
             ,
             but
             he
             
             that
             feeds
             Ravens
             and
             clothes
             Lillies
             will
             feed
             and
             cloath
             them
             .
             To
             be
             so
             taken
             up
             in
             seeking
             his
             Kingdom
             and
             righteousness
             ,
             as
             freely
             to
             leave
             it
             to
             him
             to
             add
             the
             
               other
               things
            
             as
             he
             sees
             fit
             ;
             To
             take
             no
             thought
             for
             to
             morrow
             ;
             To
             have
             an
             heart
             framed
             herein
             according
             to
             divine
             precept
             ;
             Not
             to
             be
             encumbered
             or
             kept
             in
             an
             anxious
             suspence
             by
             the
             thoughts
             and
             fears
             of
             what
             may
             fall
             out
             ,
             by
             which
             many
             suffer
             the
             same
             affliction
             a
             thousand
             times
             over
             ,
             which
             God
             would
             have
             them
             suffer
             but
             once
             ;
             A
             firm
             repose
             on
             the
             goodness
             of
             providence
             ,
             and
             its
             sure
             and
             never-erring
             wisdom
             ;
             A
             steady
             perswasion
             ,
             that
             our
             heavenly
             Father
             knows
             what
             we
             have
             need
             of
             ,
             and
             what
             it
             is
             fittest
             for
             us
             to
             want
             ,
             to
             suffer
             or
             enjoy
             ;
             How
             delightful
             a
             life
             do
             these
             make
             !
             And
             how
             agreeable
             to
             one
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             his
             own
             Son
             ,
             and
             heir
             of
             all
             things
             ;
             as
             being
             joint-heirs
             with
             Christ
             ,
             and
             claiming
             by
             that
             large
             grant
             ,
             that
             says
             
               all
               things
               are
               yours
            
             ;
             only
             that
             in
             minority
             it
             is
             better
             to
             have
             a
             wise
             Fathers
             allowance
             ,
             than
             be
             our
             own
             carvers
             .
          
           
             
               To
               live
               in
               the
               fear
               of
               God
               ,
            
             is
             not
             without
             its
             pleasure
             .
             It
             composes
             the
             Soul
             ,
             expels
             the
             vanity
             which
             is
             not
             without
             vexation
             ,
             represses
             exorbitant
             motions
             ,
             checks
             unruly
             passions
             ,
             keeps
             all
             within
             in
             a
             pleasant
             peaceful
             calm
             ;
             Is
             health
             to
             the
             navel
             ,
             and
             marrow
             to
             the
             bones
             .
          
           
             
               To
               live
               in
               his
               love
               ,
               is
               delight
               it self
               ,
            
             or
             a
             tendency
             towards
             it
             .
             The
             disposition
             whereto
             being
             communicated
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             part
             
             of
             the
             holy
             new
             creature
             derived
             from
             him
             ;
             is
             also
             part
             of
             the
             (
             secondary
             or
             subservient
             )
             delectable
             object
             .
             As
             the
             light
             that
             serves
             unto
             vision
             is
             partly
             (
             as
             the
             mediate
             object
             )
             somewhat
             of
             what
             I
             see
             ,
             and
             doth
             partly
             (
             as
             a
             principle
             )
             actuate
             and
             concur
             with
             the
             faculty
             in
             the
             act
             of
             seeing
             .
             And
             as
             the
             blessed
             God
             himself
             is
             both
             the
             first
             Principle
             and
             ultimate
             Object
             of
             that
             and
             other
             gracious
             acts
             *
             :
             Therefore
             it
             cannot
             but
             be
             pleasant
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             to
             perceive
             that
             powerful
             influence
             from
             God
             stirring
             in
             it
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             is
             disposed
             to
             design
             and
             pitch
             upon
             him
             as
             the
             Great
             Object
             of
             its
             highest
             delight
             ,
             unto
             whom
             it
             laboured
             under
             so
             vile
             and
             wicked
             an
             aversion
             heretofore
             .
             Yea
             though
             it
             yet
             have
             no
             certain
             perswasion
             of
             a
             present
             interest
             in
             him
             ,
             yet
             this
             disposition
             of
             heart
             towards
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             finds
             it
             could
             satisfyingly
             rest
             in
             him
             as
             its
             
               best
               good
            
             ,
             upon
             supposition
             it
             had
             such
             an
             interest
             ,
             the
             very
             strivings
             and
             contentions
             of
             the
             Soul
             towards
             him
             upon
             this
             account
             ,
             are
             not
             without
             a
             present
             pleasure
             :
             As
             we
             behold
             with
             an
             intermixed
             desire
             and
             delight
             a
             grateful
             object
             ,
             which
             we
             would
             enjoy
             ,
             but
             do
             not
             yet
             know
             whether
             we
             can
             compass
             or
             not
             .
             To
             be
             in
             that
             temper
             of
             Soul
             ,
             as
             to
             resolve
             ,
             Him
             I
             will
             seek
             and
             pursue
             ,
             him
             I
             will
             study
             
             to
             please
             and
             serve
             ,
             and
             spend
             my
             strength
             and
             life
             in
             serving
             him
             (
             which
             is
             to
             live
             in
             his
             love
             )
             though
             I
             yet
             know
             not
             whether
             he
             will
             accept
             ,
             or
             how
             he
             will
             deal
             with
             me
             !
             This
             cannot
             but
             have
             a
             certain
             sensible
             delectation
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             
               To
               live
               in
               a
               stated
               habitual
               subjection
               to
            
             him
             as
             the
             Lord
             of
             our
             lives
             ,
             How
             pleasant
             is
             it
             !
             To
             have
             learned
             to
             obey
             ;
             To
             be
             accustomed
             to
             the
             yoke
             ;
             To
             taste
             and
             prove
             the
             goodness
             and
             acceptableness
             of
             his
             will
             ,
             through
             an
             effectual
             transformation
             in
             the
             renewal
             of
             our
             minds
             ;
             To
             be
             by
             the
             law
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             life
             made
             free
             from
             the
             law
             of
             sin
             and
             death
             ;
             To
             be
             able
             to
             speak
             it
             as
             the
             undisguised
             sense
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             
               because
               thy
               law
               is
               holy
               ,
               therefore
               thy
               servant
               loveth
               it
            
             ;
             To
             reckon
             it
             
               a
               royal
               law
               of
               liberty
            
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             account
             our selves
             so
             much
             the
             more
             free
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             we
             are
             the
             more
             thus
             bound
             ;
             When
             we
             affect
             to
             be
             prescrib'd
             to
             ,
             and
             are
             become
             
               patient
               of
               Government
            
             ,
             not
             apt
             to
             chafe
             at
             the
             bridle
             ,
             or
             spurn
             and
             kick
             at
             the
             boundaries
             that
             hem
             us
             in
             :
             This
             is
             a
             temper
             that
             hath
             not
             more
             of
             duty
             in
             it
             than
             it
             hath
             of
             delight
             .
             There
             is
             such
             a
             thing
             as
             
               delighting
               in
               the
               law
               of
               God
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               inward
               man
               ,
            
             when
             there
             is
             yet
             a
             difficulty
             in
             suppressing
             and
             keeping
             under
             inordinate
             rebellious
             workings
             of
             corrupt
             nature
             ;
             unto
             which
             there
             is
             no
             desire
             an
             indulgence
             should
             be
             given
             ,
             by
             having
             the
             law
             attempered
             to
             them
             ,
             but
             severity
             rather
             used
             to
             reduce
             them
             to
             a
             conformity
             to
             the
             law
             :
             So
             will
             it
             be
             ,
             if
             the
             law
             become
             an
             heart
             impression
             ;
             when
             it
             can
             once
             
             be
             truly
             said
             ,
             
               Thy
               law
               is
               in
               my
               heart
               ,
            
             It
             will
             be
             also
             with
             the
             same
             sincerity
             said
             ,
             
             
               I
               delight
               to
               do
               thy
               will
               ,
               O
               God.
               
            
          
           
             
               The
               continual
               exercise
               of
               good
               conscience
               towards
               God
               ,
            
             hath
             great
             pleasure
             in
             it
             .
             Hereby
             our
             way
             and
             course
             is
             continually
             reviewed
             ,
             and
             we
             pass
             censures
             upon
             our selves
             ,
             and
             upon
             that
             account
             survey
             our
             own
             works
             .
             And
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             carefully
             and
             often
             this
             is
             done
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             delectable
             it
             will
             be
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             approvable
             we
             shall
             find
             them
             upon
             review
             .
             For
             we
             shall
             order
             our
             course
             the
             more
             warily
             ,
             as
             we
             reckon
             upon
             undergoing
             an
             inquisition
             and
             search
             ;
             wherein
             an
             apprehensive
             serious
             heart
             well
             understands
             it
             is
             not
             it self
             to
             be
             the
             supreme
             Judg.
             How
             blessed
             an
             imitation
             might
             there
             here
             be
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
             himself
             ,
             who
             we
             find
             beheld
             his
             six
             days
             works
             ,
             and
             
               lo
               they
               were
               all
               very
               good
            
             ;
             whereupon
             follows
             his
             delightful
             day
             of
             rest
             ;
             So
             we
             shall
             ,
             in
             some
             degree
             of
             conformity
             to
             him
             ,
             finding
             our
             works
             to
             be
             in
             that
             sort
             good
             ,
             as
             that
             he
             will
             by
             gracious
             indulgence
             accept
             them
             as
             such
             ,
             have
             our
             own
             Sabbath
             ,
             a
             sweet
             and
             peaceful
             rest
             in
             our
             own
             spirits
             .
             Though
             we
             can
             pretend
             no
             higher
             than
             
               sincerity
               only
            
             ,
             yet
             how
             sweet
             are
             the
             reflections
             of
             a
             well-instructed
             conscience
             upon
             that
             !
             when
             our
             hearts
             reproach
             us
             not
             ,
             and
             we
             resolve
             they
             shall
             not
             as
             long
             as
             we
             live
             ;
             we
             are
             conscious
             to
             our selves
             of
             no
             base
             designs
             ,
             we
             propose
             nothing
             to
             our selves
             ,
             wherein
             we
             apprehend
             cause
             to
             decline
             Gods
             eye
             ;
             
               we
               walk
               in
               the
               light
            
             ,
             and
             are
             
             seeking
             no
             darkness
             or
             shadow
             of
             death
             ,
             where
             (
             as
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             )
             we
             may
             hide
             our selves
             from
             him
             ;
             Can
             implore
             him
             as
             an
             assistant
             ,
             and
             appeal
             to
             him
             as
             a
             Judg
             in
             reference
             to
             our
             daily
             affairs
             and
             wonted
             course
             :
             Is
             this
             without
             pleasure
             !
             
               This
               is
               our
               rejoicing
            
             ,
             
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               the
               testimony
               of
               our
               conscience
               ,
               that
               in
               simplicity
               and
               godly
               sincerity
               ,
               not
               with
               fleshly
               wisdom
               ,
               but
               by
               the
               grace
               of
               God
               we
               have
               had
               our
               conversation
               ,
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             And
             thus
             to
             converse
             with
             God
             ,
             a
             him
             whom
             we
             daily
             design
             to
             glorifie
             and
             serve
             ,
             and
             whom
             we
             expect
             daily
             in
             some
             measure
             ,
             and
             fully
             and
             finally
             ere
             it
             be
             long
             ,
             to
             enjoy
             ,
             Is
             certainly
             throughout
             
               a
               way
               of
               pleasantness
               and
               peace
               .
            
             How
             delectable
             then
             is
             this
             Soul-rectifying
             communication
             from
             God
             ,
             whereby
             ,
             being
             before
             so
             disaffected
             ,
             it
             becomes
             now
             so
             well
             inclin'd
             towards
             him
             in
             all
             these
             respects
             .
          
           
             But
             because
             the
             exigency
             of
             the
             case
             did
             require
             (
             by
             reason
             of
             sin
             that
             had
             cut
             off
             the
             intercourse
             )
             that
             there
             should
             be
             a
             Mediator
             to
             open
             the
             way
             and
             renew
             the
             former
             out-worn
             friendship
             ;
             Therefore
             it
             was
             also
             necessary
             that
             so
             the
             Soul
             might
             duly
             move
             towards
             God
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             rightly
             framed
             and
             disposed
             also
             
               towards
               him
            
             .
             We
             are
             therefore
             to
             consider
             too
             ,
             how
             delectable
             this
             communication
             must
             be
             ,
             as
             it
             aright
             disposes
             the
             heart
             
               towards
               Christ
            
             ,
             our
             way
             to
             God.
             
          
           
             For
             
               towards
               him
            
             we
             must
             understand
             it
             to
             have
             been
             most
             obstinately
             and
             inflexibly
             averse
             ;
             and
             that
             therefore
             a
             mighty
             communication
             
             of
             power
             was
             necessary
             to
             set
             it
             right
             here
             .
          
           
             Unto
             that
             part
             of
             Religion
             which
             is
             natural
             ,
             there
             was
             so
             much
             of
             an
             advantage
             before-hand
             ,
             as
             that
             there
             was
             an
             old
             foundation
             to
             build
             upon
             .
             There
             are
             some
             notions
             of
             God
             left
             ,
             not
             only
             concerning
             his
             Existence
             ,
             but
             his
             Nature
             and
             Attributes
             ,
             many
             of
             them
             .
             And
             from
             the
             Apprehension
             
               what
               he
               was
            
             ,
             it
             was
             in
             some
             measure
             discernible
             
               what
               he
               should
               have
               been
            
             ,
             and
             ought
             yet
             to
             be
             towards
             him
             ;
             And
             from
             thence
             many
             checks
             and
             rebukes
             of
             conscience
             wherein
             it
             was
             found
             to
             be
             otherwise
             :
             So
             that
             here
             was
             somewhat
             
               in
               Nature
            
             to
             be
             wrought
             upon
             ,
             as
             to
             this
             part
             of
             Religion
             .
             But
             as
             to
             that
             part
             which
             respects
             the
             Mediator
             ,
             this
             was
             a
             frame
             wholly
             to
             be
             rais'd
             up
             from
             the
             ground
             .
             There
             were
             no
             principles
             
               immediately
               and
               directly
            
             inclining
             to
             take
             part
             with
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             But
             all
             to
             be
             implanted
             anew
             .
             The
             way
             that
             God
             would
             take
             to
             bring
             back
             Souls
             to
             him
             being
             so
             infinitely
             above
             all
             human
             thought
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             though
             to
             a
             considering
             Pagan
             it
             would
             not
             sound
             strangely
             ,
             that
             God
             ought
             to
             be
             trusted
             ,
             feared
             ,
             loved
             ,
             &c.
             yet
             
               even
               to
               such
            
             the
             
               Gospel
               of
               Christ
            
             was
             foolishness
             .
             Besides
             ,
             that
             this
             way
             of
             dealing
             with
             men
             was
             not
             only
             unknown
             and
             unimaginable
             to
             them
             ,
             not
             so
             much
             as
             once
             thought
             of
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             guest
             at
             .
             But
             the
             tendency
             and
             aspect
             of
             it
             (
             when
             it
             should
             come
             to
             be
             made
             known
             )
             was
             such
             as
             that
             it
             could
             not
             but
             find
             the
             temper
             of
             mens
             spirits
             most
             strongly
             opposite
             ,
             not
             meerly
             ignorant
             ,
             but
             
             prejudic't
             and
             highly
             disaffected
             .
             For
             this
             course
             most
             directly
             tended
             to
             take
             men
             quite
             off
             from
             their
             old
             bottom
             ;
             To
             stoop
             and
             humble
             ,
             and
             even
             bring
             them
             to
             nothing
             ;
             To
             stain
             the
             pride
             of
             their
             Glory
             ,
             and
             lay
             them
             down
             in
             the
             dust
             as
             abject
             wretches
             ,
             in
             themselves
             fit
             for
             nothing
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             trampled
             on
             and
             crusht
             by
             the
             foot
             of
             divine
             revenge
             .
             Suppose
             a
             man
             to
             have
             admitted
             a
             conviction
             from
             the
             light
             of
             his
             own
             mind
             and
             conscience
             
               that
               he
               was
               a
               sinner
            
             ,
             and
             had
             offended
             his
             Maker
             ,
             incur'd
             his
             just
             displeasure
             ,
             and
             made
             himself
             liable
             to
             his
             punishing
             justice
             ;
             It
             would
             yet
             have
             been
             a
             hard
             matter
             to
             make
             him
             believe
             it
             altogether
             impossible
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             to
             remedy
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             restore
             himself
             to
             divine
             favour
             and
             acceptance
             .
             He
             would
             naturally
             be
             inclin'd
             to
             think
             ;
             why
             admit
             the
             case
             be
             so
             ,
             he
             should
             easily
             find
             out
             a
             way
             to
             make
             God
             amends
             .
             He
             would
             recount
             with
             himself
             all
             his
             own
             natural
             excellencies
             ,
             and
             think
             himself
             very
             capable
             of
             doing
             some
             great
             thing
             ,
             that
             should
             more
             than
             expiate
             his
             offence
             ,
             and
             make
             recompence
             abundantly
             for
             any
             wrong
             that
             he
             had
             done
             .
             But
             when
             the
             Gospel
             shall
             come
             ,
             and
             tell
             him
             he
             hath
             deserved
             eternal
             wrath
             ,
             that
             his
             sin
             is
             inexpiable
             ,
             but
             by
             everlasting
             sufferings
             ,
             or
             what
             is
             of
             equal
             value
             ;
             That
             here
             is
             one
             (
             the
             eternal
             Son
             of
             God
             )
             who
             became
             a
             man
             like
             himself
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             a
             voluntary
             Sacrifice
             ,
             to
             make
             atonement
             for
             the
             transgression
             of
             men
             ;
             That
             God
             will
             never
             accept
             another
             Sacrifice
             for
             the
             sins
             of
             
             men
             than
             his
             ,
             nor
             ever
             any
             service
             at
             their
             hands
             ,
             but
             for
             his
             sake
             ;
             That
             him
             now
             revealed
             to
             them
             they
             must
             receive
             ,
             rely
             upon
             ,
             and
             trust
             to
             wholly
             ,
             or
             perish
             without
             mercy
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             hath
             put
             the
             Government
             over
             them
             ,
             into
             his
             hands
             ,
             laid
             it
             on
             his
             shoulders
             ,
             and
             to
             him
             they
             must
             subject
             themselves
             as
             their
             Ruler
             and
             Judg
             ,
             the
             great
             Arbiter
             of
             life
             and
             death
             to
             them
             and
             all
             men
             ;
          
           
             That
             they
             are
             to
             be
             intirely
             devoted
             to
             him
             as
             long
             as
             they
             live
             ,
             as
             their
             Redeemer
             and
             Lord
             ;
             In
             him
             as
             they
             are
             to
             have
             righteousness
             and
             strength
             ,
             so
             to
             him
             they
             must
             pay
             all
             possible
             homage
             and
             subjection
             ,
             to
             him
             their
             knees
             must
             bow
             ,
             and
             their
             tongues
             confess
             ;
             They
             must
             receive
             the
             Law
             from
             his
             mouth
             ;
             Be
             prescribed
             to
             by
             him
             ,
             comply
             with
             his
             will
             ,
             though
             never
             so
             much
             to
             the
             crossing
             of
             their
             own
             ;
             And
             though
             notwithstanding
             ,
             they
             must
             know
             they
             can
             deserve
             nothing
             by
             it
             ;
             That
             so
             vile
             and
             worthless
             miscreants
             they
             are
             become
             that
             God
             will
             never
             have
             to
             do
             with
             them
             upon
             other
             terms
             .
          
           
             When
             this
             shall
             appear
             the
             state
             of
             the
             case
             ,
             and
             it
             comes
             to
             be
             apprehended
             ,
             
               Then
               must
               I
               yeild
               my self
               a
               greater
               transgressor
               than
               ever
               I
               thought
               ,
               and
               an
               undone
               impotent
               helpless
               wretch
               ?
               I
               shall
               thus
               make
               nothing
               of
               my self
               :
               And
               what
               must
               all
               my
               natural
               or
               acquired
               excellencies
               go
               just
               for
               nothing
               ?
               And
               a
               person
               of
               such
               worth
               and
               accomplishments
               as
               I
               ,
               be
               thus
               brought
               down
               into
               the
               dust
               ?
               Yea
               and
               besides
               ,
               to
               
               be
               brought
               ,
               under
               such
               bonds
               ,
               and
               profess
               to
               owe
               my self
               so
               intirely
               to
               a
               Redeemer
               ,
               that
               I
               must
               for
               ever
               live
               after
               his
               will
               and
               pleasure
               ,
               and
               no
               more
               at
               my
               own
               ;
               And
               can
               never
               hope
               ,
               if
               I
               take
               a
               liberty
               to
               indulge
               my self
               besides
               the
               allowance
               of
               his
               rules
               ,
               that
               I
               can
               ever
               make
               any
               amends
               for
               such
               transgression
               by
               any
               thing
               that
               I
               can
               do
               .
               So
               that
               by
               taking
               his
               gift
               (
               of
               my
               pardon
               and
               life
               )
               upon
               such
               terms
               ,
               I
               shall
               sell
               my
               liberty
               ,
               and
               render
               my self
               a
               perfect
               slave
               to
               his
               will
               and
               pleasure
               for
               ever
               .
            
             Here
             now
             cannot
             but
             be
             a
             strong
             stream
             to
             be
             striven
             against
             ,
             and
             most
             vehement
             counter-strivings
             of
             the
             haughty
             and
             licentious
             spirit
             of
             man.
             So
             that
             it
             is
             not
             strange
             it
             should
             be
             said
             by
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               No
               man
               can
               come
               to
               me
               except
               my
               father
               draw
               him
               .
            
             And
             that
             the
             exceeding
             greatness
             of
             power
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             workings
             of
             the
             mightiest
             power
             in
             any
             case
             ,
             should
             be
             put
             forth
             upon
             them
             that
             believe
             .
             Therefore
             are
             men
             
               in
               Christ
            
             by
             
               creative
               power
            
             only
             ;
             
             
               If
               any
               man
               be
               in
               Christ
               ,
               he
               is
               a
               new
               Creature
               .
            
             He
             is
             new
             made
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             in
             him
             .
             And
             this
             aversion
             being
             so
             
               deeply
               natural
            
             ,
             will
             still
             in
             a
             degree
             remain
             (
             while
             any
             thing
             of
             corrupt
             nature
             remains
             )
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             even
             the
             regenerate
             themselves
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             a
             continual
             exertion
             of
             the
             same
             power
             will
             be
             ever
             requisite
             to
             hold
             Souls
             to
             Christ
             ,
             and
             retain
             them
             in
             their
             station
             
               in
               him
            
             .
             He
             that
             
               establisheth
               us
               with
               you
               in
               Christ
               [
               is
               God
               ]
               &c.
               q.
               d.
            
             
             It
             is
             only
             
               a
               God
            
             that
             can
             do
             this
             .
          
           
           
             Therefore
             how
             is
             God
             admired
             and
             adored
             upon
             this
             single
             account
             .
             
               Now
               to
               him
               that
               is
               of
               power
               to
               stablish
               you
               according
               to
               my
               Gospel
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               the
               preaching
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               according
               to
               the
               revelation
               of
               the
               mystery
               ,
            
             which
             was
             kept
             secret
             since
             the
             world
             began
             ,
             (
             this
             was
             indeed
             a
             great
             Secret
             to
             the
             lapsed
             world
             )
             —
             
               To
               God
               only
               wise
               be
               glory
               through
               Jesus
               Christ
               for
               ever
               .
               Amen
               .
            
          
           
             But
             as
             the
             heart-rectifying
             communication
             from
             God
             ,
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             is
             such
             as
             carries
             
               mighty
               power
            
             with
             it
             ,
             so
             it
             doth
             
               proportionable
               pleasure
            
             ,
             when
             it
             hath
             overcome
             ,
             and
             (
             to
             the
             pitch
             of
             sincerity
             )
             set
             the
             Soul
             right
             in
             this
             thing
             .
          
           
             How
             delectable
             is
             it
             to
             receive
             the
             Son
             of
             God!
             when
             the
             heart
             is
             made
             willing
             in
             the
             day
             of
             power
             !
             when
             his
             cords
             take
             hold
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             draw
             it
             to
             him
             !
             What
             pleasure
             is
             there
             in
             the
             
               consenting
               ,
               self-resigning
               act
               and
               disposition
               !
            
          
           
             It
             is
             most
             highly
             delightful
             to
             receive
             him
             ,
             and
             give
             up
             our selves
             to
             him
             
               as
               our
               full
               sutable
               good
            
             ,
             so
             exactly
             answering
             all
             the
             exigencies
             of
             our
             distressed
             case
             ;
             when
             sensibly
             apprehending
             the
             true
             state
             of
             it
             ,
             the
             Soul
             cries
             out
             ,
             
               None
               but
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             finds
             him
             present
             ,
             waiting
             only
             for
             consent
             ,
             readily
             offering
             himself
             ,
             
               Here
               I
               am
               ,
               take
               me
               ,
               thy
               Jesus
               ,
               thy
               help
               ,
               thy
               life
               !
            
             How
             overcomingly
             pleasant
             is
             this
             to
             a
             Soul
             that
             feels
             its
             distress
             ,
             and
             perceives
             it self
             ready
             to
             perish
             ;
             Yea
             and
             that
             daily
             sees
             it self
             perishing
             ,
             were
             it
             not
             for
             him
             .
             How
             pleasant
             ,
             
               when
               in
               the
               time
               of
               love
            
             he
             finds
             the
             
             poor
             Soul
             in
             its
             blood
             ,
             and
             says
             to
             it
             ,
             live
             ;
             clothes
             it
             ,
             decks
             it
             ,
             makes
             it
             perfect
             through
             his
             own
             comliness
             ,
             tenders
             himself
             to
             it
             ,
             
               unto
               it
            
             taken
             off
             the
             dunghil
             ,
             cast
             out
             in
             the
             most
             lothsom
             deplorable
             plight
             ;
             And
             enters
             the
             marriage
             Covenant
             with
             it
             ,
             (
             we
             need
             not
             be
             squeamish
             or
             shy
             to
             speak
             after
             God
             himself
             ,
             so
             representing
             this
             matter
             )
             ,
             overcomes
             by
             his
             own
             mercy
             and
             goodness
             ,
             and
             prevails
             with
             a
             sinful
             creature
             to
             accept
             him
             .
             How
             gladly
             doth
             it
             throw
             off
             every
             thing
             of
             its
             own
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             intirely
             possess
             him
             and
             be
             possessed
             by
             him
             .
             Here
             is
             the
             Joy
             of
             a
             Nuptial
             Solemnity
             ,
             or
             the
             Joy
             of
             Espousals
             .
             
               I
               am
               my
               beloved's
               ,
               and
               my
               beloved
               is
               mine
               .
            
          
           
             While
             as
             yet
             this
             transaction
             is
             not
             distinctly
             reflected
             on
             ,
             (
             as
             when
             possibly
             afterwards
             it
             is
             ,
             there
             may
             great
             difficulties
             and
             doubts
             arise
             ,
             whether
             all
             were
             rightly
             done
             ,
             or
             yet
             be
             on
             its
             own
             part
             ,
             yea
             or
             no
             )
             if
             however
             it
             be
             truly
             done
             ,
             in
             the
             very
             doing
             it self
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             continuing
             disposition
             there
             is
             a
             sensible
             and
             inseparable
             delight
             .
             I
             say
             in
             the
             same
             disposition
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             by
             any
             repeated
             acts
             of
             the
             same
             kind
             ,
             it
             expresses
             and
             shews
             it self
             :
             That
             is
             ,
             as
             oft
             as
             this
             Covenant
             is
             renewed
             (
             whether
             with
             solemnity
             or
             more
             occasionally
             )
             ,
             though
             the
             relation
             arising
             thence
             ,
             be
             not
             in
             the
             same
             instant
             considered
             or
             reflected
             on
             ,
             nor
             the
             sincerity
             of
             the
             act
             it self
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             thereto
             ;
             yet
             that
             very
             consent
             it self
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             sincere
             ,
             hath
             a
             secret
             joy
             accompanying
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             Soul
             feels
             the
             gratefulness
             
             and
             pleasure
             of
             its
             own
             act
             ,
             though
             it
             do
             not
             for
             the
             present
             examine
             and
             take
             a
             view
             of
             it
             .
             For
             it
             is
             now
             from
             a
             
               principle
               of
               life
            
             ,
             imbracing
             and
             drawing
             into
             union
             with
             it self
             an
             object
             that
             is
             
               all
               life
               and
               goodness
               ,
               and
               sweetness
            
             ;
             which
             therefore
             sheds
             its
             own
             delightful
             savour
             and
             fragrancy
             through
             the
             Soul
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             acting
             only
             upon
             the
             object
             directly
             ,
             and
             not
             reflecting
             upon
             its
             own
             act
             ,
             or
             considering
             in
             that
             very
             instant
             what
             will
             be
             consequential
             thereupon
             .
             But
             if
             withal
             it
             do
             consider
             ,
             (
             as
             that
             consideration
             cannot
             be
             far
             off
             ,
             though
             it
             cannot
             cosider
             every
             thing
             at
             once
             )
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             receiving
             him
             that
             is
             to
             bring
             it
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             
               able
               to
               do
               it
               ,
               (
               even
               to
               save
               to
               the
               uttermost
               all
               that
               will
               come
               to
               God
               by
               him
               )
               ,
            
             who
             is
             
               intent
               upon
               that
               design
            
             ,
             and
             did
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             dying
             agonies
             breath
             forth
             his
             Soul
             in
             the
             prosecution
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             with
             whom
             God
             requires
             it
             to
             unite
             for
             this
             very
             purpose
             ;
             This
             cannot
             but
             add
             unspeakably
             to
             the
             delightfulness
             of
             this
             transaction
             ,
             and
             of
             this
             effusion
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             in
             the
             virtue
             whereof
             the
             thing
             is
             done
             ,
             how
             oft
             soever
             it
             be
             (
             seriously
             )
             done
             ;
             As
             our
             case
             and
             state
             require
             that
             it
             be
             very
             often
             .
          
           
             
               And
               to
               receive
               him
               as
               our
               Lord
               ,
            
             (
             which
             is
             joined
             with
             that
             other
             capacity
             wherein
             we
             receive
             him
             ,
             
             viz.
             of
             a
             Jesus
             or
             
               Saviour
               ;
               As
               ye
               have
               received
               Christ
               Jesus
               [
               the
               Lord
               ]
               ,
               so
               &c.
               )
               .
            
             This
             also
             ,
             and
             the
             heart-subduing
             influence
             that
             disposes
             to
             it
             ,
             is
             most
             highly
             delectable
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             ,
             that
             was
             so
             stoutly
             averse
             ,
             
             and
             that
             once
             said
             within
             it self
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             have
             him
             to
             reign
             over
             me
             ,
             is
             brought
             freely
             to
             yeild
             ;
             and
             with
             sincere
             loyal
             resolutions
             and
             affections
             devotes
             it self
             to
             him
             ,
             consents
             to
             his
             government
             ,
             submits
             its
             neck
             and
             shoulder
             to
             his
             yoke
             and
             burden
             ;
             says
             to
             him
             with
             an
             ungainsaying
             heart
             ,
             as
             its
             full
             sense
             ,
             
               Now
               thou
               Lord
               of
               my
               life
               and
               hope
               ,
               who
               hast
               so
               long
               striven
               with
               me
               ,
               so
               oft
               and
               earnestly
               prest
               me
               hereto
               ,
               so
               variously
               dealt
               with
               me
               ,
               to
               make
               me
               understand
               thy
               merciful
               design
               ,
               and
               who
               seekest
               to
               rule
               with
               no
               other
               aim
               or
               intent
               ,
               but
               that
               thou
               may'st
               save
               ;
               and
               who
               hast
               founded
               thy
               dominion
               in
               thy
               blood
               ,
               and
               didst
               dy
               and
               revive
               and
               rise
               again
               that
               thou
               mightest
               be
               Lord
               of
               the
               living
               and
               the
               dead
               ,
               and
               therefore
               my
               Lord
               ;
               Accept
               now
               a
               self-refigning
               Soul
               ;
               I
               make
               a
               free
               surrender
               of
               my self
               ,
               I
               bow
               and
               submit
               to
               thy
               Sovereign
               Power
               ,
               I
               fall
               at
               the
               footstool
               of
               thy
               Throne
               ,
               Thou
               Prince
               of
               the
               Kings
               of
               the
               Earth
               ,
               who
               hast
               loved
               sinners
               ,
               and
               washt
               them
               from
               their
               sins
               in
               thy
               blood
               ;
               Glory
               in
               thy
               conquest
               ,
               Thou
               hast
               overcome
               ,
               I
               will
               from
               henceforth
               be
               no
               longer
               mine
               own
               ,
               but
               thine
               ;
               I
               am
               ready
               to
               receive
               thy
               commands
               ,
               to
               do
               thy
               will
               ,
               to
               serve
               thy
               interests
               ,
               to
               sacrifice
               
                 my
                 all
              
               to
               thy
               Name
               and
               Honour
               ;
               my
               whole
               life
               and
               being
               are
               for
               ever
               thine
               .
            
          
           
             I
             say
             (
             as
             before
             )
             there
             is
             pleasure
             in
             the
             
               very
               doing
            
             this
             it self
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             it
             is
             sincerely
             done
             ;
             And
             it
             adds
             hereto
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             more
             distinctly
             
             considered
             ,
             It
             is
             no
             mean
             or
             any
             way
             undeserving
             person
             to
             whom
             this
             homage
             is
             paid
             ,
             and
             obligation
             taken
             on
             unto
             future
             obedience
             ;
             He
             is
             the
             brightness
             of
             the
             Fathers
             glory
             ,
             the
             express
             Image
             of
             his
             person
             ,
             the
             Heir
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             who
             sustains
             all
             things
             by
             the
             word
             of
             his
             power
             :
             It
             is
             he
             whose
             name
             is
             
               Wonderful
               ,
               Counsellor
            
             ,
             the
             
               mighty
               God
            
             ,
             the
             
               everlasting
               Father
            
             ,
             the
             
               Prince
               of
               peace
            
             :
             'T
             is
             he
             to
             whom
             all
             power
             is
             given
             both
             in
             heaven
             and
             earth
             ,
             and
             (
             more
             especially
             )
             power
             over
             all
             flesh
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             give
             eternal
             life
             to
             as
             many
             as
             were
             given
             him
             ;
             'T
             is
             he
             who
             spoiled
             Principalities
             and
             Powers
             ,
             and
             made
             an
             open
             shew
             of
             them
             ;
             He
             whom
             because
             when
             he
             was
             in
             the
             form
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             thought
             it
             no
             robbery
             to
             be
             equal
             with
             God
             ,
             he
             humbled
             himself
             ,
             made
             himself
             of
             no
             reputation
             ,
             took
             on
             him
             the
             form
             of
             a
             servant
             ,
             became
             obedient
             to
             death
             ,
             the
             Father
             hath
             therefore
             highly
             exalted
             ,
             and
             given
             him
             a
             Name
             above
             every
             name
             ,
             that
             in
             his
             Name
             ,
             every
             knee
             should
             bow
             ;
             And
             of
             whom
             ,
             when
             he
             brought
             him
             (
             his
             first-born
             )
             into
             the
             world
             ,
             he
             said
             ,
             
               Let
               all
               the
               Angels
               of
               God
               worship
               him
               .
            
          
           
             And
             such
             a
             one
             he
             is
             ,
             whose
             temper
             is
             all
             goodness
             and
             sweetness
             .
             
               Tell
               Sion
               ,
               thy
               King
               cometh
               meek
               and
               lowly
               .
            
             He
             came
             into
             this
             world
             drawn
             down
             only
             by
             his
             own
             pity
             and
             love
             ,
             beholding
             the
             desolations
             and
             ruins
             that
             were
             wrought
             in
             it
             every
             where
             .
             Sin
             universally
             reigning
             ,
             and
             death
             by
             sin
             ,
             and
             spreading
             its
             dark
             shadow
             ,
             and
             a
             dreadful
             cloud
             over
             all
             the
             earth
             .
             In
             which
             darkness
             the
             Prince
             thereof
             
             was
             ruling
             and
             leading
             men
             captive
             at
             his
             will
             ;
             having
             drawn
             them
             off
             from
             the
             blessed
             God
             their
             life
             ,
             and
             sunk
             them
             into
             a
             deep
             oblivion
             of
             their
             own
             original
             ;
             and
             disaffection
             to
             their
             true
             happiness
             that
             could
             only
             be
             found
             there
             .
          
           
             This
             great
             Lord
             and
             Prince
             of
             life
             and
             peace
             came
             down
             on
             purpose
             to
             be
             the
             
               Restorer
               of
               Souls
               ,
               to
               repair
               the
               desolations
               and
               ruins
               of
               many
               generations
               .
            
             He
             came
             full
             of
             grace
             and
             truth
             ,
             and
             hath
             scattered
             blessings
             over
             the
             world
             wheresoever
             he
             came
             ;
             hath
             infinitely
             obliged
             all
             that
             ever
             knew
             him
             ;
             and
             is
             he
             in
             whom
             all
             the
             nations
             of
             the
             earth
             must
             be
             blessed
             ;
             And
             who
             would
             not
             with
             joy
             swear
             fealty
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             take
             pleasure
             to
             do
             him
             homage
             ?
             Who
             would
             not
             recount
             with
             delight
             the
             unexpressible
             felicity
             of
             living
             under
             the
             governing
             power
             of
             such
             a
             one
             ?
          
           
             And
             if
             the
             tenor
             and
             scope
             of
             all
             his
             Laws
             and
             Constitutions
             be
             viewed
             over
             ,
             what
             will
             they
             be
             found
             ,
             but
             obligations
             upon
             men
             to
             be
             happy
             ;
             How
             easie
             his
             yoke
             ,
             how
             light
             his
             burden
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             frame
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             or
             whereof
             doth
             it
             consist
             but
             Righteousness
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Joy
             in
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
             And
             who
             would
             not
             now
             say
             ,
             
               This
               Lord
               reigneth
            
             ,
             
             
               let
               the
               earth
               rejoyce
               ,
               let
               the
               multitude
               of
               the
               Isles
               be
               glad
               thereof
               .
            
             Why
             should
             it
             not
             be
             triumphingly
             said
             among
             the
             Heathen
             ,
             That
             the
             Lord
             reigneth
             ,
             that
             the
             world
             also
             shall
             be
             established
             ,
             that
             it
             cannot
             be
             moved
             ;
             Let
             the
             heavens
             rejoice
             ,
             and
             the
             earth
             be
             glad
             ;
             let
             the
             sea
             roar
             ,
             and
             the
             fulness
             thereof
             ;
             let
             the
             fields
             rejoice
             and
             all
             that
             is
             therein
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             trees
             of
             the
             wood
             rejoice
             !
          
           
           
             It
             s
             plain
             ,
             that
             be
             the
             matter
             of
             joy
             here
             what
             it
             will
             ,
             be
             there
             never
             so
             much
             cause
             of
             exultation
             and
             glorying
             in
             him
             ,
             The
             
               righteousness
               and
               peace
            
             which
             his
             Kingdom
             promises
             ,
             never
             actually
             take
             place
             ,
             nor
             the
             joy
             that
             is
             connexion
             therewith
             ,
             till
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             dispose
             and
             form
             mens
             spirits
             thereto
             .
             
             For
             all
             this
             is
             but
             meer
             dream
             and
             idle
             talk
             to
             those
             who
             hear
             only
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             feel
             not
             that
             vital
             influence
             insinuating
             it self
             ,
             that
             may
             give
             the
             living
             sense
             and
             savor
             of
             them
             .
             And
             we
             may
             rather
             expect
             seas
             and
             fields
             ,
             beasts
             and
             trees
             ,
             to
             sing
             his
             triumphant
             Song
             ,
             and
             chant
             his
             praises
             ,
             than
             those
             men
             whose
             hearts
             are
             not
             attempered
             to
             his
             Government
             ,
             and
             who
             are
             yet
             under
             the
             dominion
             of
             another
             Lord
             ,
             not
             being
             yet
             
               by
               the
               law
               of
               the
               spirit
               of
               life
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               made
               free
               from
               the
               law
               of
               sin
               and
               death
               :
            
             But
             where
             this
             is
             effectually
             done
             ,
             How
             large
             matter
             of
             most
             rational
             pleasure
             do
             they
             find
             here
             ;
             while
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             that
             whole
             System
             of
             Laws
             by
             which
             he
             governs
             ,
             that
             is
             either
             vain
             ,
             unequal
             ,
             or
             unpleasant
             ,
             or
             upon
             any
             account
             grievous
             ?
             only
             this
             is
             not
             the
             estimate
             of
             distempered
             spirits
             ,
             or
             of
             any
             other
             than
             them
             in
             whose
             hearts
             his
             Law
             is
             written
             ,
             and
             who
             because
             
               they
               love
               him
            
             ,
             
             
               keep
               his
               Commandments
            
             .
             Unto
             Love
             his
             commands
             are
             most
             connatural
             ;
             
               For
               this
               is
               the
               love
               of
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               that
               we
               keep
               his
               commandments
               ;
               They
               are
               not
               grievous
               i.
               e.
            
             (
             by
             the
             Meiosis
             which
             some
             do
             reasonably
             enough
             apprehend
             in
             those
             words
             )
             ,
             they
             are
             joyous
             ,
             delightful
             ,
             pleasant
             ,
             but
             
               to
               them
               only
               who
               
               being
               born
               of
               God
               ,
               have
               overcome
               the
               world
               .
            
             This
             holy
             influence
             and
             communication
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             therefore
             grateful
             ,
             and
             contributes
             not
             a
             little
             to
             delight
             in
             this
             respect
             ,
             that
             thereby
             mens
             spirits
             are
             rectified
             and
             set
             right
             towards
             God
             ,
             viz.
             both
             towards
             the
             Creator
             and
             Redeemer
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               As
               hereby
               they
               are
               rectified
               towards
               men
               ,
            
             having
             the
             universal
             Law
             of
             Love
             wrought
             deep
             into
             their
             hearts
             ;
             being
             fill'd
             with
             all
             goodness
             ,
             righteous
             meekness
             ,
             mercifulness
             ;
             apt
             to
             do
             no
             wrong
             ,
             to
             bear
             any
             ,
             to
             pity
             and
             help
             the
             distressed
             ,
             to
             love
             enemies
             ,
             and
             as
             there
             is
             opportunity
             ,
             to
             do
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             especially
             to
             them
             that
             are
             of
             the
             houshold
             of
             Faith.
             We
             must
             understand
             in
             this
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             in
             the
             other
             parts
             of
             that
             stamp
             which
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             puts
             on
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             ,
             That
             the
             Impression
             corresponds
             and
             answers
             to
             the
             Seal
             ,
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             )
             ,
             the
             inward
             Communication
             to
             the
             outward
             Revelation
             of
             Gods
             will
             ;
             And
             so
             we
             find
             the
             matter
             is
             :
             For
             as
             Divine
             Precepts
             require
             this
             should
             be
             the
             temper
             of
             mens
             spirits
             ,
             so
             the
             very
             things
             that
             compose
             and
             make
             up
             that
             blessed
             temper
             ,
             are
             said
             to
             be
             the
             fruits
             of
             his
             own
             Spirit
             ;
             
               The
               fruit
               of
               the
               Spirit
               is
               peace
               ,
            
             
             
               long-suffering
               ,
               gentleness
               ,
               goodness
               ,
               meekness
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             And
             again
             ,
             
               The
               fruit
               of
               the
               spirit
               is
               in
               all
               goodness
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               truth
            
             .
             Now
             hath
             not
             that
             Soul
             a
             spring
             of
             pleasure
             within
             it self
             ,
             that
             is
             in
             these
             respects
             as
             God
             would
             have
             it
             be
             ?
             That
             is
             conscious
             to
             it self
             of
             nothing
             but
             righteousness
             ,
             goodness
             ,
             benignity
             ,
             candor
             towards
             
             any
             man
             ,
             and
             is
             in
             all
             things
             acted
             by
             a
             spirit
             of
             love
             ,
             
             
               that
               suffereth
               long
               ,
               and
               is
               kind
               ,
               that
               envieth
               not
               ,
               that
               vaunteth
               not
               it self
               ,
               is
               not
               puffed
               up
               ,
               doth
               not
               behave
               it self
               unseemly
               ,
               seeketh
               not
               its
               own
               ,
               is
               not
               easily
               provoked
               ,
               thinketh
               no
               evil
               ,
               rejoiceth
               not
               in
               iniquity
               ,
               but
               rejoiceth
               in
               the
               truth
               ,
               that
               beareth
               all
               things
               ,
               believeth
               all
               things
               ,
               hopeth
               all
               things
               ,
               endureth
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               never
               faileth
               .
            
             That
             so
             equally
             poises
             and
             acts
             a
             mans
             spirit
             ,
             that
             he
             carries
             seemly
             and
             sutably
             towards
             all
             men
             ,
             
               takes
               pleasure
               in
               the
               best
               ,
               in
               the
               Saints
               and
               excellent
               ones
               of
               the
               earth
               hath
               all
               his
               delight
            
             ;
             and
             is
             no
             worse
             affected
             ,
             than
             to
             wish
             them
             better
             ,
             
               even
               towards
               the
               very
               worst
            
             ;
             neither
             envies
             the
             greatest
             ,
             nor
             despises
             the
             meanest
             ;
             neither
             is
             revengeful
             towards
             them
             that
             injure
             him
             ,
             nor
             unthankful
             to
             them
             that
             oblige
             him
             ;
             that
             is
             apt
             to
             learn
             of
             good
             men
             ,
             and
             to
             teach
             the
             bad
             ,
             by
             observing
             and
             giving
             the
             most
             imitable
             example
             ;
             That
             is
             not
             undutiful
             to
             superiors
             ,
             nor
             morose
             and
             unconversable
             towards
             equals
             ;
             That
             lives
             not
             to
             himself
             ;
             Is
             a
             common
             good
             to
             all
             within
             the
             sphere
             through
             which
             his
             activity
             can
             extend
             it self
             ;
             That
             doth
             good
             with
             inclination
             ,
             from
             the
             steady
             propension
             of
             his
             own
             will
             ,
             and
             an
             implanted
             principle
             of
             goodness
             .
             It
             is
             evident
             ,
             God
             hath
             formed
             such
             a
             mans
             spirit
             unto
             delight
             of
             the
             purest
             kind
             ,
             and
             the
             best
             sort
             of
             pleasure
             ;
             unto
             which
             they
             who
             are
             strangers
             ,
             banish
             it
             from
             their
             own
             breasts
             ,
             by
             the
             resistance
             and
             grief
             they
             give
             his
             blessed
             Spirit
             ,
             thereby
             making
             it
             
             a
             stranger
             there
             ;
             And
             by
             harbouring
             in
             their
             own
             bosoms
             their
             own
             tormentors
             ,
             the
             pride
             ,
             the
             wrath
             ,
             the
             envy
             ,
             the
             malice
             ,
             the
             revengefulness
             ,
             the
             bitterness
             of
             spirit
             ,
             which
             as
             they
             render
             them
             uneasie
             and
             intolerable
             to
             all
             that
             are
             about
             them
             ,
             so
             most
             of
             all
             to
             themselves
             ;
             And
             which
             while
             they
             prey
             wherever
             they
             range
             abroad
             ,
             yet
             still
             bite
             most
             keenly
             and
             tormentingly
             that
             heart
             it self
             wherein
             they
             are
             bred
             ;
             as
             poysonous
             Vipers
             gnawing
             the
             bowels
             which
             inclose
             them
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             
               Towards
               themselves
            
             ;
             which
             also
             may
             be
             considered
             distinctly
             ;
             For
             though
             all
             the
             good
             qualifications
             we
             can
             mention
             or
             think
             of
             ,
             do
             
               redound
               to
               a
               mans
               self
            
             ,
             and
             turn
             to
             his
             own
             advantage
             ,
             repose
             and
             delight
             ,
             (
             which
             it
             is
             the
             design
             of
             all
             this
             discourse
             to
             shew
             )
             ,
             yet
             there
             are
             some
             that
             
               more
               directly
               terminate
            
             on
             a
             mans
             self
             ,
             wherein
             the
             rectitude
             we
             now
             speak
             of
             doth
             in
             great
             part
             consist
             :
             When
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             love
             others
             as
             our selves
             ,
             it
             supposes
             not
             only
             an
             allowable
             ,
             but
             a
             laudable
             self-love
             .
             
               Men
               shall
               praise
               thee
               when
               thou
               dost
               well
               to
               thy self
               .
            
             Before
             this
             
               right
               spirit
            
             be
             renewed
             in
             a
             man
             ,
             he
             doth
             not
             only
             wound
             himself
             ,
             by
             blows
             that
             are
             reflected
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             hurt
             at
             the
             rebound
             ,
             but
             by
             many
             a
             direct
             stroke
             ;
             or
             he
             lets
             the
             wounds
             fester
             and
             corrupt
             ,
             to
             the
             cure
             whereof
             he
             should
             with
             all
             diligence
             directly
             apply
             himself
             .
             How
             unpropitious
             and
             cruel
             to
             themselves
             are
             all
             unholy
             persons
             !
             What
             wastes
             and
             desolations
             do
             they
             commit
             and
             make
             in
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             by
             breaking
             the
             order
             
             God
             and
             Nature
             did
             at
             first
             set
             and
             establish
             there
             ?
             Dethroning
             their
             own
             reason
             and
             judgment
             ,
             which
             ought
             to
             bear
             sway
             and
             govern
             within
             them
             .
             This
             banishes
             delight
             ,
             and
             drives
             it
             far
             away
             from
             them
             ?
             They
             see
             what
             is
             fittest
             for
             them
             to
             do
             and
             seek
             ,
             and
             run
             a
             quite
             counter-course
             .
             What
             storms
             do
             they
             hereby
             raise
             in
             their
             own
             bosoms
             !
             What
             a
             torture
             is
             it
             ,
             when
             a
             man
             's
             own
             light
             and
             knowledg
             bears
             a
             standing
             testimony
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             holds
             him
             under
             a
             continual
             doom
             !
          
           
             How
             ill-dispos'd
             are
             men
             towards
             themselves
             ,
             when
             they
             wholly
             neglect
             themselves
             in
             one
             kind
             ,
             when
             they
             too
             much
             mind
             and
             seek
             themselves
             in
             another
             ;
             when
             they
             too
             little
             understand
             themselves
             ,
             so
             as
             not
             to
             put
             a
             true
             value
             on
             themselves
             ,
             but
             do
             either
             
               disesteem
               themselves
            
             ,
             as
             to
             their
             more
             noble
             part
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             that
             
               common
               excellency
            
             which
             belongs
             to
             them
             with
             all
             other
             men
             ;
             or
             do
             
               over-magnifie
               themselves
            
             ,
             and
             are
             conceited
             and
             too
             well
             opinion'd
             of
             themselves
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             any
             
               peculiar
               excellency
            
             wherein
             they
             imagine
             they
             out-strip
             others
             ?
             How
             ill
             do
             they
             treat
             themselves
             in
             their
             self-indulgence
             ,
             their
             gratifying
             their
             own
             sensual
             inclination
             ,
             with
             the
             greatest
             danger
             and
             damage
             to
             their
             Souls
             ?
             When
             they
             care
             not
             at
             what
             expence
             they
             make
             provision
             for
             the
             flesh
             ,
             to
             fulfil
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             ?
             What
             unkind
             usage
             do
             they
             find
             at
             their
             own
             hands
             ,
             when
             they
             cherish
             and
             countenance
             desires
             which
             they
             cannot
             gratifie
             ,
             and
             raise
             to
             themselves
             expectations
             
             of
             things
             not
             within
             their
             own
             power
             ,
             which
             being
             disappointed
             turn
             into
             so
             many
             furies
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             shape
             take
             a
             sharp
             revenge
             upon
             their
             own
             hearts
             ?
             when
             they
             exercise
             no
             authority
             and
             dominion
             over
             themselves
             ,
             preserve
             not
             the
             liberty
             due
             to
             what
             should
             both
             be
             it self
             free
             ,
             and
             should
             command
             the
             rest
             in
             them
             ;
             Inslave
             themselves
             to
             vile
             and
             ignominious
             lusts
             and
             passions
             ,
             put
             out
             their
             own
             eyes
             ,
             and
             grind
             blindfold
             to
             the
             basest
             and
             most
             tyrannical
             Lords
             ,
             their
             own
             sordid
             humours
             and
             base
             ,
             mean
             appetites
             ;
             when
             though
             they
             serve
             more
             rigorous
             task-masters
             than
             the
             Israelites
             in
             Egypt
             did
             ,
             and
             are
             more
             sorely
             beaten
             by
             them
             when
             their
             tale
             is
             not
             fulfill'd
             for
             want
             of
             materials
             ,
             yet
             groan
             not
             because
             of
             their
             hard
             bondage
             ,
             nor
             affect
             liberty
             ?
          
           
             This
             gracious
             communication
             from
             God
             ,
             sets
             all
             things
             in
             a
             good
             degree
             right
             within
             ;
             So
             that
             where
             there
             was
             nothing
             before
             ,
             but
             horrid
             and
             hellish
             darkness
             ,
             disorder
             and
             confusion
             ,
             there
             now
             shines
             a
             mild
             ,
             pleasant
             ,
             chearful
             light
             ,
             that
             infers
             regularity
             ,
             purity
             ,
             &
             peace
             .
          
           
             How
             great
             is
             the
             pleasure
             that
             arises
             from
             self-denial
             (
             wherein
             we
             do
             ,
             duly
             and
             
               as
               we
               ought
            
             ,
             deny
             our selves
             )
             ;
             not
             only
             as
             it
             is
             an
             act
             of
             duty
             towards
             God
             (
             of
             which
             before
             ,
             )
             but
             as
             it
             is
             an
             act
             of
             justice
             and
             mercy
             towards
             our
             own
             souls
             !
             That
             is
             ,
             wherein
             we
             make
             a
             just
             and
             
               true
               estimate
            
             of
             our selves
             ,
             do
             esteem
             basely
             of
             our selves
             ;
             wherein
             we
             are
             
               really
               become
               base
               and
               vile
            
             :
             And
             wherein
             there
             is
             any
             thing
             of
             real
             value
             and
             excellency
             in
             our
             own
             
             beings
             ,
             we
             value
             it
             only
             upon
             that
             account
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             subordination
             wherein
             it
             is
             truly
             valuable
             !
          
           
             How
             pleasant
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             learned
             to
             forsake
             and
             abandon
             our selves
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             not
             apt
             to
             magnifie
             and
             applaud
             ,
             to
             trust
             or
             love
             ,
             to
             seek
             &
             serve
             our selves
             unduly
             and
             are
             only
             inclin'd
             to
             own
             ,
             to
             cleave
             and
             stick
             to
             our selves
             ,
             wherein
             and
             so
             far
             as
             we
             ought
             !
             when
             that
             Idol
             Self
             is
             no
             longer
             maintained
             within
             us
             ,
             at
             the
             dear
             expence
             of
             our
             peace
             ,
             comfort
             ,
             safety
             ,
             and
             eternal
             hope
             ;
             An
             Idol
             that
             ingrossed
             the
             whole
             substance
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             that
             exhausted
             and
             devour'd
             the
             strength
             and
             vigour
             of
             our
             spirits
             ,
             which
             it
             doth
             not
             maintain
             ,
             and
             cannot
             repair
             ;
             which
             consumes
             our
             time
             ,
             which
             keeps
             all
             our
             powers
             and
             faculties
             in
             a
             continual
             exercise
             and
             hurry
             ,
             to
             make
             a
             costly
             ,
             a
             vain
             ,
             an
             unlawful
             provision
             for
             it
             !
             How
             great
             is
             the
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             which
             we
             feel
             ,
             in
             being
             delivered
             from
             that
             soul-wasting
             Monster
             ,
             that
             was
             sed
             and
             sustain'd
             at
             a
             dearer
             rate
             ,
             and
             with
             more
             costly
             sacrifices
             and
             repasts
             then
             can
             be
             paralleld
             by
             either
             sacred
             or
             other
             History
             ;
             That
             hath
             made
             more
             desolation
             in
             the
             souls
             of
             men
             ,
             then
             ever
             was
             made
             in
             their
             Towns
             &
             Cities
             where
             Idols
             were
             served
             by
             only
             humane
             sacrifices
             ,
             or
             monstrous
             creatures
             satiated
             with
             only
             such
             refections
             ;
             Or
             where
             the
             lives
             &
             safety
             of
             the
             most
             were
             to
             be
             bought
             out
             by
             the
             constant
             successive
             tribute
             of
             the
             blood
             of
             not
             a
             few
             !
             That
             hath
             devoured
             more
             ,
             and
             preyed
             more
             cruelly
             upon
             human
             lives
             than
             Molech
             ,
             or
             the
             Minotaure
             ;
             When
             this
             
             monstrous
             Idol
             is
             destroy'd
             &
             trodden
             down
             ,
             what
             a
             Jubilee
             doth
             it
             make
             ,
             what
             songs
             of
             triumph
             and
             praise
             doth
             it
             furnish
             and
             supply
             to
             the
             poor
             soul
             ,
             now
             deliver'd
             &
             redeem'd
             from
             death
             and
             bondage
             .
             How
             much
             more
             easie
             and
             reasonable
             a
             service
             is
             it
             (
             when
             once
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             and
             their
             own
             experience
             give
             men
             to
             understand
             it
             ,
             )
             to
             study
             to
             please
             him
             than
             themselves
             ?
             when
             they
             feel
             themselves
             dead
             to
             their
             former
             Lord
             and
             service
             ,
             
             
               and
               only
               alive
               to
               God
               through
               Jesus
               Christ
               !
            
             when
             
               Sin
               no
               longer
               reigns
               in
               their
               mortal
               bodies
               ,
               that
               they
               should
               obey
               it
               in
               the
               lusts
               thereof
            
             ;
             
             when
             they
             
               no
               more
               yield
               their
               members
               as
               instruments
               of
               unrighteousness
               unto
               sin
               ,
               but
               have
               yielded
               themselves
               unto
               God
               ,
               as
               those
               that
               are
               alive
               from
               the
               dead
               ,
            
             &
             c.
             !
             When
             
               being
               made
               free
               from
               sin
            
             ,
             
             
               they
               are
               become
               servants
               unto
               righteousness
               !
            
             
             
               The
               law
               of
               the
               spirit
               of
               life
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               having
               made
               me
               free
               from
               the
               law
               of
               sin
               !
            
             What
             an
             ease
             is
             it
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             when
             he
             hath
             not
             himself
             to
             seek
             &
             serve
             and
             care
             for
             in
             any
             unlawful
             disallowed
             sense
             ,
             when
             he
             finds
             not
             himself
             necessitated
             or
             urged
             by
             his
             own
             imperious
             fleshly
             inclination
             so
             to
             do
             ;
             when
             he
             perceives
             himself
             by
             a
             prevailing
             better
             principle
             counterpoys'd
             ,
             and
             the
             weight
             and
             byass
             of
             his
             own
             Spirit
             inclines
             him
             quite
             another
             way
             ;
             when
             he
             finds
             he
             hath
             nothing
             left
             him
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             to
             serve
             God
             ,
             to
             know
             his
             will
             and
             do
             it
             ;
             &
             is
             disburdened
             of
             all
             unnecessary
             care
             for
             himself
             ;
             That
             which
             is
             necessary
             being
             part
             of
             his
             duty
             ,
             and
             is
             therefore
             done
             on
             purpose
             only
             for
             God
             :
             and
             that
             which
             is
             unnecessary
             and
             forbidden
             (
             which
             
             part
             only
             was
             burdensome
             )
             being
             supplied
             by
             (
             what
             hath
             the
             greatest
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             in
             it
             imaginable
             )
             trust
             and
             self
             -
             resignation
             to
             his
             pleasure
             and
             will
             whose
             we
             wholly
             are
             ?
             what
             life
             is
             pleasant
             ,
             if
             this
             be
             not
             !
             Surely
             wherein
             it
             is
             attain'd
             to
             ,
             it
             is
             most
             pleasant
             ;
             and
             hither
             this
             gracious
             heart-rectifying
             communication
             is
             gradually
             tending
             .
          
           
             How
             great
             is
             the
             pleasure
             that
             arises
             from
             Self-government
             !
             When
             that
             governs
             in
             us
             which
             should
             govern
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             subject
             and
             obeys
             which
             should
             obey
             ;
             when
             a
             mans
             mind
             is
             competently
             furnished
             with
             directive
             practical
             principles
             ,
             and
             his
             heart
             is
             so
             framed
             that
             it
             is
             capable
             of
             being
             prescribed
             to
             ,
             is
             patient
             of
             restraints
             and
             direction
             ,
             easily
             obeys
             the
             reign
             and
             follows
             the
             ducture
             of
             an
             inlightened
             well-instructed
             mind
             ;
             when
             the
             order
             is
             maintained
             between
             the
             superior
             faculties
             and
             the
             inferior
             ,
             and
             there
             are
             no
             contentious
             murmurs
             of
             ungovernable
             appetitions
             and
             passions
             against
             the
             law
             of
             the
             mind
             :
             T
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             where
             this
             holy
             rectitude
             doth
             but
             in
             a
             degree
             take
             place
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             many
             conflicts
             ,
             but
             those
             conflicts
             are
             in
             order
             to
             victory
             ;
             and
             how
             joyful
             and
             glorious
             is
             the
             triumph
             upon
             that
             victory
             !
             when
             the
             soul
             enters
             upon
             its
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             its
             thanksgiving
             song
             ,
             
               I
               thank
               God
               through
               Jesus
               Christ
               our
               Lord
               !
            
             how
             happy
             a
             state
             is
             that
             (
             wherein
             at
             some
             times
             it
             is
             here
             attained
             )
             when
             there
             are
             now
             no
             tumults
             within
             !
             
               The
               wicked
            
             (
             which
             is
             the
             very
             import
             of
             their
             name
             )
             
               are
               as
               troubled
               sea
               ,
               that
               cannot
               rest
               ,
               whose
               waters
               cast
               up
               mire
               and
               
               dirt
               .
            
             Here
             is
             no
             governing
             principle
             in
             any
             power
             ;
             no
             Scepter
             ,
             no
             Trident
             to
             check
             and
             allay
             the
             rage
             of
             those
             waters
             .
             But
             when
             his
             power
             goes
             forth
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             whose
             very
             word
             Winds
             and
             Seas
             obey
             ,
             how
             peaceful
             and
             pleasant
             a
             calm
             doth
             ensue
             !
          
           
             Now
             is
             a
             man
             
               restor'd
               to
               himself
            
             ,
             and
             is
             again
             in
             his
             right
             mind
             .
             He
             is
             truly
             now
             said
             to
             
               enjoy
               himself
            
             ,
             and
             upon
             the
             best
             terms
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             he
             enjoys
             himself
             in
             and
             under
             God.
             He
             is
             (
             in
             a
             due
             subordination
             )
             master
             of
             himself
             .
             He
             possesses
             his
             own
             Soul
             ;
             That
             one
             piece
             of
             holy
             rectitude
             
               [
               patience
            
             ]
             inables
             him
             to
             do
             so
             .
             
             
               In
               your
               patience
               possess
               ye
               your
               Souls
               .
            
             Patience
             is
             a
             part
             of
             Fortitude
             ▪
             an
             
               ability
               to
               suffer
            
             ;
             He
             that
             is
             in
             this
             respect
             impotent
             of
             himself
             ,
             not
             able
             to
             suffer
             ,
             is
             a
             perfect
             slave
             ;
             not
             a
             slave
             only
             to
             the
             vicious
             wills
             and
             humours
             of
             other
             men
             ,
             in
             whose
             power
             he
             apprehends
             it
             is
             to
             befriend
             or
             hurt
             him
             ;
             but
             first
             and
             chiefly
             to
             his
             own
             ;
             he
             is
             not
             master
             of
             his
             own
             judgment
             ,
             reason
             ,
             and
             conscience
             ;
             but
             he
             prostitutes
             all
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             to
             his
             own
             inordinate
             self-love
             ,
             his
             avarice
             ,
             his
             fear
             ,
             and
             consequently
             to
             the
             pleasure
             of
             other
             men
             ,
             (
             which
             upon
             no
             other
             terms
             and
             inducements
             is
             base
             and
             vile
             towards
             any
             man
             ,
             were
             the
             
               matter
               in
               it self
            
             never
             so
             right
             ,
             and
             the
             obedience
             as
             
               due
               to
               them
            
             as
             can
             be
             supposed
             )
             ,
             whereas
             
               if
               he
               could
               suffer
            
             ,
             he
             retain'd
             his
             mastery
             over
             himself
             ,
             and
             were
             ,
             under
             God
             ,
             within
             his
             own
             power
             .
             Upon
             this
             ,
             
             with
             other
             grounds
             ,
             is
             joyfulness
             a
             companion
             of
             patience
             ;
             How
             much
             more
             is
             it
             so
             
             
               (
               if
               to
               this
               one
               part
               )
               to
               the
               whole
               frame
            
             of
             that
             holy
             rectitude
             whereby
             a
             mans
             spirit
             is
             compos'd
             to
             a
             due
             order
             within
             it self
             ;
             When
             there
             is
             an
             universal
             sobriety
             (
             or
             soundness
             of
             mind
             ,
             as
             the
             word
             that
             uses
             to
             express
             sobriety
             signifies
             )
             ,
             a
             continency
             and
             dominion
             of
             ones
             self
             ;
             and
             the
             Soul
             is
             no
             longer
             hurried
             to
             and
             fro
             ,
             and
             even
             outed
             of
             it self
             ,
             by
             undue
             desires
             ,
             fears
             ,
             angers
             ,
             sorrows
             ,
             &c.
             nor
             vext
             by
             the
             absence
             of
             and
             its
             perverse
             ineptitude
             and
             indisposition
             to
             those
             which
             it
             well
             knows
             are
             due
             ;
             When
             it
             finds
             it self
             at
             liberty
             from
             the
             exactions
             of
             an
             unsubdued
             flesh
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             kindly
             and
             genuine
             operations
             and
             exercises
             of
             the
             divine
             life
             .
             When
             it
             is
             in
             good
             measure
             freed
             from
             the
             rackings
             and
             tortures
             that
             naturally
             accompany
             the
             habitual
             contrariety
             of
             an
             ungovernable
             heart
             to
             a
             convinced
             judgment
             and
             conscience
             ;
             And
             is
             no
             longer
             held
             in
             pain
             ,
             by
             such
             continual
             self-upbraidings
             ;
             
               Thou
               art
               ,
               and
               affectest
               to
               be
               ,
               what
               thou
               knowest
               thou
               shouldst
               not
               ;
               and
               neither
               art
               ,
               nor
               do'st
               ,
               nor
               canst
               desire
               or
               endure
               to
               be
               ,
               or
               do
               ,
               what
               thou
               very
               well
               knowest
               thou
               should'st
               .
            
             In
             that
             case
             the
             soul
             is
             throughout
             disjointed
             ,
             and
             continually
             grating
             upon
             it self
             .
             And
             the
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             which
             it
             finds
             by
             this
             happy
             change
             much
             resembles
             that
             which
             a
             mans
             body
             ,
             being
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             feels
             ,
             when
             every
             dislocated
             bone
             is
             brought
             back
             and
             well-settled
             in
             its
             own
             proper
             place
             and
             order
             again
             .
             How
             resentingly
             doth
             the
             Psalmist
             acknowledg
             divine
             goodness
             in
             this
             !
             
               He
               restoreth
               my
               Soul
            
             :
             
             
               and
               leadeth
               me
               in
               paths
               
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               for
               his
               names
               sake
               ;
               q.
               d.
            
             Now
             I
             can
             walk
             and
             act
             as
             a
             sound
             man
             ,
             and
             the
             paths
             of
             righteousness
             are
             become
             pleasant
             and
             delectable
             to
             me
             ,
             which
             before
             I
             declined
             ,
             or
             wherein
             my
             halt
             and
             maimed
             Soul
             was
             unable
             to
             move
             a
             step
             .
             Now
             is
             
               heard
               the
               voice
               of
               joy
               and
               gladness
               when
               the
               bones
               which
               were
               disordered
               and
               broken
               rejoyce
               .
            
             
          
           
             How
             great
             is
             the
             joy
             and
             pleasure
             of
             self-activity
             !
             when
             the
             Soul
             is
             not
             moved
             by
             foreign
             ,
             improper
             motives
             ,
             but
             finds
             it self
             to
             move
             freely
             from
             an
             implanted
             principle
             of
             life
             ,
             that
             acts
             it
             forward
             in
             right
             and
             plain
             paths
             ;
             when
             it
             doth
             ,
             with
             its
             own
             full
             consent
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             convinced
             it
             ought
             without
             being
             forcibly
             drag'd
             or
             violently
             impos'd
             upon
             ;
             and
             is
             (
             not
             a
             weak
             ,
             ineffectual
             ,
             or
             only
             self-judging
             ,
             but
             )
             a
             powerful
             governing
             vital
             Law
             to
             it self
             .
          
           
             How
             great
             pleasure
             arises
             from
             a
             constant
             diligent
             self-inspection
             !
             when
             a
             mans
             spirit
             dwels
             within
             it self
             ,
             resides
             at
             home
             ,
             seeks
             not
             it self
             abroad
             ;
             remains
             within
             its
             own
             bounds
             ,
             is
             intent
             upon
             it self
             ;
             watches
             over
             its
             own
             motions
             as
             its
             proper
             charge
             ;
             is
             formed
             to
             a
             compliance
             with
             that
             Precept
             ,
             
             
               Keep
               thy
               heart
               with
               all
               diligence
               .
            
             And
             upon
             that
             consideration
             ,
             as
             seriously
             weighing
             that
             
               thence
               are
               the
               issues
               of
               life
               ,
            
             all
             vital
             acts
             and
             operations
             whatsoever
             will
             savour
             of
             the
             root
             and
             principle
             from
             whence
             they
             proceed
             ,
             and
             be
             as
             the
             heart
             is
             ;
             good
             and
             pure
             if
             that
             be
             so
             ;
             if
             otherwise
             ,
             corrupt
             and
             naught
             .
             To
             have
             a
             spirit
             habituated
             to
             the
             business
             of
             its
             own
             
             Province
             and
             Territory
             ;
             Its
             eyes
             ,
             not
             with
             the
             fool
             's
             in
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             but
             turned
             inward
             upon
             it self
             .
             Hence
             his
             own
             vineyard
             is
             best
             kept
             ;
             when
             the
             sluggard's
             (
             that
             neglects
             himself
             )
             is
             wholly
             over-run
             with
             thorns
             and
             briars
             ,
             that
             cover
             the
             face
             thereof
             .
             How
             forlorn
             and
             comfortless
             a
             spectacle
             hath
             such
             a
             man
             of
             his
             own
             Soul
             !
             The
             horror
             whereof
             is
             only
             avoided
             by
             (
             the
             more
             hopeless
             course
             of
             )
             turning
             off
             his
             eye
             ;
             as
             conscious
             how
             ill
             entertainment
             is
             there
             to
             be
             met
             with
             .
             Therefore
             are
             such
             ,
             strangers
             at
             home
             ;
             and
             are
             afraid
             to
             converse
             with
             themselves
             ;
             are
             better
             acquainted
             with
             the
             affairs
             of
             France
             and
             Spain
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             of
             this
             and
             that
             and
             the
             other
             neighbour
             ,
             than
             those
             of
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
             And
             the
             more
             things
             at
             home
             are
             neglected
             the
             worse
             they
             grow
             .
             
               Poverty
               and
               desolation
               come
               upon
               them
               as
               an
               armed
               man
            
             ;
             that
             (
             in
             this
             case
             )
             wasts
             and
             makes
             havock
             without
             resistance
             .
          
           
             And
             herein
             lies
             much
             of
             the
             heart-rectifying
             work
             and
             power
             of
             grace
             ,
             in
             disposing
             and
             setting
             the
             heart
             so
             far
             right
             towards
             it self
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             may
             first
             have
             the
             patience
             to
             look
             inward
             ,
             and
             then
             the
             pleasure
             which
             will
             afterwards
             arise
             ,
             most
             naturally
             ,
             thence
             .
             The
             great
             aversion
             hereto
             of
             misgiving
             hearts
             is
             not
             otherwise
             overcome
             .
             But
             when
             it
             is
             ;
             How
             do
             all
             things
             flourish
             under
             such
             a
             ones
             careful
             ,
             self-reflecting
             eye
             !
             That
             Soul
             is
             as
             a
             watered
             garden
             .
             Thither
             it
             can
             invite
             his
             presence
             who
             is
             altogether
             made
             up
             of
             delights
             ,
             to
             come
             and
             eat
             his
             pleasant
             fruits
             .
             
             And
             now
             ,
             retirement
             and
             solitude
             become
             delectable
             :
             And
             a
             man
             delightfully
             associates
             with
             himself
             ;
             singles
             out
             himself
             to
             be
             his
             own
             companion
             ,
             as
             finding
             another
             always
             stepping
             in
             ;
             so
             that
             he
             is
             never
             less
             alone
             than
             when
             alone
             .
             How
             unspeakable
             an
             happiness
             is
             this
             ,
             when
             the
             great
             Mediator
             that
             undertook
             to
             reconcile
             God
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             shall
             thus
             have
             also
             reconciled
             it
             to
             it self
             !
             When
             it
             shall
             be
             considered
             ,
             how
             dreadful
             the
             case
             is
             ,
             when
             a
             mans
             wickedness
             hath
             transformed
             him
             into
             a
             Magor-Missabib
             ,
             compass'd
             him
             with
             affrightments
             ,
             made
             him
             a
             
               terror
               to
               himself
            
             :
             It
             may
             then
             be
             understood
             how
             grateful
             a
             change
             it
             is
             when
             he
             is
             reform'd
             into
             a
             
               son
               of
               peace
            
             ,
             and
             made
             a
             delight
             to
             himself
             ;
             when
             he
             can
             recreate
             himself
             ,
             and
             refresh
             his
             tired
             eye
             ,
             overcharged
             with
             beholding
             the
             sad
             things
             that
             everywhere
             come
             in
             view
             from
             a
             world
             lost
             in
             wickedness
             ,
             by
             looking
             into
             Gods
             own
             Plantation
             within
             himself
             ;
             and
             considering
             it
             under
             that
             notion
             only
             ,
             he
             doth
             not
             look
             upon
             himself
             with
             an
             eye
             of
             pride
             ;
             as
             he
             doth
             not
             upon
             others
             with
             that
             of
             disdain
             .
             He
             beholds
             with
             a
             sort
             of
             self-complacency
             what
             God
             hath
             wrought
             and
             done
             there
             ,
             not
             with
             self-arrogance
             ;
             as
             knowing
             there
             is
             a
             self
             too
             ,
             upon
             which
             he
             hath
             still
             reason
             to
             look
             with
             abhorrence
             and
             self-loathing
             .
             And
             though
             there
             be
             now
             incorporated
             with
             him
             a
             
               better
               self
            
             ,
             yet
             that
             was
             not
             of
             himself
             .
             He
             well
             understands
             who
             made
             him
             differ
             ,
             not
             only
             from
             others
             but
             from
             himself
             ;
             and
             put
             him
             into
             that
             capacity
             of
             saying
             that
             
               I
               am
               not
               
               I
            
             ,
             I
             am
             not
             who
             or
             what
             I
             was
             before
             .
             And
             the
             more
             he
             is
             used
             to
             such
             self-reflection
             ,
             the
             more
             pleasant
             it
             becomes
             to
             him
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             if
             he
             confine
             not
             his
             eye
             too
             much
             ,
             to
             the
             dark
             side
             of
             his
             own
             Soul
             ;
             and
             do
             look
             to
             the
             more
             lightsome
             side
             with
             that
             remembrance
             (
             as
             before
             )
             that
             whatsoever
             he
             is
             ,
             that
             is
             good
             and
             grateful
             to
             behold
             ,
             he
             is
             by
             grace
             .
             He
             thus
             grows
             familiar
             with
             himself
             ,
             and
             the
             sight
             mends
             as
             it
             is
             oftener
             beheld
             ;
             and
             while
             it
             is
             not
             observed
             always
             to
             do
             so
             .
             Yea
             ,
             though
             things
             look
             many
             times
             sadly
             and
             sometimes
             dubiously
             ;
             that
             however
             ,
             doth
             but
             occasion
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             a
             more
             diligent
             search
             ,
             which
             engages
             to
             more
             earnest
             labour
             and
             strugglings
             with
             God
             and
             with
             himself
             ,
             which
             labour
             is
             recompenced
             with
             a
             following
             fruit
             and
             pleasure
             :
             Yea
             ,
             and
             God
             is
             invocated
             not
             only
             for
             redress
             ,
             but
             for
             further
             search
             ;
             when
             such
             fear
             lest
             they
             have
             been
             too
             indulgent
             and
             partial
             towards
             themselves
             ,
             and
             lest
             they
             have
             not
             made
             so
             strict
             a
             scrutiny
             as
             the
             case
             may
             possibly
             require
             ;
             then
             the
             request
             is
             ,
             
               Search
               and
               try
               me
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               see
               if
               there
               be
               any
               way
               of
               wickedness
               in
               me
               .
            
             And
             here
             the
             sincerity
             which
             appears
             in
             that
             self-suspicion
             ,
             and
             jealousie
             over
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             is
             not
             without
             its
             grateful
             relishes
             ,
             and
             a
             secret
             delight
             insinuates
             and
             mingles
             with
             the
             appeals
             which
             such
             a
             Soul
             makes
             to
             Him
             ,
             whose
             eye
             is
             a
             flame
             of
             fire
             ,
             searches
             hearts
             and
             tries
             reins
             .
             And
             it
             is
             some
             pleasure
             ,
             however
             ,
             to
             find
             that
             disposition
             in
             their
             own
             
             Souls
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             throughly
             willing
             to
             know
             themselves
             ,
             and
             desire
             not
             to
             shun
             and
             decline
             the
             search
             of
             that
             fiery
             flaming
             eye
             .
          
           
             Thus
             then
             upon
             all
             accounts
             this
             divine
             communication
             is
             delectable
             ,
             as
             it
             tends
             to
             rectifie
             mens
             dispositions
             
               towards
               themselves
            
             ,
             and
             to
             set
             them
             right
             in
             their
             inclinations
             and
             posture
             in
             reference
             to
             
               their
               own
               Souls
            
             .
             We
             may
             add
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             It
             contributes
             much
             to
             the
             matter
             of
             delight
             ,
             
               as
               it
               sets
               mens
               spirits
               right
               in
               their
               dispositions
               towards
               this
               and
               the
               other
               world
            
             ;
             the
             present
             and
             future
             state
             of
             things
             .
             How
             great
             a
             work
             is
             necessary
             to
             be
             done
             in
             this
             respect
             ,
             wherein
             things
             are
             so
             monstrously
             out
             of
             course
             ;
             and
             men
             become
             thereby
             not
             strangers
             only
             to
             true
             delight
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             but
             even
             uncapable
             of
             any
             such
             relishes
             till
             the
             matter
             be
             redrest
             !
             How
             vitiated
             and
             unexercised
             are
             mens
             senses
             as
             to
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             unable
             to
             discern
             between
             good
             and
             evil
             !
             Their
             
               grosser
               sense
            
             is
             utterly
             incompetent
             ,
             and
             a
             
               spiritual
               more
               refin'd
               sense
            
             is
             wanting
             ;
             Therefore
             do
             they
             judg
             ,
             and
             chuse
             ,
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             pursue
             only
             as
             that
             most
             incompetent
             and
             injudicious
             principle
             doth
             direct
             ,
             That
             is
             appeal'd
             to
             in
             all
             cases
             :
             All
             their
             measures
             are
             taken
             from
             thence
             ;
             and
             that
             only
             is
             called
             good
             ,
             which
             to
             their
             sensual
             imagination
             ,
             tinctur'd
             by
             the
             earthliness
             and
             carnality
             of
             their
             hearts
             ,
             appears
             so
             ;
             
               that
               evil
            
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             same
             principle
             doth
             so
             pronounce
             ;
             according
             hereto
             is
             the
             whole
             bent
             and
             inclin●●ion
             of
             their
             Souls
             .
             And
             they
             are
             only
             in●●●●●'d
             and
             govern'd
             by
             the
             powers
             of
             this
             
             sensible
             world
             ;
             this
             present
             evil
             world
             ,
             the
             fashion
             whereof
             (
             yea
             it
             and
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             together
             )
             are
             passing
             away
             .
             And
             the
             things
             of
             the
             world
             to
             come
             have
             no
             power
             with
             them
             ;
             no
             motives
             from
             thence
             signifie
             any
             thing
             .
             They
             are
             only
             steer'd
             in
             their
             whole
             course
             by
             the
             apprehension
             they
             have
             of
             advantages
             or
             disadvantages
             in
             reference
             to
             their
             present
             secular
             concernments
             .
             They
             love
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             of
             this
             world
             ;
             mind
             earthly
             things
             ,
             and
             are
             not
             startled
             when
             they
             are
             so
             plainly
             told
             ,
             that
             men
             of
             this
             character
             
               have
               not
               the
               love
               of
               the
               Father
               in
               them
               ,
            
             and
             
               are
               enemies
               to
               the
               cross
               of
               Christ
               ,
            
             and
             that
             
               their
               end
               will
               be
               destruction
            
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             death
             to
             them
             to
             think
             of
             dying
             ;
             not
             from
             the
             fear
             of
             what
             may
             ensue
             (
             they
             have
             Atheism
             enough
             to
             stifle
             such
             fear
             )
             ,
             but
             from
             the
             love
             of
             their
             earthly
             stations
             ,
             and
             that
             vile
             earthly
             body
             in
             which
             they
             dwell
             .
          
           
             But
             how
             delightful
             a
             thing
             is
             the
             change
             which
             this
             rectifying
             communication
             makes
             !
             How
             pleasant
             to
             live
             in
             this
             world
             as
             a
             Pilgrim
             and
             Stranger
             ,
             seeking
             still
             the
             better
             ,
             the
             heavenly
             Country
             !
             To
             behold
             the
             various
             inticements
             which
             are
             here
             offered
             to
             view
             at
             ,
             sometimes
             without
             inclination
             towards
             them
             ;
             the
             frightful
             aspect
             and
             appearance
             of
             things
             at
             other
             times
             without
             commotion
             ;
             Is
             not
             this
             delectable
             ?
             To
             dwell
             apart
             from
             this
             world
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             it
             ;
             
             In
             the
             secret
             of
             the
             Almighty
             ,
             under
             his
             pavilion
             ,
             as
             one
             of
             his
             hidden
             ones
             ,
             
             with-drawn
             from
             the
             communion
             of
             this
             world
             to
             his
             own
             communion
             ;
             
             so
             severed
             and
             cut
             off
             from
             this
             world
             ,
             as
             not
             to
             partake
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             be
             acted
             thereby
             ;
             but
             by
             another
             ,
             a
             greater
             and
             more
             mighty
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             a
             purer
             and
             more
             holy
             Spirit
             ;
             
             
               Greater
               is
               he
               that
               is
               in
               you
               ,
               than
               he
               that
               is
               in
               the
               world
               .
            
             
             And
             again
             ,
             
               We
               have
               received
               not
               the
               spirit
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               but
               the
               Spirit
               which
               is
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               we
               might
               know
               the
               things
               which
               are
               freely
               given
               to
               us
               of
               God.
            
             Which
             things
             the
             divine
             Spirit
             disposes
             the
             Soul
             to
             ,
             and
             unites
             it
             with
             ,
             when
             it
             disinclines
             and
             disjoins
             it
             from
             this
             world
             and
             the
             things
             thereof
             ;
             and
             thereby
             discovers
             this
             Soul
             to
             be
             quite
             of
             another
             community
             from
             that
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             viz.
             of
             an
             
               heavenly
               community
            
             ,
             unto
             which
             those
             better
             and
             more
             excellent
             things
             do
             ly
             in
             common
             ,
             as
             their
             portion
             and
             inheritance
             .
             What
             matter
             of
             Joy
             and
             Glorying
             is
             it
             ,
             
             when
             one
             is
             crucified
             to
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             this
             world
             to
             him
             ;
             when
             the
             world
             appears
             to
             him
             a
             crucified
             thing
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             an
             accursed
             ,
             hateful
             ,
             detestable
             thing
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             one
             notion
             of
             
               crucify'd
               )
            
             ,
             such
             a
             thing
             as
             he
             can
             despise
             and
             hate
             ;
             which
             he
             is
             as
             little
             apt
             to
             be
             fond
             of
             ,
             as
             one
             would
             be
             of
             a
             loathsom
             carcase
             hanging
             upon
             an
             ignominious
             Cross.
             And
             when
             he
             can
             feel
             himself
             crucified
             towards
             it
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             dead
             (
             another
             notion
             of
             it
             )
             ,
             disinclin'd
             ,
             without
             sense
             ,
             breath
             ,
             pulse
             ,
             motion
             ,
             or
             appetite
             ;
             not
             so
             dead
             as
             to
             be
             without
             any
             kind
             of
             life
             ,
             but
             without
             that
             base
             ,
             low
             ,
             sordid
             kind
             of
             life
             by
             which
             he
             
               lived
               to
               it
            
             ,
             and
             in
             its
             converses
             and
             embraces
             .
             So
             much
             of
             delectation
             doth
             this
             infer
             ,
             as
             even
             to
             endear
             
             the
             very
             cross
             it self
             (
             that
             hateful
             horrid
             thing
             )
             by
             which
             it
             is
             effected
             .
             But
             that
             carries
             a
             farther
             signification
             with
             it
             ,
             to
             be
             fetcht
             more
             expresly
             from
             other
             Scriptures
             ;
             The
             cross
             is
             it self
             render'd
             amiable
             ,
             and
             a
             thing
             to
             be
             gloried
             in
             ,
             to
             be
             lookt
             on
             with
             delight
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             the
             design
             and
             end
             of
             that
             Tragedy
             which
             was
             acted
             thereon
             ;
             within
             which
             design
             (
             being
             executed
             and
             accomplished
             )
             this
             happy
             effect
             is
             included
             .
             We
             elsewhere
             find
             the
             Apostle
             expressing
             his
             vehement
             desire
             
               to
               know
               Christ
               and
               the
               power
               of
               his
               resurrection
               ,
            
             
             and
             (
             in
             order
             thereto
             )
             
               the
               fellowship
               of
               his
               sufferings
            
             ,
             
             
               being
               made
               conformable
               to
               his
               death
               .
            
             But
             what
             did
             he
             lastly
             aim
             at
             in
             this
             ?
             The
             next
             words
             more
             fully
             speak
             out
             (
             what
             he
             first
             mentioned
             )
             
               the
               power
               of
               his
               resurrection
            
             to
             be
             the
             thing
             chiefly
             in
             his
             eye
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             desired
             (
             what
             he
             adds
             )
             
               the
               fellowship
               of
               his
               sufferings
            
             ,
             &c.
             as
             a
             means
             unto
             that
             end
             ,
             though
             it
             seem'd
             a
             sharp
             and
             painful
             means
             ;
             
               If
               by
               any
               means
               I
               might
               attain
               the
               resurrection
               of
               the
               dead
            
             ;
             
             
               q.
               d.
            
             I
             care
             not
             what
             I
             undergo
             ,
             not
             the
             sufferings
             even
             of
             a
             painful
             crucifixion
             it self
             ,
             or
             that
             my
             worldly
             earthly
             Self
             do
             suffer
             conformably
             to
             the
             sufferings
             of
             my
             crucify'd
             Lord
             ;
             I
             matter
             not
             by
             what
             so
             severe
             method
             the
             thing
             be
             brought
             about
             ,
             if
             by
             any
             means
             it
             may
             be
             brought
             about
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             know
             
               the
               power
               of
               his
               resurrection
            
             so
             feelingly
             ,
             as
             to
             attain
             also
             
               the
               resurrection
               of
               the
               dead
            
             .
             And
             what
             was
             that
             ?
             No
             doubt
             to
             attain
             a
             state
             (
             which
             he
             confesses
             he
             had
             
             not
             yet
             perfectly
             attain'd
             ,
             but
             was
             in
             pursuit
             of
             )
             sutable
             to
             his
             relation
             and
             union
             with
             a
             risen
             Jesus
             ;
             Union
             with
             him
             supposes
             a
             being
             risen
             with
             him
             ;
             
               If
               ye
               then
               be
               risen
               with
               Christ
               —
               .
            
             
             It
             is
             taken
             as
             a
             granted
             thing
             ,
             that
             they
             that
             are
             his
             are
             risen
             with
             him
             .
             And
             what
             state
             and
             temper
             of
             spirit
             would
             be
             sutable
             to
             that
             supposition
             ?
             The
             next
             words
             shew
             ,
             
               Seek
               those
               things
               that
               are
               above
               ,
               where
               Christ
               sitteth
               on
               the
               right
               hand
               of
               God.
               Set
               your
               affection
            
             (
             or
             mind
             )
             
               on
               the
               things
               above
               ,
               not
               on
               the
               things
               on
               the
               earth
               .
            
             Then
             follows
             the
             method
             in
             which
             they
             were
             brought
             to
             the
             capacity
             of
             doing
             so
             ;
             
               For
               ye
               are
               dead
            
             .
             Their
             professed
             relation
             to
             Christ
             did
             suppose
             them
             risen
             ,
             and
             did
             therefore
             first
             suppose
             them
             dead
             .
             Now
             if
             they
             would
             do
             sutably
             to
             what
             their
             profession
             imported
             ,
             this
             was
             it
             they
             had
             to
             do
             ;
             To
             abstract
             their
             minds
             and
             hearts
             from
             the
             things
             of
             this
             earth
             ,
             and
             place
             them
             upon
             the
             things
             of
             an
             higher
             region
             .
             And
             (
             as
             it
             s
             afterwards
             expressed
             in
             this
             same
             context
             which
             we
             were
             considering
             before
             )
             
               to
               have
               our
               conversation
            
             (
             or
             Citizenship
             )
             
               in
               heaven
            
             ,
             
             
               whence
               we
               look
               for
               the
               Saviour
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             That
             is
             ,
             as
             our
             chief
             interests
             and
             priviledges
             are
             above
             ,
             to
             have
             our
             thoughts
             and
             the
             powers
             of
             our
             Souls
             chiefly
             exercised
             upon
             that
             blessed
             and
             glorious
             state
             ,
             which
             state
             is
             
               the
               prize
            
             (
             mentioned
             above
             )
             
               of
               the
               high
               calling
               of
               God
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
            
             
             It
             being
             the
             scope
             and
             import
             of
             his
             Call
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             very
             design
             of
             his
             sufferings
             on
             the
             Cross
             ,
             to
             draw
             up
             a
             people
             from
             earth
             to
             heaven
             ;
             
             whence
             therefore
             they
             that
             under
             this
             Call
             do
             still
             
               mind
               earthly
               things
            
             ,
             
             are
             said
             to
             be
             
               enemies
               to
               the
               Cross
               of
               Christ
            
             ;
             the
             great
             incongruity
             whereof
             the
             Apostle
             even
             resents
             with
             tears
             as
             he
             there
             testifies
             .
             And
             it
             was
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             for
             his
             part
             so
             willing
             to
             comply
             with
             the
             design
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             that
             he
             made
             no
             difficulty
             to
             endure
             all
             the
             
               hardship
               and
               dolour
               of
               it
            
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             attain
             this
             glorious
             fruit
             and
             gain
             which
             he
             reckoned
             should
             accrew
             to
             him
             from
             it
             ;
             even
             
               more
               of
               a
               rais'd
               heavenly
               mind
               ,
            
             which
             signify'd
             it
             to
             be
             strongly
             bent
             that
             way
             already
             ;
             when
             no
             mortifications
             were
             reckoned
             too
             severe
             to
             be
             undergone
             in
             order
             thereto
             .
             And
             here
             therefore
             this
             ,
             
               soul-rectifying
               influence
            
             must
             be
             understood
             to
             have
             been
             proportionably
             strong
             .
          
           
             Hence
             also
             it
             was
             that
             we
             find
             him
             groaning
             as
             one
             under
             a
             pressure
             or
             heavy
             weight
             to
             be
             cloath'd
             upon
             with
             the
             heavenly
             house
             :
             
               and
               to
               have
               mortality
               swallowed
               up
               of
               life
               :
            
             
             Because
             God
             had
             
               wrought
               him
               to
               this
               self-same
               thing
               ,
            
             
             so
             bent
             and
             determined
             his
             spirit
             was
             towards
             the
             blessedness
             of
             the
             future
             state
             (
             which
             seems
             the
             most
             natural
             contexture
             of
             discourse
             here
             ,
             
             though
             some
             others
             have
             understood
             it
             otherwise
             )
             as
             that
             ,
             though
             he
             could
             bear
             patiently
             the
             delay
             ,
             he
             could
             not
             but
             desire
             most
             earnestly
             to
             be
             there
             .
          
           
             And
             we
             see
             how
             the
             temper
             of
             the
             Primitive
             Christians
             was
             ,
             as
             to
             this
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             world
             ,
             in
             those
             days
             when
             the
             Spirit
             was
             plentifully
             poured
             out
             .
             
             
               They
               took
               joyfully
               the
               spoiling
               of
               their
               goods
               ,
               knowing
               in
               themselves
               ,
               
               they
               had
               in
               Heaven
               a
               far
               better
               and
               an
               enduring
               substance
               .
            
             Heaven
             signified
             much
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             this
             world
             very
             little
             .
             
               They
               looked
               not
               to
               the
               things
               that
               were
               seen
               and
               temporal
               ,
               but
               to
               the
               things
               unseen
               and
               eternal
               .
            
             
             As
             those
             former
             Worthies
             did
             ,
             whose
             minds
             and
             hearts
             ,
             being
             set
             right
             by
             that
             faith
             ,
             which
             is
             
               the
               substance
               of
               the
               things
               hoped
               for
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               the
               evidence
               of
               things
               not
               seen
               .
            
             They
             lived
             as
             pilgrims
             and
             strangers
             on
             earth
             ,
             despised
             the
             pleasures
             ,
             riches
             and
             honours
             of
             it
             .
             Endured
             all
             manner
             of
             hardships
             and
             tortures
             in
             it
             ,
             not
             accepting
             deliverance
             ,
             because
             they
             were
             taken
             up
             in
             the
             pursuit
             of
             the
             better
             Country
             ;
             had
             respect
             to
             the
             recompence
             of
             reward
             ;
             and
             expected
             a
             part
             in
             the
             better
             Resurrection
             .
          
           
             And
             is
             it
             not
             a
             delightful
             thing
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             a
             man
             when
             he
             is
             sensibly
             disintangled
             ,
             and
             at
             liberty
             from
             the
             cares
             ,
             desires
             ,
             griefs
             and
             fears
             that
             were
             wont
             to
             enwrap
             his
             heart
             ?
             when
             he
             finds
             his
             weights
             and
             clogs
             faln
             off
             ,
             that
             deprest
             him
             ,
             the
             bonds
             and
             snares
             loosed
             which
             bound
             him
             down
             to
             this
             earth
             ;
             and
             feels
             himself
             ascending
             and
             moving
             upwards
             ;
             out
             of
             that
             darkness
             ,
             stupidity
             and
             death
             that
             possessed
             his
             Soul
             ,
             into
             that
             upper
             region
             of
             light
             ,
             purity
             and
             peace
             ,
             unto
             which
             his
             spirit
             is
             still
             gradually
             more
             and
             more
             connaturallized
             day
             by
             day
             ?
             When
             Heaven
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             pure
             holiness
             ,
             the
             calm
             serenity
             ,
             the
             rest
             and
             blessedness
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             now
             grown
             familiar
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             his
             very
             element
             ?
          
           
             We
             see
             then
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             these
             mentioned
             
             respects
             this
             gracious
             communication
             ,
             wherein
             it
             is
             rectifying
             ,
             and
             tends
             to
             settle
             the
             Soul
             in
             that
             frame
             
               which
               it
               ought
               to
               be
               in
               ,
            
             and
             which
             is
             most
             proper
             and
             natural
             to
             it
             ;
             therein
             it
             is
             also
             most
             delightful
             ,
             and
             carries
             highest
             matter
             of
             pleasure
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             upon
             the
             whole
             (
             that
             we
             may
             sum
             up
             the
             account
             ,
             of
             this
             divine
             communication
             in
             the
             following
             characters
             of
             it
             )
             ;
          
           
             1.
             
             Generative
             ,
             and
             begets
             the
             Soul
             to
             a
             new
             ,
             a
             divine
             life
             ;
             makes
             it
             of
             a
             sluggish
             ,
             stupid
             dead
             thing
             (
             as
             it
             was
             towards
             all
             heavenly
             and
             divine
             matters
             )
             living
             and
             sprightly
             ,
             full
             of
             active
             life
             and
             vigour
             .
             Life
             we
             say
             is
             sweet
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             it self
             a
             pleasant
             thing
             .
             This
             mean
             ,
             bodily
             life
             it self
             is
             so
             ;
             if
             we
             do
             but
             consider
             it
             ,
             and
             allow
             our selves
             to
             taste
             and
             enjoy
             the
             pleasure
             of
             it
             .
             As
             for
             instance
             ,
             that
             this
             and
             that
             limb
             and
             member
             is
             not
             a
             dead
             lump
             ,
             that
             we
             feel
             life
             freshly
             sprouting
             and
             springing
             in
             every
             part
             ,
             is
             not
             this
             delightsom
             ?
             How
             much
             more
             the
             life
             of
             the
             Soul
             !
             especially
             this
             so
             excellent
             and
             sublime
             kind
             of
             life
             !
          
           
             And
             it
             is
             the
             radical
             principle
             of
             all
             other
             (
             consequent
             )
             pleasure
             ,
             that
             by
             which
             we
             are
             capable
             thereof
             ;
             every
             thing
             is
             sapless
             and
             without
             savour
             to
             the
             dead
             .
             How
             pleasant
             operations
             and
             fruitions
             doth
             the
             divine
             life
             render
             a
             person
             capable
             of
             !
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             is
             Nutritive
             .
             Souls
             are
             nourished
             by
             the
             same
             thing
             by
             which
             they
             are
             begotten
             ,
             by
             the
             same
             divine
             influence
             .
             As
             a
             generative
             vertue
             is
             wont
             to
             be
             attributed
             to
             the
             Sun
             ,
             so
             it
             
             cherishes
             also
             its
             own
             productions
             .
             The
             beams
             of
             that
             
               Sun
               of
               righteousness
            
             make
             them
             that
             fear
             God
             grow
             up
             as
             calves
             in
             the
             stall
             ,
             
             fill
             them
             with
             marrow
             and
             fatness
             ,
             cause
             them
             to
             flourish
             as
             the
             Cedars
             of
             Lebanon
             .
             And
             is
             not
             that
             delightsome
             to
             be
             increased
             daily
             with
             the
             increases
             of
             God
             ?
             fed
             with
             heavenly
             hidden
             Manna
             ,
             Angels
             food
             ;
             and
             thereby
             (
             though
             we
             need
             not
             here
             speak
             distinctly
             of
             these
             )
             to
             receive
             at
             once
             both
             nourishment
             and
             growth
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             is
             Sanative
             ,
             and
             virtually
             contains
             all
             the
             fruits
             in
             it
             which
             are
             for
             the
             healing
             of
             the
             Nations
             ;
             when
             the
             Soul
             grows
             distemper'd
             ,
             it
             restores
             it
             ,
             and
             is
             both
             sustaining
             and
             remedying
             to
             it
             .
             How
             great
             is
             the
             pleasure
             of
             health
             and
             soundness
             !
             of
             ease
             to
             broken
             bones
             !
             of
             relief
             to
             a
             sick
             and
             fainting
             heart
             !
             so
             it
             is
             often
             (
             for
             in
             the
             present
             state
             the
             cure
             is
             not
             perfect
             and
             relapses
             are
             frequent
             )
             with
             the
             Soul
             in
             which
             the
             life
             of
             God
             hath
             begun
             to
             settle
             and
             diffuse
             it self
             ,
             till
             his
             influence
             repair
             and
             renew
             it
             ;
             And
             when
             it
             doth
             so
             ,
             how
             pleasant
             is
             it
             to
             find
             an
             heart
             made
             sound
             in
             his
             statutes
             !
             and
             to
             perceive
             a-new
             working
             in
             it
             the
             Spirit
             of
             love
             ,
             
             power
             and
             a
             
               sound
               mind
            
             !
             So
             pleasant
             that
             it
             occasions
             a
             triumph
             (
             even
             when
             the
             outward
             man
             is
             perishing
             )
             if
             it
             be
             found
             that
             the
             inward
             is
             renewed
             day
             by
             day
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             It
             is
             Corroborative
             and
             strengthening
             ;
             confirms
             resolutions
             ,
             and
             establishes
             the
             heart
             .
             Hereby
             they
             who
             have
             felt
             this
             quickening
             ,
             
             cherishing
             ,
             healing
             vertue
             are
             also
             strengthen'd
             with
             might
             (
             viz.
             by
             the
             Spirit
             )
             in
             the
             inner
             man
             ;
             so
             that
             they
             hold
             on
             their
             way
             ,
             and
             being
             of
             clean
             hands
             ,
             
             grow
             stronger
             and
             stronger
             .
             They
             go
             from
             strength
             to
             strength
             ;
             and
             do
             not
             so
             much
             spend
             ,
             
             as
             increase
             it
             by
             going
             forward
             .
             For
             the
             way
             it self
             of
             the
             Lord
             
               is
               strength
               to
               the
               upright
            
             .
             
             He
             provides
             that
             fresh
             recruits
             shall
             still
             spring
             up
             to
             them
             in
             their
             way
             .
             For
             all
             their
             supplies
             are
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             acknowledged
             to
             be
             so
             ;
             In
             as
             much
             as
             by
             
               waiting
               upon
               the
               Lord
               they
               renew
               strength
            
             and
             mount
             up
             with
             wings
             as
             Eagles
             ,
             
             run
             without
             weariness
             ,
             and
             walk
             without
             fainting
             .
             And
             this
             increasing
             strength
             cannot
             be
             without
             a
             proportionably
             increasing
             delight
             .
             How
             pleasantly
             doth
             the
             strong
             man
             rejoyce
             to
             run
             his
             race
             !
             and
             enterprize
             even
             difficult
             and
             hazardous
             things
             !
             By
             
               this
               strength
            
             doth
             the
             regenerate
             man
             perform
             the
             ordinary
             duties
             belonging
             to
             his
             holy
             profession
             ;
             by
             it
             he
             encounters
             difficulties
             ,
             combats
             and
             conquers
             enemies
             ,
             bears
             heavy
             and
             afflicting
             pressures
             ,
             and
             none
             of
             these
             without
             some
             intermingled
             pleasure
             .
             For
             even
             
               that
               exercise
            
             of
             this
             strength
             which
             is
             likely
             to
             be
             least
             accompanied
             with
             pleasure
             ,
             
               the
               suffering
               of
               sharp
               and
               smarting
               afflictions
               ,
            
             hath
             many
             times
             much
             of
             this
             grateful
             mixture
             ;
             and
             can
             only
             be
             expected
             to
             have
             it
             in
             this
             way
             of
             gracious
             communication
             ,
             as
             the
             depending
             sufferers
             shall
             be
             strengthened
             with
             all
             might
             according
             to
             the
             glorious
             power
             of
             God
             ,
             
             unto
             all
             patience
             and
             long-suffering
             
               with
               joyfulness
            
             .
          
           
           
             God
             is
             therefore
             to
             be
             enjoy'd
             and
             delighted
             in
             by
             this
             delectable
             communication
             intervening
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             now
             frames
             the
             Soul
             according
             to
             his
             own
             Image
             ,
             and
             gives
             an
             heart
             after
             his
             own
             heart
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             
               such
               as
               is
               sutable
               to
               him
               ,
            
             and
             
               as
               he
               would
               have
               it
               be
               .
            
             And
             this
             way
             only
             is
             any
             one
             in
             a
             possibility
             to
             delight
             in
             God
             ,
             
               by
               having
               a
               good
               frame
               of
               Spirit
               communicated
               to
               him
               ,
            
             and
             in
             wrought
             in
             him
             ;
             I
             mean
             never
             without
             this
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             great
             measure
             by
             it
             .
             Then
             is
             he
             in
             a
             happy
             state
             ,
             when
             God
             hath
             by
             his
             own
             Spirit
             
               made
               him
            
             what
             by
             his
             Word
             he
             
               requires
               him
            
             to
             be
             .
             Now
             is
             he
             compos'd
             to
             delights
             and
             blessedness
             ,
             being
             by
             the
             same
             workmanship
             created
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             both
             to
             
               good
               works
            
             and
             to
             the
             
               best
               of
               enjoyments
            
             .
             How
             happy
             is
             that
             Soul
             in
             whom
             the
             true
             matter
             of
             delight
             is
             become
             an
             
               implanted
               thing
            
             !
             that
             is
             what
             it
             should
             be
             ,
             and
             should
             be
             nothing
             (
             such
             is
             the
             constitution
             of
             Gospel-Rules
             and
             Precepts
             )
             but
             what
             most
             truly
             makes
             for
             its
             own
             content
             ,
             delight
             ,
             and
             rest
             !
             whose
             own
             temper
             is
             now
             in
             some
             sort
             become
             to
             it
             both
             a
             law
             and
             a
             reward
             !
             Surely
             this
             is
             one
             great
             part
             of
             what
             an
             enlightened
             apprehensive
             Soul
             would
             most
             earnestly
             desire
             and
             crave
             ,
             or
             would
             be
             the
             genuine
             breathings
             of
             a
             sincerely
             gracious
             heart
             .
             O
             that
             I
             were
             more
             like
             God!
             more
             perfectly
             framed
             according
             to
             his
             holy
             will
             !
             And
             must
             therefore
             be
             ,
             in
             great
             part
             ,
             a
             thing
             apt
             to
             afford
             it
             delight
             and
             rest
             ;
             as
             hath
             been
             already
             inculcated
             before
             .
          
           
           
             But
             yet
             this
             natural
             consequence
             is
             little
             understood
             .
             And
             the
             common
             ignorance
             or
             inadvertency
             of
             this
             ,
             hath
             made
             it
             necessary
             to
             insist
             the
             more
             largely
             (
             though
             but
             little
             have
             been
             said
             in
             respect
             of
             what
             might
             )
             on
             this
             part
             of
             the
             delectable
             communication
             wherein
             God
             offers
             himself
             to
             his
             peoples
             enjoyment
             .
             For
             from
             the
             not-knowing
             ,
             or
             not-considering
             of
             this
             way
             of
             enjoying
             him
             ,
             this
             twofold
             mistake
             (
             the
             one
             of
             very
             dangerous
             ,
             the
             other
             of
             uncomfortable
             importance
             and
             tendency
             )
             hath
             arisen
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             some
             have
             thought
             they
             have
             enjoy'd
             God
             when
             they
             have
             not
             ;
             having
             only
             had
             their
             imaginations
             somewhat
             gratified
             ,
             by
             certain
             ,
             either
             false
             or
             ineffectual
             notions
             of
             him
             .
             In
             which
             they
             have
             rested
             ,
             and
             placed
             the
             sum
             of
             their
             Religion
             and
             Happiness
             .
             Never
             aiming
             ,
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             to
             have
             their
             spirits
             reformed
             according
             to
             that
             pure
             and
             holy
             Image
             and
             Exemplar
             which
             he
             hath
             represented
             in
             the
             Gospel
             of
             his
             Son
             ;
             the
             impression
             whereof
             ,
             is
             ,
             
               Christ
               formed
               in
               us
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             others
             have
             thought
             they
             have
             not
             enjoyed
             God
             when
             they
             have
             ;
             supposing
             there
             was
             no
             enjoyment
             of
             him
             ,
             but
             what
             consisted
             in
             the
             rapturous
             transporting
             apprehension
             and
             perswasion
             of
             his
             
               particular
               love
               to
               them
            
             ;
             and
             sleightly
             overlooking
             all
             that
             work
             he
             hath
             wrought
             in
             their
             Souls
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             were
             nothing
             to
             be
             accounted
             of
             ,
             not
             allowing
             themselves
             to
             reflect
             on
             any
             thing
             in
             themselves
             ,
             but
             what
             was
             still
             amiss
             ;
             and
             vainly
             seeking
             with
             much
             anxiety
             and
             complaint
             
             what
             they
             have
             ,
             while
             they
             will
             not
             take
             notice
             that
             they
             have
             it
             ,
             nor
             apply
             themselves
             to
             improve
             the
             already
             implanted
             Principles
             that
             are
             ,
             
               in
               themselves
            
             ,
             apt
             to
             yield
             fruits
             of
             so
             pleasant
             relish
             .
          
           
             It
             was
             upon
             this
             account
             requisite
             to
             discover
             ,
             and
             labour
             somewhat
             to
             magnifie
             the
             
               intrinsecal
               delightfulness
               of
               Religion
               it self
            
             ;
             and
             to
             put
             the
             more
             of
             note
             and
             remark
             upon
             a
             
               well-tempered
               spirit
            
             ,
             even
             in
             point
             of
             delectableness
             and
             the
             matter
             of
             pleasure
             it
             hath
             in
             it
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             it
             is
             with
             too
             many
             ,
             on
             one
             account
             or
             another
             ,
             a
             neglect●d
             thing
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             only
             somewhat
             of
             doubt
             ,
             or
             objection
             that
             may
             possibly
             lie
             in
             the
             minds
             of
             some
             against
             the
             scope
             and
             drift
             of
             this
             Discourse
             ;
             which
             it
             will
             be
             needful
             we
             endeavour
             to
             remove
             before
             we
             proceed
             to
             what
             is
             further
             contained
             in
             this
             
               gracious
               communication
            
             :
             As
             ,
          
           
             
             1.
             
             
               It
               may
               be
               said
            
             ,
             Doth
             not
             all
             this
             tend
             to
             bring
             us
             ,
             instead
             of
             delighting
             in
             God
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             our selves
             ?
             To
             make
             us
             become
             our
             own
             center
             and
             rest
             ?
             And
             how
             can
             the
             relishable
             sweetness
             of
             gracious
             principles
             and
             dispositions
             signifie
             Gods
             being
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             or
             delighted
             in
             ?
             
               For
               what
               ,
               are
               these
               things
               God
               ?
            
          
           
             To
             this
             I
             only
             say
             :
             1.
             
             That
             such
             
               holy
               dispositions
            
             as
             they
             are
             not
             God
             ,
             so
             nor
             are
             they
             ,
             in
             strictness
             of
             speech
             ,
             our selves
             .
             And
             how
             absurd
             were
             it
             ,
             to
             call
             every
             thing
             our selves
             that
             is
             
               in
               us
            
             !
             And
             how
             self-contradicting
             then
             were
             the
             very
             objection
             !
             for
             that
             would
             make
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             and
             in
             
             our selves
             directly
             all
             one
             ;
             and
             so
             the
             fault
             which
             it
             causlesly
             pretends
             to
             find
             ,
             it
             would
             really
             commit
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             improperly
             
               holy
               dispositions
            
             are
             said
             to
             make
             up
             
               another
               self
            
             in
             us
             ,
             a
             
               new
               man
            
             ,
             according
             as
             corrupt
             and
             
               sinful
               principles
            
             and
             dispositions
             do
             make
             also
             a
             self
             ,
             the
             
               old
               man.
            
             But
             then
             it
             is
             also
             to
             be
             remembered
             ,
             that
             with
             no
             greater
             impropriety
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             bearing
             the
             name
             of
             God
             ;
             as
             the
             image
             of
             any
             thing
             frequently
             doth
             the
             name
             of
             the
             thing
             which
             it
             represents
             ,
             or
             the
             work
             of
             its
             Author
             :
             And
             they
             are
             expresly
             called
             ,
             
               Christ
               formed
               in
               us
            
             ;
             and
             is
             not
             the
             God
             ?
             They
             are
             called
             
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             for
             when
             we
             are
             caution'd
             not
             to
             
               quench
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             how
             can
             that
             be
             understood
             of
             the
             eternal
             uncreated
             Spirit
             himself
             ?
             And
             the
             very
             thing
             produced
             (
             not
             meerly
             the
             productive
             influence
             )
             in
             the
             work
             of
             Regeneration
             is
             expresly
             called
             by
             that
             name
             (
             as
             it
             is
             no
             such
             strange
             thing
             for
             the
             effect
             to
             carry
             the
             name
             of
             its
             cause
             )
             ;
             
             
               That
               which
               is
               born
               of
               the
               Spirit
               is
               Spirit
               .
            
             There
             is
             Spirit
             begetting
             ,
             and
             Spirit
             begotten
             .
             And
             the
             Spirit
             begotten
             ,
             as
             it
             must
             be
             distinguished
             from
             its
             cause
             ,
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ;
             so
             it
             must
             from
             the
             subject
             wherein
             the
             effect
             is
             wrought
             ,
             
               our
               own
               Spirits
            
             ;
             For
             they
             sure
             are
             not
             produc't
             by
             the
             regenerating
             work
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             when
             God
             is
             said
             
               to
               dwell
               in
               them
               that
               dwell
               in
               love
               ,
            
             and
             that
             are
             humble
             and
             contrite
             ;
             somewhat
             else
             is
             thereby
             signify'd
             to
             be
             indwelling
             there
             ,
             than
             the
             meer
             being
             of
             God
             ;
             for
             otherwise
             the
             priviledg
             of
             such
             were
             no
             
             greater
             than
             of
             all
             other
             men
             and
             things
             .
             And
             what
             else
             is
             it
             ,
             but
             somewhat
             communicated
             and
             imparted
             immediately
             from
             God
             to
             such
             ?
             (
             else
             how
             by
             
               dwelling
               in
               love
            
             ,
             do
             they
             
               dwell
               in
               God
               ?
            
             )
             which
             because
             dwelling
             imports
             permanency
             ,
             cannot
             be
             a
             transient
             influence
             only
             ,
             but
             some
             settled
             abiding
             effect
             ,
             a
             consistent
             frame
             and
             temper
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             maintained
             by
             his
             continually
             renewed
             influence
             ;
             and
             therefore
             it
             would
             be
             very
             unreasonably
             said
             ,
             that
             the
             representing
             this
             as
             delectable
             is
             a
             calling
             us
             off
             from
             God
             to
             delight
             in
             our selves
             .
             For
             if
             this
             communication
             be
             not
             it self
             ,
             in
             strict
             propriety
             ,
             God
             ,
             it
             were
             as
             great
             impropriety
             to
             say
             it
             were
             our selves
             .
             Again
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             It
             hath
             a
             great
             deal
             more
             affinity
             with
             God
             than
             with
             us
             .
             We
             are
             ,
             its
             true
             ,
             the
             subjects
             of
             it
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             
               his
               immediate
               production
            
             and
             very
             likeness
             ,
             a
             Divine
             nature
             ,
             no
             humane
             thing
             .
             Therefore
             if
             here
             our
             delight
             were
             to
             terminate
             ,
             it
             were
             more
             proper
             to
             call
             it
             delighting
             in
             God
             than
             in
             our selves
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             is
             neither
             said
             nor
             meant
             ,
             that
             here
             our
             delight
             is
             to
             terminate
             ;
             but
             that
             hereby
             we
             are
             to
             delight
             
               in
               God
            
             ,
             and
             so
             that
             our
             delight
             is
             to
             
               terminate
               in
               him
            
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             When
             we
             are
             said
             to
             
               enjoy
               God
            
             ,
             I
             inquire
             ,
             
               Is
               any
               thing
               communicated
               to
               us
               ,
               or
               no
               ?
            
             If
             not
             ,
             we
             have
             no
             enjoyment
             ;
             If
             any
             thing
             be
             ,
             what
             is
             it
             ?
             Gods
             Essence
             ?
             That
             's
             impossible
             and
             horrid
             to
             think
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             .
             And
             we
             need
             not
             repeat
             ,
             that
             when
             we
             can
             tell
             what
             it
             is
             to
             enjoy
             a
             Friend
             ,
             without
             partaking
             his
             
             essence
             ,
             whose
             communications
             are
             so
             incomparably
             more
             remote
             ,
             mediate
             ,
             resistible
             ;
             It
             is
             less
             difficult
             to
             conceive
             ,
             how
             God
             is
             to
             be
             enjoy'd
             by
             his
             communications
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               It
               may
               be
               again
               said
            
             ;
             But
             if
             God
             be
             
             thus
             to
             be
             delighted
             in
             ,
             how
             can
             delighting
             in
             him
             be
             upon
             such
             terms
             our
             duty
             ?
             For
             is
             it
             our
             duty
             that
             he
             communicate
             himself
             in
             this
             way
             to
             us
             ?
          
           
             Let
             any
             that
             object
             thus
             ,
             only
             study
             the
             meaning
             of
             those
             Precepts
             ;
             
               Keep
               your selves
               in
               the
               love
               of
               God.
               Continue
               in
               his
               goodness
               .
               Be
               ye
               fill'd
               with
               the
               Spirit
               .
               Walk
               in
               the
               Spirit
               .
            
             And
             if
             they
             can
             think
             them
             to
             signifie
             any
             thing
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             be
             to
             seek
             for
             an
             answer
             .
             But
             to
             this
             more
             hereafter
             ;
             when
             from
             the
             delightful
             object
             ,
             we
             come
             to
             treat
             of
             actual
             delighting
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             
               But
               some
               may
               say
            
             ,
             It
             were
             indeed
             to
             be
             
             acknowledged
             ,
             that
             such
             a
             temper
             of
             spirit
             once
             communicated
             ,
             were
             indeed
             very
             delightful
             ;
             But
             where
             is
             it
             to
             be
             found
             ?
             And
             to
             state
             the
             matter
             of
             delight
             so
             much
             in
             what
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             in
             our selves
             ,
             is
             to
             reduce
             the
             whole
             business
             of
             delighting
             in
             God
             ,
             to
             an
             impossibility
             ,
             or
             to
             nothing
             :
             So
             little
             appearing
             of
             this
             temper
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             of
             the
             contrary
             ,
             as
             gives
             much
             cause
             of
             doubt
             ,
             whether
             there
             be
             any
             thing
             to
             be
             rejoiced
             in
             or
             no.
             And
             what
             then
             ?
             Are
             we
             to
             suspend
             the
             exercise
             of
             this
             duty
             till
             we
             have
             gotten
             the
             difficult
             case
             resolved
             ?
             
               (
               which
               may
               be
               all
               our
               time
               )
               .
            
             [
             Is
             there
             a
             real
             thorough
             work
             of
             God
             upon
             my
             Soul
             or
             no
             ?
             ]
             For
             how
             can
             I
             rejoice
             in
             that
             whereof
             I
             have
             yet
             a
             doubt
             ,
             
             whether
             it
             be
             what
             it
             seems
             or
             no
             ?
          
           
             I
             answer
             ,
             1.
             
             It
             is
             plain
             ,
             they
             that
             really
             have
             nothing
             of
             this
             communication
             from
             God
             ,
             cannot
             take
             delight
             in
             it
             (
             otherwise
             than
             as
             hoped
             for
             )
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             Would
             we
             therefore
             have
             such
             to
             please
             themselves
             and
             be
             satisfied
             without
             it
             ;
             and
             delight
             in
             their
             distance
             and
             estrangement
             from
             God
             ;
             and
             while
             there
             is
             no
             intercourse
             between
             him
             and
             them
             ?
             And
             shall
             this
             be
             called
             too
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ?
             Surely
             somewhat
             else
             than
             delight
             belongs
             to
             their
             states
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             But
             for
             such
             as
             
               really
               have
               it
            
             ,
             That
             which
             hath
             been
             designed
             to
             be
             evinced
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             
               delectable
               in
               it self
            
             ;
             and
             therefore
             they
             cannot
             be
             without
             any
             taste
             or
             relish
             of
             pleasure
             therein
             ;
             while
             yet
             some
             doubt
             touching
             the
             sincerity
             and
             truth
             thereof
             doth
             yet
             remain
             :
             Though
             such
             doubt
             (
             but
             more
             their
             imperfect
             reception
             of
             this
             communication
             ,
             and
             neglect
             to
             look
             after
             further
             degrees
             of
             it
             )
             cannot
             but
             render
             their
             delight
             comparatively
             little
             .
          
           
             Nor
             hath
             it
             been
             designed
             to
             speak
             hitherto
             ,
             of
             what
             delight
             the
             regenerate
             in
             this
             way
             
               actually
               have
            
             ,
             but
             what
             they
             
               may
               have
            
             ;
             and
             what
             
               matter
               of
               delight
            
             Gods
             heart-rectifying
             communication
             doth
             
               in
               the
               nature
               of
               it
            
             contain
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             supposing
             it
             were
             imparted
             and
             received
             ,
             so
             as
             actually
             to
             have
             formed
             the
             Soul
             according
             to
             the
             Gospel-revelation
             .
             And
             if
             it
             were
             so
             in
             a
             more
             eminent
             measure
             and
             degree
             ,
             it
             were
             then
             
               in
               it self
            
             so
             delectable
             ,
             as
             without
             the
             assurance
             of
             
             our
             future
             safe
             and
             happy
             state
             (
             though
             that
             ,
             in
             that
             case
             ,
             is
             not
             likely
             to
             be
             in
             a
             comfortable
             degree
             wanting
             )
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             not
             
               by
               it
               only
            
             ,
             but
             
               by
               it self
            
             ,
             without
             the
             present
             constant
             necessary
             concurrence
             thereof
             ,
             to
             afford
             unspeakable
             pleasure
             to
             that
             Soul
             in
             which
             it
             hath
             place
             .
             So
             that
             the
             getting
             of
             assurance
             is
             not
             the
             
               only
               thing
            
             to
             be
             done
             in
             order
             to
             a
             persons
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ;
             (
             of
             which
             more
             hereafter
             is
             intended
             to
             be
             said
             in
             the
             directive
             Part
             )
             .
          
           
             But
             though
             that
             be
             not
             the
             
               only
               thing
            
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             a
             very
             
               great
               thing
            
             ;
             and
             being
             superadded
             ,
             makes
             a
             great
             addition
             to
             the
             matter
             of
             delight
             :
             Therefore
             we
             further
             say
             ,
          
           
             This
             divine
             communication
             is
             delectable
             
             as
             it
             includes
             in
             it
             ,
             
               the
               manifestation
               of
               Gods
               love
               to
               the
               Soul
               in
               particular
               .
            
          
           
             Nor
             do
             we
             hereby
             intend
             an
             
               Enthusiastical
               assurance
            
             ;
             or
             such
             a
             testification
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             excludes
             any
             reference
             to
             his
             external
             revelation
             and
             exercise
             of
             our
             own
             enlightened
             reason
             and
             judgment
             thereupon
             ;
             or
             wherein
             these
             are
             of
             no
             use
             ,
             nor
             have
             subservience
             thereto
             :
             But
             as
             in
             the
             other
             parts
             of
             the
             divine
             communication
             ,
             his
             external
             revelation
             hath
             the
             place
             of
             an
             instrument
             ,
             whereby
             he
             effects
             the
             work
             inwardly
             done
             upon
             the
             mind
             and
             heart
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             rule
             or
             measure
             whereby
             we
             are
             to
             judg
             of
             it
             ;
             so
             we
             are
             to
             account
             it
             is
             ,
             as
             to
             this
             part
             of
             it
             also
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             he
             inwardly
             testifies
             and
             manifests
             the
             same
             thing
             which
             is
             virtually
             contained
             in
             his
             Gospel-revelation
             ,
             
             considered
             in
             that
             reference
             and
             aspect
             which
             it
             hath
             on
             the
             present
             state
             of
             the
             Soul.
             For
             that
             outward
             Revelation
             must
             needs
             be
             understood
             to
             signifie
             diversly
             to
             particular
             persons
             ,
             as
             their
             state
             may
             be
             divers
             ;
             As
             when
             it
             says
             ,
             
             
               The
               things
               that
               eye
               hath
               not
               seen
               ,
               nor
               ear
               heard
               ,
               nor
               have
               entred
               into
               the
               heart
               of
               man
               ,
               God
               hath
               prepared
               for
               them
               that
               love
               him
               .
            
             To
             a
             person
             that
             doth
             indeed
             truly
             love
             God
             ,
             it
             virtually
             says
             ,
             
               all
               these
               things
               are
               prepared
               for
               thee
               :
            
             To
             one
             that
             doth
             not
             love
             God
             ,
             it
             can
             only
             be
             understood
             to
             say
             ,
             all
             these
             things
             
               may
               be
               thine
               ,
               i.
               e.
            
             if
             thou
             shalt
             love
             him
             ;
             If
             thou
             do
             not
             ,
             thou
             hast
             no
             part
             in
             them
             ;
             but
             in
             as
             much
             as
             a
             conditional
             promise
             ,
             when
             the
             condition
             is
             performed
             ,
             is
             equivalent
             to
             an
             absolute
             ;
             These
             words
             do
             as
             truly
             import
             this
             sense
             to
             one
             that
             loves
             God
             
               [
               these
               things
               are
               thine
               ]
               ,
            
             as
             if
             they
             were
             directed
             to
             it
             in
             particular
             :
             As
             truly
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             supposing
             the
             person
             do
             truly
             love
             God
             ,
             but
             not
             so
             clearly
             or
             with
             that
             evidence
             .
             For
             this
             Truth
             ,
             (
             supposing
             it
             a
             Truth
             )
             ,
             
               I
               do
               sincerely
               love
               God
            
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             evident
             as
             this
             ,
             
               That
               such
               preparation
               is
               made
               for
               them
               that
               do
               :
            
             For
             this
             is
             expresly
             contained
             in
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ;
             The
             other
             is
             not
             so
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             collected
             only
             by
             self-inspection
             ,
             and
             observation
             of
             the
             bent
             and
             tenor
             of
             my
             spirit
             and
             way
             Godward
             ;
             yet
             however
             the
             evidence
             of
             truth
             admits
             of
             degrees
             ,
             Truth
             it self
             doth
             not
             .
             All
             things
             that
             are
             true
             ,
             are
             equally
             true
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             so
             great
             things
             are
             prepared
             for
             
               them
               that
               love
               God
            
             ;
             It
             is
             as
             truly
             said
             ,
             they
             
             are
             prepared
             for
             
               this
               man
               who
               loves
               God
            
             ,
             as
             this
             or
             that
             particular
             
               lover
               of
               God
            
             is
             contained
             in
             the
             general
             notion
             of
             a
             
               lover
               of
               him
            
             .
             And
             then
             ,
             as
             that
             publick
             declaration
             says
             not
             to
             any
             ,
             
               these
               things
               are
               prepared
               for
               you
               ,
            
             whether
             you
             love
             God
             or
             no
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             than
             as
             they
             come
             under
             that
             common
             notion
             of
             
               lovers
               of
               God
            
             ;
             This
             inward
             manifestation
             is
             also
             so
             accommodate
             to
             that
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             says
             not
             
               another
               thing
            
             ,
             but
             
               the
               same
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             nothing
             that
             contradicts
             (
             and
             indeed
             no
             more
             than
             is
             virtually
             contained
             in
             )
             the
             other
             ;
             or
             it
             applies
             what
             is
             generally
             said
             of
             the
             lovers
             of
             God
             to
             this
             particular
             lover
             of
             him
             
               as
               such
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             enabling
             him
             to
             discern
             himself
             a
             
               lover
               of
               him
            
             ,
             impresses
             this
             Truth
             powerfully
             upon
             the
             heart
             ,
             
               these
               great
               preparations
               belong
               to
               thee
               ,
               as
               thou
               art
               such
               a
               one
               .
            
          
           
             We
             speak
             not
             here
             of
             what
             God
             
               can
               do
            
             ,
             but
             
               what
               he
               doth
            
             .
             Who
             can
             doubt
             but
             as
             God
             can
             ,
             if
             he
             please
             ,
             imprint
             
               on
               the
               mind
            
             the
             whole
             System
             of
             necessary
             Truth
             ,
             and
             
               on
               the
               heart
            
             the
             entire
             frame
             of
             holiness
             ,
             without
             the
             help
             of
             an
             external
             revelation
             ;
             so
             he
             can
             imprint
             this
             particular
             perswasion
             also
             without
             any
             outward
             means
             ?
          
           
             Nor
             do
             we
             speak
             of
             what
             
               he
               more
               rarely
               doth
            
             ,
             but
             of
             what
             he
             doth
             ordinarily
             ;
             or
             what
             his
             more
             usual
             course
             and
             way
             of
             procedure
             is
             ,
             in
             dealing
             with
             the
             spirits
             of
             men
             .
             The
             supream
             Power
             binds
             not
             its
             own
             hands
             .
             We
             may
             be
             sure
             ,
             
               the
               inward
               testimony
               of
               the
               Spirit
               never
               is
               opposite
               to
               the
               outward
               testimony
               of
               his
               Gospel
            
             (
             which
             is
             the
             Spirits
             testimony
             
             also
             )
             ;
             and
             therefore
             it
             never
             says
             to
             an
             unholy
             man
             ,
             an
             enemy
             to
             God
             ,
             
               thou
               art
               in
               a
               reconcil'd
               and
               pardoned
               state
               .
            
             But
             we
             cannot
             be
             sure
             he
             never
             speaks
             or
             suggests
             things
             to
             the
             spirits
             of
             men
             but
             
               by
               the
               external
               testimony
            
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             make
             use
             of
             that
             as
             the
             means
             of
             informing
             them
             with
             what
             He
             hath
             to
             impart
             ;
             Nay
             ,
             we
             know
             he
             sometime
             hath
             imparted
             things
             (
             as
             to
             Prophets
             and
             the
             Sacred
             Pen-men
             )
             without
             any
             external
             means
             ,
             and
             (
             no
             doubt
             )
             excited
             sutable
             affections
             in
             them
             ,
             to
             the
             import
             of
             the
             things
             imparted
             and
             made
             known
             .
          
           
             Nor
             do
             I
             believe
             it
             can
             ever
             be
             proved
             ,
             That
             he
             never
             doth
             immediately
             testifie
             his
             own
             special
             love
             to
             holy
             Souls
             without
             the
             intervention
             of
             some
             part
             of
             his
             external
             Word
             ,
             made
             use
             of
             as
             a
             present
             instrument
             to
             that
             purpose
             ,
             or
             that
             he
             always
             doth
             it
             ,
             in
             the
             way
             of
             methodical
             reasoning
             therefrom
             .
          
           
             Nor
             do
             I
             think
             that
             the
             experience
             of
             Christians
             can
             signifie
             much
             to
             the
             deciding
             of
             the
             matter
             .
             For
             besides
             that
             this
             ,
             or
             that
             ,
             or
             a
             third
             persons
             experience
             cannot
             conclude
             any
             thing
             against
             a
             fourth's
             ;
             and
             the
             way
             of
             arguing
             were
             very
             infirm
             ,
             what
             one
             or
             two
             or
             a
             thousand
             ,
             or
             even
             the
             greater
             part
             of
             serious
             Christians
             (
             even
             such
             as
             have
             attain'd
             to
             some
             satisfying
             evidence
             of
             their
             own
             good
             estate
             )
             have
             not
             found
             ,
             that
             no-where
             is
             to
             be
             found
             :
             Besides
             that
             I
             say
             ,
             it
             's
             likely
             few
             can
             distinctly
             tell
             how
             it
             hath
             been
             with
             them
             in
             this
             matter
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             what
             way
             or
             method
             hath
             been
             taken
             with
             them
             in
             begetting
             a
             present
             
             perswasion
             at
             this
             or
             that
             time
             of
             Gods
             peculiar
             love
             
               to
               them
            
             .
             His
             dealings
             with
             persons
             (
             even
             the
             same
             persons
             at
             divers
             times
             )
             may
             be
             so
             various
             ;
             his
             illapses
             and
             coming
             in
             upon
             them
             at
             some
             times
             may
             have
             been
             so
             sudden
             and
             surprizing
             ;
             the
             motions
             of
             thoughts
             are
             so
             quick
             ;
             the
             observation
             or
             animadversion
             persons
             usually
             have
             of
             what
             is
             transacted
             in
             their
             own
             spirits
             is
             so
             indistinct
             ;
             and
             they
             may
             be
             so
             much
             taken
             up
             with
             the
             
               thing
               it self
            
             ,
             as
             less
             to
             mind
             the
             way
             and
             order
             of
             doing
             it
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             suppose
             little
             is
             to
             be
             gathered
             thence
             towards
             the
             settling
             of
             a
             stated
             rule
             in
             this
             case
             .
             Nor
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             such
             moment
             ,
             that
             we
             need
             either
             be
             curious
             in
             enquiring
             or
             positive
             in
             determining
             about
             it
             ;
             that
             Principle
             being
             once
             supposed
             and
             firmly
             stuck
             to
             ;
          
           
             
               That
               he
               never
               says
               any
               thing
               in
               this
               matter
               by
               his
               Spirit
               to
               the
               hearts
               of
               men
               ,
               repugnant
               to
               what
               the
               same
               Spirit
               hath
               said
               in
               his
               Word
            
             ;
             Or
             ,
             That
             he
             doth
             not
             say
             a
             new
             or
             a
             diverse
             thing
             from
             what
             he
             hath
             said
             there
             for
             their
             assurance
             :
             that
             is
             ,
             That
             he
             never
             testifies
             to
             any
             person
             by
             his
             Spirit
             that
             he
             is
             accepted
             and
             beloved
             of
             him
             ,
             who
             may
             at
             the
             same
             time
             be
             concluded
             by
             his
             publiquely-extant
             constitutions
             in
             his
             Word
             to
             be
             in
             a
             state
             of
             non-acceptance
             and
             disfavour
             ;
             or
             concerning
             whom
             the
             same
             thing
             
               (
               viz.
            
             his
             acceptance
             )
             might
             not
             be
             concluded
             by
             his
             Word
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             duly
             applied
             to
             his
             case
             .
             Hereby
             the
             most
             momentous
             danger
             in
             this
             matter
             is
             avoided
             ;
             For
             if
             that
             Principle
             be
             forelaid
             ,
             enough
             
             is
             done
             to
             preclude
             the
             vain
             boasts
             of
             such
             as
             may
             be
             apt
             to
             pretend
             highly
             to
             great
             manifestations
             of
             divine
             love
             ,
             while
             they
             carry
             with
             them
             manifest
             proofs
             of
             an
             unsanctified
             heart
             ,
             and
             are
             under
             the
             power
             of
             unmortified
             reigning
             sin
             .
             That
             Principle
             admitted
             ,
             will
             convince
             that
             their
             boasted
             manifestations
             ,
             do
             only
             manifest
             their
             own
             ignorance
             ,
             pride
             and
             vanity
             ;
             or
             proceed
             only
             from
             their
             heated
             imagination
             ,
             or
             (
             the
             worse
             cause
             )
             Satanical
             illusion
             ,
             designed
             to
             lull
             them
             asleep
             in
             sin
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             easily
             to
             lead
             them
             blind-fold
             to
             perdition
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             main
             concernment
             about
             which
             we
             need
             to
             be
             solicitous
             in
             this
             matter
             :
             which
             being
             provided
             for
             ;
             as
             it
             is
             difficult
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             not
             necessary
             to
             determine
             ,
             whether
             the
             Spirit
             do
             always
             not
             only
             testifie
             
               according
               to
            
             the
             external
             revelation
             ,
             but
             
               by
               it
            
             also
             ;
             and
             so
             only
             as
             to
             concur
             in
             the
             usual
             way
             of
             reasoning
             from
             it
             .
          
           
             No
             doubt
             but
             the
             same
             Truth
             may
             be
             assented
             to
             upon
             divers
             grounds
             ;
             sometimes
             upon
             rational
             evidence
             ;
             sometimes
             upon
             testimony
             :
             And
             some
             Truths
             may
             be
             seen
             by
             immediate
             mental
             intuition
             (
             as
             being
             self-evident
             )
             which
             also
             may
             be
             capable
             of
             demonstration
             .
             And
             though
             this
             Truth
             of
             Gods
             particular
             love
             to
             such
             a
             man
             ,
             be
             none
             of
             those
             that
             have
             self-evidence
             :
             Yet
             Gods
             Spirit
             ,
             as
             it
             may
             by
             assisting
             the
             discursive
             faculty
             help
             us
             to
             discern
             the
             connexions
             of
             some
             things
             which
             otherwise
             we
             should
             not
             perceive
             ;
             so
             it
             may
             by
             assisting
             the
             intuitive
             ,
             make
             things
             evident
             to
             us
             that
             of
             themselves
             are
             
             not
             .
             Nor
             yet
             ,
             also
             ,
             
               that
               it
               actually
               doth
               so
            
             ,
             can
             any
             I
             believe
             certainly
             tell
             ;
             For
             admit
             that
             at
             some
             times
             some
             have
             very
             transporting
             apprehensions
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             towards
             themselves
             ,
             suggested
             to
             their
             hearts
             by
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             ;
             they
             having
             this
             habitual
             knowledg
             before
             that
             
               love
               to
               him
            
             (
             for
             instance
             )
             or
             
               faith
               in
               him
            
             ,
             or
             the
             like
             ,
             are
             descriptive
             characters
             of
             the
             persons
             whom
             he
             accepts
             and
             (
             delightfully
             )
             loves
             ;
             How
             suddenly
             may
             the
             divine
             light
             irradiate
             ,
             or
             shine
             upon
             those
             preconceived
             notions
             (
             which
             were
             begotten
             in
             them
             by
             the
             interveniency
             of
             the
             external
             revelation
             before
             )
             and
             excite
             those
             before-implanted
             principles
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Love
             ,
             &c.
             so
             as
             to
             give
             them
             the
             lively
             sense
             of
             them
             now
             stirring
             and
             acting
             in
             their
             hearts
             ?
             And
             thence
             also
             inable
             them
             unwaveringly
             to
             conclude
             (
             and
             with
             an
             unexpressible
             joy
             and
             pleasure
             )
             their
             own
             interest
             in
             his
             special
             love
             ,
             in
             this
             way
             shedding
             it
             abroad
             in
             their
             hearts
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             given
             to
             them
             ?
             
             This
             may
             be
             so
             suddenly
             done
             that
             they
             may
             apprehend
             the
             testimony
             to
             be
             immediate
             when
             indeed
             it
             is
             not
             .
          
           
             Nor
             are
             they
             able
             to
             prove
             from
             Scripture
             the
             immediateness
             of
             it
             ;
             For
             as
             to
             what
             it
             doth
             to
             them
             in
             particular
             ,
             Scripture
             says
             nothing
             ,
             they
             not
             being
             so
             much
             as
             mentioned
             there
             :
             What
             it
             doth
             or
             hath
             done
             to
             this
             or
             that
             person
             there
             mentioned
             signifies
             nothing
             to
             their
             case
             ;
             if
             any
             thing
             were
             said
             that
             must
             have
             that
             import
             (
             which
             will
             be
             hard
             to
             evince
             )
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             any
             where
             in
             Scripture
             
             signified
             to
             be
             its
             
               usual
               way
            
             ,
             in
             common
             ,
             towards
             them
             on
             whose
             hearts
             it
             impresses
             this
             perswasion
             ,
             to
             do
             it
             immediately
             ;
             is
             much
             less
             to
             be
             evinced
             .
             For
             what
             Scripture
             saith
             so
             ?
             and
             that
             famous
             Text
             that
             speaks
             so
             directly
             to
             this
             matter
             ;
             
               The
               Spirit
               of
               God
               beareth
               witness
               with
               our
               spirit
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               the
               children
               of
               God
               ,
            
             seemeth
             rather
             to
             imply
             the
             contrary
             :
             In
             as
             much
             as
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             is
             there
             expresly
             said
             to
             co-witness
             with
             our
             spirit
             (
             as
             the
             word
             there
             used
             signifies
             )
             by
             which
             it
             should
             seem
             to
             take
             the
             same
             course
             in
             testifying
             which
             our
             spirit
             or
             conscience
             doth
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             of
             considering
             the
             general
             characters
             of
             his
             children
             laid
             down
             in
             his
             Word
             ,
             reflecting
             upon
             the
             same
             in
             our selves
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             concluding
             we
             are
             his
             children
             :
             Which
             if
             it
             were
             suppos'd
             the
             only
             thing
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ordinarily
             doth
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             we
             may
             with
             much
             confidence
             assert
             ;
          
           
             1.
             
             
               That
               it
               doth
               herein
               no
               small
               thing
            
             ;
             for
             is
             it
             a
             small
             thing
             to
             be
             ascertain'd
             of
             Gods
             fatherly
             love
             to
             us
             as
             his
             own
             children
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             
               That
               it
               doth
               not
               a
               less
               thing
            
             than
             if
             it
             testify'd
             the
             same
             matter
             in
             a
             way
             altogether
             immediate
             .
             For
             wherein
             is
             it
             less
             ?
             Is
             the
             matter
             less
             important
             ?
             that
             cannot
             be
             said
             ;
             for
             the
             thing
             we
             are
             assured
             of
             is
             the
             same
             ,
             howsoever
             we
             be
             certify'd
             thereof
             .
             Is
             it
             less
             evident
             ?
             That
             can
             with
             as
             little
             pretence
             be
             said
             ;
             For
             doth
             any
             one
             account
             a
             thing
             
               not
               evident
               in
               it self
            
             ,
             and
             that
             needs
             to
             be
             proved
             to
             him
             ,
             some
             way
             or
             other
             ,
             the
             less
             evident
             for
             being
             proved
             to
             him
             in
             a
             discursive
             way
             :
             
             What
             pretence
             can
             any
             one
             have
             to
             say
             or
             think
             so
             ?
             Is
             it
             that
             reasoning
             is
             more
             liable
             to
             error
             and
             mistake
             ?
             But
             I
             hope
             the
             reasoning
             of
             Gods
             Spirit
             is
             not
             so
             ,
             when
             it
             enables
             us
             to
             apprehend
             the
             general
             Truth
             we
             should
             reason
             from
             ;
             to
             assume
             to
             it
             ;
             to
             collect
             and
             conclude
             from
             it
             ,
             guiding
             us
             
               by
               its
               own
               light
            
             :
             In
             each
             of
             these
             surely
             we
             have
             as
             much
             reason
             to
             rely
             upon
             the
             certainty
             and
             infallibility
             of
             the
             Spirits
             reasonings
             as
             of
             its
             most
             assertory
             dictates
             ;
             Otherwise
             ,
             we
             would
             (
             most
             unreasonably
             )
             think
             the
             authority
             of
             those
             conclusions
             laid
             down
             in
             the
             Epistle
             to
             the
             Romans
             ,
             and
             other
             parts
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             invalidated
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost's
             vouchsafing
             to
             reason
             them
             out
             to
             us
             ,
             as
             we
             know
             it
             most
             nervously
             and
             strongly
             doth
             .
          
           
             Or
             ,
             is
             it
             less
             consolatory
             ?
             That
             cannot
             be
             ,
             for
             that
             depends
             on
             the
             two
             former
             ,
             the
             importance
             and
             evidence
             of
             the
             thing
             declared
             :
             The
             former
             whereof
             is
             the
             same
             ,
             the
             latter
             not
             less
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Yea
             and
             supposing
             that
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             do
             manifestly
             concur
             with
             our
             spirits
             in
             the
             several
             steps
             of
             that
             discursive
             way
             ,
             so
             that
             we
             can
             observe
             it
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             (
             and
             there
             is
             little
             doubt
             but
             it
             may
             do
             so
             as
             observably
             to
             us
             ,
             by
             affording
             a
             more
             than
             ordinary
             light
             to
             assist
             and
             guide
             us
             in
             each
             part
             of
             that
             procedure
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             did
             only
             suggest
             a
             sudden
             dictate
             to
             us
             and
             no
             more
             )
             ,
             we
             may
             upon
             that
             supposition
             add
             ,
             
               That
               it
               doth
               hereby
               more
               advantageously
               propose
               the
               same
               thing
               to
               us
               ,
            
             than
             if
             it
             only
             did
             it
             the
             other
             way
             .
             
             It
             doth
             it
             in
             a
             way
             
               more
               sutable
               to
               our
               natures
            
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             nothing
             ;
             and
             it
             doth
             it
             in
             a
             way
             
               less
               liable
               to
               after-suspicion
               and
               doubt
            
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             not
             supposed
             to
             be
             always
             dictating
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             And
             when
             it
             ceases
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             howsoever
             consolatory
             and
             satisfying
             the
             dictate
             was
             at
             that
             instant
             when
             it
             was
             given
             ,
             the
             matter
             is
             liable
             to
             question
             afterwards
             ,
             upon
             what
             grounds
             was
             such
             a
             thing
             said
             ?
             And
             though
             it
             cannot
             be
             distrusted
             ,
             that
             what
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             testifieth
             is
             true
             ;
             yet
             I
             may
             doubt
             whether
             it
             was
             indeed
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             that
             testify'd
             it
             or
             no.
             Whereas
             if
             it
             proceeded
             with
             me
             upon
             grounds
             ,
             they
             remain
             ,
             and
             I
             have
             no
             reason
             to
             suspect
             that
             which
             was
             argued
             out
             to
             me
             ,
             upon
             grounds
             which
             I
             still
             find
             in
             me
             ,
             was
             either
             from
             an
             ill
             suggestor
             ,
             or
             with
             an
             ill
             design
             ;
             whereas
             there
             may
             be
             some
             plausible
             pretence
             of
             doubt
             in
             the
             matter
             ,
             if
             there
             was
             only
             a
             transient
             dictate
             given
             in
             to
             me
             ,
             without
             any
             reference
             or
             appeal
             to
             that
             rule
             by
             which
             God
             hath
             not
             only
             directed
             me
             to
             try
             my self
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             try
             spirits
             whether
             they
             be
             of
             him
             or
             no.
             
          
           
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             imaginable
             necessity
             of
             assigning
             quite
             another
             method
             to
             the
             Spirits
             work
             as
             it
             is
             a
             Spirit
             of
             Adoption
             ,
             from
             that
             which
             it
             holds
             as
             it
             is
             a
             Spirit
             of
             Bondage
             :
             For
             ,
             as
             to
             this
             latter
             ,
             when
             it
             convinces
             a
             person
             and
             binds
             down
             the
             condemning
             sentence
             upon
             him
             ;
             this
             surely
             is
             the
             course
             it
             follows
             ,
             to
             let
             a
             person
             see
             (
             for
             instance
             )
             
               they
               that
               live
               after
               the
               flesh
               shall
               die
            
             ;
             But
             thou
             
             livest
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             therefore
             thou
             shalt
             dye
             :
             Or
             ,
             
               all
               that
               believe
               not
               ,
               the
               wrath
               of
               God
               abides
               on
               them
            
             ;
             But
             thou
             believest
             not
             (
             as
             it
             is
             we
             know
             the
             Spirits
             work
             ,
             to
             convince
             of
             not-believing
             )
             ,
             
               therefore
               the
               wrath
               of
               God
               abides
               on
               thee
               .
            
             And
             what
             need
             is
             there
             of
             apprehending
             its
             method
             to
             be
             quite
             another
             in
             its
             comforting-work
             ?
             Nor
             is
             it
             surely
             a
             matter
             of
             less
             difficulty
             to
             perswade
             some
             that
             they
             are
             unbelievers
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             apprehend
             and
             feel
             the
             terror
             sutable
             to
             their
             states
             ;
             than
             others
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             believers
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             apprehend
             the
             comfort
             which
             is
             proper
             to
             theirs
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             its
             course
             the
             same
             in
             its
             whole
             sanctifying-work
             ,
             to
             bring
             home
             the
             particular
             Truth
             ,
             whose
             Impression
             it
             would
             leave
             on
             the
             Soul
             ,
             with
             application
             thereof
             to
             it
             
               in
               particular
            
             ;
             which
             (
             as
             generally
             propounded
             in
             Scripture
             )
             men
             are
             so
             apt
             to
             wave
             and
             neglect
             ;
             for
             what
             is
             every
             ones
             concern
             ,
             is
             commonly
             thought
             no
             ones
             :
             And
             what
             need
             that
             its
             method
             here
             should
             be
             wholly
             diverse
             ?
          
           
             But
             in
             whichsoever
             of
             these
             ways
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             doth
             manifest
             his
             love
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             to
             be
             doubted
             ,
             but
             that
          
           
             There
             is
             such
             a
             thing
             in
             it self
             very
             necessary
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             attained
             and
             sought
             after
             :
          
           
             And
             that
             it
             is
             highly
             delectable
             when
             he
             doth
             vouchsafe
             it
             ,
          
           
             That
             there
             is
             such
             a
             thing
             to
             be
             sought
             
             after
             ,
             as
             a
             communicable
             priviledg
             and
             favour
             to
             holy
             Souls
             ,
             is
             evident
             enough
             from
             multitudes
             of
             Scriptures
             .
             Those
             that
             have
             been
             occasionally
             mentioned
             in
             speaking
             (
             what
             was
             thought
             fit
             to
             be
             said
             )
             of
             the
             way
             of
             his
             doing
             it
             ,
             need
             not
             be
             repeated
             ,
             unto
             which
             we
             may
             add
             ,
             what
             we
             find
             is
             added
             to
             those
             above-recited
             words
             ,
             
             
               Eye
               hath
               not
               seen
               ,
               &c.
               the
               things
               which
               God
               hath
               prepared
               for
               them
               that
               love
               him
               ,
            
             
             viz.
             
               But
               God
               hath
               revealed
               them
               to
               us
               by
               his
               Spirit
               .
            
             And
             that
             Spirit
             not
             only
             gives
             those
             
               lovers
               of
               God
            
             above-mentioned
             a
             clearer
             view
             of
             the
             things
             prepared
             for
             them
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             the
             nature
             of
             them
             might
             be
             the
             more
             distinctly
             understood
             ,
             (
             as
             is
             argued
             in
             the
             latter
             part
             of
             this
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             following
             verse
             )
             ;
             but
             also
             of
             their
             own
             propriety
             and
             interest
             in
             them
             ;
             
             
               Now
               we
               have
               received
               not
               the
               Spirit
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               but
               the
               Spirit
               that
               is
               from
               God
               ,
               [
               that
               we
               may
               know
               the
               things
               that
               are
               freely
               given
               us
               of
               God
               ]
               .
            
             Whence
             therefore
             they
             are
             revealed
             by
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             not
             as
             
               pleasing
               objects
            
             in
             themselves
             only
             ,
             but
             as
             gifts
             ,
             the
             evidences
             and
             issues
             of
             Divine
             Love
             ;
             
               their
               own
            
             proper
             portion
             ,
             by
             the
             bequest
             of
             that
             Love
             to
             whom
             they
             are
             shew'n
             .
             Nor
             is
             this
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             only
             ,
             as
             inditing
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             such
             a
             work
             as
             helps
             to
             the
             
               spiritual
               discerning
            
             of
             these
             things
             ;
             such
             as
             whereto
             the
             
               natural
               man
            
             is
             not
             competent
             ,
             who
             yet
             is
             capable
             of
             reading
             the
             Scriptures
             as
             well
             as
             other
             men
             .
             And
             what
             will
             we
             make
             of
             those
             words
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             when
             having
             told
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             
             
               he
               would
               
               pray
               the
               Father
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               he
               should
               give
               them
               another
               comforter
               ,
               even
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Truth
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               abide
               with
               them
               for
               ever
               :
               Even
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Truth
               ,
            
             
             &c.
             
             He
             adds
             ,
             
               I
               will
               not
               leave
               you
               comfortless
               ,
               I
               will
               come
               to
               you
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             (
             as
             is
             plain
             )
             
               by
               that
               Spirit
               ]
            
             .
             And
             then
             shortly
             after
             subjoins
             ,
             
             
               He
               that
               hath
               my
               commandments
               and
               keepeth
               them
               ,
               he
               it
               is
               that
               loveth
               me
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               loveth
               me
               shall
               be
               loved
               of
               my
               Father
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               will
               manifest
               my self
               to
               him
               .
            
             Here
             is
             an
             express
             promise
             of
             this
             love-manifestation
             ,
             whereof
             we
             speak
             ,
             
               by
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             (
             the
             Comforter
             mentioned
             above
             )
             ;
             not
             to
             those
             particular
             persons
             only
             ,
             unto
             whom
             he
             was
             then
             directing
             his
             speech
             ,
             or
             to
             those
             only
             of
             that
             time
             and
             age
             ,
             but
             to
             them
             indefinitely
             that
             should
             
               love
               Christ
               ,
               and
               keep
               his
               commandments
               .
            
             Which
             is
             again
             repeated
             in
             other
             words
             of
             the
             same
             import
             ;
             after
             Judas
             (
             not
             Iscariot
             )
             his
             wondering
             expostulation
             touching
             that
             peculiarly
             of
             this
             
               loving
               manifestation
            
             ;
             Jesus
             answered
             and
             said
             unto
             him
             ,
             
             
               If
               any
               man
               love
               me
               ,
               he
               will
               keep
               my
               words
               ;
               and
               my
               Father
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               come
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               make
               our
               abode
               with
               him
               .
            
             So
             that
             such
             a
             manifestation
             as
             is
             most
             aptly
             expressive
             of
             love
             ,
             such
             converse
             and
             cohabitation
             as
             imports
             most
             of
             kindness
             and
             endearedness
             ,
             they
             have
             encouragement
             to
             expect
             that
             do
             love
             Christ
             and
             keep
             his
             words
             ;
             The
             same
             thing
             no
             doubt
             with
             that
             
               shedding
               abroad
               of
               the
               love
               of
               God
               in
               their
               hearts
               ,
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               given
               to
               them
               ,
            
             mentioned
             before
             .
             And
             whereas
             we
             have
             so
             plain
             and
             repeated
             
             mention
             of
             the
             seal
             ,
             the
             earnest
             ,
             the
             first-fruits
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             what
             can
             these
             expressions
             be
             understood
             to
             import
             (
             and
             they
             do
             not
             signifie
             nothing
             )
             other
             than
             confirmation
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             assuring
             and
             satisfying
             evidences
             and
             pledges
             thereof
             .
          
           
             And
             that
             there
             should
             be
             such
             an
             inward
             manifestation
             of
             divine
             love
             superadded
             to
             the
             publique
             and
             external
             declaration
             of
             it
             (
             which
             is
             only
             made
             indefinitely
             to
             persons
             so
             and
             so
             characteriz'd
             )
             the
             exigency
             of
             the
             case
             did
             require
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             
               wherein
               it
               was
               necessary
               his
               love
               should
               be
               distinctly
               understood
               and
               apprehended
               ,
            
             it
             was
             
               so
               far
               necessary
               this
               course
               should
               be
               taken
               to
               make
               it
               be
               so
               .
            
             A
             meer
             external
             revelation
             was
             not
             sufficent
             
               to
               that
               end
            
             ;
             Our
             own
             (
             unassisted
             )
             reasonings
             therefrom
             were
             not
             sufficient
             .
             As
             other
             Truths
             have
             not
             their
             due
             and
             proper
             impression
             ,
             meerly
             by
             our
             rational
             reception
             be
             they
             never
             so
             plain
             ,
             without
             that
             holy
             sanctifying
             influence
             before
             insisted
             on
             ;
             so
             this
             Truth
             also
             of
             
               Gods
               love
               to
               this
               person
               in
               particular
            
             hath
             not
             its
             force
             and
             weitht
             ,
             its
             efficacy
             and
             fruit
             answerable
             to
             the
             design
             of
             its
             discovery
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             app●ied
             and
             urged
             home
             on
             the
             Soul
             by
             a
             communicated
             influence
             of
             the
             Spirit
             to
             this
             purpose
             :
             Many
             times
             not
             so
             far
             as
             to
             overcome
             and
             silence
             tormenting
             doubts
             ,
             fears
             and
             anguish
             of
             spirit
             in
             reference
             hereto
             ,
             and
             ,
             where
             that
             is
             done
             ,
             not
             sufficient
             to
             work
             off
             deadness
             ,
             drowziness
             ,
             indisposition
             to
             the
             doing
             of
             God
             chearful
             service
             ,
             not
             sufficient
             to
             excite
             and
             stir
             up
             ,
             love
             ,
             gratitude
             ,
             admiration
             and
             
             praise
             .
             How
             many
             (
             who
             have
             learned
             not
             to
             make
             light
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             as
             the
             most
             do
             )
             who
             reckon
             
               in
               his
               favour
               is
               life
            
             ,
             to
             whom
             it
             is
             not
             an
             indifferent
             thing
             whether
             they
             be
             accepted
             or
             no
             ;
             who
             cannot
             be
             overly
             in
             their
             enquiry
             ,
             nor
             trifle
             with
             matters
             of
             everlasting
             consequence
             ,
             who
             are
             not
             enough
             Atheists
             and
             Scepticks
             to
             permit
             all
             to
             a
             mad
             hazard
             ,
             nor
             easie
             to
             be
             satisfy'd
             ,
             walk
             mournfully
             from
             day
             to
             day
             with
             sunk
             ,
             dejected
             spirits
             ,
             full
             of
             anxiety
             ,
             even
             unto
             agonies
             under
             the
             clear
             (
             external
             )
             discovery
             of
             Gods
             love
             ,
             to
             persons
             of
             that
             character
             ,
             whereof
             they
             
               really
               are
            
             ?
             such
             as
             observe
             them
             judg
             their
             case
             plain
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             thinks
             well
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             themselves
             ;
             yea
             their
             mouths
             are
             sometimes
             stopt
             ,
             by
             such
             as
             discourse
             the
             matter
             with
             them
             ,
             but
             their
             hearts
             are
             not
             quieted
             :
             or
             ,
             if
             they
             sometime
             are
             ,
             in
             a
             degree
             ,
             yet
             the
             same
             doubts
             and
             fears
             return
             with
             the
             former
             importunity
             ,
             the
             same
             work
             is
             still
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             and
             't
             is
             but
             rolling
             the
             returning
             stone
             :
             And
             all
             humane
             endeavours
             to
             apply
             and
             bring
             home
             the
             comforts
             proper
             and
             sutable
             to
             their
             case
             prove
             fruitless
             and
             ineffectual
             ,
             nothing
             can
             be
             fastened
             upon
             them
             ;
             they
             refuse
             to
             be
             comforted
             ,
             while
             God
             himself
             doth
             not
             create
             (
             that
             which
             is
             the
             fruit
             of
             his
             own
             lips
             )
             peace
             ,
             peace
             ;
             while
             ,
             as
             yet
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             fill'd
             with
             joy
             and
             peace
             in
             believing
             ,
             
             and
             made
             to
             abound
             in
             hope
             
               through
               the
               power
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               .
            
             It
             is
             plain
             there
             needs
             a
             more
             
               learned
               tongue
            
             than
             any
             
               humane
               one
            
             ,
             
             to
             speak
             a
             
               word
               in
               season
               to
               such
               weary
               ones
               .
            
             
             How
             many
             ,
             again
             ,
             have
             spirits
             overcome
             with
             deadness
             and
             sloth
             under
             a
             settled
             (
             perhaps
             not
             altogether
             mistaken
             but
             more
             notional
             )
             apprehension
             of
             the
             same
             love
             !
             They
             have
             only
             that
             assurance
             which
             arises
             it
             may
             be
             not
             from
             a
             false
             but
             the
             single
             testimony
             of
             their
             own
             spirits
             ;
             at
             least
             unaccompanied
             with
             other
             than
             the
             ordinary
             help
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             not
             very
             distinguishable
             from
             the
             workings
             of
             their
             own
             ;
             Have
             reasoned
             themselves
             (
             perhaps
             regularly
             ,
             by
             observing
             the
             rule
             and
             the
             habitual
             bent
             of
             their
             own
             spirits
             )
             into
             an
             opinion
             of
             their
             own
             good
             estate
             ,
             so
             that
             they
             are
             not
             vext
             with
             doubts
             and
             fears
             as
             some
             others
             are
             .
             But
             they
             do
             not
             
               discover
               to
               others
            
             ,
             nor
             can
             
               discern
               in
               themselves
            
             any
             degree
             of
             life
             and
             vigour
             ,
             of
             heavenliness
             and
             spirituality
             ,
             of
             love
             to
             God
             or
             zeal
             for
             him
             ,
             proportionable
             to
             their
             high
             expectations
             from
             him
             ,
             or
             the
             great
             import
             of
             this
             thing
             
               to
               be
               beloved
               of
               God
            
             :
             There
             is
             no
             discernible
             growth
             or
             spiritual
             improvement
             to
             be
             found
             with
             them
             ;
             How
             remote
             is
             their
             temper
             from
             that
             of
             the
             Primitive
             Christians
             !
             
             It
             is
             apparent
             what
             is
             yet
             wanting
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             edify'd
             (
             as
             those
             were
             )
             
               walking
               in
               the
               fear
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               comfort
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               .
            
          
           
             
               Wherefore
               the
               matter
               is
               plain
            
             ,
             There
             is
             such
             a
             thing
             ,
             as
             an
             effectual
             over-powering
             communication
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             for
             the
             manifesting
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             great
             necessity
             and
             importance
             to
             Christians
             ;
             that
             may
             be
             had
             and
             ought
             to
             be
             diligently
             sought
             after
             .
          
           
             
             2.
             
             And
             if
             it
             be
             afforded
             (
             which
             was
             the
             
             other
             thing
             proposed
             )
             ;
             How
             infinitely
             delectable
             is
             that
             manifestation
             !
             the
             thing
             it self
             carries
             its
             own
             reason
             and
             evidence
             with
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             If
             we
             consider
             the
             matter
             represented
             to
             us
             thereby
             ;
             
               The
               love
               of
               a
               God!
            
             How
             transporting
             would
             the
             thought
             of
             it
             be
             to
             an
             enlightened
             apprehensive
             mind
             !
             no
             one
             whose
             nature
             is
             not
             over-run
             with
             barbarism
             would
             entertain
             the
             discovery
             of
             the
             harmless
             innocent
             love
             (
             though
             it
             were
             not
             profitable
             to
             us
             )
             even
             of
             a
             creature
             like
             our selves
             otherwise
             than
             with
             complacency
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             though
             it
             were
             a
             much
             inferiour
             (
             even
             a
             brute
             )
             creature
             .
             Men
             are
             pleased
             to
             behold
             love
             expressing
             it self
             towards
             them
             in
             a
             child
             ,
             in
             a
             poor
             neighbour
             ,
             in
             an
             impotent
             servant
             ;
             yea
             ,
             in
             their
             horse
             or
             their
             dog
             .
             The
             greatest
             Prince
             observes
             with
             delight
             the
             affection
             of
             the
             meanest
             peasants
             among
             his
             Subjects
             :
             Much
             more
             would
             they
             please
             themselves
             if
             they
             have
             occasion
             to
             take
             notice
             of
             any
             remarkable
             expression
             of
             his
             favourable
             respect
             to
             them
             !
             But
             how
             unspeakably
             more
             ,
             if
             he
             vouchsafe
             to
             express
             it
             by
             gracious
             intimacies
             ,
             and
             by
             condescending
             familiarities
             !
             How
             doth
             that
             person
             hug
             and
             bless
             himself
             !
             How
             doth
             his
             Spirit
             triumph
             ,
             and
             his
             imagination
             luxuriate
             in
             delightful
             thoughts
             and
             expectations
             ,
             who
             is
             in
             his
             own
             heart
             assured
             he
             hath
             the
             favour
             of
             his
             Prince
             !
             Yea
             ,
             with
             what
             complacency
             are
             inward
             friends
             wont
             to
             receive
             the
             mutual
             expressions
             of
             each
             others
             love
             !
             And
             can
             it
             be
             thought
             the
             love
             of
             the
             
             great
             and
             blessed
             God
             should
             signifie
             less
             ?
          
           
             How
             great
             things
             are
             comprehended
             in
             this
             ,
             
               The
               Lord
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               hath
               a
               kindness
               towards
               me
               and
               bears
               me
               good
               will
               !
            
             How
             grateful
             is
             the
             relish
             of
             this
             apprehension
             ,
             both
             in
             respect
             of
             what
             it
             ,
             in
             it self
             ,
             imports
             ,
             and
             what
             it
             is
             the
             root
             and
             cause
             of
             ?
          
           
             True
             ingenuity
             values
             love
             for
             it self
             .
             
               If
               such
               a
               one
               will
               think
               of
               me
               ,
               if
               I
               shall
               have
               a
               place
               in
               his
               remembrance
               ,
               If
               he
               will
               count
               me
               among
               his
               friends
            
             ;
             this
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             .
             And
             tokens
             are
             sent
             and
             interchanged
             among
             friends
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             express
             love
             ,
             but
             to
             preserve
             and
             cherish
             it
             ,
             and
             keep
             up
             a
             mutual
             remembrance
             among
             them
             .
             And
             as
             there
             is
             a
             great
             pleasure
             conceived
             ,
             in
             receiving
             such
             expressions
             or
             pledges
             of
             love
             from
             a
             friend
             ,
             not
             so
             much
             for
             the
             value
             of
             the
             thing
             sent
             ,
             as
             of
             what
             it
             signifies
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             token
             of
             
               his
               love
            
             ,
             his
             kind
             remembrance
             ;
             so
             is
             there
             no
             less
             pleasure
             in
             giving
             and
             sending
             ,
             than
             in
             receiving
             :
             Because
             that
             hereby
             ,
             as
             we
             gratifie
             our
             own
             love
             ,
             by
             giving
             it
             a
             kind
             of
             vent
             this
             way
             ;
             so
             we
             foresee
             how
             we
             shall
             thereby
             excite
             theirs
             ;
             which
             therefore
             ,
             we
             put
             a
             value
             upon
             ,
             even
             abstracting
             from
             any
             advantage
             we
             expect
             therefrom
             .
             And
             this
             hath
             a
             manifest
             reason
             in
             our
             very
             natures
             ;
             because
             we
             reckon
             there
             is
             an
             honour
             put
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             somewhat
             is
             attributed
             to
             us
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             well
             thought
             of
             ,
             and
             a
             kindness
             is
             placed
             upon
             us
             ;
             especially
             by
             such
             as
             have
             themselves
             any
             reputation
             for
             wisdom
             and
             judgment
             .
             
               H●w
               dignifying
               is
               the
               love
               of
               God!
            
             How
             honourable
             
             a
             thing
             to
             be
             his
             favourite
             !
             To
             Apostle
             seems
             to
             put
             a
             mighty
             stress
             on
             this
             ,
             when
             he
             utters
             those
             so
             emphatical
             words
             ,
             
             
               wherefore
               we
               labour
            
             (
             so
             defectively
             we
             read
             it
             ,
             
               we
               covet
               ,
               or
               are
               ambitious
               of
               it
               as
               our
               honour
               ,
            
             as
             that
             word
             signifies
             )
             ,
             
               that
               whether
               present
               or
               absent
               we
               may
               be
               accepted
               of
               him
               ;
               q.
               d.
            
             neither
             life
             or
             death
             ,
             neither
             being
             in
             the
             body
             or
             out
             of
             it
             ,
             signifie
             any
             thing
             to
             me
             ,
             or
             they
             are
             indifferent
             things
             in
             comparison
             of
             this
             honour
             ,
             that
             
               he
               may
               accept
               me
            
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             be
             pleasing
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             gracious
             in
             his
             eyes
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             stand
             well
             in
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             he
             bear
             a
             kind
             and
             favourable
             regard
             to
             me
             .
          
           
             Yea
             and
             this
             is
             a
             thing
             in
             it self
             delightful
             ,
             not
             only
             as
             it
             's
             honourable
             ,
             but
             as
             it
             is
             strange
             and
             wonderful
             .
             Things
             that
             are
             in
             
               themselves
               grateful
            
             ,
             are
             so
             much
             the
             more
             so
             ,
             for
             their
             being
             somewhat
             surprising
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             our
             expectation
             .
             I
             say
             ,
             supposing
             they
             have
             an
             antecedent
             gratefulness
             in
             them
             ,
             (
             for
             otherwise
             we
             know
             there
             are
             also
             very
             unwelcome
             wonders
             ,
             and
             which
             are
             so
             much
             the
             more
             dreadful
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             surprizing
             and
             unexpected
             )
             ,
             it
             is
             greatly
             heightened
             by
             their
             being
             out
             of
             the
             road
             quite
             of
             all
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             —
             
               great
               things
               that
               we
               looked
               not
               for
               .
            
             And
             who
             would
             have
             look't
             for
             such
             a
             thing
             as
             this
             ,
             That
             the
             Lord
             of
             Glory
             should
             place
             his
             Love
             on
             such
             a
             Worm
             as
             I
             !
             Which
             is
             set
             off
             with
             the
             more
             advantage
             ,
             because
             the
             same
             light
             that
             represents
             to
             a
             Soul
             Gods
             love
             ,
             doth
             also
             discover
             to
             it
             ,
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             it
             s
             own
             deformity
             and
             unloveliness
             .
             
             And
             then
             how
             taking
             and
             overcoming
             is
             the
             thought
             ,
             
               I
               impure
               wretch
               !
               loathsome
               miscreant
               !
               that
               lost
               apostate
               creature
               ,
               that
               made
               one
               with
               a
               race
               and
               crew
               of
               rebels
               ,
               was
               confederate
               with
               rebellious
               men
               against
               Him
               ,
               yea
               in
               a
               combination
               with
               those
               revolted
               creatures
               the
               Devils
               ,
               and
               now
               taken
            
             (
             I
             know
             not
             why
             )
             
               into
               a
               state
               of
               acceptance
               and
               favour
               with
               him
               !
               And
               his
               love
               is
               declared
               to
               be
               towards
               me
               !
               And
               why
               towards
               me
               ?
               in
               my self
               so
               vile
               !
               And
               such
               love
               !
               the
               love
               of
               an
               holy
               glorious
               God
               ,
               towards
               one
               in
               whose
               very
               nature
               was
               such
               an
               horror
               and
               hell
               of
               wickedness
               !
               Why
               towards
               me
               rather
               than
               others
               ,
               not
               naturally
               more
               vile
               than
               I
               ?
            
             How
             can
             this
             be
             thought
             on
             without
             crying
             out
             ,
             O
             wonderful
             !
             O
             the
             depths
             ,
             breadths
             ,
             lengths
             and
             heights
             of
             this
             love
             ,
             that
             so
             infinitely
             passeth
             knowledg
             !
             And
             here
             the
             greater
             the
             wonder
             ,
             the
             greater
             is
             also
             the
             delight
             .
          
           
             And
             now
             also
             are
             the
             effects
             of
             this
             love
             great
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             apprehended
             greatness
             of
             their
             cause
             .
             If
             we
             indeed
             were
             to
             form
             conceptions
             of
             these
             things
             our selves
             ,
             by
             our
             own
             light
             and
             conduct
             ,
             our
             way
             were
             to
             follow
             the
             ascending
             order
             ,
             and
             go
             up
             from
             the
             effects
             till
             we
             reach
             the
             cause
             ;
             But
             he
             can
             ,
             if
             he
             please
             ,
             in
             the
             cause
             present
             to
             us
             the
             effects
             ,
             and
             maginfie
             them
             in
             our
             eyes
             ,
             by
             giving
             us
             to
             see
             unto
             how
             great
             and
             magnificent
             a
             cause
             they
             owe
             themselves
             .
             Now
             shall
             we
             know
             whence
             all
             hath
             proceeded
             that
             he
             hath
             done
             for
             us
             .
             Wherefore
             again
             must
             the
             transported
             Soul
             admiringly
             cry
             out
             ,
             
               I
               now
               
               see
               whence
               it
               was
               that
               he
               gave
               his
               Son
               ,
               because
               he
               so
               loved
               the
               world
               !
            
             Why
             he
             came
             and
             bled
             and
             died
             ,
             
               who
               hath
               loved
               us
               ,
               and
               washed
               us
               from
               our
               sins
               in
               his
               blood
               !
            
             What
             a
             lustre
             doth
             that
             love
             cast
             upon
             those
             sufferings
             and
             performances
             !
             
               I
               see
               why
               he
               sent
               his
               Gospel
               to
               me
               ,
               why
               so
               convincing
               awakening
               words
               were
               often
               spoken
               in
               my
               ear
               ,
               (
               I
               see
               much
               in
               what
               once
               I
               saw
               but
               little
               )
               ,
               why
               he
               so
               earnestly
               strove
               with
               me
               by
               his
               spirit
               ,
               why
               he
               gave
               not
               over
               till
               he
               had
               overcome
               my
               heart
               ,
               why
               he
               humbled
               ,
               melted
               ,
               broke
               me
               ,
               why
               he
               drew
               so
               strongly
               ,
               bound
               me
               so
               fast
               to
               himself
               ,
               in
               safe
               and
               happy
               bonds
               ;
               why
               he
               shone
               into
               my
               mind
               with
               that
               mild
               and
               efficacious
               light
               ,
               transformed
               my
               whole
               Soul
               ,
               stampt
               it
               with
               his
               holy
               Image
               ,
               and
               markt
               me
               out
               for
               his
               own
               .
               These
               are
               now
               great
               things
               ,
               when
               I
               behold
               their
               glorious
               mighty
               cause
               !
            
          
           
             And
             now
             also
             in
             this
             same
             cause
             are
             all
             the
             great
             effects
             to
             be
             seen
             which
             are
             yet
             to
             be
             
               brought
               about
               by
               it
            
             .
          
           
             
               They
               are
               seen
               as
               very
               great
               .
            
             His
             continued
             presence
             and
             conduct
             ,
             which
             he
             affords
             to
             his
             own
             through
             this
             world
             ;
             That
             constant
             fellowship
             which
             they
             expect
             him
             to
             keep
             with
             them
             ;
             The
             guidance
             and
             support
             they
             look
             for
             ;
             
               In
               his
               love
            
             these
             appear
             great
             things
             .
             And
             now
             doth
             Heaven
             sound
             no
             more
             as
             an
             empty
             name
             ,
             it
             looks
             not
             like
             a
             languid
             faint
             shadow
             ;
             somewhat
             can
             be
             apprehended
             of
             it
             that
             imports
             substance
             ,
             when
             it
             's
             understood
             to
             be
             a
             state
             of
             rest
             and
             blessedness
             in
             the
             communion
             of
             the
             God
             of
             Love
             ;
             and
             intended
             as
             the
             last
             product
             and
             expression
             of
             his
             love
             !
          
           
           
             They
             are
             seen
             
               as
               most
               sure
               and
               certain
            
             .
             Such
             Love
             ,
             now
             manifested
             and
             apprehended
             ,
             leaves
             no
             place
             for
             doubtful
             thoughts
             and
             suspicious
             misgivings
             .
             There
             is
             no
             fear
             that
             this
             Love
             intends
             to
             impose
             upon
             us
             ,
             or
             mock
             us
             with
             the
             representation
             of
             an
             
               imaginary
               heaven
            
             ;
             or
             that
             it
             will
             fail
             to
             do
             what
             can
             be
             expected
             from
             it
             to
             bring
             us
             to
             the
             
               real
               one
            
             .
          
           
             How
             pleasant
             is
             it
             now
             to
             behold
             the
             great
             and
             sure
             products
             of
             this
             mighty
             Love
             !
             its
             admirable
             designs
             and
             projects
             ,
             as
             they
             appear
             in
             the
             Gospel-revelation
             (
             now
             illustrated
             and
             shone
             upon
             by
             divine
             light
             )
             to
             lie
             ready
             formed
             in
             the
             pregnant
             womb
             of
             this
             great
             productive
             cause
             .
             It
             cannot
             but
             be
             an
             unspeakable
             pleasure
             which
             such
             a
             discovery
             will
             carry
             with
             it
             ;
             when
             we
             thus
             behold
             the
             matter
             it self
             that
             is
             discovered
             and
             offered
             to
             our
             view
             ,
             unto
             which
             it
             must
             be
             a
             very
             considerable
             additional
             pleasure
             that
             will
             arise
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             From
             the
             nature
             and
             kind
             of
             this
             manifestation
             .
             As
             being
          
           
             
               In
               the
               general
               made
               by
               himself
               .
            
             'T
             is
             a
             too
             plain
             and
             sad
             Truth
             that
             men
             have
             unhappily
             learn'd
             to
             diminish
             God
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             make
             every
             thing
             of
             him
             seem
             little
             .
             But
             when
             he
             represents
             his
             Love
             himself
             (
             as
             who
             but
             God
             can
             represent
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ?
             He
             only
             can
             tell
             the
             story
             of
             his
             own
             Love
             )
             that
             evil
             is
             provided
             against
             :
             He
             will
             manifest
             it
             so
             as
             it
             shall
             be
             understood
             ;
             and
             set
             it
             off
             to
             the
             best
             advantage
             .
             He
             will
             make
             it
             known
             how
             great
             a
             thing
             it
             is
             to
             be
             beloved
             of
             him
             .
             And
             when
             he
             gives
             
             that
             blessed
             salutation
             ;
             
               Hail
               thou
               that
               art
               highly
               favoured
               !
               O
               thou
               that
               art
               greatly
               beloved
               !
            
             He
             will
             withal
             bespeak
             and
             procure
             a
             sutable
             entertainment
             of
             it
             .
             And
             hence
          
           
             Particularly
             it
             will
             be
             ,
          
           
             
               Most
               incomparably
               bright
               and
               lightsom
            
             in
             respect
             of
             any
             representation
             we
             have
             had
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             any
             other
             way
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               immediate
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             (
             at
             least
             )
             so
             as
             not
             to
             be
             
               only
               made
            
             by
             some
             external
             testimony
             ,
             given
             out
             many
             an
             age
             ago
             ,
             out
             of
             which
             we
             are
             left
             to
             pick
             what
             we
             can
             ;
             and
             to
             construe
             or
             misconstrue
             it
             as
             our
             own
             judgment
             serves
             us
             ;
             but
             so
             ,
             as
             that
             
               if
               He
               use
               such
               an
               instrument
               ,
            
             he
             animates
             it
             ,
             puts
             a
             soul
             into
             it
             ,
             leaves
             it
             not
             as
             a
             dead
             spiritless
             letter
             :
             and
             applies
             it
             himself
             ,
             to
             the
             purpose
             he
             intends
             by
             it
             ,
             and
             immediately
             himself
             reaches
             and
             touches
             the
             heart
             by
             it
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               facile
            
             and
             easily
             sliding
             in
             upon
             us
             ;
             so
             that
             we
             are
             put
             to
             no
             more
             pains
             ,
             than
             to
             behold
             the
             light
             which
             the
             Sun
             casts
             about
             us
             and
             upon
             us
             .
             Whatever
             labour
             it
             was
             necessary
             for
             us
             to
             use
             before
             ,
             in
             our
             searches
             and
             enquiries
             into
             the
             state
             of
             our
             case
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             more
             now
             ,
             than
             in
             moving
             being
             carried
             ;
             or
             in
             using
             our
             own
             weak
             hand
             when
             another
             that
             is
             sufficiently
             strong
             lifts
             and
             guides
             it
             for
             us
          
           
             
               Most
               efficacious
            
             and
             overcoming
             :
             That
             makes
             its
             own
             way
             ,
             scatters
             clouds
             ,
             drives
             away
             darkness
             ,
             admits
             no
             disputes
             ,
             makes
             doubts
             and
             misgiving
             thoughts
             vanish
             ,
             pierces
             with
             a
             quick
             and
             sudden
             energy
             like
             lightening
             ,
             
             
             
             
             
             and
             strikes
             through
             the
             mind
             into
             the
             heart
             ;
             there
             sheds
             abroad
             this
             love
             ,
             diffuses
             the
             sweet
             refreshing
             savour
             of
             it
             ;
             actuates
             spiritual
             sense
             ,
             makes
             the
             soul
             taste
             how
             gracious
             the
             Lord
             is
             ;
             and
             relish
             the
             sweetness
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             puts
             all
             its
             powers
             into
             a
             sutable
             motion
             ,
             and
             excites
             answerable
             affection
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             make
             the
             Soul
             capable
             of
             interchanging
             love
             with
             love
             .
          
           
             In
             all
             these
             respects
             ,
             this
             manifestation
             of
             love
             cannot
             but
             be
             very
             delectable
             ;
             and
             they
             who
             have
             not
             found
             it
             to
             be
             so
             ,
             will
             yet
             apprehend
             that
             it
             must
             be
             so
             ,
             if
             they
             have
             found
             and
             experienced
             the
             cravings
             of
             their
             own
             hearts
             directed
             this
             way
             ,
             and
             can
             upon
             enquiry
             find
             this
             among
             the
             things
             they
             would
             fain
             have
             from
             God
             ;
             
               O
               that
               I
               might
               be
               satisfied
               of
               his
               love
               !
            
             that
             
               I
               might
               know
               his
               good
               will
               towards
               me
               !
            
             For
             to
             such
             cravings
             must
             this
             delight
             at
             least
             be
             commensurate
             (
             as
             was
             formerly
             said
             )
             .
             But
             to
             them
             that
             are
             indifferent
             in
             this
             matter
             &
             unconcerned
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             love
             of
             God
             is
             a
             fancy
             or
             a
             trifle
             ,
             no
             real
             or
             an
             inconsiderable
             thing
             ,
             all
             this
             will
             be
             as
             tastless
             as
             the
             white
             of
             an
             egg
             .
          
           
             Concerning
             which
             yet
             (
             before
             we
             pass
             from
             this
             head
             )
             't
             is
             needful
             to
             add
             these
             few
             things
             by
             way
             of
             caution
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             when
             we
             say
             this
             is
             of
             great
             necessity
             ,
             we
             mean
             not
             that
             it
             is
             
               simply
               necessary
            
             ;
             we
             think
             it
             not
             so
             necessary
             that
             a
             
               Christian
               cannot
               be
               without
               it
            
             ;
             i.
             e
             
               as
               a
               Christian.
            
             But
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             his
             well-and
             more-comfortable-being
             ,
             and
             his
             more
             lively
             ,
             fruitful
             
             walking
             and
             acting
             in
             his
             Christian
             course
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             therefore
             the
             way
             of
             Gods
             dealing
             herein
             is
             with
             great
             latitude
             and
             variety
             ;
             he
             having
             reserved
             to
             himself
             by
             the
             tenour
             of
             his
             Covenant
             a
             liberty
             ,
             to
             afford
             or
             suspend
             it
             ,
             to
             give
             it
             in
             a
             greater
             or
             less
             degree
             as
             in
             absolute
             sovereignty
             ,
             and
             infinite
             wisdom
             he
             pleases
             and
             sees
             fit
             to
             determine
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             may
             not
             therefore
             with
             so
             absolute
             and
             peremptory
             an
             expectation
             be
             sought
             after
             ,
             as
             those
             things
             may
             that
             are
             necessary
             to
             the
             
               holding
               of
               souls
               in
               life
            
             ;
             but
             with
             much
             resignation
             ,
             submission
             ,
             and
             deference
             of
             the
             matter
             to
             the
             divine
             good
             pleasure
             ;
             such
             as
             shall
             neither
             import
             disesteem
             of
             it
             ,
             nor
             impatience
             in
             the
             want
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             That
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             less-esteemed
             than
             the
             
               heart-rectifying-communication
               ,
               that
               is
               impressive
               of
               Gods
               Image
               ,
            
             and
             whereby
             we
             are
             made
             partakers
             of
             his
             holiness
             .
             This
             proceeds
             more
             entirely
             from
             pure
             love
             to
             God
             for
             himself
             ,
             that
             from
             self-love
             ;
             this
             tends
             more
             directly
             to
             the
             pleasing
             of
             us
             ,
             than
             to
             the
             pleasing
             of
             God.
             This
             is
             necessary
             (
             as
             was
             said
             )
             but
             to
             our
             well
             or
             better
             being
             ,
             That
             simply
             to
             our
             very
             being
             
               in
               Christ
            
             ;
             this
             hath
             its
             greatest
             real
             value
             from
             its
             subserviency
             to
             the
             other
             .
             And
             what
             hath
             its
             value
             from
             its
             reference
             to
             another
             must
             be
             of
             less
             value
             than
             that
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             That
             its
             a
             great
             mistake
             to
             think
             God
             is
             not
             otherwise
             
               to
               be
               enjoyed
            
             than
             in
             this
             way
             of
             more
             express
             testification
             of
             his
             love
             ;
             as
             if
             you
             could
             have
             no
             enjoyment
             of
             a
             friend
             ,
             otherwise
             than
             by
             his
             often
             repeating
             to
             you
             ;
             
             
               I
               love
               you
               ,
               I
               love
               you
               ,
               indeed
               I
               love
               you
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             That
             it
             's
             a
             much
             greater
             ,
             to
             place
             the
             sum
             of
             Religion
             here
             ;
             and
             that
             any
             should
             make
             it
             the
             whole
             of
             their
             business
             ,
             to
             seek
             this
             ,
             or
             to
             talk
             of
             it
             ;
             or
             should
             think
             God
             doth
             nothing
             for
             them
             worth
             their
             acknowledgment
             ,
             and
             solemn
             thanksgiving
             while
             he
             doth
             not
             this
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             Most
             of
             all
             ,
             that
             any
             should
             reckon
             it
             the
             first
             thing
             they
             have
             to
             do
             when
             they
             begin
             to
             mind
             Religion
             ,
             to
             believe
             Gods
             particular
             love
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             hath
             elected
             them
             ,
             pardoned
             them
             ,
             and
             will
             certainly
             save
             them
             .
             So
             too
             many
             ,
             most
             dangerously
             impose
             upon
             themselves
             ;
             and
             accordingly
             before
             any
             true
             humiliation
             ,
             renovation
             of
             heart
             ,
             or
             transaction
             and
             stipulation
             with
             the
             Redeemer
             ,
             do
             set
             themselves
             thus
             to
             believe
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             seek
             help
             from
             God
             more
             strongly
             to
             believe
             it
             ,
             when-as
             the
             Devil
             is
             too
             ready
             to
             help
             them
             to
             this
             Faith
             :
             And
             when
             he
             hath
             done
             it
             ,
             they
             cry
             to
             themselves
             
               peace
               ,
               peace
            
             ,
             and
             think
             all
             is
             well
             ;
             take
             their
             liberty
             ,
             and
             humour
             themselves
             ,
             live
             as
             they
             list
             ,
             and
             say
             that
             for
             so
             long
             a
             time
             they
             have
             had
             assurance
             of
             their
             salvation
             .
             The
             Father
             of
             Lies
             must
             needs
             be
             the
             Author
             (
             or
             the
             Fautor
             ,
             or
             both
             )
             of
             this
             Faith
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             a
             lie
             which
             they
             believe
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             pardoned
             and
             accepted
             of
             God
             is
             a
             downright
             lie
             ,
             repugnant
             to
             his
             Word
             and
             the
             tenour
             of
             his
             Covenant
             .
             And
             for
             any
             thing
             else
             that
             may
             import
             their
             state
             to
             be
             at
             present
             safe
             ,
             is
             
               to
               them
            
             no
             credible
             truth
             .
          
           
           
             8.
             
             That
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             if
             Christians
             ,
             upon
             whom
             the
             renewing-work
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             in
             that
             former
             communication
             hath
             in
             some
             degree
             taken
             place
             ,
             do
             yet
             want
             that
             degree
             of
             this
             also
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             free
             them
             from
             very
             afflicting
             doubts
             and
             fears
             ,
             and
             enable
             them
             to
             a
             cheerful
             and
             lively
             walking
             with
             God
             ;
             it
             is
             to
             be
             reckoned
             their
             own
             fault
             ;
             either
             that
             they
             put
             too
             much
             upon
             it
             (
             too
             little
             minding
             his
             publick
             declarations
             in
             his
             Word
             )
             ,
             or
             do
             unduly
             seek
             it
             ,
             or
             unseasonably
             expect
             it
             ;
             or
             that
             they
             put
             too
             little
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             expect
             or
             seek
             it
             not
             ;
             or
             that
             by
             their
             indulged
             carnality
             ,
             earthliness
             ,
             vanity
             of
             spirit
             ,
             they
             render
             themselves
             uncapable
             of
             it
             ;
             or
             by
             their
             careless
             and
             too
             licentious
             walking
             ,
             or
             their
             either
             resisting
             or
             neglecting
             holy
             motions
             ,
             they
             grieve
             that
             Spirit
             that
             would
             comfort
             them
             .
             For
             though
             the
             restraint
             of
             such
             more
             pleasant
             communications
             may
             proceed
             ,
             sometimes
             ,
             from
             an
             unaccountable
             Soveraignty
             ,
             that
             owes
             no
             reason
             to
             us
             of
             it's
             arbitrary
             way
             of
             giving
             or
             withholding
             favours
             ;
             yet
             withal
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             know
             and
             consider
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             thing
             as
             paternal
             and
             
               domestick
               Justice
            
             proper
             to
             Gods
             own
             Family
             ,
             and
             which
             as
             the
             Head
             and
             Father
             of
             it
             ,
             he
             exerciseth
             therein
             ;
             whereby
             (
             though
             he
             do
             not
             exercise
             it
             alike
             at
             all
             times
             )
             it
             seems
             meet
             to
             his
             infinite
             Wisdom
             to
             awaken
             and
             rouze
             the
             sloth
             ,
             or
             rebuke
             the
             folly
             ,
             or
             check
             the
             vanity
             ,
             or
             chastise
             the
             wantonness
             of
             his
             offending-children
             ;
             and
             that
             even
             
               in
               this
               way
            
             ,
             by
             retiring
             himself
             ,
             becoming
             
             more
             reserved
             ,
             withdrawing
             the
             more
             discernible
             tokens
             of
             his
             presence
             ,
             and
             leaving
             them
             to
             the
             torture
             (
             sometimes
             )
             of
             their
             own
             conjectures
             ,
             what
             worse
             thing
             may
             ensue
             .
             And
             herein
             he
             may
             design
             ,
             not
             only
             ref●rmation
             to
             the
             delinquents
             ,
             but
             instruction
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             even
             vindication
             to
             Himself
             .
             For
             however
             these
             his
             dealings
             with
             mens
             spirits
             are
             
               in
               themselves
            
             (
             as
             they
             must
             needs
             be
             )
             secret
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             come
             not
             under
             the
             immediate
             notice
             of
             other
             men
             ;
             yet
             
               somewhat
               consequential
               thereto
            
             ,
             doth
             more
             openly
             appear
             ,
             and
             becomes
             obvious
             to
             the
             common
             observation
             of
             serious
             Christians
             with
             whom
             such
             persons
             converse
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             not
             only
             such
             as
             languish
             under
             the
             more
             remarkable
             terrors
             of
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             are
             visibly
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             consuming
             in
             their
             own
             flame
             ,
             (
             of
             which
             sort
             there
             occur
             very
             monitory
             and
             instructive
             examples
             ,
             at
             some
             times
             )
             ;
             but
             even
             such
             also
             as
             are
             deprived
             of
             his
             quickning
             influence
             ,
             and
             have
             only
             somewhat
             remaining
             in
             them
             that
             is
             ready
             to
             dye
             ,
             that
             are
             
               pining
               away
               in
               their
               iniquities
            
             ,
             and
             sunk
             deep
             into
             deadness
             and
             carnality
             (
             for
             his
             comforting
             communication
             is
             also
             quickning
             ,
             and
             he
             doth
             not
             use
             to
             withhold
             it
             as
             it
             is
             quickening
             ,
             and
             continue
             it
             as
             it
             is
             comforting
             ,
             but
             if
             such
             have
             comfort
             ,
             such
             as
             it
             is
             ,
             they
             are
             their
             own
             comforters
             )
             ,
             do
             carry
             very
             discernible
             tokens
             of
             divine
             pleasure
             upon
             them
             ;
             and
             the
             evils
             and
             distempers
             under
             which
             their
             spirits
             lye
             wasting
             ,
             are
             both
             their
             sin
             and
             punishment
             .
             Their
             own
             wickedness
             corrects
             
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             backsliding
             reproves
             them
             .
             And
             that
             reproof
             being
             observable
             ,
             doth
             the
             same
             time
             warn
             others
             ,
             yea
             and
             do
             that
             right
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             to
             let
             it
             be
             seen
             he
             makes
             a
             difference
             ,
             and
             refuses
             the
             intimacies
             with
             more
             negligent
             ,
             loose
             ,
             idle
             ,
             wanton
             professors
             of
             his
             Name
             ,
             which
             he
             vouchsafes
             to
             have
             with
             some
             others
             ,
             that
             make
             it
             more
             their
             business
             and
             study
             to
             carry
             acceptably
             towards
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             more
             manifestly
             serious
             ,
             humble
             ,
             diligent
             ,
             obedient
             observers
             of
             his
             will.
             If
             therefore
             we
             find
             not
             what
             we
             have
             found
             in
             this
             kind
             ,
             however
             the
             matter
             may
             possibly
             be
             resolvable
             into
             the
             Divine
             Pleasure
             ,
             (
             as
             it
             is
             more
             likely
             to
             be
             in
             the
             case
             of
             such
             desertions
             as
             are
             accompanied
             with
             terror
             ,
             when
             no
             notorious
             apostacy
             or
             scandalous
             wickedness
             hath
             gone
             before
             )
             ,
             it
             is
             both
             safe
             and
             modest
             ,
             yea
             and
             obvious
             to
             suspect
             such
             delinquencies
             as
             were
             before-mentioned
             ,
             are
             designed
             to
             be
             animadverted
             upon
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             Love
             hath
             been
             injured
             ,
             which
             is
             now
             not
             manifested
             as
             heretofore
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             That
             yet
             such
             a
             degree
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             is
             necessary
             to
             a
             comfortable
             serving
             of
             God
             in
             our
             stations
             being
             afforded
             ;
             such
             superadded
             degrees
             ,
             as
             whereby
             the
             Soul
             is
             in
             frequent
             raptures
             and
             transports
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             be
             thought
             withheld
             penally
             ,
             in
             any
             peculiar
             or
             remarkable
             respect
             ,
             (
             or
             otherwise
             than
             it
             may
             be
             understood
             some
             way
             a
             penalty
             ,
             
               not
               to
               be
               already
               perfectly
               blessed
               )
               .
            
             For
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             that
             such
             rapturous
             sensations
             ,
             and
             the
             want
             of
             them
             ,
             are
             not
             the
             distinguishing
             characters
             
             of
             the
             more
             grown
             ,
             strong
             ,
             and
             excellent
             Christians
             ,
             and
             of
             them
             that
             are
             more
             infirm
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             meaner
             and
             lower
             pitch
             and
             stature
             .
             Yea
             those
             extatical
             emotions
             ,
             although
             they
             have
             much
             of
             a
             
               sensible
               delectation
            
             in
             them
             (
             as
             more
             hereafter
             may
             be
             said
             to
             that
             purpose
             )
             ;
             and
             though
             they
             may
             ,
             in
             part
             ,
             proceed
             from
             the
             
               best
               and
               most
               excellent
               Cause
            
             ,
             do
             yet
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             frequent
             (
             which
             would
             signifie
             an
             aptitude
             thereto
             )
             ,
             import
             somewhat
             of
             
               diminution
               in
               their
               subject
            
             ,
             and
             imply
             what
             is
             some
             way
             a
             lessening
             of
             it
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             they
             imply
             the
             persons
             that
             are
             more
             disposed
             this
             way
             ,
             to
             be
             of
             a
             temper
             not
             so
             well
             fixed
             and
             compos'd
             ,
             but
             more
             volatile
             and
             airy
             ;
             which
             yet
             doth
             not
             intimate
             ,
             that
             the
             
               chief
               Cause
            
             and
             Author
             of
             those
             motions
             is
             therefore
             mean
             and
             ignoble
             ;
             nay
             ,
             it
             argues
             nothing
             to
             the
             contrary
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             it self
             may
             be
             the
             
               supream
               Cause
            
             of
             them
             .
             For
             admitting
             it
             to
             be
             so
             ,
             it
             doth
             not
             alter
             mens
             natural
             tempers
             and
             complexions
             ;
             but
             so
             acts
             them
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             retain
             (
             and
             express
             upon
             occasion
             )
             what
             was
             peculiar
             to
             their
             temper
             notwithstanding
             .
             The
             work
             and
             office
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             in
             its
             special
             communications
             ,
             is
             to
             alter
             and
             new-mold
             men
             in
             respect
             of
             their
             
               moral
               dispositions
            
             ,
             not
             those
             which
             are
             strictly
             and
             purely
             natural
             ;
             the
             subject
             is
             in
             this
             regard
             the
             same
             it
             was
             ;
             and
             whatsoever
             is
             received
             ,
             is
             received
             according
             to
             the
             disposition
             of
             that
             ;
             and
             it
             gives
             a
             tincture
             to
             what
             supervenes
             and
             is
             implanted
             thereinto
             ;
             whence
             the
             same
             degree
             of
             such
             communicated
             influence
             
             will
             not
             so
             discernibly
             move
             some
             tempers
             ,
             as
             it
             doth
             others
             ;
             as
             the
             same
             quantity
             of
             fire
             will
             not
             so
             soon
             put
             solid
             wood
             into
             a
             flame
             ,
             as
             it
             will
             light
             straw
             .
             That
             some
             men
             therefore
             are
             less
             sensibly
             and
             passionately
             mov'd
             with
             the
             great
             things
             of
             God
             (
             and
             even
             with
             the
             discovery
             of
             his
             love
             )
             than
             some
             others
             ,
             doth
             not
             argue
             them
             to
             have
             less
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             but
             more
             of
             that
             temper
             which
             better
             comports
             with
             deeper
             judgment
             ,
             and
             a
             calm
             and
             sober
             consideration
             of
             things
             .
             The
             unaptness
             of
             some
             mens
             affections
             unto
             strong
             and
             fervent
             motion
             ,
             doth
             indeed
             arise
             from
             a
             
               stupid
               inconsiderateness
            
             ;
             of
             some
             others
             ,
             from
             a
             more
             
               profound
               consideration
            
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             deeper
             things
             sink
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             they
             pierce
             even
             into
             the
             inmost
             center
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             less
             they
             move
             the
             surface
             of
             it
             .
             And
             though
             I
             do
             not
             think
             the
             saying
             of
             that
             Heathen
             applicable
             to
             this
             case
             ,
             
               It
               is
               a
               wise
               mans
               part
               to
               admire
               nothing
            
             ;
             for
             here
             is
             matter
             enough
             in
             this
             Theam
             ,
             
               the
               Love
               of
               God
            
             ,
             to
             justifie
             the
             highest
             wonderment
             possible
             ;
             and
             not
             to
             admire
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             is
             most
             stupidly
             irrational
             ;
             yet
             I
             conceive
             the
             admiration
             (
             as
             well
             as
             other
             affections
             )
             of
             more
             considering
             persons
             ,
             is
             more
             inward
             ,
             calm
             ,
             sedate
             ,
             and
             dispassionate
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             the
             less
             for
             being
             so
             ,
             but
             is
             the
             more
             solid
             and
             rational
             ;
             and
             the
             pleasure
             that
             attends
             it
             ,
             is
             the
             more
             deep
             and
             lasting
             :
             And
             the
             fervour
             that
             ensues
             upon
             the
             apprehended
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             prompting
             them
             to
             such
             service
             as
             is
             sutable
             to
             a
             state
             of
             devotedness
             
             to
             his
             interest
             ,
             is
             more
             intense
             and
             durable
             ;
             of
             the
             others
             ,
             more
             flashy
             and
             inconstant
             .
             As
             ,
             though
             Flax
             set
             on
             fire
             ,
             will
             flame
             more
             than
             Iron
             ;
             yet
             withal
             it
             will
             smoak
             more
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             glow
             so
             much
             ,
             nor
             keep
             heat
             so
             long
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             But
             to
             shut
             up
             this
             Discourse
             :
             They
             that
             have
             more
             transporting
             apprehensions
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             should
             take
             heed
             of
             despising
             them
             who
             have
             them
             not
             in
             just
             the
             same
             kind
             ,
             or
             do
             not
             express
             them
             in
             the
             same
             seraphick
             strains
             .
             They
             that
             have
             them
             not
             ,
             should
             take
             heed
             of
             censuring
             those
             that
             with
             humble
             modesty
             ,
             upon
             just
             occasion
             ,
             discover
             and
             own
             what
             they
             do
             experience
             in
             this
             kind
             ;
             much
             less
             should
             they
             conclude
             ,
             that
             because
             they
             find
             them
             not
             ,
             there
             is
             therefore
             no
             such
             thing
             to
             be
             found
             ;
             which
             Cynical
             humour
             is
             too
             habitual
             to
             such
             tempers
             .
             If
             they
             do
             fancy
             such
             to
             be
             a
             weaker
             sort
             of
             persons
             they
             may
             be
             sincere
             for
             all
             that
             .
             And
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             considered
             of
             whom
             it
             was
             said
             ,
             
               That
               he
               would
               not
               quench
               the
               smoaking
               flax
               ,
            
             The
             Grace
             and
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
             ought
             to
             be
             reverenc'd
             in
             the
             various
             appearances
             thereof
             :
             
               Whether
               we
               be
               sober
               or
               besides
               our selves
               —
               The
               love
               of
               Christ
               constraineth
               us
               —
            
             So
             diversly
             may
             the
             apprehensions
             of
             that
             Love
             work
             in
             the
             same
             person
             ,
             
             much
             more
             in
             divers
             .
             Christians
             should
             be
             shie
             of
             making
             themselves
             standards
             to
             one
             another
             ;
             which
             they
             that
             do
             ,
             discover
             more
             pride
             and
             self-conceit
             ,
             than
             acquaintance
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             more
             admiration
             of
             themselves
             than
             
               of
               his
               love
            
             .
          
           
           
             Thus
             far
             we
             have
             given
             some
             account
             of
             
               the
               object
               to
               be
               delighted
               in
            
             ;
             wherein
             ,
             if
             any
             think
             strange
             that
             we
             have
             spoken
             so
             much
             of
             the
             
               delectable
               Divine
               communication
               as
               belonging
               to
               the
               object
            
             (
             which
             how
             it
             doth
             hath
             been
             sufficiently
             shew'n
             )
             ;
             let
             them
             call
             it
             ,
             if
             they
             please
             ,
             a
             preparing
             or
             disposing
             of
             the
             Subject
             (
             which
             it
             also
             ,
             making
             its
             own
             way
             into
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             effectually
             doth
             )
             ;
             and
             if
             the
             necessity
             of
             it
             be
             acknowledg'd
             upon
             that
             account
             ,
             it
             equally
             answers
             the
             main
             purpose
             aimed
             at
             in
             all
             this
             ;
             and
             had
             it
             been
             only
             so
             considered
             ,
             would
             but
             have
             infer'd
             some
             alteration
             in
             the
             frame
             and
             method
             of
             this
             Discourse
             ,
             but
             not
             at
             all
             of
             the
             substance
             or
             design
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             We
             art
             next
             to
             say
             somewhat
             briefly
             of
             
             the
             
               Delight
               it self
               to
               be
               taken
               therein
               .
            
             Nor
             shall
             we
             be
             herein
             so
             curious
             as
             to
             distinguish
             (
             which
             some
             do
             )
             Delight
             and
             Joy.
             The
             distinction
             wont
             to
             be
             assigned
             ,
             cannot
             ,
             't
             is
             plain
             ,
             hold
             here
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             make
             the
             former
             of
             these
             signifie
             a
             brutish
             affection
             only
             ;
             and
             the
             latter
             proper
             to
             rational
             nature
             .
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             such
             propriety
             belonging
             to
             the
             words
             ,
             but
             they
             may
             be
             rendered
             (
             as
             indeed
             they
             are
             used
             in
             Scripture
             )
             promiscuously
             ,
             either
             in
             reference
             to
             the
             matter
             of
             intellectual
             or
             sensitive
             complacency
             ,
             and
             either
             of
             a
             
               reasonable
               being
            
             ,
             or
             an
             unreasonable
             .
             We
             take
             these
             therefore
             to
             signifie
             substantially
             the
             same
             thing
             ,
             and
             here
             delight
             to
             be
             intirely
             all
             one
             with
             joy
             :
             That
             is
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             any
             the
             highest
             degree
             
             of
             joy
             which
             may
             not
             fitly
             enough
             be
             comprehended
             under
             the
             name
             of
             Delight
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             placed
             (
             as
             here
             it
             is
             requir'd
             to
             be
             )
             upon
             the
             blessed
             God
             ;
             Whereof
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             speak
             the
             more
             fully
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             necessary
             to
             preface
             somewhat
             concerning
             its
             
               general
               nature
            
             ;
             and
             more
             principally
             as
             it
             is
             found
             in
             man
             ,
             within
             which
             compass
             our
             principal
             business
             lies
             .
          
           
             
               Delight
               ,
               in
               the
               general
            
             ,
             is
             most
             intimately
             essential
             to
             Love
             ;
             which
             imports
             a
             well-pleasedness
             arising
             from
             the
             apprehended
             goodness
             or
             congruity
             of
             the
             thing
             loved
             ;
             and
             it
             seems
             to
             be
             meerly
             by
             accident
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             any
             thing
             else
             in
             Love
             besides
             that
             complacency
             of
             Delight
             :
             That
             is
             ,
             what
             there
             is
             else
             belonging
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             Love
             arises
             from
             the
             mixture
             and
             variety
             which
             is
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             present
             state
             of
             things
             ;
             which
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             at
             present
             universally
             and
             perfectly
             good
             ,
             and
             as
             most
             rationally
             it
             might
             be
             wish'd
             ;
             Love
             could
             have
             no
             exercise
             but
             in
             Delight
             .
             Not
             being
             so
             ;
             
               Desire
               that
               it
               might
               be
               so
               ,
            
             in
             reference
             
               to
               our selves
               and
               others
            
             whom
             we
             love
             ,
             comes
             duly
             to
             have
             place
             ;
             together
             with
             other
             acts
             or
             exercises
             of
             Love
             ,
             which
             it
             belongs
             not
             so
             much
             to
             our
             present
             purpose
             to
             mention
             .
          
           
             For
             instance
             ,
             Whatsoever
             we
             can
             love
             ,
             is
             either
             Things
             or
             Persons
             ;
             whatsoever
             things
             we
             love
             ,
             is
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             Persons
             ,
             either
             our selves
             or
             others
             ;
             whom
             also
             we
             love
             either
             supreamly
             ,
             or
             subordinately
             .
             And
             whomsoever
             we
             love
             supreamly
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             certainly
             either
             God
             or
             our
             
             selves
             ,
             we
             love
             whatsoever
             else
             ,
             Person
             or
             Thing
             ,
             either
             for
             Gods
             sake
             ,
             or
             our
             own
             .
             Be
             it
             now
             the
             one
             or
             other
             ,
             or
             wheresoever
             we
             can
             place
             our
             love
             ,
             we
             find
             things
             in
             reference
             to
             any
             object
             of
             it
             ,
             not
             yet
             as
             we
             would
             have
             them
             ,
             and
             as
             they
             shall
             be
             in
             that
             setled
             state
             which
             shall
             be
             permanent
             and
             last
             always
             ;
             whereunto
             this
             is
             but
             preparatory
             only
             ▪
             and
             introductive
             .
             The
             Creation
             is
             indigent
             ,
             every
             creature
             wants
             somewhat
             even
             whereof
             it
             is
             capable
             ;
             and
             our
             own
             wants
             in
             many
             respects
             ,
             we
             cannot
             but
             feel
             .
             Nothing
             is
             perfect
             in
             its
             own
             Kind
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             all
             possible
             accessories
             thereto
             ;
             even
             the
             state
             of
             glorify'd
             Spirits
             above
             ,
             is
             not
             yet
             every
             way
             perfect
             ;
             much
             is
             wanting
             to
             their
             full
             and
             compleat
             felicity
             ;
             the
             Body
             and
             Community
             whereto
             they
             belong
             ,
             the
             
               General
               Assembly
            
             ,
             is
             not
             yet
             entire
             and
             full
             ;
             
               Their
               common
               Ruler
            
             and
             Lord
             is
             not
             acknowledg'd
             and
             had
             in
             honour
             as
             he
             shall
             be
             .
             In
             the
             mean
             while
             ,
             their
             consummate
             blessedness
             (
             which
             much
             depends
             on
             these
             things
             )
             ,
             and
             the
             solemn
             Jubilee
             to
             be
             held
             at
             the
             close
             and
             finishing
             of
             all
             Gods
             work
             ,
             is
             defer'd
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             if
             we
             go
             higher
             ;
             The
             blessed
             God
             himself
             ,
             the
             Author
             and
             Original
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             although
             no-thing
             be
             wanting
             to
             the
             real
             perfection
             of
             his
             Being
             and
             Blessedness
             ,
             hath
             yet
             much
             of
             his
             Right
             with-held
             from
             him
             by
             his
             lapsed
             and
             apostate
             Creatures
             ;
             so
             that
             ,
             which
             way
             soever
             we
             turn
             our selves
             ,
             there
             remains
             
               to
               us
            
             much
             matter
             of
             rational
             (
             yea
             ,
             and
             holy
             )
             desire
             ;
             and
             most
             just
             cause
             that
             
               our
               love
            
             (
             place
             we
             it
             as
             well
             
             and
             duly
             as
             we
             can
             )
             have
             its
             exercise
             that
             way
             ;
             we
             have
             before
             us
             many
             desiderata
             ,
             according
             as
             things
             yet
             are
             .
             Desire
             is
             therefore
             
               Love
               suted
               to
               an
               imperfect
               state
               of
               things
            
             wherein
             it
             is
             yet
             imperfect
             .
          
           
             And
             because
             it
             's
             suted
             to
             such
             a
             state
             of
             things
             ,
             it
             cannot
             therefore
             but
             be
             
               imperfect
               love
            
             ,
             or
             
               love
               tending
               to
               perfection
               .
               Pure
               and
               simple
               delight
            
             is
             love
             suted
             to
             a
             state
             of
             things
             every
             way
             perfect
             ,
             and
             whereto
             there
             is
             nothing
             lacking
             .
             Wherefore
             Delight
             appears
             to
             be
             the
             
               perfection
               of
               Love
            
             ,
             or
             
               Desire
               satisfied
               ▪
            
          
           
             But
             now
             because
             this
             present
             state
             is
             mixed
             ,
             and
             not
             simply
             evil
             ,
             or
             such
             wherein
             we
             find
             no
             present
             good
             ;
             therefore
             the
             love
             which
             is
             suted
             thereto
             ,
             ought
             consequently
             to
             be
             mixed
             of
             these
             two
             especially
             (
             unto
             which
             two
             the
             present
             discourse
             is
             both
             extended
             and
             confin'd
             ,
             because
             these
             two
             affections
             only
             are
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Text
             )
             Desire
             and
             Delight
             .
          
           
             So
             far
             as
             things
             are
             otherwise
             than
             we
             
               (
               practically
            
             )
             apprehend
             ,
             't
             is
             fit
             they
             should
             be
             with
             our selves
             or
             others
             whom
             we
             love
             ;
             our
             Love
             is
             exercised
             
               in
               desire
            
             ,
             wherein
             they
             are
             as
             we
             would
             have
             them
             ,
             
               in
               delight
            
             ;
             for
             then
             our
             desire
             is
             so
             far
             satisfied
             ;
             and
             
               desire
               satisfied
            
             ceases
             ,
             though
             love
             do
             not
             cease
             .
             Or
             ,
             it
             ceases
             not
             by
             vanishing
             into
             nothing
             ,
             but
             by
             being
             satisfy'd
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             by
             being
             perfected
             in
             the
             Delight
             which
             now
             takes
             place
             .
          
           
             The
             one
             of
             these
             is
             therefore
             truly
             said
             to
             be
             Love
             exercised
             upon
             a
             good
             which
             we
             behold
             at
             a
             distance
             ,
             and
             are
             reaching
             at
             .
             The
             other
             ,
             
             Love
             solacing
             it self
             in
             a
             present
             good
             .
             They
             are
             as
             the
             wings
             and
             arms
             of
             love
             ;
             Those
             for
             pursuits
             ,
             these
             for
             embraces
             .
             Or
             the
             former
             is
             love
             in
             motion
             ;
             the
             latter
             is
             love
             in
             rest
             .
             And
             as
             in
             bodily
             motion
             and
             rest
             ,
             that
             is
             in
             order
             to
             this
             ,
             and
             is
             perfected
             in
             it
             ;
             Things
             move
             not
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             move
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             may
             rest
             (
             whence
             perpetual
             progressive
             motion
             is
             not
             to
             be
             found
             )
             ;
             so
             it
             is
             also
             in
             the
             motion
             and
             rest
             of
             the
             mind
             or
             spirit
             ;
             it
             moves
             towards
             any
             object
             with
             a
             design
             and
             expectation
             to
             rest
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             (
             according
             to
             the
             course
             and
             order
             which
             God
             hath
             stated
             and
             set
             )
             can
             never
             move
             forward
             endlesly
             towards
             a
             good
             in
             which
             it
             shall
             not
             at
             length
             rest
             ;
             though
             yet
             Desire
             and
             Delight
             have
             a
             continual
             vicissitude
             ,
             and
             do
             (
             as
             it
             were
             circularly
             )
             beget
             one
             another
             .
          
           
             And
             thus
             hath
             God
             himself
             been
             pleased
             to
             express
             his
             
               own
               Delight
            
             ,
             or
             the
             Joy
             which
             he
             takes
             in
             his
             people
             ,
             
             even
             by
             the
             name
             of
             Rest
             ,
             viz.
             
               that
               of
               Love.
               He
               will
               rejoice
               over
               thee
               with
               joy
               ,
               he
               will
               rest
               in
               his
               love
               .
            
             Wherefore
             delight
             hath
             not
             been
             unfitly
             defined
             ,
             
               The
               repose
               or
               rest
               of
               the
               desiring
               faculty
               of
               the
               thing
               desired
               .
            
          
           
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             Love
             ,
             as
             such
             ,
             hath
             ever
             somewhat
             of
             delectation
             in
             it
             ;
             for
             we
             entertain
             the
             first
             view
             of
             any
             thing
             we
             apprehend
             as
             Good
             ,
             with
             some
             pleasedness
             therein
             (
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             loved
             )
             ,
             it
             is
             grateful
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             gratified
             some
             way
             by
             it
             ;
             yea
             ,
             there
             is
             somewhat
             of
             this
             before
             any
             emotion
             by
             desire
             towards
             it
             ;
             For
             we
             would
             not
             desire
             it
             ,
             
             if
             it
             were
             not
             pleasing
             to
             us
             ;
             which
             desire
             is
             then
             continued
             (
             as
             far
             as
             love
             is
             in
             exercise
             )
             till
             it
             be
             attained
             for
             our selves
             or
             others
             ,
             according
             as
             the
             object
             of
             our
             love
             
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             the
             object
             
               for
               whom
            
             as
             we
             may
             call
             it
             )
             is
             .
          
           
             Nor
             is
             that
             a
             difficulty
             ,
             how
             yet
             there
             may
             be
             somewhat
             of
             delectation
             ,
             and
             even
             of
             rest
             in
             this
             love
             of
             desire
             ;
             For
             the
             Soul
             doth
             in
             that
             case
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             thus
             desiring
             ,
             rest
             from
             the
             
               indetermination
               of
               desire
            
             :
             that
             is
             ,
             if
             it
             have
             placed
             Love
             upon
             any
             one
             (
             it
             self
             or
             another
             )
             upon
             whom
             therefore
             it
             doth
             with
             a
             sort
             of
             pleasedness
             stay
             and
             rest
             ;
             it
             doth
             first
             in
             the
             general
             desire
             
               it
               may
               be
               well
               with
               such
               a
               one
            
             ;
             and
             then
             ,
             if
             any
             thing
             occur
             to
             its
             notice
             that
             it
             apprehends
             would
             be
             an
             advantage
             to
             the
             person
             loved
             ;
             though
             it
             cease
             not
             desiring
             it
             ,
             yet
             it
             ceases
             from
             those
             its
             former
             hoverings
             of
             desire
             ;
             being
             pitch'd
             upon
             this
             
               one
               thing
            
             ,
             as
             satisfied
             that
             this
             
               would
               be
               a
               good
            
             to
             him
             it
             loves
             .
             The
             appetite
             stays
             and
             insists
             upon
             this
             thing
             ;
             As
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             
               One
               thing
               have
               I
               desired
            
             .
             
             It
             hath
             here
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             a
             sort
             
               of
               hypothetical
               rest
               ;
               q.
               d.
            
             How
             well-pleased
             should
             I
             be
             if
             this
             were
             compast
             and
             brought
             about
             !
             Or
             it
             hath
             an
             anticipated
             and
             pre-apprehended
             rest
             ,
             
               a
               rest
               in
               hope
            
             (
             by
             which
             the
             object
             is
             some
             way
             made
             present
             )
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             
               We
               rejoice
               in
               hope
               of
               the
               glory
               of
               God.
            
             For
             there
             is
             no
             rational
             desire
             which
             is
             not
             accompani'd
             with
             hope
             .
             Despair
             stifles
             Desire
             .
             That
             which
             appears
             simply
             impossible
             ,
             passes
             for
             nothing
             ;
             and
             goodness
             goes
             not
             beyond
             the
             compass
             of
             being
             .
             But
             whatsoever
             appears
             
             to
             us
             
               a
               good
            
             (
             whether
             for
             our selves
             or
             another
             )
             ,
             
               that
               is
            
             sutable
             and
             possible
             ;
             That
             if
             love
             stir
             in
             reference
             to
             it
             ,
             becomes
             the
             object
             of
             
               complacential
               desire
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             it
             pleases
             us
             first
             upon
             sight
             ,
             or
             upon
             such
             an
             apprehension
             of
             it
             ;
             the
             appetite
             pitches
             ,
             centers
             and
             rests
             upon
             it
             ;
             and
             then
             we
             pursue
             it
             with
             desire
             .
             But
             then
             our
             delectation
             therein
             grows
             ,
             as
             our
             hope
             doth
             it
             will
             be
             attained
             ;
             and
             still
             more
             (
             if
             we
             find
             it
             to
             answer
             its
             first
             appearance
             )
             as
             by
             degrees
             it
             is
             attained
             actually
             ;
             till
             
               being
               fully
               attain'd
            
             ,
             our
             desire
             (
             as
             to
             that
             thing
             )
             ends
             in
             all
             the
             delight
             and
             satisfaction
             which
             it
             can
             afford
             us
             ;
             so
             that
             the
             delight
             and
             rest
             which
             follows
             desire
             in
             the
             actual
             fruition
             of
             a
             full
             and
             satisfying-good
             ,
             is
             much
             more
             intense
             and
             pure
             ,
             than
             that
             which
             either
             goes
             before
             ,
             or
             doth
             accompany
             it
             ;
             and
             is
             indeed
             the
             same
             thing
             with
             fruition
             or
             enjoyment
             it self
             ;
             only
             that
             this
             term
             hath
             been
             ,
             by
             some
             ,
             more
             appropriated
             to
             signifie
             the
             delectation
             which
             is
             taken
             in
             the
             last
             End
             ,
             unto
             which
             yet
             it
             hath
             no
             more
             native
             designation
             than
             divers
             other
             words
             .
          
           
             We
             have
             then
             thus
             far
             some
             general
             notion
             of
             Delight
             (
             and
             also
             of
             Desire
             which
             is
             taken
             in
             here
             only
             on
             the
             by
             ,
             and
             as
             tending
             somewhat
             to
             illustrate
             the
             other
             ,
             whereof
             yet
             what
             we
             now
             say
             may
             be
             of
             some
             use
             hereafter
             )
             .
          
           
             We
             are
             next
             to
             speak
             of
             
               this
               Delight
            
             in
             special
             ,
             which
             is
             here
             to
             be
             placed
             
               upon
               God.
            
             About
             which
             we
             are
             are
             to
             consider
             ,
             both
             
             What
             it
             is
             we
             are
             called
             to
             .
          
           
             And
             how
             we
             are
             to
             reckon
             our selves
             called
             to
             it
             .
          
           
             And
             1
             ,
             That
             we
             may
             shew
             ,
             What
             we
             are
             called
             to
             .
             Having
             in
             this
             general
             account
             spoken
             only
             of
             
               humane
               delight
            
             ,
             or
             of
             delight
             as
             it
             is
             to
             be
             found
             among
             men
             ;
             It
             will
             now
             be
             necessary
             to
             distinguish
             this
             unto
             
               
                 Meerly
                 Natural
                 ,
              
               
                 And
                 Holy.
                 
              
            
          
           
             And
             when
             we
             thus
             distinguish
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             that
             by
             natural
             we
             mean
             what
             is
             within
             the
             sphere
             of
             Nature
             in
             its
             present
             corrupted
             state
             ;
             otherwise
             ,
             what
             was
             natural
             to
             man
             did
             (
             taken
             in
             a
             large
             sense
             )
             include
             holiness
             in
             it
             ;
             and
             so
             the
             addition
             of
             holiness
             doth
             but
             make
             up
             
               purely
               natural
               delight
            
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             at
             first
             :
             But
             as
             the
             case
             now
             is
             ,
             the
             distinction
             is
             necessary
             .
          
           
             And
             the
             latter
             of
             these
             only
             will
             be
             the
             subject
             of
             our
             following
             discourse
             ;
             as
             being
             only
             sutable
             to
             the
             blessed
             Object
             whereon
             it
             must
             terminate
             ,
             and
             only
             capable
             of
             being
             apply'd
             thereto
             .
          
           
             When
             therefore
             our
             delight
             is
             to
             be
             placed
             and
             set
             on
             God
             ,
             this
             must
             be
             understood
             as
             presupposed
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             purify'd
             ,
             drain'd
             from
             the
             pollution
             and
             impure
             tinctures
             which
             it
             hath
             derived
             from
             our
             vitiated
             Natures
             ,
             
             and
             further
             contracted
             by
             our
             converse
             with
             impure
             ,
             mean
             ,
             and
             vile
             things
             .
             For
             only
             that
             delight
             is
             to
             be
             placed
             on
             God
             which
             can
             be
             so
             placed
             ;
             and
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             being
             duly
             designed
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             by
             consequence
             designed
             which
             is
             necessary
             thereto
             :
             And
             thereto
             is
             necessary
             ,
             not
             meerly
             the
             direction
             of
             one
             such
             particular
             act
             towards
             God
             ,
             but
             an
             
               holy
               principle
            
             ,
             as
             prerequisite
             to
             the
             right
             doing
             even
             of
             that
             also
             .
          
           
             Unholy
             love
             declines
             God
             ;
             and
             indeed
             it
             is
             unholy
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             it
             doth
             so
             .
             Whence
             therefore
             it
             is
             as
             impossible
             it
             should
             be
             set
             on
             God
             ,
             remaining
             unholy
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             should
             be
             another
             thing
             from
             it self
             ,
             and
             yet
             be
             still
             wholly
             what
             it
             was
             .
          
           
             Although
             it
             cannot
             be
             
               another
               thing
            
             in
             its
             general
             nature
             (
             as
             it
             is
             not
             necessary
             it
             should
             )
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             a
             much
             altered
             thing
             ,
             by
             the
             accession
             of
             holiness
             thereto
             .
             And
             this
             coming
             upon
             the
             whole
             Soul
             ,
             even
             upon
             all
             its
             faculties
             and
             powers
             ,
             doth
             therein
             spread
             it self
             unto
             its
             delight
             also
             .
             
               Delight
               in
               God
            
             is
             not
             the
             work
             of
             an
             unholy
             heart
             .
          
           
             And
             (
             as
             may
             be
             collected
             from
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             )
             Holiness
             consisting
             in
             a
             right
             disposition
             of
             heart
             towards
             God
             ,
             a
             divine
             Nature
             ,
             participated
             from
             him
             ,
             conform
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             which
             works
             and
             tends
             towards
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             it self
             so
             delightful
             a
             thing
             ;
             It
             may
             thence
             be
             seen
             what
             holy
             delight
             is
             ,
             or
             wherein
             the
             holiness
             of
             it
             stands
             .
          
           
             It
             must
             to
             this
             purpose
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             this
             
               holy
               delight
            
             is
             twofold
             ,
             according
             to
             a
             
             two-fold
             consideration
             of
             the
             
               delectable
               object
            
             ;
             into
             which
             ,
             what
             was
             formerly
             said
             about
             it
             may
             be
             reduced
             .
          
           
             All
             delight
             in
             God
             supposes
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             some
             communication
             from
             him
             .
          
           
             That
             communication
             is
             either
             of
             light
             ,
             whereby
             his
             Nature
             and
             Attributes
             are
             in
             some
             measure
             known
             ;
             or
             of
             
               operative
               influence
            
             ,
             whereby
             his
             Image
             is
             imprest
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             is
             fram'd
             according
             to
             his
             will.
             And
             so
             't
             is
             partly
             mental
             or
             notional
             (
             I
             mean
             not
             meerly
             notional
             ,
             but
             that
             hath
             with
             it
             also
             an
             aptitude
             to
             beget
             a
             correspondent-impression
             on
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             not
             engage
             it
             in
             some
             speculations
             concerning
             him
             only
             )
             ,
             and
             partly
             real
             ,
             that
             actually
             begets
             such
             an
             impression
             it self
             .
             It
             is
             partly
             such
             as
             may
             be
             understood
             ,
             and
             partly
             such
             as
             may
             be
             felt
             ;
             the
             manifestation
             of
             his
             Love
             partly
             belongs
             to
             the
             one
             of
             these
             ,
             and
             partly
             to
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             Answerably
             hereto
             ,
             the
             delight
             that
             is
             taken
             in
             him
             ,
             is
             either
             more
             
               
                 Open
                 and
                 explicite
                 ,
                 and
                 wherein
                 a
                 person
                 reflects
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 takes
                 notice
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 act
                 ,
                 and
                 whereupon
                 it
                 is
                 exercised
                 .
              
               
                 Or
                 ,
                 
                   more
                   latent
                   ,
                   implicite
                
                 and
                 unobserv'd
                 ,
                 when
                 his
                 delight
                 lies
                 folded
                 up
                 in
                 other
                 acts
                 and
                 dispositions
                 which
                 have
                 another
                 more
                 principal
                 design
                 ,
                 though
                 that
                 also
                 is
                 involved
                 in
                 them
                 .
              
            
          
           
             The
             former
             way
             ,
             the
             Soul
             delights
             in
             God
             
             more
             directly
             ,
             applying
             it self
             thereto
             on
             purpose
             ,
             and
             bending
             the
             mind
             and
             heart
             intentionally
             thereto
             ;
             its
             present
             views
             of
             him
             having
             that
             very
             design
             and
             aim
             .
          
           
             The
             latter
             way
             ,
             it
             delights
             in
             him
             rather
             collaterally
             ,
             when
             its
             present
             action
             (
             as
             well
             as
             the
             disposition
             leading
             to
             it
             )
             hath
             another
             more
             direct
             scope
             and
             aim
             .
             And
             the
             delight
             only
             adheres
             to
             the
             act
             ,
             as
             being
             in
             it self
             delightful
             ;
             as
             for
             instance
             ,
             the
             acts
             of
             Repentance
             ,
             Trust
             ,
             Self-denial
             ,
             &c.
             which
             have
             
               another
               end
            
             than
             delight
             ,
             though
             that
             insinuates
             into
             them
             .
          
           
             The
             former
             of
             these
             may
             be
             called
             
               contemplative
               delight
            
             .
             The
             Soul
             solacing
             it self
             in
             a
             pleasant
             meditation
             of
             God
             ,
             whereby
             its
             delight
             in
             him
             is
             excited
             and
             stirred
             up
             .
          
           
             The
             latter
             (
             understanding
             sense
             spiritually
             ,
             as
             it
             belongs
             to
             the
             
               new
               creature
            
             ,
             and
             is
             taken
             
               Phil.
               1.
               9.
               
               Heb.
               5.
               ult
               .
               )
            
             may
             be
             called
             
               sensitive
               delight
            
             ;
             whereby
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             
               tastes
               how
               gracious
               the
               Lord
               is
               .
            
             Which
             though
             it
             doth
             by
             the
             other
             also
             ,
             yet
             the
             distinction
             holds
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             way
             wherein
             the
             delight
             is
             begotten
             and
             begun
             ,
             if
             not
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             
               thing
               it self
               ,
               begotten
            
             ,
             or
             wherein
             the
             matter
             ends
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             former
             way
             ,
             the
             Soul
             more
             expresly
             reflects
             upon
             its
             own
             present
             exercise
             ,
             which
             it
             directly
             intends
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             latter
             ,
             it
             may
             not
             reflect
             expresly
             either
             upon
             its
             actual
             delight
             which
             it
             hath
             ,
             nor
             actually
             consider
             God
             as
             the
             object
             that
             yeilds
             it
             that
             pleasure
             ;
             as
             I
             may
             be
             delighted
             
             by
             the
             pleasant
             taste
             of
             this
             or
             that
             food
             ,
             without
             considering
             what
             the
             things
             is
             I
             am
             feeding
             on
             ;
             nor
             have
             distinct
             reflection
             on
             the
             pleasure
             I
             take
             therein
             ,
             having
             another
             and
             more
             principal
             design
             in
             eating
             ,
             the
             recruiting
             of
             my
             strength
             ,
             and
             that
             delight
             being
             only
             accessory
             and
             accruing
             on
             the
             by
             .
          
           
             The
             former
             is
             less
             durable
             ,
             and
             sooner
             apt
             to
             vanish
             upon
             the
             cessation
             of
             the
             present
             act
             ,
             like
             the
             delight
             of
             the
             eye
             .
          
           
             The
             latter
             is
             more
             permanent
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             the
             taste
             ,
             and
             habitual
             ;
             such
             as
             is
             the
             pleasure
             of
             any
             thing
             whereof
             one
             hath
             a
             continued
             possession
             ,
             as
             of
             a
             confirm'd
             state
             and
             habit
             of
             health
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             riches
             ,
             dignities
             ,
             pleasant
             accommodations
             which
             belong
             to
             any
             ones
             setled
             condition
             ;
             of
             which
             he
             hath
             that
             continual
             enjoyment
             that
             insensibly
             forms
             his
             spirit
             ,
             raises
             and
             keeps
             it
             up
             to
             a
             pitch
             sutable
             to
             his
             condition
             ,
             though
             he
             have
             not
             every
             day
             or
             hour
             distinct
             formed
             thoughts
             of
             them
             ,
             nor
             is
             often
             in
             that
             contemplative
             transport
             with
             
               Nebuchadnezzar
               ,
               —
               Is
               not
               this
               great
               Babylon
               which
               I
               have
               built
               ?
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             Both
             these
             are
             
               holy
               delight
            
             ,
             or
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             In
             both
             whereof
             may
             be
             seen
             ,
             added
             to
             the
             general
             nature
             of
             delight
             ,
             an
             
               holy
               Nature
            
             as
             the
             Principle
             ,
             inferring
             a
             powerful
             steady
             
               determination
               of
               the
               heart
               towards
               God
               ,
            
             as
             the
             object
             and
             end
             which
             it
             ultimately
             tends
             to
             ,
             and
             terminates
             upon
             .
             Though
             in
             the
             former
             way
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             the
             Soul
             tends
             towards
             him
             more
             directly
             :
             In
             the
             latter
             (
             according
             as
             the
             acts
             may
             be
             to
             which
             
             the
             delight
             adheres
             )
             ,
             more
             obliquely
             ,
             and
             through
             several
             things
             that
             may
             be
             intermediate
             unto
             that
             final
             and
             ultimate
             object
             .
          
           
             And
             both
             these
             may
             fitly
             be
             understood
             to
             be
             within
             the
             meaning
             of
             this
             Text
             ;
             which
             therefore
             we
             shall
             now
             consider
             apart
             and
             severally
             ;
             though
             both
             of
             them
             very
             briefly
             .
          
           
             And
             we
             begin
             with
             the
             latter
             of
             them
             .
             For
             though
             the
             former
             have
             ,
             in
             some
             respect
             ,
             an
             excellency
             in
             it
             above
             the
             latter
             ;
             yet
             as
             the
             progress
             of
             Nature
             in
             other
             Creatures
             is
             by
             way
             of
             ascent
             ,
             from
             what
             is
             more
             imperfect
             to
             what
             is
             perfecter
             and
             more
             excellent
             :
             So
             is
             it
             with
             the
             communicated
             Divine
             Nature
             in
             the
             
               new
               creature
            
             ,
             which
             puts
             it self
             forth
             ,
             first
             in
             more
             imperfect
             operations
             ,
             the
             buddings
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             of
             that
             tree
             of
             life
             which
             hath
             its
             more
             florid
             blossoms
             ,
             and
             at
             length
             its
             ripe
             and
             fragrant
             fruit
             afterwards
             ;
             Or
             (
             to
             come
             nearer
             the
             case
             )
             ,
             inasmuch
             as
             the
             latter
             sort
             of
             delight
             (
             according
             to
             the
             order
             wherein
             we
             before
             mentioned
             them
             )
             hath
             more
             in
             it
             of
             the
             exercise
             of
             
               spiritual
               sense
            
             ;
             the
             other
             more
             of
             
               spiritual
               reason
            
             ;
             Since
             humane
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             have
             Natures
             capable
             of
             both
             sorts
             of
             functions
             ,
             do
             first
             exercise
             sense
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             slower
             and
             more
             gradual
             process
             ,
             come
             on
             to
             acts
             of
             ratiocination
             afterwards
             .
             So
             it
             is
             here
             ,
             The
             Soul
             in
             which
             the
             Divine
             life
             hath
             taken
             place
             ,
             doth
             first
             exercise
             it self
             in
             
               spiritual
               sensations
            
             :
             So
             that
             though
             ,
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             delight
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             destitute
             of
             the
             grateful
             relishes
             of
             things
             truly
             and
             spiritually
             delectable
             ;
             yet
             the
             more
             
             formed
             and
             designed
             acts
             of
             
               holy
               delectation
            
             ,
             in
             the
             highest
             object
             thereof
             ,
             distinctly
             apprehended
             and
             pitcht
             upon
             for
             that
             purpose
             ,
             do
             follow
             in
             their
             season
             ;
             and
             these
             are
             preparations
             ,
             and
             the
             essays
             of
             the
             
               new
               creature
            
             ,
             gradually
             and
             more
             indistinctly
             putting
             forth
             it self
             in
             order
             thereto
             ;
             The
             Embryo's
             of
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             If
             therefore
             it
             be
             inquired
             ,
             Wherein
             the
             delight
             of
             this
             more
             
               imperfect
               sort
            
             doth
             consist
             ?
          
           
             I
             answer
             ,
             In
             the
             
               Souls
               sensation
            
             and
             relish
             of
             sweetness
             in
             the
             holy
             quickening
             communications
             of
             God
             unto
             it
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             first
             forms
             it
             for
             himself
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             operations
             which
             it
             is
             hereby
             enabled
             to
             put
             forth
             towards
             him
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             in
             the
             infancy
             or
             childhood
             of
             its
             Christian
             state
             .
          
           
             Nor
             ,
             while
             we
             say
             the
             delight
             of
             this
             kind
             doth
             more
             properly
             belong
             to
             the
             younger
             and
             more
             immature
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             do
             we
             thereby
             intend
             wholly
             to
             appropriate
             or
             confine
             it
             to
             that
             state
             :
             For
             as
             when
             a
             Child
             is
             grown
             up
             to
             the
             capacity
             of
             exercising
             reason
             ,
             it
             doth
             not
             then
             give
             over
             to
             use
             sense
             ,
             but
             continues
             the
             exercise
             of
             it
             also
             in
             its
             adult
             state
             ,
             even
             as
             long
             as
             the
             person
             lives
             ;
             only
             ,
             in
             its
             infancy
             and
             childhood
             its
             life
             is
             
               more
               intirely
               a
               life
               of
               sense
               ,
            
             though
             there
             are
             early
             buddings
             of
             reason
             ,
             that
             soon
             come
             to
             be
             intermingled
             therein
             ;
             notwithstanding
             which
             ▪
             the
             principle
             that
             rules
             and
             is
             more
             in
             exercise
             ,
             more
             fitly
             gives
             the
             denomination
             :
             So
             it
             is
             in
             this
             case
             also
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             though
             there
             
             are
             sensations
             of
             Delight
             and
             pleasure
             in
             Religion
             (
             yea
             ,
             and
             those
             more
             quick
             ,
             confirm'd
             and
             strong
             in
             more
             grown
             Christians
             )
             ,
             yet
             these
             sensations
             are
             more
             single
             and
             unaccompany'd
             (
             though
             not
             altogether
             )
             with
             the
             exercise
             of
             
               spiritual
               reason
               and
               judgment
            
             ,
             and
             do
             
               less
               come
               in
            
             that
             way
             with
             Christians
             in
             their
             minority
             ,
             than
             with
             others
             or
             themselves
             afterwards
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             that
             which
             we
             are
             to
             understand
             our selves
             called
             to
             under
             the
             name
             of
             delighting
             in
             God
             (
             thus
             taken
             )
             is
             ,
          
           
             The
             keeping
             of
             our
             Souls
             open
             to
             Divine
             Influences
             and
             Communications
             :
          
           
             Thirsting
             after
             them
             ,
             praying
             and
             waiting
             for
             them
             :
          
           
             Endeavouring
             to
             improve
             them
             and
             co-operate
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             stir
             up
             our selves
             unto
             such
             exercises
             of
             Religion
             as
             they
             lead
             to
             ,
             and
             are
             most
             sutable
             to
             our
             present
             state
             .
          
           
             Together
             with
             an
             allowing
             ,
             yea
             ,
             and
             applying
             our selves
             to
             stay
             ,
             and
             taste
             in
             our
             progress
             and
             course
             ,
             the
             sweetness
             and
             delightfulness
             of
             those
             communications
             and
             operations
             whereof
             we
             have
             any
             present
             experience
             .
             For
             instance
             ;
          
           
             When
             we
             find
             God
             at
             work
             with
             us
             ,
             and
             graciously
             dealing
             with
             our
             spirits
             ,
             to
             humble
             them
             ,
             break
             and
             melt
             them
             under
             a
             sense
             of
             sin
             ,
             incline
             and
             turn
             them
             towards
             himself
             ,
             draw
             them
             to
             a
             closure
             with
             his
             Son
             the
             Redeemer
             ,
             to
             a
             resignation
             and
             surrender
             of
             our selves
             to
             him
             ,
             upon
             the
             terms
             of
             his
             Covenant
             and
             Law
             of
             Grace
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             and
             
             when
             afterwards
             we
             find
             him
             framing
             our
             hearts
             to
             a
             course
             of
             holy
             walking
             and
             conversation
             ;
             to
             the
             denyal
             of
             ungodliness
             and
             worldly
             lusts
             ;
             to
             a
             sober
             ,
             righteous
             and
             godly
             life
             in
             this
             present
             world
             ;
             to
             the
             exercises
             of
             Piety
             ,
             Sobriety
             ,
             Righteousness
             ,
             Charity
             ,
             Mercy
             ,
             &c.
             
             And
             now
             this
             or
             the
             like
             heavenly
             Dictate
             occurs
             to
             us
             ,
             
               Delight
               thy self
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             what
             doth
             it
             import
             ?
             what
             must
             we
             understand
             it
             to
             say
             or
             signifie
             to
             us
             ?
             Though
             this
             that
             hath
             been
             mentioned
             ,
             and
             which
             we
             are
             now
             saying
             
               is
               not
               all
            
             that
             it
             signifies
             (
             as
             will
             be
             shown
             hereafter
             )
             ;
             yet
             thus
             much
             we
             must
             understand
             it
             doth
             signifie
             and
             say
             to
             us
             :
          
           
             
               Thy
               only
               true
               Delights
               are
               to
               be
               found
               in
               a
               course
               of
               Religion
               ,
               they
               are
               not
               to
               be
               expected
               from
               this
               world
               ,
               or
               thy
               former
               sinful
               course
               ;
               but
               in
               exercising
               thy self
               unto
               godliness
               ,
               in
               receiving
               and
               complying
               with
               the
               Divine
               discoveries
               ,
               recommended
               to
               thee
               in
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               (
               through
               them
               )
               the
               influences
               of
               Life
               and
               Grace
               ,
               which
               readily
               flow
               in
               upon
               any
               Soul
               that
               hungers
               and
               thirsts
               after
               righteousness
               ;
               and
               by
               which
               thou
               mayst
               be
               fram'd
               in
               all
               things
               after
               the
               good
               and
               holy
               and
               acceptable
               will
               of
               God.
               Herein
               thou
               shalt
               find
               such
               pleasures
               and
               Delights
               entertaining
               thy
               Soul
               ,
               as
               that
               thou
               wilt
               have
               no
               cause
               to
               envy
               wicked
               men
               their
               sensual
               Delights
               which
               they
               find
               in
               their
               sinful
               way
               ;
               if
               thou
               wilt
               but
               observe
               what
               thou
               findest
               ,
               and
               exercise
               thy
               sense
               ,
               to
               discern
               between
               good
               and
               evil
               ;
               and
               set
               thy
               
               self
               to
               consider
               whether
               there
               be
               not
               as
               well
               more
               satisfying
               ,
               as
               purer
               relishes
               of
               pleasure
               ,
               in
               mortifying
               the
               flesh
               with
               the
               affections
               and
               lusts
               thereof
               ,
               in
               denying
               thy self
               ,
               in
               dying
               to
               this
               world
               ,
               in
               living
               to
               God
               ,
               in
               minding
               the
               things
               of
               another
               world
               ,
               in
               giving
               up
               thy self
               to
               the
               several
               exercises
               of
               an
               holy
               Life
               ,
               watching
               ,
               praying
               ,
               meditating
               ,
               &c.
               in
               trusting
               in
               the
               Lord
               with
               all
               thy
               heart
               ,
               and
               in
               doing
               all
               the
               good
               thou
               canst
               in
               thy
               place
               and
               station
               ,
               letting
               so
               thy
               
                 Light
                 shine
                 before
                 men
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 seeing
                 thy
                 good
                 works
                 ,
                 may
                 glorifie
                 thy
                 Father
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Heaven
              
               ;
               In
               contentment
               with
               what
               thou
               enjoyest
               ,
               and
               patience
               under
               what
               thou
               sufferest
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               in
               
                 doing
                 justice
                 ,
                 loving
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 walking
                 humbly
                 with
                 thy
                 God
                 ,
              
               Than
               ever
               the
               vanishing
               pleasures
               of
               sin
               did
               or
               can
               afford
               .
            
          
           
             Thus
             into
             these
             two
             Things
             may
             all
             be
             summ'd
             up
             ,
             which
             Delighting
             in
             God
             imports
             according
             to
             this
             notion
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             applying
             our selves
             to
             those
             things
             by
             the
             help
             of
             Gods
             own
             communicated
             Influence
             (
             which
             in
             that
             case
             will
             not
             be
             withheld
             )
             
               wherein
               the
               matter
               of
               Delight
               lies
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             reflecting
             upon
             the
             things
             themselves
             that
             are
             so
             Delightful
             ,
             and
             setting
             our selves
             to
             discern
             ,
             and
             tasting
             actually
             the
             Delectableness
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             And
             surely
             ,
             if
             such
             words
             ,
             
               Delight
               thy self
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             do
             say
             to
             us
             all
             this
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             say
             nothing
             ;
             nor
             say
             any
             thing
             impertinent
             ,
             
             either
             to
             their
             ow●
             native
             import
             ,
             or
             our
             state
             and
             condition
             in
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             Obj.
             But
             here
             it
             may
             be
             Objected
             ;
             If
             we
             so
             interpret
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             we
             shall
             by
             this
             means
             bring
             the
             whole
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             all
             sorts
             of
             actions
             that
             are
             governed
             and
             directed
             by
             it
             ,
             within
             the
             compass
             of
             
               this
               one
               thing
            
             ;
             and
             make
             Delighting
             in
             God
             ,
             swallow
             up
             all
             that
             belongs
             to
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             be
             the
             same
             thing
             with
             Repentance
             ,
             Faith
             ,
             Self-denial
             ,
             Humility
             ,
             Meekness
             ,
             Patience
             ,
             &c.
             which
             would
             sure
             seem
             too
             much
             to
             be
             comprehended
             under
             the
             name
             of
             one
             Particular
             holy
             action
             or
             affection
             ;
             Especially
             that
             they
             should
             be
             called
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             when
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             divers
             of
             these
             God
             may
             possibly
             not
             be
             in
             that
             instant
             actually
             so
             much
             as
             thought
             on
             .
          
           
             Answ.
             To
             this
             it
             may
             be
             sufficiently
             answered
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             these
             things
             cannot
             be
             hence
             said
             with
             any
             pretence
             to
             be
             made
             the
             same
             thing
             with
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             ;
             but
             only
             that
             there
             is
             a
             
               delight
               adhering
            
             to
             all
             these
             ;
             no
             more
             than
             it
             can
             be
             said
             ,
             when
             ,
             at
             some
             splendid
             Treat
             or
             entertainment
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             great
             variety
             of
             delicious
             Meats
             and
             Wine
             ,
             which
             do
             therefore
             all
             agree
             
               in
               this
            
             ,
             That
             they
             are
             delectable
             ;
             that
             all
             these
             Dishes
             and
             Liquors
             are
             therefore
             one
             and
             the
             same
             .
             Or
             ,
             if
             the
             Master
             of
             the
             Feast
             call
             upon
             his
             Guests
             to
             
               delight
               themselves
               with
               him
               ,
               their
               Friend
            
             (
             as
             here
             the
             Particle
             in
             the
             Text
             ,
             which
             we
             read
             Delight
             thy self
             
             
               [
               in
            
             ]
             the
             Lord
             ,
             may
             be
             read
             Delight
             thy self
             
               [
               with
            
             ]
             him
             )
             ;
             and
             he
             explains
             himself
             ,
             That
             he
             means
             
               by
               tasting
               this
               and
               that
               and
               another
               sort
               of
               his
               Provisions
               ,
               and
               eating
               and
               drinking
               chearfully
               thereof
               ,
            
             surely
             his
             words
             could
             not
             with
             more
             Reason
             ,
             than
             civility
             be
             capable
             of
             that
             snarling
             reply
             ;
             That
             ,
             therefore
             ,
             it
             seems
             ,
             
               he
               thought
               the
               things
               themselves
               or
               their
               tasts
               and
               relishes
               were
               all
               one
               .
            
             For
             though
             they
             all
             afford
             Delight
             ,
             yet
             each
             of
             a
             different
             kind
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             are
             not
             all
             these
             truly
             Delectable
             ?
             Is
             there
             not
             a
             real
             Delight
             to
             be
             had
             in
             them
             ?
             Let
             any
             man
             ,
             that
             hath
             tried
             ,
             consult
             his
             experience
             ;
             yea
             ,
             let
             any
             one
             that
             hath
             not
             besotted
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             infatuated
             his
             understanding
             ,
             but
             seriously
             consider
             the
             very
             Idaea's
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             revolve
             the
             notions
             of
             them
             in
             his
             mind
             ,
             and
             then
             soberly
             judg
             ,
             whether
             they
             be
             not
             delightful
             ?
             And
             ,
             if
             so
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             an
             actual
             sense
             of
             pleasure
             and
             sweetness
             in
             the
             
               communicated
               power
            
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             them
             ,
             Why
             is
             not
             this
             delighting
             in
             God
             ?
             Admit
             that
             he
             is
             not
             actually
             thought
             on
             in
             some
             of
             these
             exercises
             ;
             As
             when
             I
             freely
             forgive
             a
             wrong
             ,
             or
             relieve
             a
             distressed
             person
             ,
             or
             right
             a
             wronged
             one
             :
             If
             yet
             I
             do
             these
             things
             ,
             from
             the
             radical
             Principle
             of
             the
             
               Love
               of
               God
            
             deeply
             setled
             in
             my
             Soul
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             sensible
             delight
             accompanying
             my
             act
             ,
             and
             the
             disposition
             I
             find
             in
             mine
             heart
             thereunto
             :
             Here
             is
             not
             ,
             't
             is
             true
             ,
             the
             very
             act
             of
             delighting
             in
             God
             ,
             formally
             terminated
             upon
             him
             as
             the
             Object
             ;
             But
             it
             's
             he
             that
             gives
             me
             
             this
             Delight
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             material
             Object
             (
             as
             well
             as
             Author
             )
             of
             it
             .
             The
             communication
             is
             from
             him
             ,
             
               whereby
               I
               am
               delighted
            
             ,
             and
             inabled
             to
             do
             the
             things
             that
             are
             
               further
               delightful
            
             .
             As
             if
             I
             converse
             with
             an
             excellent
             person
             ,
             my
             intimate
             friend
             ,
             who
             is
             at
             this
             time
             incognito
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             disguise
             conceals
             himself
             from
             me
             ,
             or
             I
             through
             my
             forgetfulness
             or
             inadvertency
             have
             no
             present
             thoughts
             of
             this
             person
             ;
             but
             I
             hear
             his
             pleasant
             Discourse
             ,
             and
             am
             much
             taken
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             person
             on
             the
             account
             of
             it
             :
             It
             is
             my
             Friend
             that
             I
             Delighted
             in
             all
             this
             while
             though
             I
             knew
             it
             not
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             what
             fault
             can
             I
             find
             in
             the
             matter
             that
             Divine
             delight
             thus
             runs
             and
             spreads
             it self
             through
             the
             whole
             business
             of
             Religion
             ,
             &
             all
             the
             affairs
             whereon
             it
             hath
             any
             influence
             ?
             Is
             this
             the
             worse
             or
             the
             better
             ?
             Have
             I
             any
             cause
             to
             quarrel
             at
             this
             ?
             Sure
             I
             have
             not
             .
             But
             if
             I
             have
             not
             such
             actual
             thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             may
             give
             me
             the
             advantage
             of
             terminating
             my
             Delight
             more
             directly
             on
             him
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             ,
             very
             much
             ,
             
               my
               own
               fault
            
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             And
             what
             is
             that
             an
             absurdity
             that
             under
             the
             name
             of
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             the
             several
             acts
             and
             exercises
             of
             Religion
             besides
             should
             be
             comprehended
             ?
             How
             often
             in
             Scripture
             are
             other
             (
             no-more-eminent
             )
             parts
             of
             Religion
             put
             for
             the
             whole
             .
             
               The
               knowledg
               of
               God
               ,
               calling
               upon
               God
               ,
               The
               fear
               of
               God
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             How
             commonly
             are
             these
             acknowledged
             to
             be
             Paraphrases
             of
             Religion
             ?
             And
             shall
             I
             not
             add
             
               [
               The
               Love
               of
               God
               ?
               ]
            
             
             That
             most
             authentick
             and
             owned
             summary
             of
             all
             
               practical
               Religion
            
             ,
             and
             which
             ought
             to
             influence
             all
             our
             actions
             .
             And
             then
             how
             far
             are
             we
             from
             our
             mark
             ?
             What
             is
             the
             difference
             between
             
               loving
               God
            
             ,
             and
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             ?
             But
             I
             moreover
             add
             ,
             that
             
               delight
               it self
               in
               him
            
             ,
             cannot
             but
             be
             so
             taken
             in
             that
             sharp
             passage
             ,
             (
             though
             misapply'd
             to
             the
             person
             of
             whom
             it
             was
             meant
             )
             ,
             
             
               For
               Job
               hath
               said
               ,
               what
               profit
               is
               it
               that
               a
               man
               should
               delight
               himself
               with
               God
               ,
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             or
             be
             
               religious
               )
            
             ?
             It
             fitly
             enough
             signifies
             Religion
             ,
             as
             
               thus
               modify'd
            
             or
             
               qualified
               ,
               viz.
            
             as
             having
             this
             quality
             belonging
             to
             it
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             delightful
             ,
             or
             is
             tinctur'd
             with
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             
          
           
             But
             this
             (
             so
             large
             )
             is
             not
             the
             only
             sense
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             wherein
             we
             are
             to
             take
             
               delighting
               in
               God.
            
             And
             when
             any
             part
             of
             Religion
             casts
             it's
             name
             upon
             the
             whole
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             very
             unreasonable
             to
             exclude
             the
             part
             from
             which
             the
             denomination
             is
             taken
             ,
             or
             not
             to
             make
             that
             the
             principal
             thing
             there
             meant
             .
          
           
             We
             therefore
             proceed
             to
             speak
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             Of
             the
             more
             
               explicite
               delight
               in
               God
            
             :
             And
             shall
             therein
             consider
             ,
             The
             
               
                 Nature
              
               
                 Modification
              
            
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             It
             s
             Nature
             ;
             Which
             from
             what
             hath
             
             been
             said
             of
             delight
             in
             the
             general
             ,
             with
             the
             addition
             of
             holiness
             thereto
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             the
             work
             of
             Gods
             Spirit
             ,
             determining
             the
             act
             
             or
             faculty
             to
             which
             it
             adheres
             towards
             God
             )
             ,
             may
             be
             conceived
             thus
             ,
             
               That
               it
               is
               the
               acquiescense
               or
               rest
               of
               the
               Soul
               in
               God
               ,
               by
               a
               satisfiedness
               of
               will
               in
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               best
               and
               most
               excellent
               Good.
               
            
          
           
             That
             it
             be
             the
             
               rest
               of
               the
               Soul
            
             ,
             belongs
             to
             its
             general
             nature
             .
          
           
             And
             so
             doth
             the
             mentioned
             kind
             of
             rest
             ,
             more
             distinguishingly
             ,
             
               by
               the
               wills
               satisfiedness
               in
               him
               :
            
             Because
             the
             Soul
             may
             be
             also
             said
             to
             
               rest
               satisfied
            
             (
             in
             respect
             of
             another
             faculty
             )
             by
             the
             meer
             knowledg
             of
             Truth
             ;
             But
             this
             supposes
             so
             much
             of
             that
             also
             as
             is
             necessary
             .
             And
             because
             the
             acts
             of
             the
             understanding
             are
             subservient
             and
             in
             order
             to
             those
             of
             the
             will
             ,
             in
             the
             Souls
             pursuit
             of
             a
             
               delightful
               good
            
             ;
             which
             is
             so
             far
             attained
             as
             it
             
               actually
               delights
            
             therein
             ;
             Therefore
             this
             may
             more
             simply
             be
             called
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             
               whole
               Soul
            
             ,
             whereas
             that
             other
             is
             its
             rest
             but
             
               in
               some
               respect
               only
            
             :
             Especially
             when
             we
             add
             ,
          
           
             As
             in
             the
             
               best
               and
               most
               excellent
               good
            
             ;
             for
             this
             signifies
             the
             good
             wherein
             it
             rests
             to
             be
             ultimate
             ,
             and
             its
             
               last
               end
            
             ,
             the
             very
             period
             of
             its
             pursuits
             ,
             beyond
             which
             it
             neither
             needs
             nor
             desires
             to
             go
             further
             ,
             viz.
             as
             to
             the
             kind
             and
             nature
             of
             the
             good
             which
             it
             is
             now
             intent
             upon
             ;
             though
             it
             still
             desire
             
               more
               of
               the
               same
            
             ,
             till
             there
             be
             no
             place
             left
             for
             further
             desire
             ,
             but
             it
             wholly
             cease
             and
             end
             in
             
               full
               satisfaction
            
             .
          
           
             And
             that
             we
             may
             speak
             somewhat
             more
             particularly
             of
             this
             
               rest
               in
               God
            
             ;
             it
             supposes
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Knowledg
               of
               him
            
             .
             That
             the
             Soul
             be
             well
             furnished
             with
             such
             conceptions
             of
             his
             
             Nature
             and
             Attributes
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             may
             be
             truly
             said
             to
             be
             
               himself
               it
               delights
               in
            
             ,
             and
             not
             
               another
               thing
            
             ;
             not
             an
             Idol
             of
             its
             own
             fancy
             ,
             and
             which
             its
             imagination
             hath
             created
             and
             set
             up
             to
             it
             instead
             of
             God.
             Therefore
             his
             own
             
               representation
               of
               himself
            
             must
             be
             our
             measure
             ;
             which
             being
             forsaken
             ,
             or
             not
             so
             diligently
             attended
             to
             ,
             He
             is
             either
             by
             
               some
               ,
               misrepresented
            
             ,
             (
             according
             as
             their
             own
             corrupt
             hearts
             do
             suggest
             impure
             thoughts
             )
             ,
             and
             made
             altogether
             such
             a
             one
             as
             themselves
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             cannot
             be
             the
             object
             of
             a
             pure
             and
             
               spiritual
               delight
            
             ;
             or
             by
             others
             (
             as
             their
             guilt
             and
             fear
             do
             suggest
             to
             them
             black
             and
             direful
             thoughts
             of
             him
             )
             render'd
             such
             as
             that
             he
             cannot
             be
             the
             object
             of
             
               any
               delight
               at
               all
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               It
               supposes
            
             actual
             thoughts
             of
             him
             ;
             My
             soul
             shall
             be
             satisfi'd
             as
             with
             marrow
             and
             fatness
             ,
             
             when
             I
             remember
             thee
             upon
             my
             bed
             ,
             and
             meditate
             on
             thee
             in
             the
             night
             watches
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             
               A
               pleasedness
               with
               even
               the
               first
               view
               or
               apprehension
               of
               him
            
             ;
             which
             is
             most
             essential
             to
             any
             love
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             which
             gives
             rise
             to
             any
             motion
             of
          
           
             (
             4.
             )
             Desire
             directed
             towards
             him
             ,
             upon
             the
             apprehension
             that
             somewhat
             is
             absent
             ,
             either
             of
             what
             is
             
               due
               to
               him
            
             ,
             or
             
               lacking
               to
               our selves
               from
               him
            
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             It
             includes
             the
             satisfaction
             or
             
               repose
               it self
            
             which
             the
             Soul
             hath
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             it
             finds
             its
             desire
             answered
             in
             the
             one
             kind
             or
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             Where
             we
             must
             more
             distinctly
             know
             ,
             that
             the
             delight
             taken
             in
             him
             ,
             is
             according
             as
             the
             
             desire
             is
             which
             works
             towards
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             as
             our
             love
             to
             him
             is
             :
          
           
             Now
             we
             love
             him
             either
             
               
                 for
                 himself
                 ,
                 or
              
               
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 selves
                 .
              
            
          
           
             For
             himself
             ,
             ultimately
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             our
             Love
             periods
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             stays
             there
             ,
             
               viz.
               on
               him
               ,
               as
               good
               in
               himself
               .
            
          
           
             For
             our selves
             ;
             as
             when
             our
             
               love
               to
               him
            
             returns
             upon
             our selves
             ;
             apprehending
             a
             
               goodness
               in
               him
            
             which
             is
             sutable
             for
             
               our
               enjoyment
            
             .
          
           
             
               Loving
               him
               in
               the
               former
               way
               ,
               we
               desire
               all
               may
               be
               ascribed
               and
               given
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               possibly
               may
               or
               can
               .
            
             And
             because
             we
             know
             him
             to
             be
             every
             way
             perfect
             and
             full
             ,
             and
             that
             nothing
             can
             be
             added
             to
             him
             of
             real
             perfection
             ,
             and
             therefore
             nothing
             can
             be
             given
             him
             besides
             external
             honour
             and
             acknowledgments
             :
             We
             therefore
             desire
             these
             may
             be
             universally
             rendered
             him
             to
             the
             very
             uttermost
             .
             And
             as
             far
             as
             we
             find
             him
             worthily
             glorify'd
             ,
             admired
             ,
             and
             had
             in
             honour
             ,
             so
             far
             we
             have
             
               delight
               in
            
             (
             or
             in
             reference
             to
             )
             him
             ;
             consisting
             in
             the
             gratification
             of
             that
             desire
             .
          
           
             
               Loving
               him
               in
               the
               other
               way
               ,
            
             (
             which
             also
             we
             are
             not
             only
             allow'd
             ,
             but
             obliged
             to
             do
             ,
             in
             contradistinction
             to
             all
             creature-good
             )
             ,
             
               we
               desire
               his
               nearer
               presence
               and
               converse
               ,
               more
               full
               communications
               of
               his
               light
               ,
               grace
               ,
               and
               consolations
               .
            
             And
             are
             delighted
             according
             as
             we
             find
             such
             desire
             is
             answered
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
           
             6.
             
             The
             form
             of
             expression
             used
             in
             the
             Text
             ,
             implies
             also
             
               a
               stirring
               up
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             the
             use
             of
             endeavours
             with
             our
             own
             hearts
             ,
             to
             foment
             ,
             heighten
             ,
             and
             raise
             our
             own
             delight
             .
             The
             Conjugation
             (
             as
             it
             is
             thought
             fit
             to
             be
             called
             )
             into
             which
             the
             word
             is
             put
             ,
             importing
             (
             by
             a
             peculiarity
             of
             expressiveness
             belonging
             to
             the
             sacred
             Language
             )
             
               action
               upon
               ones
               self
            
             ;
             which
             must
             also
             be
             understood
             to
             have
             the
             same
             force
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             that
             former
             sense
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             put
             our selves
             upon
             those
             acts
             and
             exercises
             whereunto
             such
             delight
             is
             adjoined
             .
          
           
             (
             These
             things
             are
             now
             more
             cursorily
             mentioned
             ,
             because
             there
             will
             be
             occasion
             more
             at
             large
             to
             insist
             on
             them
             in
             the
             Discourse
             of
             
               The
               Practice
               of
               this
               Duty
            
             ,
             reserved
             to
             the
             Second
             Part
             )
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             now
             proceed
             to
             the
             Modification
             of
             
             this
             Delight
             in
             God
             ;
             or
             the
             right
             manner
             or
             measure
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Concerning
             which
             it
             is
             apparent
             in
             the
             general
             ,
             it
             can
             be
             no
             further
             right
             than
             as
             it
             is
             
               agreeable
               to
               its
               Object
            
             .
          
           
             That
             our
             Delight
             should
             ever
             be
             adequate
             ,
             or
             of
             a
             measure
             equal
             to
             it
             ,
             is
             plainly
             impossible
             :
             But
             it
             must
             be
             some-way
             sutable
             ,
             or
             must
             bear
             proportion
             to
             it
             .
             I
             shall
             here
             mention
             but
             two
             (
             and
             those
             very
             eminent
             )
             respects
             wherein
             it
             must
             do
             so
             ;
             viz.
             in
             respect
             of
          
           
           
             The
             
               
                 Excellency
              
               
                 Permanency
              
            
             Of
             the
             Good
             to
             be
             delighted
             in
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               The
               excellency
               of
               it
            
             .
             Inasmuch
             as
             it
             is
             the
             best
             and
             highest
             Good
             ;
             it
             plainly
             challenges
             
               our
               highest
               Delight
            
             :
          
           
             That
             is
             ,
             
               The
               highest
               Delight
               simply
            
             ,
             which
             our
             natures
             are
             capable
             of
             ,
             is
             most
             apparently
             due
             to
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             even
             by
             the
             
               Law
               of
               nature
               it self
            
             ,
             resulting
             from
             
               our
               natures
               ,
               referd
               unto
               his
               .
            
             And
             as
             the
             Case
             stands
             under
             the
             Gospel
             ;
          
           
             
               The
               highest
               Delight
               comparatively
            
             ,
             i.
             e.
             
               higher
               than
               we
               take
               in
               any
               thing
               else
            
             ;
             nothing
             must
             be
             so
             much
             delighted
             in
             as
             he
             .
             We
             do
             not
             otherwise
             delight
             in
             him
             
               as
               God
            
             ,
             which
             is
             one
             way
             of
             glorifying
             him
             .
             And
             its
             part
             of
             the
             Apostles
             charge
             upon
             the
             Pagan
             world
             ,
             that
             knowing
             him
             to
             be
             God
             ,
             they
             did
             not
             glorifie
             him
             
               as
               God.
            
             
          
           
             If
             we
             make
             the
             comparison
             between
             him
             and
             all
             the
             good
             things
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             
               the
               matter
               is
               out
               of
               question
               .
               It
               is
               the
               sense
               of
               holy
               Souls
               ,
            
             Whom
             have
             I
             in
             Heaven
             but
             thee
             ?
             
             and
             whom
             can
             I
             desire
             on
             earth
             besides
             thee
             ?
             
               When
               others
               say
            
             ,
             Who
             will
             shew
             us
             any
             Good
             ?
             
               They
               say
            
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             
             Lift
             thou
             up
             the
             light
             of
             thy
             countenance
             —
             .
             
               And
               thereby
            
             he
             puts
             gladness
             into
             their
             hearts
             ,
             more
             than
             when
             Corn
             and
             Wine
             increase
             .
             And
             whosoever
             love
             not
             Christ
             more
             than
             Father
             ,
             
             Mother
             ,
             
             Wife
             ,
             Child
             ;
             yea
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             lives
             ,
             cannot
             be
             his
             Disciples
             .
             
               Their
               present
               worldly
               
               life
               it self
               ,
               it
               put
               in
               the
               balance
               ,
               he
               must
               outweigh
               .
            
          
           
             
               And
               if
               we
               put
               the
               comparison
               between
               our
               spiritual
               eternal
               Life
               and
               him
            
             ;
             though
             he
             and
             that
             can
             never
             be
             in
             opposition
             (
             as
             there
             may
             be
             often
             an
             opposition
             between
             him
             and
             this
             present
             life
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             one
             is
             often
             quitted
             for
             the
             other
             )
             ;
             yet
             neither
             is
             there
             a
             co-ordination
             ,
             but
             the
             
               less
               worthy
            
             must
             be
             subordinate
             to
             the
             
               more
               worthy
            
             :
             We
             are
             to
             desire
             the
             
               enjoyment
               of
               him
            
             for
             his
             
               own
               glory
            
             .
          
           
             And
             yet
             here
             is
             a
             strange
             and
             admirable
             complication
             of
             these
             with
             one
             another
             .
             For
             if
             we
             enjoy
             him
             ,
             delight
             and
             rest
             in
             him
             as
             our
             best
             and
             most
             satisfying
             Good
             ,
             we
             thereby
             
               glorifie
               him
               as
               God.
            
             We
             give
             him
             practically
             highest
             acknowledgments
             ,
             we
             confess
             him
             the
             most
             excellent
             one
             .
             'T
             is
             his
             glory
             to
             be
             the
             last
             term
             of
             all
             desires
             ,
             and
             beyond
             which
             no
             reasonable
             desire
             can
             go
             further
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             we
             seek
             and
             desire
             his
             glory
             supreamly
             ,
             sincerely
             and
             really
             beyond
             and
             above
             all
             things
             ;
             when
             he
             is
             so
             glorified
             to
             the
             uttermost
             ,
             or
             we
             are
             assured
             he
             will
             be
             ;
             our
             highest
             desire
             is
             so
             far
             satisfied
             ,
             and
             that
             turns
             to
             ,
             or
             is
             ,
             
               our
               own
               contentment
            
             :
             So
             that
             by
             how
             much
             more
             simply
             and
             sincerely
             we
             pass
             from
             ,
             and
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             certainly
             we
             find
             our
             own
             satisfaction
             ,
             rest
             ,
             and
             full
             blessedness
             in
             him
             .
             As
             it
             is
             impossible
             the
             Soul
             that
             loves
             him
             above
             it self
             ,
             can
             be
             
               fully
               happy
            
             ,
             while
             
               he
               hath
               not
            
             his
             
               full
               glory
            
             ;
             so
             it
             is
             for
             the
             same
             reason
             equally
             
             impossible
             ,
             but
             it
             must
             be
             so
             when
             
               he
               hath
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Our
             delight
             must
             be
             sutable
             to
             the
             Object
             
               (
               the
               Good
               to
               be
               delighted
               in
               )
               .
            
          
           
             
               In
               respect
               of
               the
               permanency
               of
               it
               ,
               This
            
             is
             the
             most
             durable
             and
             lasting
             Good.
             In
             this
             blessed
             Object
             therefore
             we
             are
             to
             
               rejoice
               evermore
            
             .
             
             As
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             Trust
             we
             are
             required
             to
             
               Trust
               in
               the
               Lord
               for
               ever
               ,
               because
               in
               the
               Lord
               Jehovah
               is
               everlasting
               strength
               .
            
             
             Everlasting
             strength
             gives
             sufficient
             ground
             for
             everlasting
             Trust.
             So
             it
             is
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             delight
             :
             A
             permanent
             everlasting
             excellency
             is
             not
             answered
             ,
             but
             by
             a
             continual
             and
             everlasting
             delight
             ;
             Therefore
             ,
             is
             it
             most
             justly
             said
             ,
             
             
               Rejoice
               in
               the
               Lord
               alway
               ;
               and
               again
               I
               say
               to
               you
               rejoice
            
             ;
             alway
             ,
             and
             still
             on
             .
             If
             through
             a
             long
             tract
             of
             time
             you
             have
             been
             
               constantly
               alway
            
             rejoicing
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             begin
             again
             ,
             I
             ,
             again
             ,
             say
             to
             you
             rejoice
             ;
             or
             rather
             never
             give
             over
             .
             The
             Object
             will
             warrant
             and
             justifie
             the
             act
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             drawn
             forth
             to
             never
             so
             vast
             a
             length
             of
             time
             .
             You
             will
             still
             find
             a
             continual
             spring
             ,
             unexhausted
             fulness
             ,
             a
             fountain
             never
             to
             be
             drawn
             dry
             .
          
           
             There
             will
             never
             be
             cause
             of
             diversion
             with
             this
             pretence
             ,
             that
             now
             this
             Object
             will
             yield
             no
             more
             :
             It
             is
             drained
             to
             the
             uttermost
             ,
             and
             is
             now
             become
             an
             empty
             and
             gustless
             thing
             .
          
           
             With
             other
             things
             it
             may
             be
             so
             ;
             and
             therefore
             our
             delight
             doth
             not
             answer
             the
             natures
             of
             such
             things
             ,
             
             but
             
               when
               we
               rejoice
               in
               them
               as
               if
               we
               rejoiced
               not
               .
            
             They
             are
             as
             if
             they
             were
             not
             .
             All
             the
             things
             of
             this
             world
             are
             so
             .
             
             For
             even
             the
             
               fashion
               of
               this
               world
               passeth
               away
            
             ;
             as
             it
             is
             afterwards
             added
             .
             
             Therefore
             no
             delight
             can
             fitly
             be
             taken
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             volatil
             and
             unfixed
             as
             they
             are
             ;
             lest
             otherwise
             it
             over-reach
             ,
             and
             run
             beyond
             its
             Object
             .
             And
             how
             absurd
             and
             vain
             is
             it
             to
             have
             
               our
               hearts
               set
               upon
               that
               which
               is
               not
               ?
            
             That
             takes
             wing
             ,
             and
             leaves
             us
             in
             the
             dirt
             .
          
           
             This
             Object
             of
             delight
             is
             the
             
               I
               am
               ,
               yesterday
               and
               to
               day
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               for
               ever
               ;
               without
               variableness
               and
               shadow
               of
               change
               .
            
             Therefore
             the
             nature
             of
             it
             cannot
             allow
             us
             a
             reason
             ;
             wherefore
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             delighted
             therein
             yesterday
             ,
             we
             should
             not
             to
             day
             ;
             or
             if
             to
             day
             ,
             why
             not
             to
             morrow
             ,
             and
             so
             on
             to
             
               for
               ever
            
             .
          
           
             
               Whence
               then
               we
               may
               see
               no
               one
               can
               say
               he
               hath
               answered
               the
            
             import
             
               of
               this
               Exhortation
            
             ,
             Delight
             thy self
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               by
               having
            
             delighted
             
               in
               him
               at
            
             sometime
             .
             It
             is
             continual
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             highest
             delight
             we
             are
             here
             called
             to
             .
          
           
             We
             see
             then
             thus
             far
             what
             we
             are
             called
             to
             when
             we
             are
             here
             directed
             to
             delight
             our selves
             in
             the
             Lord.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             are
             next
             to
             shew
             
               How
               we
               are
               called
            
             
             
               to
               it
            
             .
             And
             the
             matter
             it self
             will
             answer
             the
             enquiry
             ,
             we
             are
             called
             to
             it
             ,
             according
             to
             what
             ,
             
               in
               it self
            
             ,
             it
             is
             .
             Now
             it
             is
          
           
             Both
             a
             
               
                 Priviledg
                 ,
                 And
              
               
                 Duty
                 .
              
            
          
           
             We
             are
             therefore
             called
             to
             it
             (
             and
             accordingly
             are
             to
             understand
             the
             words
             )
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             
               By
               way
               of
               gracious
               invitation
            
             to
             partake
             of
             a
             priviledg
             ,
             which
             our
             Blessed
             Lord
             would
             have
             us
             share
             and
             be
             happy
             in
             ;
             no
             longer
             to
             spend
             our selves
             in
             anxious
             pursuits
             and
             vain
             expectations
             of
             Rest
             where
             it
             is
             not
             to
             be
             found
             ;
             but
             that
             we
             retire
             our selves
             to
             him
             in
             whom
             we
             shall
             be
             sure
             to
             find
             it
             .
             Pity
             and
             Mercy
             invite
             us
             here
             to
             place
             our
             delight
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             our
             Rest.
             And
             concerning
             this
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             question
             or
             imaginable
             doubt
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             By
             way
             of
             
               authoritative
               Command
            
             .
             For
             we
             must
             know
             ,
          
           
             That
             delight
             in
             God
             is
             to
             be
             considered
             not
             only
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             a
             priviledg
             unto
             which
             we
             may
             esteem
             our selves
             entitled
             ;
             but
             also
             of
             a
             duty
             whereto
             we
             are
             most
             indispensibly
             obliged
             .
             This
             is
             a
             thing
             (
             not
             so
             much
             not
             understood
             ,
             as
             )
             not
             considered
             and
             seriously
             thought
             on
             ,
             by
             very
             many
             ;
             and
             the
             not-considering
             it
             proves
             no
             small
             disadvantage
             to
             the
             life
             of
             Religion
             .
             It
             occurs
             to
             very
             many
             ,
             more
             familiarly
             ,
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             a
             high
             favour
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             vouchsafement
             (
             as
             indeed
             it
             is
             )
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             allow
             any
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             men
             to
             place
             their
             delights
             in
             himself
             ;
             but
             they
             (
             at
             least
             seem
             to
             )
             think
             it's
             only
             the
             priviledg
             of
             some
             special
             favourites
             ;
             of
             whom
             ,
             because
             they
             perhaps
             ,
             are
             conscious
             they
             have
             no
             cause
             to
             reckon
             themselves
             ,
             they
             are
             therefore
             very
             secure
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             it
             .
             And
             thus
             is
             the
             pretence
             of
             modesty
             and
             humility
             very
             often
             made
             an
             umbrage
             and
             shelter
             to
             the
             vile
             carnality
             of
             many
             an
             heart
             ;
             and
             a
             want
             of
             fitness
             
             is
             pretended
             and
             cherished
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             as
             an
             excuse
             ;
             That
             whereas
             they
             
               do
               not
               delight
            
             in
             God
             ,
             they
             
               never
               may
            
             :
             For
             he
             that
             is
             unfit
             to
             day
             ,
             and
             never
             therewithal
             applies
             himself
             with
             seriousness
             ,
             to
             the
             endeavour
             of
             becoming
             fit
             ,
             is
             likely
             to
             be
             more
             unfit
             to
             morrow
             ,
             and
             so
             be
             as
             much
             excused
             always
             as
             now
             ;
             and
             by
             the
             same
             means
             at
             length
             excuse
             himself
             from
             being
             happy
             ;
             but
             never
             from
             having
             been
             the
             Author
             of
             his
             own
             misery
             :
             But
             what
             ?
             is
             it
             indeed
             no
             
               duty
               to
               Love
               God
            
             ?
             Is
             that
             become
             no
             Duty
             which
             is
             the
             very
             sum
             and
             comprehension
             of
             all
             duties
             ?
             or
             can
             they
             be
             said
             to
             Love
             him
             ,
             that
             take
             no
             pleasure
             in
             him
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             Love
             him
             without
             loving
             him
             .
             It
             is
             ,
             indeed
             ,
             wonderful
             grace
             that
             there
             should
             be
             such
             a
             contexture
             of
             our
             happiness
             and
             duty
             ;
             that
             ,
             by
             the
             same
             thing
             ,
             wherein
             we
             are
             obedient
             ,
             we
             also
             become
             immediately
             ,
             in
             the
             same
             degree
             ,
             blessed
             .
             And
             that
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             in
             this
             case
             hath
             this
             very
             import
             
               an
               obligation
               upon
               us
               to
               Blessedness
               .
            
             But
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             we
             should
             not
             forget
             that
             Gods
             Authority
             and
             Honour
             are
             concerned
             herein
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             ;
             as
             well
             as
             our
             own
             happiness
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             our
             priviledg
             ;
             And
             that
             we
             cannot
             injure
             our selves
             in
             this
             matter
             without
             also
             robbing
             God.
             
          
           
             Delight
             in
             God
             is
             a
             great
             piece
             of
             homage
             to
             him
             ,
             a
             practical
             acknowledgment
             of
             his
             sovereign
             excellency
             ,
             and
             perfect
             all
             comprehending
             goodness
             ;
             when
             we
             retire
             from
             all
             the
             world
             to
             him
             ,
             we
             confess
             him
             better
             than
             all
             things
             besides
             :
             That
             
               we
               have
               none
               in
               Heaven
               
               or
               Earth
               that
               we
               esteem
               worthy
               to
               be
               compared
               with
               him
               .
            
             But
             when
             our
             hearts
             are
             averse
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             be
             brought
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             since
             there
             is
             somewhat
             in
             the
             mean
             while
             wherein
             we
             do
             delight
             ;
             we
             do
             as
             much
             as
             say
             (
             yea
             ,
             we
             more
             significantly
             express
             it
             than
             by
             
               saying
               )
               that
               whatever
               that
               is
               ,
               't
               is
               better
               than
               he
            
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             that
             such
             a
             thing
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             not
             .
             For
             as
             
               not-believing
               him
            
             is
             a
             denial
             of
             his
             Truth
             ,
             the
             making
             him
             a
             liar
             ;
             
               not
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             is
             ,
             equally
             ,
             a
             denial
             of
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             consequently
             even
             of
             his
             Godhead
             it self
             .
          
           
             And
             since
             we
             find
             the
             words
             are
             here
             laid
             down
             plainly
             in
             a
             preceptive
             form
             ;
             
               Delight
               thy self
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             :
             Can
             any
             think
             themselves
             after
             this
             at
             liberty
             ,
             to
             do
             so
             or
             not
             ?
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             are
             in
             no
             disposition
             hereto
             have
             somewhat
             else
             to
             do
             in
             order
             to
             that
             (
             of
             which
             hereafter
             )
             ;
             but
             ,
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             how
             forlorn
             is
             their
             case
             ,
             who
             have
             nothing
             to
             excuse
             their
             sin
             by
             ,
             but
             sin
             ;
             and
             who
             ,
             instead
             of
             extenuating
             their
             guilt
             ,
             do
             double
             it
             !
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             further
             to
             consider
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             only
             commanded
             ,
             by
             a
             
               meer
               simple
               precept
            
             ,
             but
             that
             this
             Precept
             hath
             its
             
               solemn
               sanction
            
             ;
             and
             that
             not
             only
             by
             promise
             ,
             here
             expresly
             annexed
             (
             of
             which
             hereafter
             )
             ;
             but
             also
             of
             imply'd
             threatning
             ;
             That
             
               we
               shall
               not
               else
               have
               the
               desires
               of
               our
               hearts
               ,
            
             but
             be
             necessarily
             unsatisfied
             ,
             and
             miserable
             ;
             which
             is
             also
             in
             many
             other
             places
             expressed
             plainly
             enough
             .
             Great
             penalty
             is
             due
             upon
             not
             delighting
             in
             
             God
             ,
             even
             by
             the
             Gospel-constitution
             it self
             ;
             which
             is
             not
             so
             unreasonably
             form'd
             as
             to
             require
             more
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             than
             is
             sutable
             to
             the
             object
             it self
             ;
             and
             is
             
               framed
               so
               indulgently
            
             ,
             as
             to
             accept
             much
             less
             than
             is
             proportionable
             thereto
             ;
             and
             yet
             within
             the
             capacity
             also
             of
             a
             reasonable
             Soul
             :
             so
             that
             ,
             though
             the
             very
             
               nature
               of
               the
               thing
            
             doth
             plainly
             dictate
             a
             rule
             ,
             by
             which
             this
             matter
             is
             to
             be
             estimated
             and
             judged
             ;
             yet
             
               this
               other
               rule
            
             gives
             considerable
             abatement
             and
             allowance
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             it
             being
             considered
             what
             the
             Object
             claims
             and
             challenges
             ,
             as
             by
             its
             own
             proper
             excellency
             due
             to
             it
             ;
             and
             what
             the
             Subject
             is
             ,
             by
             its
             own
             nature
             ,
             capable
             of
             :
             Not
             only
             doth
             it
             hence
             appear
             ,
             that
             delight
             in
             God
             is
             a
             duty
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             Soul
             ought
             to
             rise
             to
             
               that
               highest
               pitch
            
             of
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             unto
             the
             highest
             the
             Soul
             is
             naturally
             capable
             of
             .
             The
             very
             
               Law
               of
               Nature
            
             ,
             resulting
             from
             the
             reference
             and
             comparison
             of
             
               our
               nature
            
             unto
             
               Gods
               own
            
             ,
             requires
             so
             much
             ;
             That
             we
             Love
             (
             or
             delight
             )
             in
             him
             with
             all
             our
             heart
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             mind
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             might
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             our
             strength
             ;
             He
             deserves
             from
             us
             
               our
               very
               uttermost
            
             .
             Yet
             this
             is
             by
             the
             Gospel-constitution
             required
             
               with
               indulgence
            
             and
             abatement
             ,
             not
             as
             to
             the
             
               matter
               required
               ,
               but
               as
               to
               the
               manner
               of
               requiring
               it
               .
            
             The
             
               matter
               required
            
             ,
             is
             still
             the
             same
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             the
             
               purest
               &
               highest
               delight
               in
               God
               doth
               not
               cease
               to
               be
               a
               duty
               ,
            
             or
             any
             
               gradual
               defect
            
             thereof
             
               cease
               to
               be
               a
               sin
            
             .
             The
             Gospel
             doth
             make
             no
             change
             of
             the
             
               natures
               of
               things
            
             ;
             makes
             nothing
             cease
             to
             be
             
               due
               to
               God
            
             from
             us
             ,
             which
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             made
             due
             ;
             nor
             renders
             any
             defect
             
             innocent
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             its
             
               own
               nature
            
             culpable
             and
             faulty
             ;
             Therefore
             the
             same
             pitch
             of
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             is
             still
             due
             and
             required
             that
             ever
             was
             :
             But
             that
             perfection
             is
             not
             
               (
               finally
            
             and
             
               without
               relief
            
             )
             required
             in
             the
             same
             manner
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             same
             terms
             it
             was
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             ,
             by
             the
             Gospel
             required
             
               under
               remediless
               penalty
            
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             ;
             For
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             (
             though
             it
             made
             not
             a
             remedy
             simply
             impossible
             yet
             it
             )
             provided
             none
             ,
             but
             the
             Gospel
             provides
             one
             .
          
           
             Yet
             not
             so
             but
             the
             same
             penalty
             also
             remains
             
               in
               it self
               due
            
             and
             deserved
             ,
             which
             was
             before
             .
             For
             as
             the
             Gospel
             takes
             not
             away
             the
             dueness
             of
             any
             part
             or
             degree
             of
             that
             obedience
             which
             we
             did
             owe
             to
             God
             naturally
             ,
             so
             nor
             doth
             it
             take
             away
             the
             
               natural
               dueness
            
             of
             punishment
             ,
             for
             disobedience
             in
             any
             kind
             or
             degree
             of
             it
             .
             Only
             it
             provides
             that
             (
             upon
             the
             very
             valuable
             consideration
             which
             it
             makes
             known
             )
             it
             becomes
             
               to
               us
            
             a
             
               remissible
               debt
            
             ,
             and
             actually
             remitted
             to
             them
             who
             come
             up
             to
             the
             terms
             of
             it
             .
             Not
             that
             it
             should
             be
             
               in
               it self
               no
               debt
            
             ,
             for
             then
             nothing
             were
             remitted
             ;
             Nor
             yet
             ,
             when
             it
             so
             provides
             for
             the
             remission
             of
             defects
             in
             this
             part
             of
             our
             duty
             ,
             doth
             it
             remit
             the
             substance
             of
             the
             
               duty
               it self
            
             ,
             or
             pardon
             any
             defects
             of
             it
             to
             any
             but
             such
             who
             are
             found
             sincere
             in
             this
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             other
             parts
             of
             that
             obedience
             which
             we
             owe.
             Others
             ,
             who
             after
             so
             gracious
             overtures
             ,
             remain
             at
             their
             former
             distance
             ,
             and
             retain
             their
             aversion
             ,
             enmity
             ,
             and
             disaffection
             to
             God
             ,
             it
             more
             grievously
             (
             and
             most
             justly
             )
             
             threatens
             and
             punishes
             as
             implacable
             ;
             and
             who
             will
             upon
             no
             terms
             return
             into
             a
             state
             of
             friendship
             and
             amity
             with
             their
             Maker
             ,
             whom
             they
             hated
             without
             cause
             ,
             
             and
             do
             now
             continue
             strangers
             and
             enemies
             to
             him
             without
             excuse
             ;
             so
             that
             the
             very
             blood
             of
             the
             reconciling
             Sacrifice
             cries
             against
             them
             .
          
           
             And
             surely
             since
             (
             as
             was
             formerly
             said
             )
             it
             is
             
               God
               in
               Christ
            
             that
             is
             the
             
               intire
               Object
            
             of
             this
             Delight
             or
             Love
             ,
             'T
             is
             a
             fearful
             penalty
             that
             is
             determined
             upon
             them
             that
             do
             not
             so
             place
             it
             ;
             
             when
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             
               If
               any
               man
               love
               not
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               let
               him
               be
               Anathema
               ,
               Maran-atha
               .
            
             
             And
             when
             also
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             
               Grace
               be
               upon
               all
               them
               that
               do
               ,
            
             it
             is
             plainly
             imply'd
             ,
             that
             the
             penalty
             belongs
             to
             all
             them
             that
             do
             not
             
               love
               him
               in
               sincerity
            
             .
          
           
             Of
             which
             sincerity
             therefore
             of
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             (
             to
             keep
             within
             the
             compass
             of
             our
             present
             Theam
             )
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             we
             be
             well
             informed
             ;
             as
             we
             may
             be
             from
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             before
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               That
               we
               delight
               in
               him
               supreamly
               ,
            
             and
             above
             all
             things
             else
             ,
             viz.
             with
             
               our
               highest
            
             and
             
               deepest
               complacency
               of
               will.
            
             For
             it
             is
             not
             necessary
             (
             nor
             ordinarily
             possible
             )
             ,
             that
             our
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             should
             be
             ever
             accompany'd
             with
             such
             sensible
             agitation
             of
             the
             corporeal
             Spirits
             ,
             as
             we
             find
             in
             reference
             to
             
               meerly
               sensible
               objects
            
             .
             Which
             is
             not
             essential
             to
             such
             delight
             ,
             but
             an
             accident
             that
             follows
             
               union
               with
               the
               body
            
             ;
             and
             more
             frequently
             ,
             and
             to
             a
             greater
             degree
             in
             some
             tempers
             of
             body
             than
             others
             .
             But
             it
             is
             necessary
             there
             be
             that
             
             
               practical
               estimation
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               propension
               towards
               him
               ,
               as
               the
               best
               and
               most
               excellent
               good
            
             ;
             as
             that
             we
             be
             in
             a
             preparation
             of
             mind
             and
             heart
             to
             forego
             whatever
             can
             come
             into
             any
             competition
             with
             him
             for
             his
             sake
             .
          
           
             
               That
               though
               we
               do
               not
               thus
            
             delight
             in
             him
             so
             much
             as
             we
             should
             ,
             
               yet
               we
               do
            
             more
             than
             in
             any
             thing
             else
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               That
               we
               continue
               herein
            
             :
             That
             this
             be
             the
             constant
             habitual
             temper
             of
             our
             Spirits
             towards
             him
             :
             That
             we
             cleave
             to
             him
             with
             purpose
             of
             heart
             ,
             as
             not
             only
             the
             most
             excellent
             ,
             but
             the
             most
             
               permanent
               object
            
             of
             our
             delight
             :
             Having
             setled
             the
             resolution
             with
             our selves
             ,
             
             
               This
               God
               shall
               be
               our
               God
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
               ;
               He
               shall
               be
               our
               God
               and
               guide
               even
               to
               the
               death
               .
            
             And
             that
             there
             be
             frequent
             actual
             workings
             of
             heart
             towards
             him
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             such
             a
             temper
             ,
             though
             they
             are
             not
             so
             frequent
             as
             they
             ought
             .
          
           
             Which
             account
             we
             give
             of
             this
             sincerity
             of
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             not
             to
             encourage
             any
             to
             take
             up
             with
             the
             
               lowest
               degree
            
             of
             that
             sincerity
             ;
             but
             that
             none
             may
             be
             encouraged
             ,
             upon
             their
             own
             mistake
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             to
             take
             up
             with
             any
             thing
             short
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             may
             see
             whence
             to
             take
             our
             rise
             in
             aiming
             at
             the
             highest
             pitch
             thereof
             .
          
           
             And
             that
             we
             may
             (
             understanding
             the
             highest
             intenseness
             and
             most
             constant
             exercise
             of
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             that
             our
             Natures
             are
             capable
             of
             ,
             to
             be
             our
             duty
             )
             understand
             also
             ,
             that
             in
             reference
             to
             our
             
               gradual
               defects
            
             and
             intermissions
             herein
             ,
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             
               deeply
               humbled
            
             ,
             
             as
             being
             faulty
             ;
             
               not
               unconcern'd
            
             ,
             as
             though
             we
             were
             innocent
             in
             this
             regard
             ,
             That
             we
             need
             continual
             pardon
             upon
             these
             accounts
             ;
             That
             we
             owe
             it
             to
             the
             Blood
             of
             the
             Redeemer
             ,
             that
             such
             things
             can
             be
             pardoned
             :
             That
             we
             are
             not
             to
             reckon
             ,
             or
             ever
             to
             expect
             that
             Blood
             should
             stand
             us
             in
             stead
             ,
             to
             obtain
             our
             pardon
             for
             
               never
               delighting
               in
               God
               sincerely
               at
               all
            
             ;
             but
             only
             (
             supposing
             we
             do
             it
             sincerely
             )
             that
             we
             do
             it
             not
             perfectly
             .
             For
             most
             certainly
             ,
             they
             whose
             hearts
             are
             never
             turned
             to
             him
             as
             their
             best
             and
             most
             
               sovereign
               Good
            
             or
             Portion
             ,
             and
             Ruler
             or
             Lord
             ;
             but
             do
             still
             remain
             alienated
             in
             their
             minds
             ,
             and
             enemies
             through
             wicked
             works
             ,
             will
             perish
             notwithstanding
             .
             And
             that
             we
             might
             the
             more
             distinctly
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             apprehension
             of
             
               what
               we
               are
               called
               to
               in
               this
               matter
               ,
            
             understand
             also
             
               how
               we
               are
               called
               to
               ,
               i.
               e.
            
             not
             by
             an
             invitation
             only
             ,
             that
             leaves
             us
             at
             liberty
             ,
             whether
             we
             will
             or
             will
             not
             ,
             as
             we
             think
             fit
             :
             But
             by
             express
             command
             ,
             and
             that
             also
             back't
             with
             the
             
               severe
               determination
            
             of
             most
             
               dreadful
               penalty
            
             in
             case
             of
             omission
             .
          
           
             And
             thus
             we
             have
             in
             some
             measure
             shew'n
             the
             Import
             of
             the
             Direction
             in
             the
             Text
             ,
             
               That
               we
               Delight
               our selves
               in
               the
               Lord.
               
            
          
        
         
           
           
           
             A
             TREATISE
             OF
             Delighting
             in
             GOD
             :
             From
             
               PSAL.
               37.
               4.
               
            
             
               Delight
               thy self
               also
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               he
               shall
               give
               thee
               the
               desires
               of
               thine
               heart
               .
            
          
           
             PART
             II.
             
          
           
             Concerning
             the
             Practice
             of
             Delight
             in
             GOD.
             
          
           
             WE
             have
             in
             the
             former
             Part
             extended
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             words
             ,
             
               Delight
               thy self
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             beyond
             what
             they
             seem
             at
             first
             sight
             literally
             to
             signifie
             :
             So
             as
             not
             to
             understand
             them
             meerly
             as
             requiring
             that
             very
             single
             act
             of
             Delight
             to
             be
             immediately
             and
             directly
             terminated
             on
             God
             himself
             ;
             
             But
             to
             take
             them
             as
             comprehending
             also
             the
             sum
             of
             all
             holy
             and
             
               religious
               converse
               with
               God
               ,
               i.
               e.
               as
               it
               is
               delightful
               ,
            
             or
             as
             it
             is
             seasoned
             (
             intermingled
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             besprinkled
             )
             
               with
               delight
            
             ;
             and
             upon
             the
             same
             account
             ,
             of
             all
             our
             other
             converse
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             influenc't
             by
             Religion
             .
          
           
             And
             I
             doubt
             not
             ,
             to
             such
             as
             shall
             attentively
             have
             considered
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             thought
             very
             reasonable
             to
             take
             them
             in
             that
             latitude
             ;
             whereof
             the
             very
             letter
             of
             the
             Text
             (
             as
             may
             be
             alledg'd
             for
             further
             justification
             hereof
             )
             is
             most
             fitly
             capable
             .
             For
             (
             as
             was
             noted
             upon
             another
             Text
             where
             we
             have
             the
             same
             phrase
             )
             the
             particle
             which
             we
             read
             
               [
               in
               ]
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             hath
             not
             that
             signification
             alone
             ,
             but
             signifies
             also
             [
             with
             ]
             or
             [
             by
             ]
             or
             [
             besides
             ]
             or
             [
             before
             ]
             or
             [
             in
             presence
             of
             ]
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             had
             been
             said
             ,
             
               Come
               and
               sit
               down
               with
               God
               ,
               retire
               thy self
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               solace
               thy self
               in
               the
               delights
               which
               are
               to
               be
               found
               in
               his
               presence
               and
               converse
               ,
               in
               walking
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               transacting
               thy
               course
               as
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               in
               his
               sight
               .
            
             As
             a
             man
             may
             be
             said
             to
             delight
             himself
             with
             a
             friend
             that
             puts
             himself
             under
             his
             roof
             ;
             and
             besides
             personal
             converse
             with
             himself
             ,
             freely
             enjoys
             the
             pleasure
             of
             all
             the
             entertainments
             ,
             accommodations
             ,
             and
             provisions
             which
             he
             is
             freely
             willing
             to
             communicate
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             hath
             the
             satisfaction
             which
             a
             sober
             person
             would
             take
             in
             observing
             the
             rules
             and
             order
             of
             a
             well-governed
             house
             .
          
           
             According
             to
             this
             (
             divers
             )
             Import
             of
             the
             
             Precept
             enjoining
             this
             Duty
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             requisite
             to
             speak
             diversly
             of
             the
             Practice
             of
             the
             Duty
             it self
             :
          
           
             That
             is
             ,
             That
             we
             treat
             of
             the
             practice
             and
             exercise
             of
             Delight
             ;
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 As
                 a
                 thing
                 adherent
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 Duties
                 of
                 Religion
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 As
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 distinct
                 Duty
                 of
                 it self
                 .
              
            
          
           
             As
             to
             the
             former
             ,
             our
             business
             will
             be
             ,
             
             To
             treat
             of
             the
             exercise
             of
             Religion
             
               as
               delightful
            
             .
             Now
             Religion
             is
             
               delightful
               naturally
            
             and
             
               in
               it self
            
             ;
             and
             makes
             a
             mans
             other
             actions
             ,
             even
             that
             are
             not
             in
             themselves
             acts
             of
             Religion
             ,
             delightful
             also
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             they
             are
             governed
             and
             influenc't
             by
             it
             ;
             
               If
               that
               Religion
               be
               true
               ,
               i.
               e.
            
             if
             it
             be
             living
             ,
             such
             as
             proceeds
             from
             a
             principle
             of
             Divine
             life
             .
          
           
             Being
             therefore
             now
             to
             treat
             of
             the
             Practice
             of
             this
             Duty
             (
             whereof
             the
             account
             hath
             been
             already
             given
             )
             ,
             our
             Discourse
             must
             aim
             at
             and
             endeavour
             these
             two
             things
             ,
             (
             the
             former
             as
             leading
             and
             subservient
             to
             the
             latter
             )
             ,
             viz.
             
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 That
                 we
                 may
                 not
                 take
                 up
                 ,
                 and
                 rest
                 ,
                 or
                 let
                 our
                 practice
                 terminate
                 in
                 a
                 Religion
                 which
                 is
                 not
                 naturally
                 and
                 
                   in
                   it self
                   delightful
                
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 we
                 seek
                 after
                 and
                 improve
                 in
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 .
              
            
          
           
           
             1.
             
             That
             which
             is
             not
             so
             ,
             we
             have
             great
             reason
             not
             to
             acquiesce
             in
             ,
             or
             be
             contented
             with
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             plainly
             such
             as
             will
             not
             defray
             it self
             ,
             or
             bear
             its
             own
             charges
             ,
             as
             having
             only
             cumber
             and
             burden
             in
             it
             ,
             no
             use
             or
             end
             ;
             I
             mean
             the
             
               dead
               formality
            
             of
             Religion
             only
             .
             We
             find
             it
             natural
             and
             pleasant
             to
             carry
             about
             with
             us
             our
             own
             living
             body
             ;
             but
             who
             would
             endure
             (
             how
             wearisom
             and
             loathsom
             a
             task
             were
             it
             ?
             )
             to
             lug
             to
             and
             fro
             a
             dead
             carcase
             ?
          
           
             It
             will
             be
             upon
             this
             account
             needful
             to
             
               
                 Insist
                 in
                 shewing
                 more
                 distinctly
                 ,
                 What
                 sort
                 of
                 Religion
                 it
                 is
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 
                   in
                   it self
                   wholly
                   undelightful
                
                 .
              
               
                 Propound
                 some
                 things
                 to
                 consideration
                 concerning
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 may
                 tend
                 to
                 
                   beget
                   a
                   dislike
                   of
                   it
                
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 
                   incline
                   us
                   to
                   look
                   further
                
                 .
              
            
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             we
             may
             know
             what
             we
             are
             not
             to
             take
             up
             with
             ;
             because
             our
             present
             Subject
             confines
             us
             to
             this
             one
             measure
             of
             Religion
             ,
             
               that
               it
               be
               delightful
            
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             proper
             to
             limit
             our
             Discourse
             to
             this
             Character
             only
             of
             the
             Religion
             we
             are
             to
             pass
             from
             ,
             as
             vain
             and
             worthless
             ,
             
               viz.
               That
               which
               is
               without
               delight
            
             ;
             which
             it
             also
             will
             be
             sufficient
             to
             insist
             on
             to
             our
             present
             purpose
             .
             For
             since
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             largely
             shewn
             )
             the
             delightfulness
             of
             the
             Religion
             which
             is
             true
             ,
             and
             living
             is
             intrinsecal
             ,
             and
             
               most
               natural
            
             to
             it
             ,
             't
             will
             therefore
             be
             certainly
             consequent
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             not
             delightful
             is
             dead
             ,
             and
             can
             serve
             for
             nothing
             .
          
           
           
             And
             yet
             here
             it
             will
             be
             necessary
             ,
             for
             Caution
             ,
             to
             insert
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             even
             such
             Religion
             as
             is
             true
             and
             living
             ,
             and
             consequently
             in
             it self
             delightful
             ,
             yet
             may
             
               by
               accident
            
             sometimes
             ,
             not
             appear
             or
             be
             thought
             so
             ;
             because
             either
             variety
             of
             occasions
             may
             divert
             from
             minding
             ,
             or
             some
             imbittering
             distemper
             of
             spirit
             may
             hinder
             the
             present
             relishing
             of
             that
             pleasure
             which
             is
             truly
             in
             it
             .
             As
             a
             man
             may
             eat
             and
             feed
             on
             that
             ,
             which
             is
             very
             savoury
             and
             good
             ;
             and
             yet
             ,
             though
             his
             taste
             be
             not
             vitiated
             ,
             but
             because
             he
             reflects
             not
             ,
             may
             not
             every
             moment
             have
             that
             present
             apprehension
             that
             it
             is
             so
             ;
             much
             more
             if
             the
             Organs
             of
             taste
             be
             under
             a
             present
             distemper
             .
             But
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             not
             so
             ,
             any
             one's
             asking
             him
             how
             he
             likes
             that
             dish
             ,
             (
             because
             that
             occasions
             a
             more
             express
             animadversion
             )
             ,
             will
             also
             draw
             from
             him
             an
             acknowledgment
             that
             it
             is
             pleasant
             and
             savoury
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             a
             dead
             Religion
             may
             be
             thought
             delightful
             ;
             and
             through
             the
             ill
             temper
             of
             the
             subject
             ,
             a
             pleasure
             may
             be
             apprehended
             in
             it
             ,
             which
             doth
             not
             naturally
             arise
             from
             it
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             The
             meer
             external
             part
             of
             Religion
             may
             be
             flexible
             ,
             and
             be
             accidentally
             perverted
             into
             a
             subserviency
             to
             some
             purposes
             which
             Religion
             of
             it self
             intends
             not
             ,
             in
             respect
             whereof
             a
             delight
             may
             injuriously
             (
             and
             as
             by
             a
             rape
             )
             be
             taken
             in
             it
             ,
             as
             is
             said
             by
             the
             Prophet
             of
             an
             hypocritical
             people
             ,
             
             
               Yet
               they
               seek
               me
               daily
               ,
               and
               delight
               to
               know
               my
               ways
               ,
               as
               a
               Nation
               that
               did
               righteousness
               ;
               they
               take
               delight
               in
               approaching
               to
               God.
            
             
             Therefore
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             here
             intended
             ,
             is
             not
             ,
             that
             the
             Religion
             should
             be
             rejected
             ,
             in
             some
             present
             exercises
             whereof
             we
             have
             not
             the
             actual
             relish
             of
             a
             present
             pleasure
             (
             as
             that
             should
             not
             be
             embraced
             ,
             wherein
             upon
             any
             whatsoever
             terms
             we
             find
             it
             )
             ;
             but
             that
             which
             can
             rightfully
             ,
             and
             upon
             just
             terms
             afford
             us
             none
             ;
             and
             which
             upon
             our
             utmost
             enquiry
             and
             search
             ,
             cannot
             in
             reason
             (
             as
             it
             is
             not
             unfit
             that
             spiritual
             reason
             should
             be
             imployed
             in
             making
             a
             judgment
             what
             may
             )
             be
             thought
             spiritually
             delectable
             .
          
           
             We
             shall
             therefore
             in
             some
             particular
             heads
             ,
             give
             a
             short
             account
             of
             such
             Religion
             ,
             as
             rationally
             cannot
             but
             be
             judged
             undelightful
             ,
             or
             which
             hath
             not
             that
             in
             it
             which
             can
             yield
             pleasure
             to
             a
             sound
             and
             well-complexioned
             spirit
             ;
             but
             that
             if
             any
             be
             taken
             therein
             ,
             that
             very
             pleasure
             is
             so
             unnatural
             and
             out
             of
             kind
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             the
             argument
             rather
             of
             a
             disease
             in
             the
             Subject
             ,
             than
             of
             any
             real
             goodness
             in
             the
             thing
             it self
             .
          
           
             Whereunto
             we
             only
             premise
             this
             two-sold
             general
             Rule
             ,
             whereby
             an
             undue
             and
             unnatural
             delight
             may
             be
             estimated
             and
             judg'd
             of
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             such
             delight
             may
             be
             justly
             deem'd
             unnatural
             which
             is
             taken
             in
             any
             thing
             besides
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             neglect
             of
             the
             proper
             use
             and
             end
             which
             it
             most
             fitly
             serves
             for
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Such
             as
             is
             accompanied
             with
             a
             
               real
               hurt
            
             ,
             greater
             than
             the
             delight
             can
             countervail
             ,
             or
             as
             is
             so
             far
             from
             taking
             in
             profit
             and
             benefit
             in
             conjunction
             with
             it
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             damage
             and
             
             prejudice
             which
             it
             cannot
             recompence
             ,
             is
             inseparable
             from
             it
             ;
             which
             rules
             will
             be
             the
             more
             fitly
             applicable
             to
             the
             present
             case
             ;
             for
             that
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             formerly
             observed
             )
             the
             delight
             which
             accompanies
             the
             acts
             and
             exercises
             of
             Religion
             ,
             or
             that
             flow
             from
             it
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             natural
             thereto
             ,
             yet
             is
             not
             the
             only
             or
             chief
             end
             of
             those
             acts
             ;
             but
             they
             have
             another
             more
             important
             end
             ,
             unto
             the
             prosecution
             whereof
             by
             such
             acts
             delight
             is
             only
             adherent
             :
             Whence
             the
             delight
             cannot
             but
             be
             most
             preposterous
             and
             perverse
             ,
             which
             is
             taken
             in
             such
             things
             as
             do
             either
             not
             serve
             the
             more
             principal
             design
             of
             Religion
             ;
             or
             much
             more
             that
             are
             repugnant
             and
             destructive
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             By
             these
             Rules
             we
             may
             plainly
             see
             what
             delight
             in
             the
             general
             is
             to
             be
             accounted
             undue
             .
          
           
             As
             by
             
               the
               former
               Rule
            
             we
             would
             justly
             reckon
             that
             an
             undue
             delight
             which
             a
             man
             should
             take
             in
             his
             food
             ,
             if
             he
             only
             please
             himself
             with
             the
             looking
             on
             the
             handsom
             garnishing
             of
             the
             dishes
             ,
             which
             he
             loaths
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             and
             refuses
             to
             taste
             ;
             or
             which
             a
             covetous
             miser
             takes
             in
             having
             wealth
             
               hoarded
               up
            
             ,
             which
             he
             is
             pleased
             often
             to
             view
             and
             cannot
             endure
             to
             use
             .
          
           
             And
             
               by
               the
               latter
            
             ,
             That
             were
             most
             irrational
             delight
             ,
             which
             in
             a
             Fever
             one
             should
             take
             in
             gratifying
             his
             distempered
             appetite
             ,
             whereby
             he
             doth
             not
             so
             much
             relieve
             nature
             as
             feed
             his
             disease
             .
          
           
             And
             so
             we
             may
             say
             ,
             that
             Religion
             is
             undelightful
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             not
             duly
             delightful
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             
               Which
               consists
               wholly
               in
               revolving
               in
               ones
               own
               mind
               the
               notions
               that
               belong
               to
               Religion
               ,
               without
               either
               the
               experience
               ,
               or
               the
               design
               and
               expectation
               of
               having
               the
               heart
               and
               conversation
               formed
               according
               to
               them
               .
            
             So
             the
             case
             is
             with
             such
             as
             content
             themselves
             to
             yield
             the
             principles
             of
             Religion
             true
             ,
             and
             behold
             with
             a
             notional
             assent
             and
             approbation
             the
             connexion
             &
             agreement
             of
             one
             thing
             with
             another
             :
             But
             do
             never
             consider
             the
             tendency
             and
             aim
             of
             the
             whole
             ;
             or
             that
             the
             Truth
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             the
             
               Doctrine
               that
               is
               according
               to
               godliness
            
             ;
             
             or
             such
             as
             is
             pursuant
             to
             the
             design
             of
             making
             men
             godly
             ;
             of
             transforming
             them
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             framing
             them
             to
             an
             entire
             subjection
             to
             his
             holy
             and
             acceptable
             will
             ;
             that
             bethink
             not
             themselves
             the
             Truth
             is
             never
             learned
             
               as
               it
               is
               in
               Jesus
            
             ,
             except
             it
             be
             to
             the
             
               renewing
               the
               Spirit
               of
               the
               mind
               ,
            
             
             the
             
               putting
               off
               the
               old
               man
            
             ,
             and
             
               the
               putting
               on
               of
               the
               new
               .
            
             When
             this
             is
             never
             considered
             ,
             but
             men
             do
             only
             know
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             know
             ;
             and
             are
             never
             concerned
             further
             about
             the
             great
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             only
             to
             take
             notice
             that
             such
             things
             there
             are
             offered
             to
             their
             view
             which
             carry
             with
             them
             the
             appearance
             of
             Truth
             ,
             but
             mind
             them
             no
             more
             than
             the
             affairs
             of
             Eutopia
             ,
             or
             the
             world
             in
             the
             Moon
             ;
             what
             delight
             is
             taken
             in
             this
             knowledg
             ,
             is
             surely
             most
             perverse
             .
             There
             is
             a
             pleasure
             indeed
             in
             knowing
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             apprehending
             the
             coherence
             of
             one
             Truth
             with
             another
             ;
             but
             he
             that
             shall
             allow
             himself
             to
             speculate
             only
             about
             things
             wherein
             his
             life
             is
             concerned
             ,
             and
             shall
             entertain
             himself
             with
             
             delight
             in
             agitating
             in
             his
             mind
             certain
             curious
             general
             notions
             concerning
             a
             disease
             or
             a
             crime
             that
             threatens
             him
             with
             present
             death
             ,
             or
             what
             might
             be
             a
             remedy
             or
             defence
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             without
             any
             thought
             of
             applying
             such
             things
             to
             his
             own
             case
             ,
             or
             that
             the
             case
             is
             his
             own
             ,
             one
             may
             say
             of
             such
             pleasure
             
               it
               is
               mad
            
             ;
             or
             of
             this
             
               delight
               ,
               What
               doth
               it
            
             ?
             or
             he
             that
             only
             surfeits
             his
             eye
             with
             beholding
             the
             food
             he
             is
             to
             live
             by
             ,
             and
             who
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             languishes
             in
             the
             want
             of
             appetite
             ,
             and
             a
             sickly
             loathing
             of
             his
             proper
             nutriment
             ;
             surely
             such
             a
             one
             hath
             a
             pleasure
             that
             no
             sober
             man
             would
             think
             worth
             the
             having
             .
          
           
             And
             the
             more
             any
             one
             doth
             
               only
               notionally
            
             know
             in
             the
             matters
             of
             Religion
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             the
             temper
             of
             his
             spirit
             remains
             altogether
             unsutable
             and
             opposite
             to
             the
             design
             and
             tendency
             of
             the
             things
             known
             ;
             the
             more
             he
             hath
             lying
             ready
             to
             come
             in
             judgment
             against
             him
             ;
             and
             if
             therefore
             he
             count
             the
             things
             excellent
             which
             he
             knows
             ,
             and
             only
             please
             himself
             with
             his
             own
             knowledg
             of
             them
             ,
             't
             is
             but
             alike
             case
             as
             if
             a
             man
             should
             be
             much
             delighted
             to
             behold
             his
             own
             condemnation
             written
             in
             a
             fair
             and
             beautiful
             hand
             :
             Or
             ,
             as
             if
             one
             should
             be
             pleased
             with
             the
             glittering
             of
             that
             sword
             which
             is
             directed
             against
             his
             own
             heart
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             the
             present
             instrument
             of
             death
             to
             him
             :
             And
             so
             little
             pleasant
             is
             the
             case
             of
             such
             a
             person
             in
             it self
             ,
             who
             thus
             satisfies
             his
             own
             curiosity
             with
             the
             concernments
             of
             eternal
             life
             and
             death
             ,
             that
             any
             serious
             person
             would
             tremble
             on
             his
             behalf
             ,
             at
             that
             wherein
             he
             takes
             
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             apprehend
             just
             horrour
             in
             that
             state
             of
             the
             case
             whence
             he
             draws
             matter
             of
             delight
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             'T
             is
             yet
             a
             more
             insipid
             and
             gustless
             Religion
             which
             too
             many
             place
             
               in
               some
               peculiar
               opinions
               ,
               that
               are
               either
               false
               ,
               and
               contrary
               to
               Religion
               ,
               or
               doubtful
               and
               cumbersome
               to
               it
               ,
               or
               little
               and
               inconsiderable
               ,
               and
               therefore
               certainly
               alien
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               impertinent
               .
            
             For
             if
             that
             Religion
             only
             be
             truly
             delightful
             which
             hath
             a
             vital
             influence
             on
             the
             heart
             and
             practice
             ,
             as
             that
             must
             needs
             be
             indelectable
             ,
             which
             is
             only
             so
             notionally
             conversant
             about
             the
             greatest
             truths
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             
               hath
               no
               such
               influence
            
             ;
             much
             more
             is
             that
             so
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             wholly
             coversant
             about
             matters
             either
             opposite
             or
             irrelative
             hereto
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             
               can
               have
               none
            
             .
             It
             must
             here
             be
             acknowledg'd
             that
             some
             Doctrines
             not
             only
             not
             revealed
             in
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             which
             are
             contrary
             thereto
             ,
             may
             (
             being
             thought
             true
             )
             occasion
             the
             excitation
             of
             some
             inward
             affection
             ,
             and
             have
             an
             indirect
             influence
             to
             the
             regulating
             of
             practice
             also
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             repress
             some
             grosser
             enormities
             .
             As
             the
             false
             notions
             of
             Pagans
             concerning
             the
             Deity
             ,
             which
             have
             led
             them
             to
             Idolatry
             ,
             have
             struck
             their
             minds
             with
             a
             certain
             kind
             of
             reverence
             of
             
               invisible
               powers
            
             and
             perhaps
             rendered
             some
             more
             sober
             and
             less
             vicious
             than
             had
             they
             been
             destitute
             of
             all
             Religious
             sentiments
             .
          
           
             And
             yet
             the
             good
             which
             hath
             hence
             ensued
             ,
             is
             not
             to
             be
             refer'd
             
               to
               the
               particular
               principles
               of
               Idolatry
               ,
            
             which
             were
             false
             ;
             but
             to
             the
             more
             
               general
               principles
               of
               Religion
            
             ,
             which
             were
             
             true
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             though
             such
             false
             principles
             viewed
             alone
             ,
             and
             by
             themselves
             ,
             may
             possibly
             infer
             somwhat
             of
             good
             ;
             yet
             that
             is
             
               by
               accident
               only
            
             ,
             and
             through
             the
             short-sightedness
             and
             ignorance
             of
             them
             with
             whom
             they
             obtain
             ;
             who
             ,
             if
             they
             did
             consider
             their
             incoherence
             with
             other
             common
             notions
             and
             principles
             most
             certainly
             true
             ,
             would
             receive
             by
             them
             (
             if
             thought
             the
             only
             Principles
             of
             Religion
             )
             so
             much
             the
             greater
             hurt
             ,
             and
             become
             so
             much
             the
             more
             hopelesly
             and
             incurably
             wicked
             :
             As
             most
             manifestly
             the
             principles
             which
             (
             lookt
             upon
             by
             themselves
             )
             
               while
               they
               are
               reckon'd
               true
            
             ,
             do
             lead
             to
             Idolatry
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             by
             that
             mistake
             only
             ,
             to
             some
             Religion
             ;
             do
             yet
             ,
             
               being
               really
               false
            
             ,
             lead
             to
             Atheism
             ,
             and
             
               of
               themselves
            
             tend
             to
             subvert
             and
             destroy
             all
             Religion
             .
             Therefore
             such
             Doctrines
             as
             cohere
             not
             with
             the
             general
             frame
             of
             Truth
             ,
             whatever
             their
             particular
             aspect
             may
             be
             ,
             considered
             apart
             and
             by
             themselves
             ,
             are
             yet
             
               in
               their
               natural
               tendency
            
             opposite
             and
             destructive
             to
             the
             true
             design
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             pleasure
             which
             they
             can
             any
             way
             afford
             ,
             is
             only
             stol'n
             and
             vain
             ;
             such
             as
             a
             person
             takes
             in
             swallowing
             a
             potion
             that
             is
             pleasant
             ,
             but
             which
             ,
             if
             it
             perform
             what
             belongs
             to
             it
             ,
             he
             must
             with
             many
             a
             sickly
             qualm
             refund
             and
             disgorge
             back
             again
             .
          
           
             We
             also
             acknowledg
             some
             Truths
             of
             
               less
               importance
            
             ,
             may
             be
             said
             to
             concern
             practice
             ,
             though
             not
             so
             immediately
             .
             Nor
             is
             it
             therefore
             the
             design
             of
             this
             Discourse
             to
             derogate
             from
             any
             such
             ,
             that
             are
             of
             apparently
             Divine
             
             Revelation
             or
             Institution
             ;
             which
             ,
             however
             they
             justly
             be
             reckoned
             
               less
               than
               some
               other
               things
            
             ,
             yet
             for
             that
             very
             reason
             
               as
               they
               are
               reveal'd
               by
               God
               for
               such
               an
               end
               ,
            
             are
             by
             
               no
               means
               to
               be
               esteemed
               little
               ,
            
             or
             inconsiderable
             ;
             be
             their
             subserviency
             to
             the
             great
             design
             of
             Religion
             never
             so
             remote
             .
             
               Vpon
               the
               account
               of
               which
               subserviency
               ,
            
             they
             are
             also
             to
             be
             esteem'd
             delectable
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             
               in
               proportion
               thereto
            
             ;
             but
             when
             they
             are
             so
             esteem'd
             
               beyond
               that
               proportion
            
             ,
             and
             are
             exalted
             into
             an
             undue
             preference
             to
             their
             very
             end
             it self
             ;
             so
             as
             that
             ,
             in
             comparison
             of
             them
             ,
             the
             great
             things
             of
             Religion
             are
             reckoned
             low
             ,
             frigid
             ,
             sapless
             things
             ;
             when
             men
             set
             their
             hearts
             upon
             them
             
               abstractly
               ,
               and
               without
               consideration
               of
               their
               reference
               and
               usefulness
               to
               the
               greater
               things
               of
               Religion
            
             ;
             The
             delight
             that
             is
             so
             taken
             in
             them
             ,
             argues
             but
             the
             disease
             of
             the
             mind
             that
             takes
             it
             ,
             and
             so
             great
             a
             degree
             of
             dotage
             ,
             that
             a
             serious
             person
             would
             wonder
             how
             men
             can
             please
             themselves
             with
             such
             matters
             ,
             without
             considering
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             neglect
             of
             so
             great
             things
             they
             have
             relation
             to
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             And
             hither
             is
             to
             be
             refer'd
             the
             much
             less
             rational
             pleasure
             which
             is
             taken
             by
             some
             in
             the
             meer
             dress
             wherewith
             such
             notions
             and
             opinions
             may
             be
             artificially
             clothed
             by
             themselves
             or
             others
             ;
             Rhetorical
             flourishes
             ,
             a
             set
             of
             fine
             words
             ,
             handsom
             cadencies
             and
             periods
             ,
             fanciful
             representations
             ,
             little
             tricks
             and
             pieces
             of
             wit
             ,
             and
             (
             which
             cannot
             pretend
             so
             high
             )
             pitiful
             quibbles
             and
             gingles
             ,
             inversions
             of
             sentences
             ,
             the
             pedantick
             rhyming
             
             of
             words
             ,
             yea
             and
             an
             affected
             tone
             ,
             or
             even
             a
             great
             noise
             ,
             things
             that
             are
             neither
             capable
             of
             gratifying
             the
             Christian
             nor
             the
             man
             ;
             without
             which
             even
             the
             most
             important
             weighty
             matters
             do
             to
             so
             squeamish
             stomachs
             seem
             gustless
             and
             unsavoury
             ,
             and
             are
             reckon'd
             dull
             and
             flat
             things
             .
             And
             most
             plain
             it
             is
             ,
             (
             though
             it
             is
             not
             strange
             ,
             that
             so
             trifling
             minds
             should
             impose
             upon
             themselves
             by
             so
             thin
             a
             sophism
             )
             ,
             that
             such
             are
             in
             a
             great
             mistake
             ,
             whose
             delight
             being
             wholly
             taken
             up
             in
             these
             trifles
             ,
             do
             hereupon
             think
             they
             taste
             the
             delights
             of
             Religion
             ;
             for
             these
             are
             nothing
             of
             it
             ,
             are
             found
             about
             it
             only
             accidentally
             ;
             and
             by
             a
             most
             unhappy
             accident
             too
             ,
             as
             ill
             
               (
               for
               the
               most
               of
               these
               things
               )
            
             agreeing
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             becoming
             it
             than
             a
             Fool
             's
             Coat
             doth
             a
             prudent
             grave
             person
             ;
             and
             
               the
               best
               of
               them
            
             agreeing
             to
             it
             but
             in
             common
             with
             any
             thing
             else
             ,
             about
             which
             such
             arts
             may
             be
             used
             ;
             so
             that
             they
             are
             no
             way
             
               any
               thing
               of
               it
            
             ,
             or
             more
             peculiarly
             belonging
             to
             it
             ,
             than
             to
             any
             theam
             or
             subject
             besides
             ,
             unto
             which
             such
             ornaments
             (
             as
             they
             are
             thought
             )
             can
             be
             added
             .
             How
             miserably
             therefore
             do
             they
             cheat
             themselves
             ,
             who
             ,
             because
             they
             hear
             with
             pleasure
             a
             discourse
             upon
             some
             head
             of
             Religion
             thus
             garnished
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             idle
             trifling
             humour
             ;
             and
             because
             they
             are
             taken
             with
             the
             contrivance
             of
             some
             sentences
             ,
             or
             affected
             with
             the
             loudness
             of
             the
             voice
             ,
             or
             have
             their
             imagination
             tickled
             with
             some
             phantastical
             illustrations
             ,
             presently
             conclude
             themselves
             to
             be
             in
             a
             
               Religious
               transport
            
             ,
             when
             the
             things
             
             that
             have
             pleased
             them
             have
             no
             affinity
             or
             alliance
             with
             Religion
             ,
             befal
             to
             it
             but
             by
             chance
             ,
             and
             are
             in
             themselves
             things
             quite
             of
             another
             Country
             !
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Of
               the
               like
               strain
               is
               the
               Religion
            
             that
             is
             made
             up
             all
             of
             talk
             .
             And
             such
             like
             are
             that
             sort
             of
             persons
             ,
             who
             love
             to
             discourse
             of
             those
             great
             things
             of
             God
             wherewith
             it
             was
             never
             their
             design
             or
             aim
             to
             have
             their
             hearts
             stamped
             ,
             or
             their
             lives
             commanded
             and
             governed
             .
             
               Who
               invert
               that
               which
               was
               the
               ancient
               glory
               of
               the
               Christian
               Church
               ,
            
             We
             do
             not
             speak
             great
             things
             ,
             but
             live
             them
             .
             
               And
               are
               pleased
               with
               only
               the
               noise
               of
               their
               own
               (
               most
               commonly
               insigficant
               sensless
               )
               words
               ;
               unto
               whom
               how
               ungrateful
               a
               relish
               would
               that
               Precept
               have
               ,
            
             Be
             swift
             to
             bear
             ,
             slow
             to
             speak
             !
          
           
             And
             how
             much
             to
             be
             regretted
             a
             thing
             is
             it
             ,
             That
             the
             delights
             of
             
               practical
               living
               Religion
            
             should
             be
             so
             lost
             ,
             and
             vanish
             into
             a
             meer
             lip-labour
             !
             Things
             of
             this
             nature
             are
             to
             be
             estimated
             by
             their
             end
             ,
             and
             the
             
               temper
               of
               Spirit
            
             which
             accompanies
             them
             ;
             Which
             unto
             a
             serious
             and
             prudent
             observer
             ,
             are
             commonly
             very
             discernible
             and
             easie
             to
             be
             distinguisht
             .
             It
             's
             an
             amiable
             lovely
             thing
             to
             behold
             those
             that
             are
             intent
             upon
             the
             great
             business
             of
             Religion
             themselves
             ,
             provoking
             others
             also
             
               with
               serious
               gravity
            
             unto
             love
             and
             
               good
               works
            
             .
             And
             it
             will
             ever
             stand
             as
             a
             monumental
             character
             of
             them
             
               that
               feared
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             that
             
               they
               spake
               often
               one
               to
               another
            
             upon
             this
             account
             .
             
             But
             the
             
               pretence
               of
               this
            
             is
             odious
             ,
             when
             the
             
               thing
               designed
            
             is
             nothing
             but
             self-recommendation
             ,
             
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             pretenders
             is
             visibly
             vain
             and
             empty
             ;
             and
             when
             it
             is
             apparent
             they
             take
             delight
             ,
             not
             in
             
               the
               things
               they
               speak
               of
            
             ,
             but
             only
             in
             
               this
               thing
            
             it self
             ,
             
               speaking
               much
            
             .
             No
             breath
             is
             then
             more
             fulsom
             ;
             And
             the
             better
             the
             things
             are
             ,
             the
             worse
             it
             is
             to
             have
             no
             more
             savour
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Again
             ,
             
               The
               Religion
               is
               a-kin
               to
               this
               ,
               which
               stands
               all
               in
               hearing
               .
            
             'T
             is
             as
             remote
             (
             at
             least
             )
             from
             the
             heart
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             wholly
             placed
             in
             the
             ear
             ,
             as
             when
             it
             's
             all
             in
             the
             tongue
             .
             As
             it
             is
             with
             them
             that
             are
             
               hearers
               only
            
             ,
             
             
               not
               doers
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               deceiving
               their
               own
               souls
               .
            
             When
             the
             Preacher
             is
             to
             them
             
               as
               a
               very
               lovely
               song
            
             ,
             
             
               of
               one
               that
               can
               play
               well
               on
               an
               instrument
               ,
               and
               they
               hear
               his
               words
               ,
               but
               do
               them
               not
               .
            
             And
             it
             is
             natural
             to
             the
             same
             sort
             of
             persons
             to
             be
             pleased
             indifferently
             with
             either
             of
             these
             ,
             as
             the
             Athenians
             were
             in
             hearing
             or
             telling
             some
             new
             thing
             .
             Only
             that
             this
             difference
             most
             commonly
             appears
             with
             the
             persons
             we
             intend
             ,
             that
             when
             
               the
               things
               they
               delight
               to
               hear
               ,
            
             must
             be
             ever
             new
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             
               new
               drest
            
             ;
             the
             
               things
               they
               speak
            
             ,
             shall
             be
             everlastingly
             
               the
               same
            
             .
             How
             perverse
             a
             delight
             is
             that
             ?
             Whereas
             't
             is
             the
             glory
             of
             substantial
             Religion
             ,
             that
             the
             principal
             things
             of
             it
             can
             never
             grow
             old
             ,
             or
             be
             dry
             :
             Their
             ears
             still
             itch
             after
             novelties
             ;
             a
             plain
             argument
             that
             it
             is
             not
             
               Religion
               it self
            
             that
             pleases
             them
             (
             which
             cannot
             change
             )
             ,
             but
             the
             variable
             accessory
             modes
             of
             representing
             it
             .
          
           
             However
             ,
             there
             is
             certainly
             very
             often
             a
             distemper
             appearing
             among
             those
             that
             profess
             
             Religion
             ,
             
               in
               coveting
               to
               hear
               unto
               excess
               ,
            
             and
             beyond
             what
             is
             either
             sutable
             or
             designed
             unto
             use
             and
             profit
             .
             When
             the
             pleasure
             of
             a
             delightful
             revolving
             of
             the
             ever-fresh
             and
             fragrant
             Truths
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             reducing
             them
             to
             answerable
             practice
             ,
             is
             lost
             and
             stifled
             ,
             by
             heaping
             on
             of
             more
             than
             can
             be
             digested
             .
             And
             many
             an
             hopeful
             birth
             of
             pious
             and
             holy
             dispositions
             ,
             affections
             ,
             and
             good
             works
             ,
             is
             suppressed
             or
             enfeebled
             by
             an
             untimely
             superfetation
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Lastly
             ,
             
               'T
               is
               a
               most
               undelightful
               Religion
               ,
               which
               consists
               intirely
               in
               the
               external
               additaments
               and
               forms
               of
               Worship
               ,
               which
               this
               or
               that
               party
               have
               chosen
               to
               affix
               to
               it
               .
            
             Yea
             ,
             though
             those
             forms
             be
             never
             so
             certainly
             of
             Divine
             Prescription
             ;
             which
             ,
             however
             God
             hath
             appointed
             them
             ,
             were
             never
             appointed
             or
             intended
             by
             him
             to
             be
             
               our
               Religion
            
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             subservient
             helps
             and
             means
             to
             it
             .
             Being
             enlivened
             by
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             comly
             and
             delightful
             ;
             but
             sever'd
             and
             cut
             off
             from
             it
             ,
             or
             the
             course
             of
             vital
             spirit
             that
             should
             flow
             into
             them
             being
             obstructed
             and
             represt
             ,
             they
             have
             no
             more
             pleasure
             in
             them
             than
             a
             dead
             arm
             or
             finger
             .
             Such
             Divine
             appointments
             themselves
             ,
             severed
             from
             the
             things
             wherein
             substantial
             Religion
             consists
             ,
             have
             been
             
               an
               abomination
               to
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             
             
               (
               Your
               new
               Moons
               and
               Sabbaths
               ,
               &c.
               my
               Soul
               hates
               )
               ,
            
             and
             then
             sure
             there
             is
             little
             reason
             
               they
               should
               be
               a
               delight
               to
               us
               .
            
             If
             they
             be
             ,
             it
             is
             as
             fond
             and
             trifling
             a
             delight
             ,
             as
             when
             one
             hath
             the
             opportunity
             of
             conversing
             with
             some
             excellent
             person
             ,
             to
             neglect
             all
             
             his
             wise
             sayings
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             instructive
             discourses
             ,
             and
             only
             to
             please
             ones
             self
             in
             viewing
             his
             handsom
             apparel
             ;
             yea
             ,
             though
             I
             should
             know
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             that
             I
             thereby
             greatly
             displease
             him
             whom
             (
             as
             is
             also
             supposable
             )
             I
             were
             greatly
             concern'd
             to
             please
             .
             Thus
             it
             is
             with
             them
             that
             mind
             only
             the
             solemnity
             of
             Gods
             worship
             ,
             not
             the
             design
             .
             And
             more
             gross
             the
             matter
             is
             ,
             with
             such
             as
             be
             their
             observance
             of
             the
             external
             modes
             of
             Religion
             ,
             think
             to
             expiate
             the
             badness
             of
             their
             most
             vicious
             conversation
             ;
             
               That
               will
               steal
               ,
               and
               murder
               ,
               and
               commit
               adultery
               ,
               oppress
               the
               stranger
               ,
               the
               fatherless
               and
               the
               widow
               ;
               and
               yet
               presume
               to
               stand
               before
               the
               Lord
               in
               his
               house
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               cry
               ,
               the
               Temple
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             This
             is
             the
             Pharisaical
             Religion
             ,
             that
             is
             scrupulous
             in
             tything
             
               Mint
               ,
               Annise
            
             ,
             and
             Cummin
             ,
             and
             neglects
             the
             weighty
             things
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             
               Justice
               ,
               Judgment
            
             ,
             and
             Truth
             .
          
           
             These
             men
             delight
             in
             what
             not
             only
             is
             
               dead
               in
               it self
            
             ,
             but
             will
             be
             
               mortal
               unto
               them
            
             .
             And
             if
             the
             Divine
             Institution
             of
             the
             things
             wherewith
             they
             so
             vainly
             please
             themselves
             ,
             will
             not
             bear
             them
             out
             ,
             much
             less
             
               their
               own
            
             ;
             be
             their
             discriminating
             denomination
             or
             profession
             what
             it
             will.
             
          
           
             And
             now
             all
             these
             things
             (
             whether
             severally
             or
             together
             )
             and
             whatever
             else
             of
             like
             kind
             do
             at
             the
             best
             make
             but
             a
             dead
             ,
             and
             consequently
             an
             
               undelightful
               Religion
            
             ,
             such
             as
             hath
             no
             pleasure
             in
             it
             ,
             because
             it
             hath
             no
             life
             :
             It
             remains
             therefore
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             shew
             ,
             
               how
               unfit
               such
               a
               Religion
               is
               
               to
               be
               chosen
               or
               rested
               in
               .
            
             And
             surely
             since
             (
             as
             appears
             from
             what
             was
             formerly
             said
             )
             the
             perswading
             of
             men
             to
             become
             
               religious
               or
               godly
            
             ,
             is
             but
             an
             inviting
             them
             to
             a
             state
             and
             course
             wherein
             they
             may
             
               delight
               themselves
               with
               God
            
             ;
             or
             to
             a
             life
             of
             pure
             and
             heavenly
             pleasure
             ;
             That
             is
             only
             the
             
               vain
               shew
               of
               Religion
            
             ,
             which
             affords
             
               nothing
               of
               that
               pleasure
            
             .
             And
             how
             unreasonable
             and
             foolish
             is
             it
             when
             Religion
             it self
             is
             the
             thing
             we
             pretend
             ,
             to
             let
             our selves
             be
             mock'd
             (
             as
             we
             mock
             others
             ,
             and
             vainly
             attempt
             to
             mock
             Him
             also
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             to
             be
             mocked
             )
             with
             the
             meer
             empty
             shew
             and
             appearance
             of
             it
             !
          
           
             That
             we
             may
             be
             here
             somewhat
             more
             particular
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             considered
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             the
             Religion
             which
             is
             
               in
               it self
               undelightful
               ,
               is
            
             ,
             for
             the
             same
             reason
             for
             which
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             
               uncapable
               of
               growth
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             a
             
               dead
               thing
            
             .
             For
             that
             reason
             it
             is
             without
             delight
             ;
             and
             for
             the
             same
             reason
             admits
             not
             of
             improvement
             :
             It
             wants
             the
             self-improving
             Principle
             .
             
               He
               that
               drinks
               of
               that
               water
            
             (
             saith
             our
             Saviour
             )
             
               which
               I
               shall
               give
               him
            
             ,
             
             
               it
               shall
               be
               in
               him
               as
               a
               well
               of
               water
               springing
               up
               in
               him
               unto
               life
               eternal
               .
            
             That
             only
             Principle
             of
             all
             true
             Religion
             and
             Godliness
             ,
             
               The
               Divine
               Nature
            
             ,
             the
             
               Seed
               of
               God
            
             ,
             is
             of
             that
             heavenly
             tendency
             ,
             it
             aims
             and
             aspires
             upward
             ,
             and
             will
             never
             cease
             shooting
             up
             till
             it
             reach
             Heaven
             ;
             and
             the
             pleasure
             and
             delightfulness
             of
             it
             stands
             much
             
               in
               its
               continual
               springing
               up
               towards
               a
               perfect
               state
               ▪
            
             from
             a
             grain
             of
             Mustard-seed
             to
             the
             talness
             of
             a
             Cedar
             .
             
             'T
             is
             pleasant
             to
             behold
             its
             constant
             undecaying
             greenness
             and
             verdure
             ;
             such
             as
             renders
             its
             Subject
             
               like
               a
               tree
               planted
               by
               the
               rivers
               of
               water
               that
               brings
               forth
               fruit
               in
               season
               ,
               whose
               leaf
               also
               doth
               not
               wither
               ,
               and
               whatsoever
               he
               doth
               prospers
               .
            
             
             Or
             as
             plants
             
               set
               in
               the
               House
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               that
               flourish
               in
               the
               Courts
               of
               their
               God.
               That
               shall
               still
               bring
               forth
               fruit
               even
               in
               old
               age
               ,
               
               and
               be
               fat
               and
               flourishing
               .
            
             The
             dead
             dry
             forms
             ,
             or
             other
             appendages
             of
             Religion
             ,
             that
             have
             no
             communion
             with
             a
             living
             root
             ,
             or
             the
             Religion
             that
             is
             only
             made
             up
             of
             these
             ,
             gives
             no
             such
             hope
             of
             improvement
             .
             A
             great
             and
             most
             considerable
             prejudice
             against
             any
             thing
             that
             pretends
             to
             the
             name
             of
             Religion
             ;
             which
             being
             at
             first
             an
             imperfect
             thing
             (
             as
             that
             especially
             which
             it self
             is
             but
             pretence
             and
             shadow
             cannot
             but
             be
             )
             if
             it
             shall
             never
             be
             expected
             to
             be
             better
             ,
             can
             have
             little
             claim
             or
             title
             to
             any
             excellency
             .
             The
             value
             even
             of
             true
             Religion
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             of
             an
             excellent
             nature
             and
             kind
             ,
             stands
             much
             in
             the
             hopefulness
             and
             improveableness
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             is
             not
             so
             much
             to
             be
             considered
             in
             respect
             of
             
               what
               it
               is
            
             ,
             as
             what
             it
             
               shall
               come
               to
            
             .
             This
             lank
             spiritless
             Religion
             assoon
             as
             you
             assume
             and
             take
             it
             up
             ,
             you
             know
             the
             best
             of
             it
             .
             'T
             is
             not
             of
             a
             growing
             thriving
             kind
             ;
             Never
             expect
             better
             of
             it
             .
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             the
             
               notional
               knowledg
               ,
               opinionativeness
            
             ,
             and
             
               external
               observances
            
             ,
             which
             we
             have
             spoken
             of
             ,
             may
             be
             so
             increased
             ,
             
               as
               an
               heap
               of
               sand
               may
               be
            
             ;
             but
             the
             Religion
             of
             such
             
               grows
               not
            
             as
             a
             thing
             that
             hath
             
               life
               in
               it
            
             ,
             by
             
               vital
               self-improvement
            
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Nor
             for
             the
             same
             reason
             
               can
               it
               be
               a
               lasting
               thing
               .
            
             For
             it
             wants
             what
             should
             maintain
             it
             .
             It
             will
             ,
             as
             a
             vesture
             ,
             wear
             and
             grow
             old
             ;
             or
             ,
             being
             as
             a
             cloak
             put
             on
             to
             serve
             a
             present
             turn
             ,
             is
             ,
             when
             that
             turn
             is
             served
             ,
             as
             easily
             thrown
             off
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             being
             found
             to
             be
             more
             cumbersom
             than
             useful
             .
             What
             hath
             living
             Union
             with
             a
             mans
             own
             self
             ,
             it
             's
             neither
             his
             ease
             nor
             convenience
             ;
             he
             neither
             affects
             ,
             nor
             can
             endure
             to
             lay
             it
             aside
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             given
             as
             a
             character
             of
             an
             hypocrite
             (
             one
             who
             therefore
             must
             be
             understood
             to
             carry
             with
             him
             some
             shew
             and
             face
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             to
             want
             the
             living
             Root
             and
             Principle
             of
             it
             )
             that
             he
             is
             inconstant
             in
             his
             Religion
             ;
             
             
               will
               he
               at
               all
               times
               call
               upon
               God
               ?
            
             or
             will
             he
             be
             constantly
             religious
             ?
             The
             interrogative
             form
             of
             speech
             implies
             more
             than
             a
             meer
             negative
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             doth
             not
             only
             say
             that
             he
             
               will
               not
            
             at
             all
             times
             call
             upon
             God
             ,
             but
             that
             't
             is
             absurd
             to
             say
             or
             think
             
               that
               he
               will.
            
             For
             it
             is
             an
             appeal
             to
             common
             reason
             in
             the
             case
             ;
             as
             if
             it
             had
             been
             said
             ,
             Can
             any
             man
             think
             that
             such
             a
             ones
             Religion
             will
             be
             lasting
             ?
             It
             imports
             a
             disdain
             it
             should
             be
             thought
             so
             .
             What
             ?
             he
             call
             upon
             God
             at
             all
             times
             ;
             a
             likely
             thing
             !
             no
             ;
             the
             matter
             is
             plain
             ,
             his
             Religion
             is
             measured
             by
             his
             secular
             interest
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             only
             be
             so
             long
             Religious
             as
             will
             serve
             that
             purpose
             .
             And
             the
             reason
             is
             plainly
             assigned
             in
             the
             foregoing
             words
             ,
             
               Will
               he
               delight
               himself
               in
               the
               Almighty
               ?
            
             His
             Religion
             hath
             no
             delight
             with
             it
             ;
             't
             is
             a
             languid
             faint
             spiritless
             thing
             ,
             a
             dead
             form
             .
             If
             it
             had
             life
             ,
             it
             would
             have
             pleasure
             in
             it
             ;
             
             and
             then
             the
             same
             vital
             principle
             that
             would
             make
             it
             pleasant
             ,
             would
             make
             it
             lasting
             and
             permanent
             also
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             While
             it
             doth
             last
             ,
             
               it
               wants
               the
               fruit
               and
               profit
               ,
               which
               should
               be
               designed
               and
               sought
               by
               Religion
            
             ;
             even
             for
             the
             same
             reason
             for
             which
             it
             is
             without
             delight
             ,
             it
             is
             also
             fruitless
             and
             vain
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
               because
               it
               hath
               no
               life
               in
               it
               :
            
             So
             that
             all
             that
             is
             done
             in
             this
             way
             of
             Religion
             is
             only
             
               labour
               and
               toil
            
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             And
             what
             do
             or
             can
             we
             propose
             to
             our selves
             from
             Religion
             ,
             as
             the
             proper
             design
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             
               to
               have
               our
               spirits
               fitted
               to
               the
               honouring
               and
               enjoying
               of
               God
               ,
               unto
               service
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               blessedness
               in
               him
            
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             may
             hereupon
             ,
             actually
             both
             serve
             and
             enjoy
             him
             ?
             Both
             these
             chiefly
             depend
             upon
             his
             favourable
             acceptance
             of
             us
             .
             He
             will
             neither
             reckon
             himself
             served
             by
             us
             ,
             nor
             allow
             himself
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             not
             pleased
             with
             us
             .
             And
             how
             shall
             we
             expect
             to
             please
             him
             with
             that
             ,
             wherewith
             ,
             the
             more
             our
             minds
             come
             to
             be
             rectified
             and
             made
             conformable
             to
             the
             rule
             of
             righteousness
             and
             life
             ,
             the
             more
             impossible
             it
             is
             that
             we
             can
             be
             pleased
             our selves
             ?
             Can
             we
             please
             him
             by
             a
             Religion
             that
             is
             in
             it self
             unsavoury
             ,
             spiritless
             and
             dead
             ;
             and
             that
             affords
             not
             
               to
               our selves
            
             the
             least
             relish
             of
             true
             pleasure
             ?
             And
             partly
             the
             success
             of
             our
             Religion
             in
             the
             mentioned
             respects
             ,
             depends
             upon
             the
             due
             temperament
             our
             spirits
             receive
             by
             it
             ;
             But
             what
             good
             impression
             can
             that
             light
             chaffie
             empty
             Religion
             ,
             that
             hath
             been
             described
             ,
             ever
             be
             hoped
             to
             make
             there
             ?
             Is
             it
             a
             likely
             means
             of
             
             refining
             and
             bettering
             our
             spirits
             ?
             Even
             as
             it
             is
             void
             of
             spiritual
             delight
             it
             's
             also
             of
             spiritual
             benefit
             ;
             for
             certainly
             our
             spirits
             are
             like
             to
             embrace
             and
             retain
             nothing
             in
             which
             they
             can
             take
             no
             pleasure
             .
             How
             vain
             then
             is
             that
             Religion
             by
             which
             we
             can
             neither
             please
             God
             nor
             profit
             our selves
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             
               It
               ought
               to
               be
               considered
               how
               foolish
               a
               thing
               it
               is
               ,
               and
               unworthy
               of
               a
               reasonable
               creature
               to
               do
               that
               in
               a
               continued
               course
               and
            
             series
             
               of
               actions
               wherein
               we
               can
               have
               no
               design
               ,
               and
               do
               aim
               at
               nothing
            
             ;
             Even
             they
             that
             place
             their
             Religion
             in
             things
             so
             remote
             and
             alien
             to
             the
             Spirit
             and
             power
             of
             it
             ,
             do
             yet
             spend
             a
             considerable
             part
             of
             their
             lifes-time
             in
             those
             things
             .
             And
             how
             becoming
             is
             it
             of
             a
             man
             to
             have
             spent
             so
             much
             of
             his
             time
             in
             doing
             nothing
             ?
             And
             that
             from
             week
             to
             week
             ,
             or
             from
             day
             to
             day
             ,
             the
             seasons
             should
             return
             ,
             of
             which
             he
             hath
             constantly
             this
             to
             say
             ,
             Now
             comes
             the
             time
             of
             doing
             that
             whereof
             I
             can
             give
             no
             account
             why
             I
             do
             it
             !
          
           
             That
             there
             should
             be
             so
             constant
             a
             defalcation
             of
             such
             portions
             of
             time
             for
             that
             which
             a
             man
             can
             neither
             call
             business
             nor
             recreation
             ,
             which
             tends
             to
             no
             advantage
             in
             any
             kind
             .
             For
             it
             tends
             not
             to
             promote
             his
             secular
             interest
             but
             in
             so
             indirect
             and
             by-a-way
             ,
             and
             with
             so
             sinister
             and
             basely-oblique
             respects
             ,
             as
             an
             honest
             man
             would
             abhor
             ,
             and
             an
             ingenious
             man
             be
             ashamed
             to
             profess
             ;
             And
             his
             spiritual
             and
             eternal
             interest
             much
             less
             .
             This
             were
             therefore
             the
             same
             thing
             as
             to
             proclaim
             ones
             self
             a
             fool
             or
             a
             vain
             trifler
             .
             The
             things
             that
             
             have
             been
             instanc't
             in
             (
             considered
             so
             abstractly
             from
             the
             substance
             of
             Religion
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             considered
             them
             )
             being
             such
             ,
             
               some
               of
               them
            
             ,
             as
             carry
             not
             with
             them
             so
             much
             as
             that
             very
             
               shew
               of
               wisdom
            
             ,
             
             of
             which
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             :
             And
             
               others
               of
               them
            
             ,
             so
             faint
             a
             shew
             ,
             as
             it
             ill
             becomes
             a
             wise
             man
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             ,
             while
             they
             do
             his
             better
             part
             no
             good
             ,
             and
             carry
             not
             
               that
               shew
            
             in
             any
             provision
             (
             as
             that
             word
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             sometimes
             signifies
             )
             
               for
               the
               satisfying
               of
               the
               flesh
               .
            
          
           
             And
             yet
             it
             is
             to
             be
             withal
             remembred
             that
             this
             
               (
               waste
               and
               lost
            
             )
             time
             of
             their
             life
             ,
             is
             all
             that
             such
             persons
             allot
             to
             their
             everlasting
             concernments
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             things
             which
             have
             been
             mentioned
             (
             some
             or
             other
             of
             them
             ;
             for
             all
             do
             not
             always
             concur
             with
             the
             same
             persons
             )
             are
             not
             made
             
               subservient
               to
            
             ;
             but
             are
             
               substituted
               in
               the
               room
               and
               stead
               of
            
             the
             Religion
             by
             which
             those
             concernments
             should
             be
             provided
             for
             .
             And
             is
             this
             a
             wise
             provision
             for
             Eternity
             ?
             What
             ,
             man
             ?
             A
             few
             empty
             unimproved
             notions
             !
             a
             by-opinion
             or
             two
             !
             the
             flourishes
             of
             a
             little
             pedantique
             art
             tickling
             thy
             toyish
             fancy
             !
             the
             motion
             of
             thy
             
               (
               only
            
             )
             busie
             and
             labouring
             tongue
             !
             or
             the
             thirst
             and
             satisfaction
             of
             thy
             vain
             ear
             !
             the
             bowing
             of
             thy
             hypocritical
             knee
             !
             Are
             these
             all
             that
             thou
             designest
             ,
             or
             will
             mind
             to
             do
             for
             thy
             Soul
             ?
             Are
             these
             like
             well
             to
             supply
             the
             place
             of
             
               living
               Religion
            
             ?
             to
             serve
             thee
             instead
             of
             inward
             acquaintance
             with
             God
             ?
             of
             being
             really
             and
             habitually
             good
             and
             holy
             ?
             of
             doing
             good
             and
             walking
             in
             the
             path
             of
             
             life
             ?
             What
             a
             Soul
             hast
             thou
             that
             can
             live
             upon
             chaff
             and
             air
             ,
             and
             be
             sustained
             by
             the
             wind
             ?
             Hast
             thou
             no
             need
             of
             quickening
             influence
             from
             God
             ?
             no
             hunger
             after
             the
             heavenly
             hidden
             Manna
             ?
             and
             the
             fruits
             of
             the
             Tree
             of
             Life
             ?
             What
             use
             makest
             thou
             of
             thy
             Understanding
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Reason
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             when
             thou
             thinkest
             such
             empty
             vanities
             as
             thou
             trustest
             in
             can
             do
             the
             office
             ,
             or
             attain
             the
             ends
             of
             true
             Religion
             ?
             How
             much
             more
             rational
             were
             it
             to
             pretend
             to
             nothing
             of
             Religion
             at
             all
             ,
             than
             to
             think
             such
             a
             one
             will
             serve
             the
             turn
             !
          
           
             5.
             
             
               Consider
               ,
               what
               reflections
               are
               likely
               to
               be
               made
               upon
               this
               matter
               hereafter
               ,
               when
               thy
               short
               course
               in
               this
               world
               is
               run
               out
               .
            
             Will
             it
             be
             a
             grateful
             remembrance
             to
             thee
             that
             thou
             wast
             so
             long
             hovering
             about
             the
             borders
             of
             Religion
             ?
             and
             wast
             at
             the
             very
             door
             and
             wouldst
             not
             enter
             in
             ?
             That
             thou
             didst
             so
             often
             think
             and
             speak
             ,
             and
             hear
             of
             the
             things
             wherein
             Religion
             stood
             ,
             but
             wouldst
             never
             allow
             thy self
             to
             taste
             the
             pleasant
             relishes
             thereof
             ?
             To
             have
             been
             so
             nigh
             to
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             yet
             an
             alien
             to
             it
             ,
             to
             
               the
               righteousness
               and
               peace
               ,
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             wherein
             it
             consists
             !
             That
             thou
             didst
             only
             please
             thy self
             with
             the
             painted
             Casket
             (
             made
             fine
             ,
             as
             thou
             thought'st
             ,
             but
             only
             with
             thine
             own
             Pencil
             )
             wherein
             so
             rich
             a
             Jewel
             was
             ;
             and
             retaining
             that
             ,
             threw'st
             away
             this
             as
             a
             thing
             of
             nought
             !
             will
             not
             these
             be
             wounding
             thoughts
             ?
          
           
             6.
             
             Let
             it
             be
             seriously
             pondered
             how
             offensive
             it
             must
             be
             to
             the
             jealous
             God
             that
             any
             should
             thus
             
             trifle
             with
             him
             and
             his
             holy
             things
             ,
             under
             a
             shew
             and
             pretence
             of
             Religion
             and
             Devotion
             to
             him
             .
             
               Not
               to
            
             please
             
               him
               by
               the
            
             sincerity
             and
             truth
             of
             our
             Religion
             ,
             
               loses
               the
            
             end
             and
             reward
             
               we
               would
               expect
               .
               But
               that
               is
               not
               all
               .
               To
            
             provoke
             
               him
               by
               the
            
             hypocritical
             pretence
             and
             abuse
             of
             it
             ,
             
               cannot
               but
               infer
               a
               sharp
            
             revenge
             
               which
               it
               may
               be
               we
               expected
               not
               .
            
          
           
             And
             let
             us
             bethink
             our selves
             how
             high
             the
             provocation
             is
             :
             Either
             we
             design
             to
             
               please
               ,
               honour
            
             and
             enjoy
             him
             by
             that
             irrational
             and
             undelightful
             course
             of
             Religion
             ,
             or
             we
             do
             not
             ;
             If
             we
             do
             not
             ,
             This
             signifies
             nothing
             but
             highest
             contempt
             and
             defiance
             of
             him
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             care
             not
             for
             his
             favour
             ,
             nor
             fear
             his
             displeasure
             :
             Yea
             ,
             inasmuch
             as
             such
             Religion
             is
             pretended
             as
             an
             homage
             to
             him
             ,
             it
             is
             nothing
             really
             but
             most
             profane
             and
             insolent
             mockery
             ;
             as
             if
             we
             would
             join
             in
             the
             same
             breath
             and
             in
             the
             same
             act
             ,
             
               Hail
               Jesus
               and
               Crucifie
               him
            
             ;
             and
             at
             once
             invest
             him
             with
             the
             purple
             Robe
             ,
             and
             spit
             in
             his
             Face
             :
             But
             if
             we
             have
             such
             a
             Design
             ,
             and
             do
             really
             think
             to
             please
             him
             by
             such
             trifling
             with
             him
             ;
             and
             that
             these
             vain
             fancies
             and
             formalities
             shall
             make
             amends
             for
             all
             our
             neglects
             of
             him
             through
             the
             whole
             course
             of
             our
             lives
             besides
             ;
             Then
             how
             vile
             thoughts
             have
             we
             of
             him
             !
             what
             do
             we
             make
             of
             the
             God
             we
             serve
             ?
             How
             justly
             may
             that
             be
             applied
             to
             us
             ,
             
               Ye
               worship
               ye
               know
               not
               what
               !
            
             
             Who
             gave
             us
             our
             Idaea
             of
             that
             ever
             blessed
             Being
             ?
             It
             is
             not
             God
             ,
             but
             a
             despicable
             Idol
             of
             our
             own
             creating
             we
             are
             thinking
             to
             please
             .
             We
             may
             see
             how
             well
             he
             
             is
             pleased
             with
             the
             external
             shew
             and
             the
             appendages
             of
             Religion
             (
             which
             being
             his
             own
             appointments
             would
             in
             conjunction
             and
             in
             subserviency
             thereto
             have
             signified
             somewhat
             ,
             but
             disjoined
             from
             it
             ,
             and
             accompanied
             with
             the
             neglect
             and
             abandoning
             of
             real
             piety
             ,
             and
             righteousness
             signified
             nothing
             but
             an
             affront
             to
             him
             )
             in
             that
             remonstrance
             by
             the
             Prophet
             ;
             
               He
               that
               killeth
               an
               oxe
               is
               as
               if
               he
               slew
               a
               man
            
             ;
             
             
               he
               that
               sacrificeth
               a
               lamb
               as
               if
               he
               cut
               off
               a
               dogs
               neck
               ;
               He
               that
               offereth
               an
               Oblation
               as
               if
               he
               offered
               swines
               blood
               ;
               He
               that
               burneth
               Incense
               as
               if
               he
               blessed
               an
               Idol
               .
            
             He
             is
             pleased
             with
             their
             Religion
             as
             he
             would
             be
             with
             
               murder
               ,
               profaneness
            
             and
             Idolatry
             .
             And
             is
             it
             strange
             this
             should
             be
             his
             estimate
             ,
             when
             he
             is
             hereby
             practically
             represented
             as
             such
             a
             one
             that
             will
             not
             be
             displeased
             with
             real
             wickedness
             ,
             and
             that
             will
             be
             pleased
             with
             the
             thinnest
             and
             most
             superficial
             shew
             of
             Devoton
             ?
          
           
             They
             therefore
             make
             a
             fair
             hand
             of
             their
             Religion
             ,
             who
             are
             so
             far
             from
             pleasing
             God
             by
             it
             and
             advantaging
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             wound
             their
             own
             Souls
             (
             as
             they
             are
             most
             like
             to
             do
             that
             handle
             so
             awkardly
             such
             an
             edg'd
             tool
             )
             and
             render
             God
             their
             most
             avowed
             enemy
             .
             The
             Religion
             then
             which
             hath
             no
             delight
             in
             it
             hath
             so
             much
             of
             folly
             ,
             incommodity
             and
             mischief
             ,
             that
             measuring
             it
             by
             the
             Rules
             which
             were
             premised
             ,
             we
             may
             see
             sufficient
             reason
             why
             such
             a
             Religion
             should
             not
             be
             chosen
             or
             rested
             in
             .
             And
             that
             we
             are
             concerned
             to
             look
             further
             .
          
           
           
             Wherefore
             we
             proceed
             next
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             the
             other
             Head
             we
             proposed
             ,
             The
             positive
             judgment
             we
             are
             to
             make
             ,
             
               What
               Religion
               is
               fit
               to
               be
               chosen
               ,
            
             and
             wherein
             we
             may
             safely
             acquiesce
             ;
             whereof
             we
             shall
             only
             give
             the
             account
             which
             the
             subject
             we
             have
             in
             hand
             allows
             to
             be
             here
             given
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
               That
               it
               be
               such
               as
               is
               in
               it self
               rationally
               and
               justly
               delectable
               .
            
             And
             though
             Religion
             is
             not
             to
             be
             chosen
             only
             ,
             or
             chiefly
             ,
             for
             the
             
               delightfulness
               of
               it
            
             ;
             yet
             since
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             seen
             ,
             only
             that
             Religion
             is
             true
             which
             is
             delightful
             ;
             that
             only
             which
             is
             delightful
             is
             fit
             to
             be
             chosen
             .
             So
             that
             this
             is
             a
             
               certain
               character
            
             (
             though
             not
             the
             
               chief
               cause
            
             )
             of
             the
             eligibleness
             of
             Religion
             .
             And
             when
             it
             is
             so
             expresly
             enjoyn'd
             us
             as
             a
             duty
             ,
             
               To
               delight
               our selves
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             If
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             shew'n
             ,
             this
             be
             within
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             Precept
             ,
             That
             ,
             in
             the
             general
             ,
             we
             delight
             our selves
             in
             a
             way
             and
             course
             of
             Religion
             ;
             It
             is
             plain
             ,
             such
             Religion
             only
             can
             be
             meant
             or
             intended
             ,
             as
             can
             afford
             us
             
               matter
               of
               delight
            
             ,
             or
             as
             is
             in
             it self
             truly
             and
             really
             delectable
             .
          
           
             And
             here
             we
             shall
             not
             need
             to
             repeat
             what
             hath
             been
             so
             largely
             discoursed
             in
             the
             
               former
               part
            
             ,
             tending
             to
             shew
             the
             rich
             matter
             of
             delight
             which
             the
             several
             exercises
             of
             
               true
               living
               Religion
            
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             actions
             influenced
             and
             directed
             by
             it
             ,
             do
             carry
             in
             them
             .
             It
             will
             only
             be
             requisite
             ,
             to
             offer
             somewhat
             partly
             
               to
               direct
            
             ,
             partly
             
               to
               excite
            
             unto
             that
             
               de
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               l
               pleasant
               life
               .
            
          
           
           
             1.
             
             For
             Direction
             ,
             Let
             such
             Rules
             be
             observed
             as
             these
             which
             follow
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Endeavour
             to
             have
             a
             mind
             well-instructed
             in
             the
             knowledg
             of
             such
             things
             as
             more
             directly
             concern
             the
             common
             practice
             of
             a
             Religious
             man
             ,
             as
             such
             .
             
               That
               is
               ,
               to
               be
               throughly
               insighted
               into
            
             practical
             Truths
             ,
             
               or
               into
               that
            
             Truth
             which
             is
             after
             Godliness
             .
          
           
             It
             hath
             been
             the
             merciful
             vouchsafement
             of
             the
             Divine
             Goodness
             ,
             so
             to
             order
             it
             ,
             that
             those
             things
             are
             plain
             and
             but
             few
             ,
             which
             are
             of
             more
             absolute
             necessity
             in
             Religion
             ;
             as
             may
             be
             seen
             by
             the
             summary
             accounts
             which
             we
             find
             sometimes
             given
             thereof
             ,
             
               Repentance
               towards
               God
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               Faith
               towards
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             which
             two
             things
             (
             intimated
             to
             comprehend
             the
             whole
             Counsel
             of
             God
             )
             do
             manifestly
             suppose
             the
             state
             of
             apostacy
             ,
             and
             express
             the
             way
             of
             remedy
             ;
             whereinto
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             brought
             ,
             How
             succinct
             and
             clear
             a
             recapitulation
             of
             our
             Duty
             have
             we
             in
             that
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               love
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               with
               all
               thy
               heart
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               soul
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               mind
               :
               And
               thou
               shalt
               love
               thy
               Neighbbour
               as
               thy self
               !
            
             To
             a
             well-complexion'd
             spirit
             ,
             how
             comprehensive
             and
             full
             ,
             how
             savoury
             and
             acceptable
             will
             these
             things
             appear
             !
             Nor
             would
             such
             a
             one
             part
             with
             the
             substantial
             fulness
             of
             these
             few
             words
             for
             all
             the
             treasures
             of
             both
             the
             Indies
             .
             How
             truly
             is
             it
             called
             ,
             
             
               That
               good
               ,
               that
               acceptable
               and
               perfect
               will
               of
               God!
            
             And
             how
             fitly
             to
             be
             prefer'd
             before
             thousands
             of
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             !
          
           
             Things
             of
             highest
             value
             are
             not
             bulky
             ;
             
             their
             excellency
             is
             the
             greater
             by
             being
             contracted
             ;
             and
             that
             ,
             being
             in
             themselves
             precious
             ,
             they
             are
             so
             conveniently
             portable
             .
             How
             easily
             are
             these
             dictates
             carried
             about
             with
             us
             through
             our
             whole
             course
             !
             And
             how
             universally
             useful
             are
             they
             for
             the
             well-guiding
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             such
             as
             have
             a
             greater
             mind
             to
             do
             their
             duty
             than
             move
             questions
             about
             it
             !
          
           
             Two
             things
             are
             both
             opposite
             to
             this
             Rule
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             little
             prejudicial
             to
             the
             delight
             of
             Religious
             conversation
             ,
             (
             by
             which
             it
             will
             appear
             ,
             how
             conducible
             to
             it
             the
             matter
             here
             directed
             is
             )
             ,
             viz.
             
          
           
             
               Excessive
               curiosity
            
             in
             the
             speculation
             of
             Truths
             belonging
             to
             Religion
             ;
             without
             designing
             to
             refer
             them
             to
             practice
             ;
             which
             hath
             been
             animadverted
             on
             before
             .
             And
             ,
          
           
             
               An
               equally-excessive
               scrupulosity
               about
               matters
               of
               practice
               .
            
             It
             were
             indeed
             an
             argument
             of
             a
             desperate
             mind
             ,
             and
             destitute
             of
             any
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             To
             be
             careless
             what
             we
             do
             ,
             and
             unconcern'd
             whether
             the
             way
             we
             take
             ,
             in
             this
             or
             that
             case
             ,
             be
             right
             or
             wrong
             .
             But
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             an
             excess
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             and
             too
             often
             is
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             a
             scrupulosity
             which
             is
             both
             causless
             and
             endless
             .
             There
             is
             surely
             some
             medium
             in
             travelling
             between
             a
             careless
             wandering
             we
             mind
             not
             whether
             ,
             and
             a
             perpetual
             anxiety
             whether
             we
             be
             in
             our
             way
             or
             no
             ,
             with
             often
             going
             back
             to
             enquire
             .
             This
             would
             quite
             destroy
             both
             the
             pleasure
             of
             the
             journey
             ,
             and
             the
             progress
             of
             it
             .
             Some
             difficulties
             may
             occur
             ,
             which
             should
             justly
             occasion
             one
             to
             make
             a
             stand
             and
             
             consider
             :
             But
             probably
             ,
             very
             many
             cases
             that
             some
             do
             agitate
             with
             much
             disquiet
             to
             themselves
             and
             others
             ,
             would
             soonest
             be
             expedited
             by
             sincerity
             ,
             and
             reducing
             them
             to
             the
             
               Law
               of
               Love.
            
             
          
           
             It
             would
             however
             make
             much
             for
             our
             pleasant
             delightful
             walking
             on
             in
             the
             way
             of
             God
             ,
             To
             have
             a
             mind
             (
             informed
             once
             and
             establisht
             throughly
             in
             the
             belief
             of
             the
             principal
             Doctrines
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             )
             well
             furnisht
             also
             with
             the
             most
             useful
             practical
             Precepts
             ,
             which
             might
             at
             every
             turn
             be
             ready
             at
             hand
             to
             be
             apply'd
             upon
             emergencies
             ;
             which
             they
             whom
             predominant
             self-interest
             or
             corrupt
             inclination
             render
             not
             difficult
             to
             the
             apprehending
             of
             their
             duty
             ,
             (
             our
             way
             is
             not
             usually
             otherwise
             so
             very
             intricate
             )
             ,
             may
             cheerfully
             and
             innocently
             guide
             themselves
             by
             .
             
               He
               that
               walketh
               uprightly
               ,
               walketh
               surely
               .
            
             Though
             some
             mens
             way
             may
             ,
             by
             the
             circumstances
             of
             their
             conditions
             ,
             be
             much
             more
             perplext
             than
             others
             ,
             who
             are
             therefore
             concerned
             to
             be
             the
             more
             wary
             .
             But
             the
             difficult
             toil
             and
             tug
             that
             some
             have
             with
             themselves
             ,
             is
             ,
             how
             by
             contrived
             explications
             they
             may
             make
             their
             Rule
             bend
             and
             yeild
             to
             their
             self-byast
             humours
             and
             ends
             ;
             which
             because
             they
             find
             it
             not
             easie
             to
             do
             ,
             with
             full
             satisfaction
             to
             their
             consciences
             ,
             (
             that
             see
             more
             than
             they
             would
             have
             them
             ,
             and
             are
             yet
             not
             of
             authority
             enough
             with
             them
             to
             govern
             and
             command
             their
             practice
             )
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             strange
             ,
             they
             intangle
             and
             even
             lose
             themselves
             amongst
             thorns
             and
             briars
             ,
             and
             meet
             
             with
             little
             delight
             in
             their
             way
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Be
               principally
               intent
               to
               have
               your
               Soul
               become
               habitually
               good
               and
               holy
               ,
               by
               its
               own
               setled
               temper
               and
               complexion
               inclin'd
               and
               made
               sutable
               to
               the
               way
               of
               righteousness
               and
               life
               .
            
             It
             was
             ,
             no
             doubt
             ,
             with
             a
             very
             sweet
             gust
             and
             relish
             of
             pleasure
             ,
             that
             the
             Psalmist
             utters
             that
             gratulatory
             acknowledgment
             of
             the
             Divine
             goodness
             in
             this
             ,
             
             
               He
               restoreth
               my
               Soul
               ;
               he
               leadeth
               me
               in
               paths
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               for
               his
               names
               sake
               .
            
             The
             paths
             of
             righteousness
             are
             very
             agreeable
             and
             pleasant
             to
             a
             restored
             ,
             a
             sound
             and
             healthy
             Soul
             ;
             to
             one
             that
             is
             now
             got
             into
             a
             good
             habit
             ,
             and
             a
             setled
             state
             of
             spiritual
             strength
             .
             You
             may
             therefore
             take
             the
             meaning
             and
             substance
             of
             this
             Precept
             ,
             in
             the
             Apostles
             (
             more-authoritative
             )
             words
             ,
             
               Be
               ye
               transformed
               in
               the
               renewing
               of
               your
               mind
               ,
            
             
             
               that
               ye
               may
               prove
               what
               is
               that
               good
               ,
               that
               acceptable
               and
               perfect
               will
               of
               God.
            
             You
             can
             never
             
               (
               q.
               d.
            
             )
             have
             a
             proof
             it
             (
             the
             very
             palate
             of
             your
             Soul
             will
             be
             vicious
             and
             still
             disaffected
             till
             then
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             )
             till
             that
             transformation
             and
             renewing
             change
             have
             past
             upon
             you
             .
             Then
             it
             will
             be
             pleasant
             to
             you
             
               to
               know
               the
               will
               of
               God
            
             ;
             your
             delight
             will
             be
             
               in
               the
               Law
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               in
               his
               Law
               you
               will
               meditate
               both
               day
               and
               night
               .
            
             And
             it
             will
             be
             more
             pleasant
             
               to
               do
               it
            
             .
             You
             will
             esteem
             
               the
               words
               of
               his
               mouth
               as
               your
               appointed
               food
               ,
               and
               it
               will
               be
               as
               your
               meat
               and
               drink
               to
               do
               his
               will.
            
             You
             can
             easily
             apprehend
             how
             toilsom
             and
             painful
             any
             thing
             of
             business
             and
             labour
             is
             to
             a
             person
             
             that
             languishes
             under
             some
             enfeebling
             lazy
             disease
             :
             A
             like
             case
             it
             is
             ,
             when
             you
             would
             put
             one
             upon
             doing
             of
             any
             thing
             spiritually
             good
             ,
             that
             is
             listless
             ,
             indispos'd
             ,
             
               to
               every
               good
               work
               reprobate
            
             .
             How
             will
             the
             heart
             recoil
             and
             give
             back
             !
             with
             how
             vehement
             a
             reluctation
             will
             it
             resist
             the
             proposal
             ,
             as
             if
             you
             were
             urging
             it
             upon
             flames
             or
             the
             Swords
             point
             !
             
               The
               carnal
               mind
               is
               enmity
               against
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               is
               not
               subject
               to
               his
               law
               ,
               nor
               indeed
               can
               be
               .
            
             But
             when
             once
             
               the
               law
               of
               God
               is
               within
               your
               heart
               ,
            
             
             
               you
               will
               delight
               to
               do
               his
               will.
            
             To
             one
             that
             is
             born
             of
             God
             ,
             
             and
             hath
             (
             therefore
             )
             overcome
             the
             world
             ,
             his
             commands
             are
             not
             grievous
             .
             Know
             therefore
             ,
             you
             must
             
               be
               good
            
             (
             really
             and
             habitually
             so
             )
             in
             order
             to
             your
             
               doing
               good
            
             with
             any
             delight
             ,
             
             in
             conformity
             to
             the
             blessed
             God
             himself
             (
             your
             pattern
             ,
             )
             who
             therefore
             
               exercises
               loving-kindness
            
             ,
             
             
               judgment
               and
               righteousness
               in
               the
               earth
               ,
            
             as
             
               delighting
               in
               these
               things
            
             .
             You
             must
             be
             partaker
             of
             a
             Divine
             nature
             ,
             and
             have
             the
             heart-rectifying
             communication
             before
             discoursed
             of
             ,
             and
             become
             
               Gods
               own
               workmanship
            
             (
             a
             second
             time
             )
             
               created
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               unto
               good
               works
               .
            
             
             'T
             is
             not
             to
             be
             hoped
             ,
             it
             can
             be
             delightful
             to
             act
             against
             inclination
             ;
             or
             that
             a
             forced
             imitation
             of
             that
             good
             whereof
             you
             want
             the
             implanted
             vital
             principle
             ,
             can
             be
             any
             more
             pleasing
             to
             you
             than
             it
             is
             to
             God
             ,
             whom
             you
             cannot
             mock
             or
             impose
             upon
             by
             your
             most
             elaborate
             or
             specious
             disguises
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             since
             that
             holy
             heart-rectitude
             must
             be
             had
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             sought
             earnestly
             and
             without
             rest
             .
             Often
             
             ought
             Heaven
             to
             be
             visited
             with
             such
             sighs
             and
             longings
             sent
             up
             thither
             ,
             
               O
               that
               my
               ways
               were
               directed
               to
               keep
               thy
               righteous
               judgments
               .
            
             
             
               Let
               my
               heart
               be
               sound
               in
               thy
               statutes
               ,
               that
               I
               be
               not
               ashamed
               .
            
             And
             it
             should
             be
             sought
             with
             expectation
             of
             good-speed
             and
             without
             despair
             ,
             remembring
             we
             are
             told
             ,
             
               If
               we
               ask
               ,
               we
               shall
               receive
               ;
               if
               we
               seek
               ,
               we
               shall
               find
               ;
               if
               we
               knock
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               opened
               unto
               us
            
             ;
             yea
             ,
             that
             our
             heavenly
             Father
             will
             much
             more
             readily
             give
             his
             Holy
             Spirit
             to
             them
             that
             ask
             ,
             than
             you
             would
             bread
             to
             your
             Child
             that
             calls
             for
             it
             ,
             rather
             than
             a
             stone
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             
               When
               once
               you
               find
               your
               spirit
               is
               become
               in
               any
               measure
               well-inclin'd
               ,
               and
               begins
               to
               savour
               that
               which
               is
               truly
               good
               ;
               know
               yet
               ,
               that
               it
               needs
               your
               continual
               inspection
               and
               care
               ,
               to
               cherish
               good
               principles
               and
               repress
               evil
               ones
               .
            
             Your
             work
             is
             not
             done
             as
             soon
             as
             you
             begin
             to
             live
             ;
             as
             care
             about
             an
             Infant
             ceases
             not
             as
             soon
             as
             it
             is
             born
             .
             Let
             it
             be
             therefore
             your
             constant
             business
             ,
             to
             tend
             your
             inward
             man
             ;
             otherwise
             all
             things
             will
             soon
             be
             out
             of
             course
             :
             God
             hath
             coupled
             delight
             with
             the
             labour
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             not
             with
             the
             sloth
             and
             neglect
             of
             himself
             ;
             
             
               The
               heart
               must
               then
               be
               kept
               with
               all
               diligence
               ,
            
             or
             above
             all
             keeping
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             out
             of
             it
             are
             the
             
               issues
               of
               life
            
             :
             All
             vital
             principles
             are
             lodg'd
             there
             ;
             and
             only
             the
             genuine
             issues
             of
             such
             as
             are
             good
             and
             holy
             ,
             will
             yeild
             you
             pleasure
             .
             The
             exercises
             of
             Religion
             will
             be
             pleasant
             when
             they
             are
             natural
             ,
             and
             flow
             easily
             from
             their
             own
             fountain
             ;
             but
             great
             care
             must
             be
             taken
             that
             the
             fountain
             
             be
             kept
             pure
             .
             There
             are
             other
             springs
             besides
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             apt
             to
             intermingle
             therewith
             their
             bitter
             waters
             ,
             or
             a
             root
             of
             bitterness
             ,
             whose
             fruit
             is
             deadly
             ,
             
               even
               that
               evil
               thing
               ,
               and
               bitter
               forsaking
               the
               Lord.
            
             I
             wonder
             not
             ,
             if
             they
             taste
             little
             of
             the
             delights
             of
             Religion
             that
             take
             no
             heed
             to
             their
             spirits
             .
             Such
             a
             curse
             is
             upon
             the
             nature
             of
             man
             ,
             as
             is
             upon
             the
             ground
             which
             was
             cursed
             for
             his
             sake
             ,
             (
             till
             the
             blessing
             of
             Abraham
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             do
             take
             place
             ,
             
             even
             the
             Promise
             of
             the
             Spirit
             )
             ,
             that
             it
             brings
             forth
             naturally
             thorns
             and
             thistles
             ,
             and
             mingles
             sorrows
             with
             his
             bread
             .
             But
             that
             promised
             blessing
             ,
             that
             will
             enable
             a
             man
             
               to
               eat
               with
               pleasure
            
             ,
             comes
             not
             all
             at
             once
             ;
             nor
             do
             the
             encreases
             of
             it
             come
             on
             ,
             or
             the
             pleasant
             fruits
             of
             righteousness
             spring
             up
             ,
             but
             in
             them
             that
             
               give
               all
               diligence
            
             ,
             
             
               to
               add
               to
               their
               faith
               ,
               vertue
               ;
               and
               to
               vertue
               ,
               knowledg
               ;
               and
               to
               knowledg
               ,
               temperance
               ;
               and
               to
               temperance
               ,
               patience
               ;
               and
               to
               patience
               ,
               godliness
               ;
               and
               to
               godliness
               ,
               brotherly-kindness
               ;
               and
               to
               brotherly-kindness
               ,
               charity
               :
            
             Which
             would
             make
             
               that
               we
               be
               not
               barren
               nor
               unfruitful
               in
               the
               knowledg
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             Otherwise
             ,
             look
             in
             upon
             thy
             Soul
             when
             thou
             wilt
             ,
             and
             thou
             wilt
             have
             no
             other
             than
             the
             dismal
             prospect
             of
             miserable
             wastes
             and
             desolation
             .
             Consider
             it
             seriously
             ,
             wretched
             man
             !
             who
             tillest
             thy
             Field
             ,
             but
             not
             thy
             Soul
             ;
             and
             lovest
             to
             see
             thy
             Garden
             neat
             and
             flourishing
             ,
             but
             lettest
             thy
             Spirit
             lye
             as
             a
             neglected
             thing
             ,
             and
             as
             if
             it
             were
             not
             thine
             .
          
           
             We
             are
             directed
             for
             the
             moderating
             of
             
             our
             care
             in
             our
             earthly
             concernments
             ,
             to
             
               consider
               the
               Lillies
               how
               they
               grow
               without
               their
               own
               toil
               ,
            
             and
             are
             beautifully
             array'd
             without
             their
             spinning
             ;
             But
             we
             are
             taught
             by
             no
             such
             instances
             ,
             to
             divert
             or
             remit
             our
             care
             of
             our
             inward
             man.
             To
             these
             concernments
             ,
             let
             us
             then
             apply
             and
             bend
             our selves
             ;
             That
             is
             ,
             carefully
             to
             observe
             the
             first
             stirrings
             of
             our
             thoughts
             and
             desires
             ;
             to
             animadvert
             upon
             our
             inclinations
             assoon
             as
             they
             can
             come
             in
             view
             ,
             upon
             our
             designs
             in
             their
             very
             formation
             ;
             and
             enquire
             concerning
             each
             ,
             whence
             is
             it
             ?
             from
             a
             good
             Principle
             or
             a
             bad
             ?
             whither
             tends
             it
             ?
             to
             good
             or
             hurt
             ?
             will
             not
             this
             design
             ,
             if
             prosecuted
             ,
             prove
             an
             unjustifiable
             self-indulgence
             ?
             Does
             it
             not
             tend
             to
             an
             unlawful
             gratifying
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             fulfilling
             some
             lusts
             thereof
             ?
             If
             so
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             lop't
             off
             our
             of
             hand
             ,
             and
             the
             axe
             be
             laid
             even
             to
             the
             root
             :
             strike
             at
             it
             ,
             favour
             it
             not
             :
             Think
             with
             thy self
             ,
             this
             ,
             if
             spared
             ,
             will
             breed
             me
             sorrow
             ;
             so
             much
             as
             I
             give
             to
             it
             ,
             I
             take
             away
             from
             the
             comfort
             of
             my
             life
             ;
             and
             spend
             of
             the
             stock
             of
             my
             spiritual
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ;
             Shall
             I
             let
             sin
             ,
             the
             tormentor
             of
             my
             Soul
             ,
             live
             and
             be
             mantain'd
             at
             so
             costly
             a
             rate
             ?
             If
             any
             good
             inclination
             discover
             it self
             ,
             cherish
             it
             ,
             confirm
             and
             strengthen
             it
             .
             
               Look
               up
            
             ,
             and
             pray
             down
             a
             further
             quickening
             influence
             ;
             Say
             with
             thy self
             ,
             now
             that
             heavenly
             Spirit
             of
             Life
             and
             Grace
             begins
             to
             breath
             ,
             More
             of
             this
             pleasant
             vital
             breath
             thou
             blessed
             and
             holy
             Spirit
             !
             Account
             this
             a
             Seed-time
             ,
             Now
             the
             
               light
               and
               gladness
            
             are
             a
             sowing
             in
             thy
             soul
             (
             which
             are
             wont
             to
             be
             for
             the
             
             righteous
             and
             upright
             in
             heart
             )
             ,
             and
             do
             promise
             ere
             long
             ,
             a
             joyful
             Harvest
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             thou
             wilt
             not
             observe
             how
             things
             go
             with
             thy
             Soul
             ,
             despair
             that
             they
             will
             ever
             go
             well
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Be
               frequent
               and
               impartial
               in
               the
               actual
               exercise
               of
               gracious
               Principles
               ;
               or
               in
               practising
               and
               doing
               as
               they
               direct
               :
            
             Your
             
               actual
               delight
            
             arises
             from
             and
             accompanies
             your
             
               holy
               actions
               themselves
            
             ,
             and
             is
             to
             be
             perceived
             and
             tasted
             in
             them
             ;
             not
             in
             the
             meer
             inclination
             to
             them
             which
             is
             not
             strong
             enough
             to
             go
             forth
             into
             act
             .
             And
             as
             these
             Principles
             are
             
               more
               frequently
               exercised
            
             ,
             they
             grow
             more
             lively
             and
             vigorous
             ,
             and
             will
             thence
             act
             more
             strongly
             and
             pleasantly
             ;
             so
             that
             your
             delight
             in
             
               doing
               good
            
             ,
             will
             grow
             with
             the
             Principles
             it
             proceeds
             from
             .
          
           
             But
             then
             you
             must
             be
             impartial
             and
             even-handed
             herein
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             frequent
             ;
             and
             run
             the
             whole
             compass
             of
             that
             Duty
             which
             belongs
             to
             you
             as
             a
             Christian.
             
             
               Exercise
               your self
            
             (
             as
             we
             find
             the
             direction
             is
             )
             
               unto
               godliness
            
             ;
             and
             in
             such
             acts
             and
             parts
             of
             godliness
             chiefly
             and
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             mind
             and
             spirit
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             the
             
               bodily
               exercise
            
             (
             whether
             severities
             imposed
             upon
             ,
             or
             performances
             that
             require
             the
             Ministery
             of
             that
             grosser
             part
             )
             to
             which
             this
             nobler
             kind
             of
             exercise
             is
             justly
             prefer'd
             .
             Turn
             the
             powers
             of
             your
             soul
             upon
             God
             ;
             Act
             seasonably
             the
             several
             graces
             of
             the
             Spirit
             that
             terminate
             directly
             upon
             him
             .
             Let
             none
             grow
             out
             of
             use
             .
             At
             some
             times
             Repentance
             ,
             at
             
             others
             Faith
             ,
             now
             your
             Love
             ,
             then
             your
             Fear
             ;
             none
             of
             these
             are
             placed
             in
             you
             ,
             or
             are
             sanctified
             in
             vain
             .
             Retire
             much
             with
             God
             ;
             learn
             and
             habituate
             your selves
             unto
             secret
             converse
             with
             him
             ;
             contemplate
             his
             Nature
             ,
             Attributes
             and
             Works
             for
             your
             excitation
             to
             holy
             
               Adoration
               ,
               Reverence
            
             and
             Praise
             .
          
           
             And
             be
             much
             exercised
             in
             the
             
               open
               Solemnities
            
             of
             his
             Worship
             ;
             there
             endeavouring
             that
             though
             your
             inward
             man
             bear
             not
             the
             only
             ,
             it
             may
             the
             principal
             part
             .
             How
             delightful
             a
             thing
             is
             it
             ,
             to
             be
             paying
             actual
             avow'd
             homage
             to
             the
             great
             Lord
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             before
             Angels
             and
             Men
             !
          
           
             And
             never
             think
             your
             Religious
             and
             Devotional
             Exercises
             can
             acquit
             you
             ,
             or
             supply
             the
             want
             and
             excuse
             the
             absence
             of
             Sobriety
             and
             Righteousness
             .
             Exercise
             a
             just
             authority
             over
             your selves
             .
             Keep
             your
             imagination
             ,
             passions
             ,
             sensitive
             appetite
             under
             a
             due
             restraint
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             be
             moderate
             in
             your
             desires
             and
             enjoyments
             ,
             patient
             as
             to
             your
             wants
             and
             sufferings
             :
             Do
             to
             others
             as
             you
             would
             be
             done
             unto
             :
             Study
             common
             good
             :
             Endeavour
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             your
             capacity
             can
             extend
             ,
             all
             about
             you
             may
             be
             the
             better
             for
             you
             :
             Forbear
             and
             forgive
             the
             injurious
             ,
             relieve
             the
             necessitous
             ,
             delight
             in
             good
             men
             ,
             pity
             the
             bad
             ,
             be
             grateful
             towards
             friends
             ,
             mild
             and
             unrevengeful
             towards
             enemies
             ,
             just
             towards
             all
             :
             Abhor
             to
             do
             not
             only
             a
             dishonest
             ,
             but
             even
             a
             mean
             and
             unworthy
             act
             ,
             for
             any
             self-advantage
             :
             And
             all
             this
             out
             of
             an
             awful
             and
             
             dutiful
             respect
             to
             God
             ;
             by
             which
             the
             ordinary
             actions
             of
             your
             life
             may
             become
             as
             so
             many
             acts
             of
             Religion
             ,
             or
             be
             directed
             and
             influenc't
             thereby
             ,
             tinctured
             as
             it
             were
             with
             the
             savour
             of
             godliness
             .
             Pass
             thus
             ,
             in
             your
             continual
             practice
             ,
             through
             the
             whole
             circle
             of
             Christian
             Duties
             and
             Graces
             ,
             with
             an
             equal
             
               respect
               to
               all
               Gods
               Commandments
            
             ,
             not
             so
             partially
             addicting
             your selves
             to
             one
             sort
             of
             exercise
             ,
             as
             to
             disuse
             and
             neglect
             the
             rest
             ;
             which
             kind
             of
             partiality
             is
             that
             which
             starves
             Religion
             ,
             and
             stifles
             the
             delight
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             those
             that
             affect
             the
             reputation
             of
             being
             sober
             ,
             just
             ,
             kind
             ,
             charitable
             persons
             ,
             and
             do
             appear
             such
             ,
             who
             yet
             are
             great
             strangers
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             more
             noble
             exercises
             of
             the
             Divine
             Life
             ,
             know
             not
             what
             belongs
             to
             communion
             with
             God
             ,
             live
             not
             in
             his
             love
             and
             converse
             ,
             savour
             not
             heaven
             ;
             have
             not
             so
             much
             as
             the
             taste
             of
             the
             great
             vital
             powers
             of
             the
             world
             to
             come
             .
             Others
             ,
             that
             pretend
             to
             much
             acquaintance
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             much
             taken
             up
             in
             discoursing
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             of
             intimacies
             with
             him
             ,
             that
             count
             Justice
             and
             Charity
             mean
             things
             ,
             and
             much
             beneath
             them
             ;
             can
             allow
             themselves
             to
             be
             covetous
             ,
             oppressive
             ,
             fraudulent
             ,
             wrathful
             ,
             malicious
             ,
             peevish
             ,
             fretful
             ,
             discontented
             ,
             proud
             ,
             censorious
             ,
             merciless
             ;
             and
             so
             glory
             in
             a
             Religion
             which
             no
             one
             is
             the
             better
             for
             ,
             and
             themselves
             least
             of
             all
             ;
             and
             which
             is
             quite
             of
             another
             stamp
             from
             the
             
               pure
               Religion
               and
               undefiled
            
             ,
             
             which
             the
             Apostle
             describes
             and
             recommends
             .
             And
             certainly
             ,
             their
             Religion
             hath
             
             as
             little
             of
             pleasure
             in
             it
             to
             themselves
             ,
             as
             it
             hath
             of
             beauty
             and
             ornament
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             others
             .
             So
             maim'd
             a
             Religion
             can
             be
             accompanied
             with
             little
             delight
             .
             Would
             it
             not
             detract
             much
             from
             the
             natural
             pleasure
             of
             a
             mans
             life
             ,
             if
             he
             should
             lose
             an
             arm
             or
             a
             leg
             ?
             or
             have
             them
             useless
             and
             unserviceable
             ?
             Or
             if
             he
             should
             be
             deprived
             of
             some
             of
             his
             senses
             ,
             or
             natural
             faculties
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             be
             uncapable
             of
             some
             of
             the
             more
             principal
             functions
             of
             life
             ?
             And
             if
             we
             should
             suppose
             the
             
               new
               creature
            
             alike
             maimed
             and
             defective
             ,
             will
             there
             not
             be
             a
             proportionable
             diminution
             of
             its
             delight
             ?
             But
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             is
             the
             Author
             of
             no
             such
             imperfect
             productions
             ;
             and
             therefore
             the
             total
             absence
             of
             any
             holy
             disposition
             will
             not
             argue
             the
             
               true
               delight
            
             of
             such
             a
             one
             to
             be
             little
             ,
             but
             
               none
               at
               all
            
             .
             However
             ,
             let
             all
             the
             integral
             parts
             of
             the
             
               new
               man
            
             be
             supposed
             formed
             at
             first
             ,
             and
             existing
             together
             ;
             when
             this
             creature
             is
             thus
             entirely
             framed
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             business
             to
             see
             to
             the
             due
             exercise
             ,
             and
             thereby
             to
             the
             improvement
             and
             growth
             of
             the
             several
             parts
             ,
             wherein
             if
             one
             be
             neglected
             ,
             it
             infers
             a
             general
             enfeeblement
             of
             the
             whole
             .
             
               Let
               patience
               have
               its
               perfect
               work
            
             (
             saith
             that
             Apostle
             )
             ,
             
             
               that
               ye
               may
               be
               perfect
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             Implying
             ,
             That
             not
             only
             the
             absence
             of
             that
             one
             grace
             ,
             but
             it
             s
             not
             being
             throughly
             exercised
             ,
             would
             render
             us
             very
             defective
             Christians
             .
             We
             may
             say
             of
             the
             several
             members
             of
             this
             Divine
             Creature
             ,
             as
             is
             said
             of
             the
             complex
             body
             of
             Christians
             ,
             
               If
               one
               suffer
               ,
               all
               the
               members
               suffer
               with
               it
               ;
               if
               one
               be
               honoured
               ,
               all
               rejoice
               
               with
               it
               .
            
             Therefore
             that
             you
             may
             experience
             the
             delightfulness
             of
             Religion
             ,
             see
             that
             in
             the
             exercise
             and
             practice
             of
             it
             you
             be
             
               entire
               ,
               thorow
               Christians
            
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Be
             confirmed
             in
             the
             apprehension
             ,
             that
             Religion
             is
             in
             it self
             a
             delightful
             thing
             ,
             even
             universally
             and
             in
             the
             whole
             nature
             of
             it
             .
             
               Whereby
               a
               double
               practical
               mistake
               and
               error
               will
               be
               avoided
               ,
               that
               greatly
               obstructs
               and
               hinders
               the
               actual
               relish
               and
               sensation
               of
               that
            
             delight
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             either
             Religion
             is
             in
             the
             whole
             nature
             of
             it
             such
             a
             thing
             to
             which
             delight
             must
             be
             alien
             ,
             and
             banisht
             from
             it
             :
             As
             if
             nothing
             did
             belong
             to
             ,
             or
             could
             consist
             with
             it
             ,
             but
             sowre
             severities
             ,
             pensiveness
             and
             sad
             thoughts
             .
             Or
             else
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             if
             any
             delight
             did
             belong
             to
             it
             at
             all
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             found
             only
             in
             peculiar
             extraordinary
             assurances
             and
             perswasions
             of
             Gods
             love
             ;
             and
             be
             the
             attainment
             consequently
             of
             none
             but
             more
             eminent
             Christians
             .
          
           
             That
             apprehension
             being
             throughly
             admitted
             ,
             both
             these
             misapprehensions
             fall
             and
             vanish
             .
             And
             it
             will
             take
             place
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             duly
             considered
             ,
             
               That
               there
               is
               a
               delight
               that
               will
               naturally
               arise
               from
               the
               congruity
               and
               fitness
               of
               actions
               in
               themselves
               ,
               and
               the
               facility
               of
               them
               ,
               that
               they
               flow
               easily
               from
               their
               proper
               principles
               .
            
             Whereupon
             there
             can
             be
             no
             true
             vital
             act
             of
             Religion
             but
             will
             be
             delightful
             .
             And
             we
             may
             appeal
             herein
             to
             the
             judgments
             of
             such
             as
             shall
             allow
             themselves
             to
             consider
             ,
             whether
             the
             matter
             do
             not
             evidently
             appear
             to
             be
             so
             
             upon
             a
             serious
             review
             and
             revolving
             with
             themselves
             of
             the
             several
             gracious
             operations
             that
             proceed
             from
             the
             holy
             rectitude
             mentioned
             in
             the
             former
             part
             ;
             as
             the
             acts
             of
             even
             
               Repentance
               ,
               self-abasement
               ,
               self-denial
               ,
               self-devoting
               ,
            
             (
             appearing
             to
             be
             in
             themselves
             most
             fit
             and
             becoming
             things
             )
             ,
             and
             readily
             without
             force
             proceeding
             (
             as
             they
             cannot
             but
             do
             )
             from
             a
             rectified
             and
             well-disposed
             heart
             ,
             how
             can
             they
             but
             be
             pleasant
             ?
             And
             it
             is
             much
             in
             our
             way
             to
             the
             experiencing
             of
             such
             delight
             ,
             to
             be
             at
             a
             point
             with
             our selves
             ,
             and
             well-resolved
             wherein
             it
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             and
             found
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             
               However
               all
               the
               acts
               and
               operations
               of
               true
               ,
               and
               living
               Religion
               be
               in
               themselves
               delightful
               ,
               yet
               apply
               your selves
               to
               the
               doing
               of
               them
               for
               an
               higher
               reason
               ,
               and
               with
               a
               greater
               design
               than
               your
               own
               delight
               .
            
             Otherwise
             you
             destroy
             your
             own
             work
             therein
             ,
             and
             dispoil
             your
             acts
             of
             their
             
               substantial
               moral
               goodness
            
             ,
             and
             consequently
             of
             their
             delightfulness
             also
             .
             That
             is
             not
             a
             morally
             good
             act
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             
               refer'd
               to
               God
            
             ,
             and
             done
             out
             of
             (
             at
             least
             )
             an
             
               habitual
               devotedness
            
             to
             him
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             he
             be
             the
             supream
             end
             thereof
             .
             You
             would
             therefore
             ,
             by
             with-drawing
             and
             separating
             their
             reference
             to
             God
             ,
             ravish
             from
             them
             their
             very
             life
             and
             soul
             ;
             yea
             and
             perfectly
             nullifie
             those
             of
             them
             that
             should
             be
             
               in
               themselves
            
             acts
             of
             Religion
             .
             So
             as
             that
             
               in
               respect
               of
               all
               your
               actions
               ,
            
             that
             separation
             were
             unjust
             ;
             and
             
               as
               to
               these
            
             that
             should
             be
             direct
             acts
             of
             Religion
             ,
             impossible
             .
             Since
             therefore
             they
             are
             
             only
             delightful
             as
             they
             are
             
               vital
               acts
               ,
               proceeding
               from
               a
               principle
               of
               Divine
               Life
            
             ;
             and
             that
             an
             
               habitual
               devotedness
               to
               God
            
             ,
             is
             that
             very
             (
             comprehensive
             and
             most
             radical
             )
             principle
             ;
             you
             should
             ,
             by
             designing
             your
             own
             delight
             in
             them
             supreamly
             ,
             counter-act
             your self
             ,
             and
             cross
             your
             own
             end
             ;
             you
             should
             make
             them
             acts
             of
             Idolatry
             ,
             not
             Religion
             ;
             and
             set
             up
             your
             
               own
               self
            
             as
             the
             Idol
             of
             Jealousie
             ,
             that
             receives
             the
             homage
             of
             them
             ,
             instead
             of
             God
             :
             Whereby
             the
             unlawful
             pleasure
             which
             you
             would
             engross
             to
             your selves
             ,
             will
             turn
             all
             to
             gall
             and
             wormwood
             ,
             and
             be
             bitterness
             in
             the
             end
             .
          
           
             That
             therefore
             you
             may
             taste
             the
             sweetness
             and
             pleasure
             which
             belongs
             to
             a
             religious
             godly
             life
             ,
             your
             way
             must
             be
             ,
             
               to
               act
               on
               directly
               forward
               in
               the
               simplicity
               of
               your
               heart
               ,
               doing
               all
               that
               you
               do
               to
               and
               for
               God.
            
             And
             thus
             that
             pleasure
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             natural
             to
             such
             acts
             ,
             will
             of
             its
             own
             accord
             result
             and
             arise
             to
             you
             ;
             and
             so
             much
             the
             more
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             less
             you
             design
             for
             your self
             in
             what
             you
             do
             .
             From
             that
             uprightness
             and
             sincerity
             of
             heart
             towards
             God
             it
             can
             never
             be
             separated
             .
             But
             to
             be
             a
             Religious
             Epicure
             ,
             to
             pray
             ,
             hear
             ,
             meditate
             ,
             do
             acts
             of
             justice
             and
             charity
             ,
             only
             to
             please
             and
             humour
             your selves
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             may
             derive
             a
             kind
             of
             solace
             and
             satisfaction
             from
             your
             own
             work
             ,
             is
             to
             undo
             your
             design
             ,
             and
             blast
             the
             Delight
             which
             you
             covet
             .
             It
             follows
             while
             you
             seek
             it
             not
             ;
             It
             flies
             from
             you
             while
             you
             so
             inordinately
             seek
             it
             .
          
           
           
             7.
             
             
               Yet
               disallow
               not
               your self
               to
               taste
               and
               enjoy
               the
               pleasure
               of
               well-doing
               :
               Yea
               ,
               and
               (
               secondarily
               and
               in
               due
               subordination
               )
               to
               design
               and
               endeavour
               that
               you
               may
               do
               so
               .
            
             It
             is
             in
             it self
             ,
             a
             
               covetable
               and
               a
               lawful
               pleasure
            
             ;
             so
             that
             it
             be
             not
             sought
             and
             entertain'd
             out
             of
             its
             own
             place
             .
             
             It
             is
             a
             
               promised
               pleasure
               ,
               The
               good
               man
            
             (
             it
             is
             said
             )
             
               shall
               be
               satisfied
               from
               himself
            
             ;
             And
             it
             is
             by
             particular
             direction
             to
             be
             testified
             to
             the
             
               righteous
               ,
               they
               shall
               eat
               the
               fruit
               of
               their
               own
               doings
               .
            
             
             It
             's
             Gods
             gracious
             allowance
             to
             them
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             a
             part
             of
             gratitude
             and
             dutifulness
             to
             esteem
             and
             accept
             ;
             yea
             ,
             and
             with
             great
             admiration
             of
             the
             Divine
             Goodness
             ,
             that
             hath
             made
             and
             setled
             such
             a
             conjunction
             between
             their
             Duty
             and
             their
             delight
             ;
             that
             hath
             laid
             such
             Laws
             upon
             them
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             keeping
             whereof
             there
             is
             such
             reward
             ;
             
             when-as
             they
             might
             have
             been
             enjoined
             a
             meaner
             servitude
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             condition
             and
             kind
             of
             their
             work
             ,
             have
             been
             kept
             strangers
             to
             any
             thing
             of
             delight
             therein
             .
          
           
             That
             thankful
             acknowledgment
             of
             the
             bounty
             and
             goodness
             of
             God
             to
             them
             in
             the
             very
             constitution
             of
             his
             Laws
             and
             Government
             ,
             is
             become
             a
             
               part
               of
               their
               duty
            
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             done
             without
             previous
             relishes
             of
             the
             sweetness
             and
             goodness
             of
             their
             
               other
               duty
            
             .
             They
             are
             required
             
               in
               every
               thing
               to
               give
               thanks
               :
            
             
             And
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             
             they
             shall
             go
             on
             in
             their
             way
             as
             the
             
               redeemed
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               with
               everlasting
               joy
               upon
               their
               heads
            
             ;
             
             That
             they
             shall
             
               sing
               in
               the
               ways
               of
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             
             which
             cannot
             be
             ,
             if
             they
             take
             not
             notice
             
               that
               the
               ways
               of
               the
               Lord
               are
               pleasantness
               ,
               &
               
               all
               his
               paths
               peace
               .
            
             Therefore
             you
             should
             designedly
             set
             your self
             to
             taste
             the
             goodness
             and
             delightfulness
             of
             
               holy
               walking
            
             .
             And
             to
             that
             end
             ,
             when
             you
             find
             the
             blessed
             cherishing
             warmth
             and
             vigour
             of
             Gods
             gracious
             communication
             let
             in
             upon
             you
             ,
             inlarging
             your
             hearts
             ,
             making
             your
             way
             and
             work
             easie
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             helping
             you
             to
             do
             with
             an
             untoilsom
             facility
             ,
             what
             he
             requires
             and
             calls
             for
             ,
             and
             to
             
               run
               the
               way
               of
               his
               Commandments
            
             ;
             so
             that
             you
             can
             do
             acts
             of
             piety
             ,
             righteousness
             and
             mercy
             
               as
               natural
               acts
            
             ,
             born
             up
             by
             the
             power
             of
             a
             steady
             living
             Principle
             acting
             in
             you
             ,
             
             (
             as
             it
             's
             said
             ,
             
               They
               that
               wait
               upon
               the
               Lord
               shall
               renew
               strength
               and
               mount
               up
               with
               wings
               as
               Eagles
               ,
               run
               without
               weariness
               ,
               and
               walk
               without
               fainting
               )
            
             ;
             You
             should
             now
             reflect
             and
             take
             notice
             how
             good
             and
             pleasant
             is
             this
             !
             Make
             your
             pauses
             and
             deliberate
             ;
             have
             your
             seasons
             of
             respiration
             and
             drawing
             breath
             ;
             and
             then
             bethink
             your self
             ,
             commune
             thus
             with
             your
             own
             heart
             ;
             How
             do
             I
             now
             like
             the
             way
             and
             service
             of
             the
             Lord
             ?
             and
             a
             life
             of
             pure
             devotedness
             to
             him
             ?
             a
             course
             of
             regular
             walking
             in
             through
             subjection
             to
             his
             Laws
             and
             Government
             ?
             and
             that
             the
             course
             of
             my
             actions
             be
             as
             a
             continual
             sacrificing
             ;
             
               doing
               all
               to
               him
               and
               for
               him
               ?
            
             what
             do
             you
             not
             now
             
               rejoice
               that
               you
               find
               your selves
               to
               offer
               willingly
               ?
            
             Can
             you
             forbear
             with
             gratitude
             and
             joy
             to
             acknowledg
             and
             own
             it
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             
               of
               his
               own
               hand
            
             that
             you
             do
             this
             ?
             You
             should
             now
             compare
             your
             present
             with
             your
             former
             state
             and
             temper
             ,
             and
             consider
             how
             much
             
             better
             is
             it
             to
             me
             to
             live
             in
             his
             
               fear
               ,
               love
            
             and
             communion
             ,
             than
             to
             be
             ,
             as
             once
             I
             was
             ,
             
               alienated
               from
               the
               life
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             as
             
               without
               him
               in
               the
               world
               !
               Now
            
             I
             can
             trust
             and
             
               obey
               ,
               once
            
             I
             could
             not
             :
             Now
             ,
             when
             the
             opportunity
             invites
             ,
             I
             am
             in
             some
             readiness
             to
             serve
             him
             ,
             
               created
               to
               good
               works
               ,
               a
               vessel
               fitted
               to
               my
               Masters
               use
               ;
               Some
               time
            
             I
             was
             to
             every
             good
             work
             reprobate
             .
             Surely
             it
             is
             most
             becoming
             to
             take
             a
             free
             complacency
             in
             this
             blessed
             change
             ;
             That
             is
             not
             with
             a
             proud
             Pharisaical
             gloriation
             to
             say
             ,
             
               God
               ,
               I
               thank
               thee
               ,
               I
               am
               not
               as
               other
               men
            
             ;
             or
             ,
             
               trusting
               in
               your self
               that
               you
               are
               righteous
               ,
               to
               despise
               others
            
             ;
             but
             with
             a
             mean
             estimation
             of
             your self
             ,
             and
             all
             you
             can
             do
             ;
             and
             with
             that
             deep
             and
             constant
             sense
             ,
             that
             
               when
               you
               have
               done
               all
               you
               can
               ,
               you
               are
               an
               unprofitable
               servant
               ,
               you
               do
               but
               your
               duty
               .
            
             Yet
             blessing
             God
             that
             since
             he
             hath
             made
             such
             things
             your
             duty
             ,
             he
             also
             doth
             in
             some
             measure
             enable
             you
             to
             do
             it
             ;
             That
             he
             hath
             reconciled
             and
             attemper'd
             your
             heart
             to
             your
             way
             and
             work
             ,
             and
             made
             it
             pleasant
             to
             you
             :
             Not
             hypocritically
             arrogating
             all
             to
             your self
             ,
             under
             the
             formal
             and
             false
             shew
             of
             thanksgiving
             to
             him
             ;
             or
             aiming
             only
             more
             colourably
             to
             introduce
             a
             vain
             boast
             and
             ostentation
             of
             your self
             ,
             in
             the
             form
             of
             gratulation
             to
             God
             ;
             but
             as
             having
             an
             heart
             inwardly
             possest
             with
             the
             humble
             sense
             who
             it
             is
             that
             hath
             
               made
               you
               differ
            
             ,
             not
             only
             from
             other
             men
             ,
             but
             from
             your self
             also
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             And
             because
             that
             disposedness
             of
             heart
             unto
             such
             a
             course
             of
             holy
             practice
             ,
             may
             not
             be
             
             constantly
             actual
             ,
             and
             equally
             sensible
             at
             all
             times
             
               (
               That
               all
            
             delight
             
               in
               the
               ways
               of
               God
               may
               not
               hereupon
               cease
               ,
               and
               be
               broken
               off
               ,
               which
               in
               those
               sadder
               intervals
               cannot
               but
               suffer
               a
               great
               diminution
               )
            
             ;
             You
             must
             take
             heed
             ,
             that
             as
             to
             the
             distempers
             and
             indispositions
             you
             now
             discern
             in
             your
             own
             spirit
             ,
             you
             do
             neither
             indulge
             your self
             nor
             despair
             ;
             But
             take
             the
             proper
             course
             of
             redress
             .
          
           
             
               To
               indulge
               your self
               in
               them
               were
               mortal
               .
            
             Then
             down
             you
             go
             as
             a
             dead
             weight
             into
             the
             mire
             and
             dirt
             ,
             into
             the
             depths
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             your
             swift
             and
             pleasant
             flight
             ends
             in
             an
             heavy
             lumpish
             fall
             .
             You
             should
             therefore
             bethink
             your self
             ,
             That
             if
             you
             yield
             to
             a
             slothful
             sluggish
             temper
             of
             spirit
             ,
             which
             you
             now
             feel
             coming
             on
             upon
             you
             ,
             shortly
             you
             shall
             have
             nothing
             (
             sensibly
             )
             remaining
             to
             you
             of
             your
             Religion
             ,
             but
             the
             dead
             and
             empty
             form
             ;
             How
             waste
             and
             desolate
             a
             thing
             will
             that
             be
             !
             A
             like
             thing
             as
             if
             you
             come
             into
             a
             deserted
             house
             where
             you
             were
             wont
             pleasantly
             to
             converse
             with
             most
             delectable
             friends
             ,
             and
             you
             now
             find
             nothing
             but
             cold
             bare
             walls
             .
             How
             dismal
             will
             it
             be
             when
             only
             the
             same
             duties
             ,
             the
             same
             external
             frame
             and
             acts
             of
             worship
             remain
             ,
             but
             the
             spirit
             of
             life
             and
             power
             which
             was
             wont
             to
             breath
             in
             them
             ,
             is
             retired
             and
             gone
             !
             And
             what
             ,
             will
             you
             take
             up
             with
             that
             delusive
             unconversible
             shadow
             ,
             or
             be
             content
             to
             embrace
             the
             stiff
             and
             breathless
             carcase
             that
             remains
             ?
             You
             find
             perhaps
             your
             spirit
             sinking
             into
             carnality
             ,
             an
             earthly
             temper
             of
             mind
             gradually
             seizing
             on
             you
             ;
             worldly
             thoughts
             ,
             cares
             ,
             desires
             ,
             fears
             ,
             invading
             
             your
             heart
             ,
             by
             the
             same
             degrees
             that
             these
             come
             on
             ,
             life
             retires
             ;
             you
             grow
             listless
             toward
             God
             ;
             your
             heart
             is
             not
             in
             your
             Religion
             as
             heretofore
             :
             You
             keep
             up
             your
             fashion
             of
             praying
             ,
             and
             doing
             other
             duties
             which
             were
             your
             former
             wont
             ;
             but
             you
             languish
             in
             them
             :
             Can
             you
             here
             be
             content
             to
             lie
             still
             and
             die
             ?
             And
             rather
             chuse
             to
             suffer
             the
             pains
             of
             death
             than
             of
             labour
             ,
             by
             which
             your
             Soul
             might
             yet
             live
             ?
             Is
             this
             a
             time
             to
             roll
             your self
             upon
             your
             slothful
             bed
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Soul
               ,
               take
               thine
               ease
            
             ,
             even
             upon
             the
             pits
             brink
             ?
             Do
             not
             agree
             the
             matter
             so
             .
             Think
             not
             of
             making
             a
             covenant
             with
             Death
             ;
             It
             is
             not
             so
             gentle
             a
             thing
             as
             your
             slothful
             temper
             makes
             you
             think
             ;
             Account
             the
             state
             intolerable
             wherein
             you
             are
             so
             manifestly
             tending
             towards
             it
             .
             Think
             not
             well
             of
             your self
             and
             your
             present
             case
             :
             What
             reason
             soever
             any
             have
             to
             be
             pleased
             and
             delighted
             with
             a
             course
             of
             lively
             converse
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             walking
             in
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             so
             much
             reason
             you
             have
             to
             be
             displeased
             with
             your self
             as
             your
             case
             now
             is
             ;
             To
             dislike
             and
             abhor
             the
             present
             temper
             of
             your
             own
             Soul.
             If
             the
             life
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             its
             vigorous
             exercises
             be
             delightful
             ,
             by
             that
             very
             reason
             it
             appears
             its
             faint
             and
             sickly
             languishings
             are
             not
             so
             .
          
           
             Therefore
             know
             ,
             that
             self-indulgence
             is
             now
             most
             unsutable
             and
             dangerous
             .
             Labour
             to
             awaken
             in
             your selves
             some
             sense
             of
             your
             condition
             .
             Think
             whither
             am
             I
             going
             ?
             Represent
             to
             your
             own
             Soul
             the
             terrors
             of
             Death
             .
             Admit
             the
             impression
             thereof
             .
             Behold
             its
             frightful
             visage
             ,
             and
             be
             startled
             at
             it
             .
             
             Recount
             with
             your self
             what
             you
             shall
             be
             if
             God
             who
             is
             your
             life
             quite
             depart
             ;
             If
             this
             shall
             never
             be
             ,
             yet
             know
             that
             your
             fear
             lest
             it
             should
             is
             the
             means
             of
             your
             preservation
             .
             And
             let
             the
             apprehension
             of
             the
             tendency
             of
             your
             distemper
             excite
             in
             you
             that
             just
             and
             seasonable
             fear
             .
             How
             sure
             soever
             you
             are
             of
             
               the
               principle
            
             that
             
               God
               will
               never
               utterly
               forsake
               those
               that
               are
               his
            
             (
             as
             most
             certainly
             he
             never
             will
             )
             ;
             yet
             you
             cannot
             be
             so
             sure
             of
             your
             application
             of
             it
             to
             your self
             ,
             as
             your
             case
             stands
             ,
             but
             that
             there
             will
             now
             be
             room
             for
             this
             fear
             ;
             Therefore
             let
             it
             be
             entertained
             .
          
           
             But
             though
             you
             admit
             a
             just
             and
             very
             solicitous
             Fear
             ,
             be
             sure
             that
             you
             exclude
             not
             Hope
             :
             Though
             you
             apprehend
             your
             case
             dangerous
             ,
             look
             not
             upon
             it
             as
             desperate
             .
             Your
             hope
             must
             not
             be
             in
             your self
             ,
             but
             in
             him
             that
             raises
             the
             dead
             ,
             and
             calleth
             things
             that
             are
             not
             ,
             as
             though
             they
             were
             ;
             yea
             ,
             makes
             them
             exist
             and
             be
             .
             But
             if
             you
             cast
             away
             all
             hope
             ,
             you
             yield
             your self
             to
             perish
             .
             This
             stops
             your
             breath
             ;
             so
             that
             even
             all
             strugglings
             for
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             very
             gaspings
             of
             your
             fainting
             heart
             must
             immediately
             cease
             ,
             and
             end
             in
             perfect
             death
             .
             The
             danger
             of
             your
             case
             ,
             as
             bad
             as
             it
             is
             ,
             calls
             not
             for
             this
             ;
             nor
             will
             the
             exigency
             of
             it
             comport
             with
             it
             ,
             when
             once
             the
             Soul
             says
             
               there
               is
               no
               hope
            
             ,
             
             it
             immediately
             procceeds
             to
             say
             ,
             
               I
               have
               loved
               strangers
               and
               after
               them
               will
               I
               go
               .
            
             Your
             Hope
             is
             as
             necessary
             to
             your
             safety
             as
             your
             Fear
             ;
             
             
               we
               are
               saved
               by
               Hope
            
             ,
             i.
             e.
             
               of
               the
               end
               it self
            
             ,
             which
             therefore
             animates
             to
             all
             the
             encounters
             and
             difficulties
             of
             our
             way
             ,
             
             as
             well
             from
             within
             as
             from
             without
             .
             Great
             distempers
             appear
             in
             you
             and
             often
             return
             ;
             yea
             ,
             such
             as
             are
             of
             a
             threatning
             aspect
             and
             tendency
             .
             You
             should
             yet
             consider
             you
             are
             under
             cure
             :
             The
             prescribed
             means
             and
             method
             whereof
             are
             before
             you
             .
             There
             is
             Balm
             in
             Gilead
             ,
             and
             a
             Physician
             there
             .
             One
             in
             whose
             hands
             none
             that
             trusted
             him
             ever
             miscarried
             .
             'T
             is
             well
             if
             you
             find
             your self
             sick
             .
             The
             whole
             need
             him
             not
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             therefore
             commit
             themselves
             to
             his
             care
             .
             He
             hath
             relieved
             many
             such
             as
             you
             ,
             that
             
               apprehending
               their
               case
            
             have
             been
             restored
             to
             him
             ;
             let
             them
             despair
             that
             know
             no
             such
             way
             of
             help
             .
             Say
             within
             your self
             ,
             though
             I
             am
             faln
             and
             low
             ,
             I
             shall
             rise
             and
             stand
             ,
             
               renewed
               by
               thee
               ,
               O
               my
               God.
            
             Was
             there
             never
             such
             a
             time
             with
             you
             before
             ,
             when
             in
             the
             like
             case
             you
             cried
             to
             the
             Lord
             and
             he
             answered
             you
             ,
             
             and
             
               strengthened
               you
               with
               strength
               in
               your
               soul
               ?
            
             Say
             within
             your self
             ,
             
               Why
               art
               thou
               cast
               down
            
             ,
             
             
               O
               my
               soul
               ,
               hope
               thou
               in
               God
               ;
               for
               I
               shall
               yet
               praise
               him
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               health
               of
               my
               countenance
            
             (
             where
             health
             shews
             it self
             in
             lively
             ,
             sprightly
             ,
             pleasant
             looks
             )
             
               and
               my
               God.
            
             And
             this
             very
             hope
             as
             it
             preserves
             life
             ,
             so
             it
             doth
             the
             delight
             and
             pleasure
             of
             life
             from
             being
             quite
             extinct
             .
             The
             joy
             of
             hope
             is
             not
             to
             go
             for
             nothing
             ,
             when
             it
             can
             only
             be
             said
             ;
             not
             ,
             
               it
               is
               well
               ,
               but
               ,
               it
               shall
               be
               .
            
             It
             is
             pleasant
             to
             consider
             that
             the
             state
             wherein
             Saints
             on
             earth
             are
             ,
             is
             a
             
               state
               of
               recovery
            
             ;
             That
             though
             it
             be
             not
             a
             state
             of
             
               perfect
               health
            
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             (
             also
             )
             a
             state
             of
             death
             ;
             but
             wherein
             they
             are
             tending
             to
             life
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             it
             .
             
             And
             their
             frequent
             (
             and
             very
             faulty
             )
             relapses
             shall
             be
             found
             but
             to
             magnifie
             the
             more
             the
             skill
             and
             patience
             of
             their
             great
             Physician
             .
             Therefore
             however
             you
             are
             not
             hence
             to
             be
             secure
             ,
             or
             imposing
             upon
             him
             ;
             yet
             let
             not
             your
             hearts
             sink
             into
             an
             abject
             despair
             and
             sullen
             discontent
             ,
             that
             you
             find
             a
             distempered
             frame
             sometimes
             returning
             .
             Let
             there
             be
             tender
             relentings
             after
             God.
             Your
             heart
             ought
             often
             to
             smite
             you
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             been
             no
             more
             careful
             and
             watchful
             ;
             but
             not
             admit
             a
             thought
             ,
             that
             you
             will
             therefore
             cast
             off
             all
             ;
             that
             it
             's
             in
             vain
             ever
             to
             strive
             more
             ,
             or
             seek
             to
             recover
             that
             good
             frame
             that
             you
             have
             often
             found
             is
             so
             soon
             gone
             .
          
           
             Instead
             of
             that
             apply
             your self
             with
             so
             much
             the
             more
             earnestness
             to
             the
             proper
             course
             of
             remedy
             ;
             and
             therein
             you
             must
             know
             your
             own
             labour
             and
             diligence
             ;
             your
             contentions
             with
             your self
             must
             have
             a
             great
             place
             :
             Otherwise
             it
             would
             never
             have
             been
             said
             ,
             
             
               Be
               watchful
               and
               strengthen
               the
               things
               that
               remain
               that
               are
               ready
               to
               die
               .
               And
               give
               all
               diligence
               to
               add
               to
               your
               faith
               vertue
               ,
            
             
             &c.
             
             Such
             things
             would
             never
             have
             been
             charg'd
             as
             duty
             upon
             you
             if
             you
             had
             nothing
             to
             do
             .
             You
             must
             expect
             to
             be
             dealt
             with
             as
             a
             sort
             of
             creatures
             capable
             of
             understanding
             your
             own
             concernments
             ;
             not
             to
             be
             hewed
             and
             hammered
             as
             senseless
             stones
             that
             are
             ignorant
             of
             the
             artists
             intent
             ,
             but
             as
             living
             ones
             to
             be
             polished
             and
             fitted
             to
             the
             spiritual
             building
             ,
             by
             an
             hand
             that
             reasonably
             expects
             your
             own
             compliance
             and
             co-operation
             to
             its
             known
             design
             .
             
             Unto
             which
             design
             though
             you
             must
             know
             you
             are
             to
             be
             subservient
             and
             must
             do
             something
             ;
             yet
             you
             must
             withal
             consider
             you
             can
             be
             
               but
               subservient
            
             ,
             and
             of
             your selves
             alone
             can
             do
             just
             nothing
             .
          
           
             
               Therefore
               ,
               if
               ever
               you
               would
               know
               what
               a
            
             life
             of
             spiritual
             delight
             means
             ,
             you
             must
             constantly
             strive
             against
             all
             your
             spiritual
             distempers
             that
             obstruct
             it
             [
             in
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ]
             .
          
           
             And
             do
             not
             think
             that
             is
             enjoining
             you
             a
             course
             wholly
             out
             of
             
               your
               power
            
             ;
             for
             though
             it
             be
             true
             ,
             that
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             is
             not
             
               naturally
               yours
            
             ,
             or
             at
             your
             dispose
             ;
             yet
             by
             
               gracious
               vouchsafement
            
             and
             
               ordination
               it
               is
            
             :
             If
             it
             were
             not
             so
             ,
             
             what
             means
             that
             exhortation
             ,
             
               Be
               strong
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               power
               of
               his
               might
            
             ;
             
             and
             that
             ,
             
               If
               we
               live
               in
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               let
               us
               also
               walk
               in
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             with
             the
             foregoing
             prescription
             of
             
               Walking
               in
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             
             
               that
               we
               might
               not
               fulfil
               the
               lusts
               of
               the
               flesh
               .
            
             Doth
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             himself
             prescribe
             to
             us
             impertinently
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             our
             obtaining
             of
             his
             own
             imparted
             influences
             ?
             Doth
             not
             He
             know
             the
             method
             and
             way
             wherein
             they
             are
             to
             be
             conveyed
             ?
             Or
             would
             he
             deceive
             us
             by
             misrepresenting
             it
             ?
             In
             short
             ,
             
               Walking
               in
               the
               Spirit
            
             must
             signifie
             something
             ;
             and
             what
             can
             it
             signifie
             less
             than
             dependence
             on
             its
             power
             ,
             and
             subjection
             thereto
             ,
             with
             the
             continuance
             of
             both
             these
             ?
             These
             therefore
             are
             necessary
             to
             the
             making
             of
             that
             power
             our
             own
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             Dependence
             and
             trust
             ;
             
             as
             that
             like
             phrase
             imports
             ,
             
               I
               will
               go
               in
               the
               strength
               of
               the
               Lord
               
               God
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
             And
             that
             ,
             
               I
               will
               strengthen
               them
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               walk
               up
               and
               down
               in
               his
               name
               ,
            
             at
             once
             shews
             us
             both
             the
             communication
             of
             the
             Divine
             Power
             
               [
               I
               will
               strengthen
               them
               in
               the
               Lord
               ]
               ,
            
             and
             the
             way
             wherein
             it
             is
             communicated
             ,
             
               [
               their
               walking
               up
               and
               down
               in
               his
               name
               ]
               ,
               viz.
            
             in
             actual
             and
             continued
             dependence
             thereon
             .
             The
             blessed
             God
             hath
             setled
             this
             connexion
             between
             our
             Faith
             and
             his
             own
             exerted
             Power
             .
             As
             the
             extraordinary
             works
             of
             the
             Spirit
             were
             not
             done
             ,
             but
             upon
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             extraordinary
             Faith
             ,
             which
             by
             the
             Divine
             constitution
             was
             requisite
             thereunto
             :
             So
             that
             the
             Infidelity
             which
             stood
             in
             the
             privation
             of
             this
             Faith
             ,
             did
             sometimes
             (
             so
             inviolable
             had
             that
             constitution
             made
             that
             connexion
             )
             in
             a
             sort
             bind
             up
             the
             Power
             of
             God
             ,
             
             
               (
               And
               he
               could
               do
               no
               might
               works
               there
               ,
               —
               And
               he
               marvelled
               because
               of
               their
               unbelief
               .
            
             
             —
             
               Why
               could
               not
               we
               cast
               him
               out
               ?
               —
               Because
               of
               your
               unbelief
               )
               .
            
             Nor
             also
             are
             the
             works
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             that
             are
             common
             upon
             all
             sincere
             Christians
             ,
             done
             ,
             but
             upon
             the
             intervening
             exercise
             of
             that
             
               more-common
               Faith.
            
             
             Therefore
             is
             this
             Shield
             to
             be
             taken
             
               above
               all
            
             the
             other
             parts
             of
             the
             Divine
             Armature
             ,
             as
             sufficient
             to
             quench
             all
             the
             fiery
             darts
             of
             the
             wicked
             ;
             therefore
             are
             we
             said
             to
             be
             kept
             
               by
               the
               Power
               of
               God
               through
               Faith.
            
             
             —
             And
             more
             expresly
             
               in
               terms
            
             to
             our
             present
             purpose
             ;
             
             
               We
               are
               to
               receive
               the
               promise
               of
               the
               Spirit
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             the
             Spirit
             promised
             )
             
               through
               Faith.
            
             Hereby
             we
             draw
             the
             Power
             of
             that
             Almighty
             Spirit
             into
             a
             consent
             and
             co-operation
             
             with
             our
             spirit
             .
             So
             the
             great
             God
             suffers
             Himself
             ,
             his
             own
             Arm
             and
             Power
             to
             be
             taken
             hold
             of
             by
             us
             .
             He
             is
             ingaged
             when
             he
             is
             trusted
             ;
             that
             trust
             being
             now
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             not
             a
             rash
             and
             unwarrantable
             presuming
             upon
             him
             ,
             but
             such
             whereto
             he
             hath
             given
             the
             invitation
             and
             encouragement
             himself
             .
             
             So
             that
             when
             we
             reflect
             upon
             the
             Promises
             wherein
             the
             gift
             of
             the
             Spirit
             is
             conveyed
             ,
             
             or
             wherein
             the
             express
             grant
             there
             of
             is
             folded
             up
             ,
             
             we
             may
             say
             ,
             
             
               Remember
               thy
               word
               to
               thy
               servant
               ,
               wherein
               thou
               hast
               caused
               me
               to
               hope
               .
            
          
           
             And
             then
             surely
             he
             will
             not
             frustrate
             the
             expectation
             which
             he
             hath
             himself
             been
             the
             Author
             of
             .
             He
             would
             never
             have
             induced
             those
             to
             trust
             in
             him
             ,
             whom
             he
             intended
             to
             disappoint
             .
             That
             free
             Spirit
             which
             (
             as
             the
             Wind
             blows
             where
             it
             listeth
             )
             now
             permits
             it self
             to
             be
             brought
             under
             bonds
             ,
             even
             the
             bonds
             of
             Gods
             own
             Covenant
             ,
             whereof
             we
             now
             take
             hold
             by
             our
             faith
             ;
             so
             that
             he
             will
             not
             fail
             to
             give
             forth
             his
             influence
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             shall
             be
             necessary
             for
             the
             maintaining
             a
             resolution
             in
             us
             of
             stedfast
             adherence
             to
             God
             and
             his
             service
             ,
             and
             retaining
             a
             dominion
             over
             undue
             inclinations
             and
             affections
             .
          
           
             How
             express
             and
             peremptory
             are
             those
             words
             ,
             
               This
               I
               say
            
             ,
             (
             q.d.
             )
             (
             I
             know
             what
             I
             say
             ,
             I
             have
             well
             weigh'd
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             speak
             not
             at
             random
             )
             
               Walk
               in
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               ye
               shall
               not
               fulfil
               the
               lusts
               of
               the
               flesh
               !
            
             And
             so
             much
             as
             this
             affords
             great
             matter
             of
             rational
             delight
             ,
             though
             more
             sensible
             transports
             (
             which
             are
             not
             so
             needful
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             in
             reference
             
             whereto
             the
             Spirit
             therefore
             retains
             its
             liberty
             )
             be
             not
             so
             frequent
             .
             Therefore
             if
             we
             aim
             at
             the
             having
             our
             spirits
             placed
             and
             setled
             in
             the
             secret
             of
             the
             Divine
             Presence
             ,
             entertain'd
             with
             the
             delights
             of
             it
             ;
             If
             we
             would
             know
             and
             have
             the
             sensible
             proof
             of
             that
             Religion
             which
             is
             all
             life
             and
             power
             ,
             and
             consequently
             
               sweetness
               and
               pleasure
            
             ;
             our
             direct
             way
             is
             believing
             on
             the
             Spirit
             :
             That
             very
             Trust
             is
             his
             delight
             ,
             
             
               He
               taketh
               pleasure
               in
               them
               that
               hope
               in
               his
               mercy
               .
            
             It
             is
             that
             whereby
             we
             give
             him
             Divine
             Honour
             ,
             the
             homage
             and
             acknowledgment
             proper
             to
             a
             Deity
             ;
             confessing
             our selves
             impotent
             and
             
               insufficient
               to
               think
               any
               thing
               as
               of
               our selves
               ,
            
             
             we
             rely
             upon
             his
             sustaining
             hand
             ,
             and
             own
             our
             
               sufficiency
               to
               be
               of
               him
            
             .
             It
             is
             his
             delight
             to
             be
             depended
             on
             as
             a
             Father
             by
             his
             children
             .
             He
             is
             pleased
             that
             Title
             should
             be
             given
             him
             
               The
               Father
               of
               Spirits
            
             .
             
             To
             have
             the
             Spirits
             which
             are
             his
             off-spring
             gathering
             about
             him
             (
             especially
             those
             who
             being
             revolted
             from
             him
             and
             become
             sensible
             of
             their
             misery
             by
             their
             revolt
             ,
             do
             now
             
               upon
               his
               invitation
            
             apply
             themselves
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Lo
               ,
               now
               we
               come
               to
               thee
               ,
               thou
               art
               the
               Lord
               our
               God
               )
               ,
            
             craving
             his
             renewed
             communications
             ,
             drawing
             vital
             influences
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             breath
             of
             life
             ,
             adoring
             his
             boundless
             fulness
             that
             filleth
             all
             in
             all
             .
             And
             when
             we
             thus
             give
             him
             his
             delight
             ,
             we
             shall
             not
             long
             want
             ours
             .
             But
             then
             we
             must
             also
             add
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             Subjection
             to
             our
             dependence
             ;
             a
             willing
             obedient
             surrender
             and
             resignation
             of
             our selves
             to
             the
             conduct
             and
             guidance
             of
             that
             
             blessed
             Spirit
             .
             A
             dutiful
             yielding
             to
             his
             dictates
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             they
             have
             actually
             with
             us
             the
             governing
             binding
             force
             and
             power
             of
             a
             Law
             
               (
               The
               Law
               of
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Life
               in
               Christ
               as
               it
               is
               called
            
             *
             )
             Great
             care
             must
             be
             taken
             of
             grieving
             and
             quenching
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             
             
               of
               rebelling
            
             and
             
               vexing
               it
            
             ,
             
             
               of
               resisting
               it
            
             ,
             
             and
             
               of
               striving
               against
               it
            
             (
             which
             appears
             to
             have
             been
             the
             horrid
             crime
             of
             the
             old
             world
             :
             
             His
             Spirit
             it
             is
             intimated
             had
             striven
             when
             it
             is
             said
             it
             should
             
               no
               longer
               strive
            
             ;
             
             And
             that
             it
             had
             striven
             ,
             implies
             a
             counter-striving
             that
             was
             now
             ,
             by
             his
             penal
             retirement
             permitted
             to
             be
             victorious
             ,
             but
             to
             their
             own
             sudden
             ruine
             )
             
               of
               despiting
               the
               Spirit
               of
               grace
               .
            
             
             A
             wickedness
             aggravated
             by
             the
             very
             style
             and
             title
             there
             given
             it
             ,
             the
             
               Spirit
               of
               Grace
            
             ;
             and
             unto
             which
             only
             such
             a
             vengeance
             (
             as
             it
             is
             intimated
             in
             what
             follows
             )
             which
             it
             peculiarly
             belong'd
             to
             God
             himself
             to
             inflict
             could
             be
             proportionable
             .
             When
             we
             permit
             our selves
             entirely
             to
             the
             government
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             thereby
             to
             have
             our
             spirits
             and
             ways
             framed
             and
             directed
             according
             to
             his
             own
             Rules
             ,
             His
             quickening
             influence
             ,
             and
             the
             pleasure
             and
             sweet
             relishes
             thereof
             will
             not
             be
             withheld
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             the
             experience
             of
             some
             Christians
             seem
             not
             constantly
             to
             answer
             this
             ,
             who
             complain
             they
             pray
             often
             for
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             desire
             earnestly
             its
             gracious
             communications
             ,
             but
             find
             little
             of
             them
             ,
             They
             are
             concerned
             seriously
             to
             reflect
             ,
             and
             bethink
             themselves
             whether
             their
             distrust
             or
             disobedience
             ,
             or
             both
             ,
             
             have
             not
             made
             them
             desolate
             .
             Surely
             we
             are
             altogether
             faulty
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             his
             promise
             and
             faithfulness
             do
             not
             fail
             ,
             his
             Spirit
             is
             not
             straitned
             ;
             But
             we
             either
             do
             not
             entirely
             commit
             and
             entrust
             our selves
             to
             his
             guidance
             ,
             or
             we
             obediently
             comply
             not
             with
             it
             ;
             but
             either
             
               indulge
               our
               sluggishness
            
             and
             neglect
             ,
             or
             
               our
               contrary
               inclinations
            
             ,
             and
             resist
             his
             dictates
             ,
             are
             intractable
             and
             wayward
             ,
             not
             apt
             
               to
               be
               led
               by
               the
               Spirit
               ,
            
             and
             hence
             provoke
             him
             to
             withdraw
             from
             us
             .
             Hereto
             we
             are
             in
             justice
             to
             impute
             it
             that
             we
             find
             so
             little
             of
             that
             power
             moving
             in
             us
             ,
             all
             the
             motions
             whereof
             are
             accompanied
             with
             so
             much
             delight
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             Excitation
             .
             Little
             one
             would
             think
             should
             be
             needful
             to
             be
             said
             more
             than
             only
             that
             we
             would
             bethink
             our selves
             what
             all
             this
             while
             we
             have
             been
             directed
             to
             and
             are
             by
             this
             Text.
             If
             that
             be
             once
             understood
             ,
             Hath
             it
             not
             
               in
               it self
            
             invitation
             enough
             ?
             Do
             we
             need
             further
             to
             be
             invited
             to
             a
             
               Life
               of
               delight
            
             ?
             Do
             we
             need
             to
             be
             prest
             with
             arguments
             to
             chuse
             delightful
             and
             wholesom
             food
             ,
             rather
             than
             gall
             and
             wormwood
             ,
             or
             even
             very
             poyson
             ?
             It
             is
             a
             sad
             argument
             of
             the
             deplorate
             state
             of
             man
             that
             he
             should
             need
             arguments
             in
             such
             a
             case
             !
             But
             because
             (
             moreover
             )
             much
             is
             to
             be
             said
             hereafter
             ,
             to
             perswade
             unto
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             considered
             in
             the
             
               stricter
               notion
               of
               it
            
             ,
             and
             that
             will
             also
             be
             applicable
             to
             this
             purpose
             ;
             therefore
             little
             is
             intended
             to
             be
             said
             here
             .
          
           
             Only
             it
             is
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             Do
             you
             intend
             
             to
             proceed
             in
             any
             course
             of
             Religion
             ,
             or
             no
             ?
             If
             not
             ,
             you
             are
             to
             be
             remitted
             to
             such
             Discourses
             as
             prove
             to
             you
             the
             reasonableness
             and
             necessity
             of
             it
             :
             Which
             if
             you
             think
             nothing
             you
             meet
             with
             sufficiently
             proves
             ,
             Think
             with
             your self
             how
             well
             you
             can
             prove
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             no
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             are
             no
             Man
             ,
             but
             a
             perishing
             Beast
             .
             For
             these
             things
             they
             are
             concerned
             
               not
               fondly
               to
               presume
               and
               wish
               ,
            
             but
             most
             clearly
             and
             surely
             to
             demonstrate
             ,
             who
             will
             be
             of
             no
             Religion
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             you
             think
             that
             horrid
             ,
             and
             resolve
             to
             own
             something
             or
             other
             of
             Religion
             ;
             Will
             you
             here
             use
             your
             understanding
             ,
             and
             consider
             ?
             Is
             it
             indeed
             so
             horrid
             a
             thing
             to
             disavow
             all
             Religion
             ?
             And
             what
             is
             it
             better
             to
             pretend
             to
             it
             to
             no
             purpose
             ?
             You
             find
             the
             Religion
             is
             all
             but
             shew
             and
             shadow
             ,
             meer
             empty
             vanity
             and
             mockery
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             delightful
             .
             If
             you
             will
             not
             chuse
             a
             better
             ,
             
               because
               it
               is
               delightful
            
             ,
             (
             as
             you
             are
             not
             advised
             to
             do
             for
             that
             as
             your
             
               chief
               reason
               )
            
             ,
             yet
             at
             least
             chuse
             
               that
               which
               is
               so
            
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             in
             other
             more
             considerable
             respects
             eligible
             ,
             as
             being
             most
             honourable
             and
             pleasing
             to
             Him
             that
             made
             you
             ,
             and
             only
             safe
             and
             profitable
             to
             your self
             .
             And
             what
             shall
             your
             Religion
             serve
             for
             ,
             that
             will
             not
             answer
             these
             purposes
             ?
          
           
             And
             if
             you
             be
             not
             ashamed
             to
             spend
             so
             considerable
             a
             part
             of
             the
             time
             of
             your
             life
             ,
             as
             the
             exercises
             of
             your
             Religion
             will
             take
             up
             ,
             in
             doing
             that
             (
             as
             was
             said
             before
             )
             whereof
             you
             can
             give
             no
             account
             :
             Yet
             me-thinks
             you
             
             should
             be
             afraid
             to
             make
             such
             things
             the
             subject
             of
             your
             vanity
             ,
             as
             do
             relate
             to
             God
             ,
             either
             really
             or
             in
             
               your
               opinion
            
             .
             Can
             you
             find
             nothing
             wherein
             vainly
             to
             trifle
             ,
             but
             the
             sacred
             things
             of
             the
             Great
             God
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             eternal
             concernments
             of
             your
             own
             Soul
             ?
             And
             shall
             the
             time
             spent
             about
             these
             matters
             be
             peculiarly
             
               markt
               out
            
             as
             your
             idle
             time
             ,
             wherein
             you
             shall
             be
             doing
             that
             only
             which
             shall
             wholly
             go
             for
             loss
             and
             signifie
             nothing
             ?
             The
             Religion
             which
             is
             not
             delightful
             can
             turn
             to
             no
             better
             account
             .
          
           
             If
             therefore
             you
             will
             have
             a
             Religion
             ,
             and
             you
             have
             
               any
               reason
            
             for
             that
             resolution
             ,
             by
             the
             
               same
               reason
            
             you
             would
             have
             any
             ,
             you
             must
             have
             the
             
               pleasant
               delightful
               Religion
            
             we
             speak
             of
             .
             You
             have
             no
             other
             choice
             .
             There
             is
             no
             other
             will
             serve
             your
             turn
             .
             And
             therefore
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             to
             divert
             you
             from
             the
             other
             ,
             ought
             to
             perswade
             you
             to
             the
             choice
             of
             this
             .
          
           
             And
             besides
             ,
             since
             there
             is
             so
             much
             of
             
               secret
               delight
            
             in
             true
             substantial
             Religion
             ,
             that
             ought
             not
             to
             signifie
             nothing
             with
             you
             ;
             If
             we
             did
             consider
             the
             delightfulness
             of
             it
             alone
             ,
             upon
             that
             
               single
               account
            
             ,
             it
             surely
             challenges
             the
             preference
             ,
             before
             that
             which
             is
             neither
             profitable
             nor
             delightful
             .
          
           
             And
             that
             it
             is
             in
             it self
             so
             delightful
             ,
             if
             you
             had
             nothing
             to
             inform
             you
             but
             the
             report
             of
             such
             as
             profess
             to
             have
             tried
             and
             found
             it
             so
             ,
             methinks
             that
             at
             least
             should
             provoke
             you
             to
             try
             also
             .
             How
             sluggish
             a
             temper
             doth
             it
             argue
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             desirous
             to
             know
             the
             
             utmost
             that
             is
             in
             it
             !
             It
             were
             even
             a
             laudable
             curiosity
             to
             resolve
             upon
             making
             trial
             ;
             to
             get
             into
             the
             inmost
             center
             of
             it
             ;
             to
             pierce
             and
             press
             onward
             till
             you
             reach
             the
             seat
             of
             life
             ,
             till
             you
             have
             got
             the
             secret
             ,
             and
             the
             very
             heart
             of
             Religion
             and
             your
             heart
             do
             meet
             and
             join
             in
             one
             .
             Did
             you
             never
             try
             experiments
             for
             your
             pleasure
             ?
             Try
             this
             one
             .
             See
             what
             you
             will
             find
             in
             withdrawing
             your self
             from
             all
             things
             else
             ,
             and
             becoming
             entirely
             devoted
             to
             God
             through
             the
             Redeemer
             ,
             to
             live
             
               after
               his
               will
            
             ,
             and
             
               in
               his
               presence
            
             .
             Try
             the
             difference
             between
             viewing
             Truths
             to
             please
             your
             genius
             ,
             or
             using
             Divine
             Ordinances
             to
             keep
             up
             the
             custom
             ,
             to
             conform
             your self
             to
             those
             you
             live
             among
             ,
             and
             help
             to
             make
             a
             solemn
             shew
             ;
             And
             doing
             these
             things
             with
             a
             serious
             design
             to
             get
             into
             an
             acquaintance
             with
             God
             ,
             to
             have
             your
             Soul
             transformed
             into
             his
             Image
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             have
             present
             and
             eternal
             fellowship
             with
             him
             .
             Try
             how
             much
             better
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             have
             your
             lives
             governed
             by
             an
             awful
             and
             dutiful
             respect
             to
             God
             ,
             than
             to
             follow
             your
             own
             wild
             and
             enormous
             inclinations
             :
             And
             whether
             it
             be
             not
             better
             ,
             what
             good
             things
             soever
             you
             do
             ,
             to
             do
             it
             for
             the
             Lords
             sake
             ,
             than
             from
             base
             and
             sordid
             motives
             .
          
           
             And
             why
             should
             you
             be
             of
             so
             mean
             and
             object
             a
             Spirit
             ,
             as
             to
             content
             your self
             to
             be
             held
             at
             the
             door
             and
             in
             the
             outer
             Courts
             of
             Religion
             ;
             when
             others
             enter
             in
             and
             taste
             the
             rich
             provisions
             of
             Gods
             house
             ?
             Why
             will
             you
             distinguish
             your selves
             by
             so
             debasing
             a
             
             character
             ?
             'T
             is
             a
             just
             and
             commendable
             ambition
             ,
             to
             be
             as
             forward
             here
             as
             the
             best
             .
             Why
             will
             you
             suffer
             this
             and
             that
             and
             the
             
               other
               man
            
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             before
             you
             ;
             even
             that
             Kingdom
             
               which
               consists
               in
               righteousness
               ,
               peace
               ,
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               !
            
          
           
             Think
             not
             so
             meanly
             of
             your self
             ;
             impose
             not
             on
             your self
             that
             needless
             unwarrantable
             modesty
             ,
             as
             to
             account
             you
             are
             of
             a
             lower
             rank
             than
             all
             that
             ever
             became
             intimately
             acquainted
             with
             the
             hidden
             delights
             of
             a
             godly
             life
             ;
             At
             least
             you
             are
             as
             capable
             of
             being
             
               thought
               worthy
            
             as
             any
             ,
             for
             
               his
               sake
            
             upon
             whose
             account
             all
             must
             be
             accepted
             :
             Therefore
             think
             with
             your selves
             ,
             
               Why
               should
               I
               not
               labour
               to
               attain
               as
               far
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               Religion
               ,
               as
               this
               or
               that
               Neighbour
               of
               mine
               ?
               What
               should
               hinder
               ?
               Who
               restrains
               or
               forbids
               me
               ?
            
          
           
             But
             you
             cannot
             ,
             if
             you
             consider
             ,
             but
             have
             somewhat
             more
             to
             assure
             you
             of
             the
             delightfulness
             of
             it
             ,
             than
             the
             meer
             report
             of
             others
             ;
             For
             your
             own
             Reason
             and
             Conscience
             cannot
             but
             so
             pronounce
             ,
             if
             you
             go
             to
             the
             particulars
             that
             have
             been
             instanc't
             in
             .
             If
             you
             acknowledg
             a
             God
             ,
             and
             consider
             your self
             as
             a
             reasonable
             Creature
             made
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             depending
             on
             him
             ;
             you
             cannot
             but
             see
             ,
             it
             is
             congruous
             and
             fit
             your
             spirit
             should
             be
             so
             framed
             and
             affected
             towards
             Him
             ,
             towards
             your
             fellow-creatures
             of
             your
             own
             order
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             else
             that
             do
             and
             shall
             circumstantiate
             your
             present
             and
             future
             state
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             in
             some
             measure
             (
             though
             very
             defectively
             )
             
             represented
             ;
             And
             that
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             very
             pleasant
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             so
             .
             You
             can
             frame
             in
             your
             mind
             an
             Idea
             of
             a
             life
             transacted
             according
             to
             such
             rectified
             inclinations
             ;
             And
             when
             you
             have
             done
             so
             ,
             do
             but
             solemnly
             appeal
             to
             your
             own
             judgment
             ,
             whether
             that
             were
             not
             a
             very
             delectable
             life
             ?
             And
             thereupon
             bethink
             your self
             ,
             what
             your
             case
             is
             ,
             if
             you
             cannot
             actually
             relish
             a
             pleasure
             in
             what
             your
             own
             judgment
             tells
             you
             is
             so
             highly
             pleasurable
             .
             Methinks
             you
             should
             reflect
             thus
             ,
             
               What
               a
               monstrous
               creature
               am
               I
               ,
               that
               confess
               that
               delightful
               wherein
               yet
               I
               can
               take
               no
               delight
               !
               How
               perverse
               a
               nature
               have
               I
               !
               Surely
               things
               are
               much
               out
               of
               order
               with
               me
               ;
               I
               am
               not
               what
               I
               should
               be
               !
            
             And
             one
             would
             think
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             uneasie
             to
             you
             to
             be
             as
             
               you
               are
            
             ;
             and
             that
             your
             spirit
             should
             be
             restless
             till
             you
             find
             your
             temper
             rectified
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             are
             in
             this
             respect
             become
             what
             you
             
               should
               be
            
             .
          
           
             And
             will
             you
             dream
             and
             slumber
             all
             your
             days
             ?
             How
             much
             time
             have
             you
             lost
             ,
             that
             might
             have
             been
             pleasantly
             spent
             in
             a
             course
             of
             godliness
             !
             Do
             you
             not
             aim
             at
             a
             life
             of
             eternal
             delights
             with
             God
             ?
             If
             you
             now
             begin
             not
             to
             
               live
               to
               God
            
             ,
             when
             will
             you
             ?
             That
             life
             which
             you
             reckon
             shall
             never
             end
             with
             you
             ,
             must
             yet
             have
             a
             beginning
             .
             Will
             you
             defer
             till
             you
             dye
             your
             beginning
             to
             live
             ?
             Have
             you
             any
             hope
             God
             will
             deal
             in
             a
             peculiar
             way
             with
             you
             from
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             make
             the
             other
             world
             the
             place
             of
             your
             first
             heart-change
             ?
             How
             dismal
             should
             it
             be
             to
             you
             ,
             to
             look
             in
             and
             still
             
             find
             your
             heart
             dead
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ;
             so
             that
             you
             have
             no
             delight
             in
             them
             .
             Think
             what
             the
             beginnings
             of
             the
             Divine
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             present
             delights
             of
             it
             ,
             must
             be
             the
             earnest
             of
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             make
             sure
             the
             ground
             
               (
               betime
            
             )
             of
             so
             great
             an
             hope
             .
          
           
             
             BUT
             I
             forbear
             here
             to
             insist
             further
             ;
             and
             pass
             on
             to
             the
             Discourse
             of
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             under
             the
             other
             more
             strict
             notion
             of
             it
             ,
             
               viz.
               As
               the
               very
               act
               of
               delight
               hath
               its
               direct
               exercise
               upon
               himself
               .
            
             So
             we
             are
             to
             consider
             this
             delight
             ,
             not
             as
             a
             thing
             some
             way
             adherent
             to
             all
             other
             duties
             of
             Religion
             ;
             but
             as
             a
             distinct
             Duty
             of
             it self
             ,
             that
             requires
             a
             solemn
             and
             direct
             application
             of
             our selves
             thereunto
             .
             For
             though
             it
             seems
             little
             to
             be
             doubted
             ,
             but
             there
             is
             in
             this
             Precept
             a
             part
             of
             Religion
             put
             for
             the
             whole
             (
             as
             having
             a
             real
             influence
             ,
             and
             conferring
             with
             its
             name
             a
             grateful
             savour
             and
             tincture
             upon
             the
             whole
             )
             ;
             it
             would
             yet
             be
             very
             unreasonable
             ,
             not
             to
             take
             special
             notice
             of
             
               that
               part
            
             from
             whence
             the
             
               intire
               frame
            
             of
             Religion
             hath
             its
             name
             .
          
           
             And
             having
             shewn
             the
             nature
             of
             this
             Duty
             already
             in
             the
             
               former
               part
            
             ,
             what
             is
             now
             to
             be
             said
             ,
             must
             more
             directly
             concern
             the
             practice
             of
             it
             ;
             And
             will
             (
             as
             the
             case
             requires
             )
             fall
             into
             two
             kinds
             of
             Discourse
             ,
             viz.
             
          
           
           
             Expostulation
             concerning
             the
             omission
             and
             disuse
             of
             such
             Practice
             ,
             And
          
           
             Invitation
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             And
             in
             both
             these
             kinds
             it
             is
             requisite
             we
             apply
             our selves
             to
             two
             sorts
             of
             Persons
             ,
             viz.
             
          
           
             Such
             whose
             spirits
             are
             wholly
             averse
             and
             alien
             to
             it
             .
             And
          
           
             Such
             as
             ,
             though
             not
             altogether
             unpractis'd
             ,
             are
             very
             defective
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             neglect
             it
             too
             much
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Both
             sorts
             are
             to
             be
             expostulated
             with
             ;
             and
             no
             doubt
             ,
             the
             great
             God
             hath
             a
             just
             quarrel
             with
             mankind
             (
             whom
             these
             two
             sorts
             do
             comprehend
             )
             upon
             the
             one
             or
             the
             other
             of
             these
             accounts
             ;
             wherein
             it
             is
             fit
             we
             should
             plead
             with
             men
             for
             his
             sake
             and
             their
             own
             .
             And
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               With
               the
               former
               sort
            
             ;
             Them
             who
             are
             altogether
             disaffected
             to
             God
             ,
             
               alienated
               and
               enemies
               in
               their
               minds
               through
               wicked
               works
               ,
            
             and
             (
             excepting
             such
             as
             deny
             his
             being
             ,
             with
             whom
             we
             shall
             not
             here
             concern
             our selves
             )
             at
             the
             utmost
             distance
             from
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             .
             And
             as
             to
             such
             ,
             our
             Expostulation
             should
             aim
             at
             their
             conviction
             ,
             both
             of
          
           
             The
             matter
             of
             fact
             ,
             That
             thus
             the
             case
             is
             with
             them
             .
             And
             of
          
           
             The
             great
             iniquity
             and
             evil
             of
             it
             .
          
           
           
             First
             ,
             It
             is
             needful
             we
             endeavour
             to
             fasten
             upon
             such
             a
             conviction
             ,
             That
             this
             is
             the
             state
             of
             their
             case
             .
             For
             while
             his
             being
             is
             not
             flatly
             deny'd
             ,
             men
             think
             it
             generally
             creditable
             ,
             to
             be
             
               professed
               Lovers
               of
               God
            
             ;
             and
             reckon
             it
             so
             odious
             a
             thing
             
               not
               to
               be
               so
            
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             are
             even
             most
             deeply
             guilty
             ,
             are
             not
             easily
             brought
             to
             confess
             enmity
             to
             him
             ;
             but
             
               flatter
               themselves
               in
               their
               own
               eyes
               ,
               till
               their
               iniquity
               be
               found
               to
               be
               hateful
               .
            
             The
             difficulty
             of
             making
             such
             apprehend
             themselves
             diseased
             ,
             that
             their
             minds
             are
             under
             the
             power
             of
             this
             dreadful
             distemper
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             well
             with
             spirits
             in
             this
             respect
             ,
             is
             the
             great
             obstruction
             to
             their
             cure
             .
          
           
             But
             I
             suppose
             you
             to
             whom
             I
             now
             apply
             my self
             ,
             to
             acknowledg
             the
             Bible
             to
             be
             Gods
             Word
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             profess
             reverence
             to
             the
             Truth
             and
             Authority
             of
             that
             Word
             ,
             and
             will
             yeild
             to
             be
             tried
             by
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Therefore
             first
             ,
             you
             must
             be
             supposed
             such
             as
             believe
             the
             account
             true
             ,
             which
             that
             book
             gives
             of
             the
             common
             state
             of
             man
             ;
             That
             it
             is
             a
             state
             of
             Apostacy
             from
             God
             ;
             That
             
               the
               Lord
               looking
               down
               from
               heaven
               upon
               the
               children
               of
               men
               ,
            
             
             
               to
               see
               if
               any
               did
               understand
               and
               seek
               God
               ,
               finds
               they
               are
               all
               gone
               aside
               ,
               i.
               e.
            
             (
             that
             the
             return
             may
             answer
             to
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             inquiry
             )
             ,
             
               gone
               off
               from
               him
               .
               Every
               one
               of
               them
               is
               gone
               back
               ,
            
             
             (
             or
             revolted
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             expressed
             in
             the
             parallel
             Psalm
             )
             ,
             
               There
               is
               none
               that
               doth
               good
               ,
            
             
             
               no
               not
               one
            
             ;
             which
             is
             quoted
             by
             the
             Apostle
             to
             the
             intent
             ,
             
               That
               every
               mouth
               may
               be
               stopped
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               the
               whole
               world
               
               may
               become
               guilty
               before
               God.
            
             This
             is
             then
             a
             common
             case
             ;
             And
             as
             the
             same
             Apostle
             charges
             it
             upon
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             
             that
             they
             were
             
               haters
               of
               God
            
             ;
             so
             doth
             our
             Saviour
             as
             expresly
             on
             the
             Jews
             ,
             (
             who
             no
             doubt
             thought
             themselves
             as
             innocent
             of
             this
             crime
             as
             you
             )
             ,
             
               That
               they
               had
               both
               seen
               and
               hated
               both
               Him
               and
               his
               Father
               .
            
             And
             when
             it
             is
             said
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             
               they
               were
               by
               nature
               the
               children
               of
               wrath
               ,
            
             (
             they
             to
             whom
             he
             writes
             
               even
               as
               others
               )
            
             ,
             do
             you
             think
             that
             is
             spoken
             of
             any
             
               lovers
               of
               God
            
             ,
             as
             their
             present
             state
             ?
             Or
             that
             when
             all
             
               by
               nature
               are
               children
               of
               wrath
               ,
            
             any
             are
             
               by
               nature
               lovers
               of
               him
            
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             love
             him
             and
             be
             under
             his
             wrath
             both
             at
             once
             ?
             It
             is
             likely
             then
             ,
             that
             against
             so
             plain
             evidence
             ,
             while
             you
             confess
             your selves
             men
             ,
             you
             will
             not
             deny
             you
             were
             sometime
             
               haters
               of
               God.
            
             Well
             then
             ,
             is
             the
             case
             altered
             with
             you
             ?
             It
             is
             a
             conviction
             against
             you
             ,
             
               that
               you
               are
               of
               humane
               race
               ,
            
             till
             it
             can
             be
             evidenc't
             you
             are
             
               born
               from
               above
            
             ,
             and
             are
             become
             
               new
               creatures
            
             ?
             And
             what
             ,
             do
             you
             find
             this
             ?
             It
             is
             not
             expected
             ,
             you
             should
             be
             able
             to
             tell
             the
             very
             moment
             when
             you
             ceas'd
             from
             your
             enmity
             against
             God
             ,
             and
             became
             his
             friends
             ;
             or
             give
             a
             punctual
             account
             of
             every
             turn
             or
             motion
             of
             thoughts
             in
             such
             a
             change
             :
             But
             it
             is
             to
             be
             supposed
             ,
             the
             work
             was
             not
             done
             upon
             you
             in
             your
             sleep
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             you
             could
             have
             no
             animadversion
             of
             what
             was
             doing
             .
             However
             ,
             comparing
             what
             you
             sometime
             were
             with
             what
             you
             are
             ,
             what
             difference
             do
             you
             observe
             ?
             What
             were
             you
             ,
             sometimes
             
               haters
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             are
             you
             now
             
             come
             to
             love
             and
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ,
             without
             perceiving
             in
             your selves
             any
             difference
             ?
             Bethink
             your selves
             ,
             is
             not
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             spirits
             just
             such
             Godward
             as
             it
             was
             always
             wont
             to
             be
             ,
             without
             any
             remarkable
             turn
             or
             alteration
             ?
             That
             is
             a
             shrewd
             presumption
             against
             you
             ,
             that
             your
             case
             is
             most
             deplorable
             .
             But
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             is
             your
             present
             temper
             ,
             in
             it self
             considered
             ?
             You
             do
             
               love
               God
            
             and
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ,
             How
             do
             you
             make
             it
             appear
             ?
             wherein
             doth
             that
             friendly
             and
             dutiful
             affection
             towards
             him
             evidence
             it self
             ?
             Sure
             love
             and
             hatred
             are
             not
             all
             one
             with
             you
             .
             Whereby
             would
             you
             discern
             your
             hatred
             towards
             one
             you
             did
             most
             flatly
             and
             peremptorily
             disaffect
             ?
             You
             would
             
               dislike
               the
               thoughts
               of
               him
            
             ,
             hate
             his
             memory
             ,
             cast
             him
             out
             of
             your
             thoughts
             :
             Do
             you
             not
             the
             same
             way
             shew
             your
             disaffection
             to
             God
             ?
             Do
             you
             not
             find
             ,
             that
             so
             a
             wicked
             man
             (
             his
             enemy
             )
             is
             branded
             and
             distinguisht
             ,
             
             
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               his
               thoughts
               ?
            
             Are
             not
             they
             who
             shall
             be
             turned
             into
             Hell
             described
             thus
             ,
             
             
               The
               people
               that
               forget
               God
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             who
             willingly
             and
             
               of
               choice
            
             forget
             him
             ,
             or
             from
             the
             habitual
             inclination
             of
             their
             hearts
             ?
             And
             is
             not
             that
             your
             case
             ?
             What
             could
             hinder
             you
             to
             remember
             him
             ,
             if
             you
             were
             so
             disposed
             ?
          
           
             
               Yea
               ,
               But
               you
               often
               forget
               your
               friends
               ,
               or
               those
               at
               least
               to
               whom
               you
               are
               sure
               you
               bear
               no
               ill
               will
               ;
               and
               what
               friend
               would
               expect
               to
               be
               always
               in
               your
               thoughts
               ?
            
             It
             's
             answered
             ,
             But
             you
             disrelish
             not
             the
             remembrance
             of
             a
             Friend
             ;
             Do
             you
             
             not
             the
             thoughts
             of
             God
             ?
             You
             do
             not
             think
             on
             your
             absent
             Friends
             while
             no
             present
             occasion
             occurs
             ,
             to
             bring
             them
             to
             your
             remembrance
             :
             But
             is
             God
             absent
             ?
             Is
             he
             far
             from
             any
             one
             of
             us
             ?
             Or
             have
             you
             not
             daily
             before
             your
             eyes
             ,
             things
             enough
             to
             bring
             him
             to
             mind
             ;
             while
             his
             glorious
             works
             surround
             you
             ,
             and
             you
             live
             ,
             move
             ,
             and
             have
             your
             being
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             your
             breath
             is
             in
             his
             hand
             ?
             Have
             you
             that
             dependence
             on
             any
             Friend
             ?
             Are
             you
             under
             so
             much
             obligation
             to
             any
             ?
             You
             often
             do
             not
             think
             on
             Friends
             with
             whom
             you
             have
             no
             opportunity
             to
             converse
             ;
             Have
             you
             no
             opportunity
             to
             converse
             with
             Him
             ?
             Your
             Friends
             can
             lay
             no
             such
             Law
             upon
             you
             ,
             to
             have
             them
             much
             in
             your
             thoughts
             .
             It
             argues
             a
             
               depraved
               inclination
            
             ,
             not
             to
             do
             herein
             what
             you
             ought
             and
             are
             bound
             to
             do
             .
             You
             cannot
             by
             the
             exercise
             of
             your
             thoughts
             obtain
             the
             presence
             of
             a
             Friend
             ;
             you
             might
             a
             most
             comfortable
             Divine
             presence
             .
          
           
             And
             what
             though
             you
             think
             not
             of
             many
             to
             whom
             you
             bear
             no
             ill
             will
             ,
             nor
             have
             any
             converse
             with
             many
             such
             ;
             Is
             it
             enough
             to
             bear
             no
             ill
             will
             to
             God
             ?
             Will
             that
             suffice
             you
             to
             delighting
             in
             him
             ?
             Are
             you
             no
             more
             concerned
             to
             mind
             God
             and
             converse
             with
             him
             ,
             than
             with
             the
             man
             you
             never
             knew
             ,
             or
             had
             to
             do
             with
             ?
             Your
             unconversableness
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             unmindfulness
             of
             him
             ,
             can
             proceed
             from
             nothing
             but
             ill
             will
             ,
             who
             daily
             offers
             himself
             to
             your
             converse
             ,
             who
             seeks
             and
             invites
             your
             acquaintaince
             ,
             would
             have
             you
             inwardly
             know
             him
             ,
             and
             lead
             your
             lives
             with
             him
             ,
             
             Why
             is
             it
             that
             you
             do
             not
             so
             ,
             but
             that
             you
             
               like
               not
               to
               retain
               him
               in
               your
               knowledg
               ?
            
             And
             that
             this
             is
             the
             sense
             and
             language
             of
             your
             hearts
             towards
             him
             ,
             
               Depart
               from
               us
               ,
               we
               desire
               not
               the
               knowledg
               of
               thy
               ways
            
             ;
             It
             can
             proceed
             from
             nothing
             but
             
               ill
               will
            
             and
             a
             
               disagreeable
               temper
            
             ,
             that
             you
             shun
             the
             converse
             of
             one
             that
             seeks
             yours
             ;
             that
             you
             will
             take
             no
             notice
             of
             one
             that
             often
             offers
             himself
             to
             your
             view
             ,
             one
             that
             meets
             you
             at
             every
             turn
             ,
             and
             aims
             to
             draw
             your
             eye
             ,
             and
             cannot
             gain
             a
             look
             .
             When
             this
             is
             your
             deportment
             towards
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             passes
             by
             you
             and
             you
             perceive
             him
             not
             ;
             he
             compasses
             you
             about
             behind
             and
             before
             and
             is
             acquainted
             with
             all
             your
             ways
             ,
             and
             with
             him
             and
             his
             ways
             you
             will
             have
             no
             acquaintance
             ,
             remain
             
               alienated
               from
               the
               life
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               as
               without
               him
               in
               the
               world
            
             ;
             Is
             not
             this
             downright
             enmity
             ?
             Or
             can
             this
             deportment
             agree
             with
             habitual
             and
             the
             frequent
             
               actual
               delight
               in
               God
            
             which
             is
             requir'd
             ?
          
           
             Again
             ,
             Would
             you
             not
             be
             justly
             taken
             to
             disaffect
             one
             whose
             temper
             is
             ungrateful
             ,
             whose
             disposition
             and
             way
             is
             unpleasing
             to
             you
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             thus
             with
             you
             Godward
             ?
             When
             you
             hear
             of
             the
             purity
             and
             holiness
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             his
             abhorrency
             of
             all
             wickedness
             ,
             and
             how
             detestable
             to
             him
             every
             thing
             is
             that
             is
             impure
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             will
             not
             endure
             it
             ;
             Do
             not
             your
             hearts
             regret
             this
             quality
             (
             as
             we
             must
             conceive
             of
             it
             )
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             God
             ?
             Which
             yet
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             his
             very
             Nature
             ,
             doth
             so
             much
             the
             more
             certainly
             
             infer
             ,
             that
             a
             dislike
             of
             it
             cannot
             but
             include
             disaffection
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             that
             habitual
             and
             constant
             ,
             since
             his
             whole
             way
             of
             dealing
             with
             men
             ,
             and
             the
             course
             of
             his
             government
             over
             the
             world
             ,
             do
             (
             and
             shall
             more
             discernibly
             )
             savour
             of
             it
             ;
             Do
             they
             not
             wish
             him
             hereupon
             
               not
               to
               be
            
             ,
             in
             this
             respect
             ,
             
               what
               he
               is
            
             ;
             which
             is
             in
             effect
             ,
             to
             wish
             him
             
               not
               to
               be
               at
               all
            
             ?
             The
             same
             thing
             which
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             Fool
             says
             ,
             
               No
               God
               ;
               i.e.
            
             This
             would
             please
             such
             a
             one
             
               to
               the
               very
               heart
            
             .
             And
             doth
             this
             import
             no
             enmity
             ?
             Can
             this
             stand
             with
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ?
          
           
             Are
             you
             not
             disaffected
             to
             him
             ,
             whom
             not
             being
             able
             to
             accuse
             of
             falshood
             ,
             whom
             having
             the
             greatest
             imaginable
             assurances
             of
             the
             impossibility
             he
             should
             deceive
             ,
             you
             will
             yet
             by
             no
             means
             be
             induced
             to
             trust
             ?
             Consider
             ,
             What
             doth
             your
             
               trust
               in
               God
            
             signifie
             ,
             more
             than
             the
             sound
             of
             the
             Name
             ?
             Doth
             it
             quiet
             your
             heart
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             any
             affairs
             you
             pretend
             to
             commit
             to
             him
             ?
             Doth
             it
             purifie
             it
             ,
             and
             check
             your
             ill
             inclinations
             ,
             in
             any
             thing
             wherein
             they
             should
             be
             countermanded
             upon
             the
             credit
             of
             his
             Word
             ?
             What
             doth
             his
             Testimony
             concerning
             the
             future
             things
             you
             have
             not
             seen
             ,
             weigh
             with
             you
             ,
             to
             the
             altering
             of
             your
             course
             ,
             and
             rendering
             it
             such
             as
             may
             comport
             and
             square
             with
             the
             belief
             of
             such
             things
             ?
             Would
             not
             the
             word
             of
             an
             ordinary
             man
             ,
             premonishing
             you
             of
             any
             advantage
             or
             danger
             which
             you
             have
             no
             other
             knowledg
             of
             ,
             be
             of
             more
             value
             with
             you
             ?
             Constant
             suspicion
             of
             any
             one
             ,
             without
             cause
             
             or
             pretence
             ,
             most
             certainly
             argues
             radicated
             enmity
             .
             You
             love
             him
             not
             whom
             you
             cannot
             trust
             .
          
           
             Do
             you
             love
             him
             whom
             upon
             all
             occasions
             you
             most
             causlesly
             displease
             ;
             whose
             offence
             you
             reckon
             nothing
             of
             ?
             Is
             that
             ingenuous
             towards
             a
             Friend
             ,
             or
             dutiful
             towards
             a
             Father
             or
             a
             Lord
             ?
             How
             do
             you
             ,
             in
             this
             ,
             carry
             towards
             the
             blessed
             God
             ?
             Are
             you
             wont
             to
             displease
             your selves
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             or
             cross
             your
             own
             will
             to
             do
             his
             ?
             Do
             you
             take
             delight
             in
             him
             whom
             you
             make
             no
             difficulty
             to
             vex
             ;
             whose
             known
             declared
             pleasure
             ,
             though
             you
             confess
             him
             greater
             ,
             wiser
             ,
             and
             more
             righteous
             than
             your self
             ,
             you
             have
             no
             more
             regard
             to
             ,
             wherein
             it
             crosses
             your
             own
             inclination
             ,
             than
             you
             would
             have
             to
             that
             of
             your
             Child
             ,
             your
             Slave
             ,
             or
             a
             Fool
             ?
          
           
             Have
             you
             any
             thing
             to
             except
             against
             that
             measure
             and
             character
             of
             loyal
             affection
             to
             your
             Redeemer
             and
             Lord
             ,
             
               If
               ye
               love
               me
               ,
               keep
               my
               commandments
               ;
               Ye
               are
               my
               friends
               ,
               if
               ye
               do
               whatsoever
               I
               command
               you
               ;
               This
               is
               the
               love
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               we
               keep
               his
               commandments
               ?
            
             Do
             you
             not
             disobey
             the
             known
             will
             of
             God
             in
             your
             ordinary
             practice
             without
             regret
             ?
             Do
             not
             you
             know
             it
             to
             be
             his
             will
             ,
             That
             you
             
               strive
               to
               enter
               in
               at
               the
               strait
               gate
            
             ;
             That
             you
             
               seek
               first
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
            
             ;
             That
             you
             
               keep
               your
               heart
               with
               all
               diligence
            
             ;
             That
             you
             
               deny
               your self
               ,
               crucifie
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             be
             temperate
             ,
             just
             ,
             merciful
             ,
             patient
             ?
             Do
             you
             aim
             at
             obeying
             him
             in
             these
             things
             ?
             Can
             you
             say
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             for
             thy
             sake
             I
             refrain
             the
             things
             to
             which
             my
             
             heart
             inclines
             ?
             Hath
             his
             prohibition
             any
             restraining
             force
             upon
             your
             hearts
             ?
             Do
             you
             not
             allow
             your self
             to
             be
             licentious
             ,
             earthly
             ,
             vain
             ,
             proud
             ,
             wrathful
             ,
             revengeful
             ,
             though
             you
             know
             it
             will
             offend
             him
             ?
             And
             is
             this
             your
             love
             to
             him
             ,
             or
             delight
             in
             him
             ?
          
           
             Do
             you
             bear
             goodwill
             to
             him
             whose
             reproach
             and
             dishonour
             you
             are
             not
             concern'd
             for
             ,
             yea
             ,
             whom
             you
             stick
             not
             to
             dishonour
             and
             reproach
             ?
             
               whose
               interest
               among
               men
            
             hath
             no
             place
             in
             your
             thoughts
             ,
             whose
             friends
             are
             none
             of
             yours
             ,
             whose
             enemies
             are
             your
             friends
             ,
             whose
             favour
             you
             care
             not
             for
             ,
             nor
             regret
             his
             frowns
             ,
             whose
             Worship
             is
             a
             burthen
             to
             you
             ,
             (
             that
             you
             had
             rather
             do
             any
             thing
             than
             pray
             to
             him
             )
             ,
             and
             his
             fellowship
             an
             undesired
             thing
             ?
             Make
             an
             estimate
             by
             these
             things
             of
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             hearts
             towards
             God
             ;
             and
             consider
             whether
             it
             bespeak
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             or
             not
             rather
             habitual
             aversion
             and
             enmity
             .
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             you
             will
             admit
             these
             things
             seem
             to
             carry
             somewhat
             of
             conviction
             with
             them
             :
             But
             they
             concern
             many
             that
             are
             taken
             for
             godly
             persons
             and
             lovers
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             they
             do
             you
             .
             And
             it
             may
             be
             many
             such
             may
             take
             themselves
             for
             godly
             persons
             and
             lovers
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             mistaken
             as
             well
             as
             you
             ;
             And
             what
             will
             that
             mend
             your
             cause
             ?
             If
             these
             things
             will
             prove
             a
             person
             one
             that
             hath
             no
             delight
             in
             God
             ,
             they
             equally
             prove
             it
             as
             to
             you
             and
             others
             ,
             which
             will
             make
             nothing
             to
             your
             advantage
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             they
             who
             have
             
               sincere
               love
            
             to
             God
             ,
             
             are
             in
             a
             degree
             peccant
             against
             the
             Laws
             of
             such
             love
             (
             as
             that
             they
             are
             ,
             they
             will
             hear
             in
             due
             time
             )
             ,
             They
             are
             more
             ready
             to
             accuse
             themselves
             than
             other
             men
             ;
             They
             abhor
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             not
             more
             entirely
             delight
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             repent
             in
             dust
             and
             ashes
             :
             It
             better
             becomes
             you
             ,
             to
             imitate
             their
             repentance
             ,
             than
             glory
             in
             their
             sinful
             weakness
             ;
             which
             while
             they
             patronize
             not
             themselves
             ,
             you
             should
             not
             think
             it
             can
             afford
             a
             valuable
             patronage
             unto
             you
             .
             When
             did
             you
             check
             and
             contend
             with
             your
             own
             hearts
             upon
             these
             accounts
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             wont
             to
             do
             ?
             And
             if
             these
             things
             ,
             in
             a
             degree
             found
             with
             them
             ,
             prove
             their
             
               delight
               in
               God
               imperfect
            
             ,
             their
             prevailing
             contraries
             will
             prove
             it
             (
             however
             )
             sincere
             .
             And
             if
             you
             will
             not
             now
             understand
             the
             difference
             ,
             God
             grant
             you
             may
             not
             hereafter
             at
             a
             more
             costly
             rate
             ,
             between
             the
             imperfection
             and
             the
             
               total
               want
            
             of
             his
             love
             ;
             between
             having
             your
             heart
             and
             Soul
             imperfectly
             alive
             towards
             God
             and
             perfectly
             dead
             .
          
           
             You
             may
             further
             say
             ,
             God
             is
             out
             of
             your
             sight
             ,
             and
             therefore
             how
             can
             it
             be
             expected
             you
             should
             find
             a
             sensible
             delight
             in
             him
             ?
          
           
             But
             is
             he
             out
             of
             the
             sight
             of
             your
             minds
             ?
             If
             he
             be
             ,
             what
             would
             you
             infer
             ,
             That
             then
             you
             cannot
             delight
             in
             him
             at
             all
             ,
             and
             therefore
             that
             you
             do
             not
             ;
             the
             thing
             that
             you
             are
             charg'd
             with
             all
             this
             while
             .
             But
             he
             is
             out
             of
             sight
             
               by
               the
               high
               excellency
               of
               his
               Being
            
             ;
             for
             which
             reason
             he
             should
             be
             delighted
             in
             the
             more
             ,
             i.e.
             with
             a
             
               deeper
               delight
            
             ,
             though
             not
             
             like
             that
             you
             take
             in
             the
             things
             of
             sense
             :
             And
             he
             hath
             been
             so
             beyond
             all
             things
             ,
             notwithstanding
             his
             abode
             in
             that
             light
             which
             is
             inaccessible
             .
             This
             therefore
             is
             confession
             without
             excuse
             ;
             and
             would
             never
             be
             offered
             as
             an
             excuse
             by
             any
             ,
             but
             those
             that
             are
             lost
             in
             flesh
             and
             sense
             ,
             have
             forgot
             they
             have
             reasonable
             Souls
             ,
             and
             had
             rather
             be
             numbred
             with
             Brutes
             than
             Men
             ;
             As
             if
             there
             were
             not
             many
             things
             you
             have
             not
             seen
             with
             the
             eyes
             of
             flesh
             ,
             more
             excellent
             than
             those
             you
             have
             !
             Or
             as
             if
             you
             had
             no
             other
             faculty
             than
             eyes
             of
             flesh
             to
             see
             with
             !
             Which
             since
             you
             have
             ,
             and
             the
             depravation
             thereof
             is
             vicious
             and
             sinful
             ,
             as
             your
             
               not-delighting
               in
               God
            
             (
             the
             matter
             of
             fact
             )
             seems
             to
             be
             yeilded
             ,
             and
             so
             you
             quit
             your
             first
             Post
             ;
             It
             will
             thence
             appear
             ,
             that
             it
             cannot
             but
             be
             sinful
             too
             .
             And
             since
             at
             that
             you
             seem
             to
             make
             a
             stand
             (
             as
             at
             your
             next
             Post
             )
             ,
             either
             thinking
             to
             deny
             or
             extenuate
             the
             evil
             of
             it
             ,
             our
             Expostulation
             must
             follow
             you
             thither
             ,
             and
             be
             aimed
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             evince
             to
             you
             the
             greatness
             and
             horridness
             of
             that
             sin
             .
             Suffer
             your selves
             therefore
             to
             be
             reasoned
             with
             to
             this
             purpose
             ,
             and
             consider
             ,
          
           
             First
             ,
             That
             you
             have
             somewhat
             of
             delectation
             in
             your
             Natures
             ,
             i.e.
             you
             have
             the
             power
             naturally
             inherent
             in
             you
             ,
             of
             
               taking
               delight
            
             in
             one
             thing
             or
             other
             .
             You
             have
             such
             a
             thing
             as
             love
             about
             you
             .
             Are
             not
             some
             things
             grateful
             and
             agreeable
             to
             you
             ,
             in
             which
             you
             can
             and
             do
             take
             complacency
             ?
             Therefore
             herein
             an
             act
             is
             not
             enjoined
             you
             which
             is
             incompetent
             
             to
             your
             Natures
             ,
             or
             simply
             impossible
             to
             you
             .
          
           
             Next
             then
             ,
             Do
             you
             not
             know
             ,
             your
             delight
             or
             love
             ought
             to
             be
             placed
             on
             some
             good
             or
             other
             that
             is
             known
             to
             you
             ;
             and
             among
             things
             that
             you
             know
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             proportionably
             to
             the
             goodness
             which
             you
             find
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             supreamly
             on
             the
             best
             ?
          
           
             Further
             ,
             Do
             you
             not
             acknowledg
             the
             blessed
             God
             to
             be
             the
             best
             and
             most
             excellent
             Good
             ?
             as
             being
             the
             first
             and
             fountain-Good
             ,
             the
             fullest
             and
             most
             comprehensive
             ,
             the
             purest
             and
             altogether
             unmixed
             ,
             the
             most
             immutable
             and
             permanent
             Good
             ?
             How
             plain
             and
             certain
             is
             this
             ?
             How
             manifestly
             impossible
             is
             it
             ,
             if
             there
             were
             not
             such
             a
             Good
             ,
             that
             otherwise
             any
             thing
             else
             should
             ever
             have
             been
             good
             ,
             or
             been
             at
             all
             ?
             Is
             not
             this
             as
             sure
             and
             evident
             as
             any
             thing
             your
             senses
             could
             inform
             you
             of
             ?
             Whence
             is
             the
             glorious
             excellency
             of
             this
             great
             Creation
             ,
             the
             beauty
             ,
             loveliness
             ,
             pleasantness
             of
             any
             Creature
             ?
             Must
             not
             all
             that
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             more
             ,
             be
             originally
             in
             the
             great
             Creator
             of
             all
             .
             This
             ,
             if
             you
             consider
             ,
             you
             cannot
             but
             see
             and
             own
             .
          
           
             While
             then
             your
             own
             hearts
             tell
             you
             ,
             you
             delight
             not
             in
             God
             ,
             Do
             not
             your
             Consciences
             begin
             to
             accuse
             and
             judg
             you
             ,
             that
             you
             deal
             not
             righteously
             in
             this
             matter
             ?
             And
             ought
             it
             not
             to
             fill
             your
             Souls
             with
             horror
             ,
             when
             you
             consider
             ,
             you
             take
             no
             delight
             in
             the
             best
             and
             sovereign
             Good
             ?
             Yea
             ,
             when
             you
             look
             into
             your
             disaffected
             hearts
             and
             find
             ,
             that
             you
             not
             only
             
               do
               not
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             but
             you
             cannot
             ;
             
             and
             not
             for
             the
             want
             of
             the
             natural
             power
             ,
             but
             a
             right
             inclination
             ?
             Should
             you
             not
             with
             astonishment
             bethink
             your selves
             ,
             every
             one
             for
             himself
             ,
             what
             is
             this
             that
             's
             befal'n
             me
             ;
             I
             am
             convinced
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             best
             Good
             ,
             every
             way
             most
             worthy
             of
             my
             highest
             delight
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             yet
             my
             heart
             savours
             it
             not
             !
             You
             can
             have
             no
             pretence
             to
             say
             ,
             
               That
               because
               your
               heart
               is
               disinclin'd
               ,
               therefore
               you
               are
               excused
               ,
               for
               you
               only
               do
               not
               what
               through
               an
               invincible
               disinclination
               you
               apprehend
               you
               cannot
               do
               .
            
             But
             you
             should
             bethink
             your self
             ,
             
               What
               a
               wretch
               am
               I
               ,
               that
               am
               so
               ill-inclin'd
               ?
            
             For
             is
             not
             any
             one
             more
             wicked
             according
             as
             he
             is
             more
             strongly
             inclin'd
             to
             wickedness
             and
             averse
             to
             what
             is
             good
             ?
             But
             how
             vincible
             or
             invincible
             your
             disinclination
             is
             ,
             you
             do
             not
             yet
             know
             ,
             not
             having
             yet
             made
             due
             trial
             .
             That
             you
             cannot
             of
             your selves
             overcome
             ,
             it
             is
             out
             of
             question
             :
             But
             have
             you
             tried
             what
             help
             might
             be
             got
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             in
             the
             use
             of
             Gods
             own
             prescribed
             means
             ?
             If
             that
             course
             bring
             you
             in
             no
             help
             ,
             then
             may
             you
             understand
             how
             much
             you
             have
             provoked
             the
             Lord.
             For
             though
             he
             have
             promised
             ,
             that
             for
             such
             as
             turn
             at
             his
             reproof
             ,
             he
             will
             
               pour
               out
               his
               Spirit
               to
               them
            
             ;
             
             yet
             they
             
               who
               when
               he
               calls
               refuse
            
             ,
             and
             
               when
               he
               stretches
               out
               his
               hand
               regard
               not
               ,
               but
               set
               at
               naught
               all
               his
               counsel
               ,
               &c.
            
             may
             
               call
               and
               not
               be
               answered
            
             ,
             may
             
               seek
               him
               early
               and
               not
               find
               him
               .
            
             And
             
               that
               wickedness
            
             may
             somewhat
             be
             estimated
             by
             
               this
               effect
            
             ,
             that
             thus
             it
             makes
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Grace
             retire
             ,
             that
             free
             ,
             benign
             ,
             merciful
             Spirit
             ,
             the
             Author
             
             of
             all
             love
             ,
             sweetness
             and
             goodness
             ,
             become
             to
             a
             forlorn
             soul
             a
             resolved
             stranger
             .
             If
             you
             are
             so
             given
             up
             ,
             you
             have
             first
             given
             up
             your selves
             ;
             You
             have
             wilfully
             cast
             him
             out
             of
             your
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             hardened
             your
             own
             hearts
             against
             him
             ,
             who
             was
             the
             Spring
             of
             your
             Life
             and
             Being
             ,
             and
             in
             whom
             is
             all
             your
             Hope
             :
             And
             whether
             this
             malignity
             of
             your
             hearts
             shall
             ever
             finally
             be
             overcome
             or
             no
             (
             as
             you
             have
             no
             cause
             to
             despair
             but
             it
             may
             be
             overcome
             ,
             if
             apprehending
             your
             life
             to
             lie
             upon
             it
             ,
             you
             wait
             and
             strive
             ,
             and
             pray
             and
             cry
             ,
             as
             your
             case
             requires
             )
             ;
             Yet
             do
             you
             not
             see
             it
             to
             be
             a
             fearful
             pitch
             of
             malignity
             ?
             and
             so
             much
             the
             worse
             and
             more
             vicious
             by
             how
             much
             it
             is
             more
             hardly
             overcome
             ?
          
           
             That
             we
             may
             here
             be
             a
             little
             more
             particular
             ▪
             Consider
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             
               How
               tumultuous
               and
               disorderly
               a
               thing
               this
               your
               disaffection
               is
               ?
            
             You
             are
             here
             to
             consider
             its
             
               direct
               tendency
            
             ,
             its
             natural
             aptitude
             or
             what
             it
             doth
             of
             it self
             ,
             and
             in
             its
             own
             nature
             lead
             and
             tend
             to
             .
             If
             you
             may
             withdraw
             your
             delight
             and
             love
             from
             God
             ,
             then
             so
             may
             all
             
               other
               men
            
             as
             well
             :
             Therefore
             now
             view
             the
             
               thing
               it self
            
             in
             the
             common
             nature
             of
             it
             ;
             And
             so
             ,
             Is
             not
             aversion
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             a
             manifest
             contrariety
             to
             the
             
               order
               of
               things
            
             ?
             A
             turning
             all
             upside
             down
             ?
             A
             shattering
             and
             breaking
             asunder
             the
             bond
             between
             
               rational
               appetite
            
             and
             the
             
               First
               Good
            
             ?
             A
             disjointing
             and
             unhinging
             of
             the
             best
             and
             noblest
             part
             of
             Gods
             Creation
             from
             its
             station
             and
             rest
             ,
             its
             proper
             basis
             and
             center
             ?
             How
             fearful
             a
             rupture
             doth
             it
             make
             !
             
             How
             violent
             and
             destructive
             a
             dislocation
             !
             If
             you
             could
             break
             in
             pieces
             the
             orderly
             contexture
             of
             the
             whole
             universe
             within
             it self
             ,
             reduce
             the
             frame
             of
             nature
             to
             utmost
             confusion
             ,
             rout
             all
             the
             ranks
             and
             orders
             of
             creatures
             ,
             tear
             asunder
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             and
             dissolve
             the
             compacted
             body
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             mingle
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             together
             ,
             and
             resolve
             the
             World
             into
             a
             meer
             heap
             ;
             you
             had
             not
             done
             so
             great
             a
             spoil
             ,
             as
             in
             breaking
             the
             primary
             and
             
               supream
               tie
            
             and
             bond
             between
             the
             Creature
             and
             his
             Maker
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             between
             the
             Creator
             of
             all
             things
             and
             his
             more
             noble
             and
             excellent
             Creature
             .
             All
             the
             relations
             ,
             aptitudes
             and
             inclinations
             of
             the
             Creatures
             to
             one
             another
             ,
             are
             but
             inferior
             and
             subordinate
             to
             those
             between
             the
             Creatures
             and
             their
             common
             Author
             and
             Lord
             :
             And
             here
             the
             corruption
             of
             the
             best
             cannot
             but
             be
             worst
             of
             all
             .
             Again
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             
               What
               an
               unnatural
               wickedness
               is
               it
               !
            
             To
             hate
             thy
             own
             original
             !
             To
             disaffect
             the
             most
             bountiful
             Author
             of
             thy
             Life
             and
             Being
             !
             What
             wouldst
             thou
             say
             to
             it
             if
             thy
             own
             Son
             did
             hate
             the
             very
             sight
             of
             thee
             ,
             and
             abhor
             thy
             presence
             and
             converse
             ?
             especially
             if
             thou
             never
             gave
             him
             the
             least
             cause
             ?
             If
             thou
             hast
             been
             always
             kind
             and
             indulgent
             ,
             full
             of
             paternal
             affection
             towards
             him
             ,
             Wouldst
             thou
             not
             think
             him
             a
             vile
             miscreant
             ?
             and
             reckon
             the
             Earth
             too
             good
             to
             bear
             him
             ?
             But
             how
             little
             ,
             and
             in
             how
             low
             a
             capacity
             ,
             didst
             thou
             contribute
             to
             his
             being
             in
             comparison
             of
             what
             the
             great
             God
             did
             to
             thine
             ?
             How
             little
             of
             natural
             excellency
             hast
             thou
             above
             him
             (
             it
             may
             
             be
             in
             many
             things
             besides
             this
             unhappy
             temper
             he
             much
             excels
             thee
             )
             when
             thou
             knowest
             ,
             in
             thy
             Maker
             is
             infinite
             excellency
             beyond
             what
             thou
             canst
             pretend
             unto
             ?
             And
             what
             cause
             canst
             thou
             pretend
             of
             disaffection
             towards
             him
             ?
             Many
             good
             works
             hath
             he
             done
             for
             thee
             ;
             For
             which
             of
             these
             dost
             thou
             hate
             him
             ?
             Whereby
             hath
             he
             ever
             disoblig'd
             thee
             ?
             With
             how
             sweet
             and
             gentle
             allurements
             hath
             he
             sought
             to
             win
             thy
             heart
             ?
             And
             is
             it
             not
             most
             vilely
             unnatural
             that
             thy
             spirit
             should
             be
             so
             sullenly
             averse
             to
             him
             ,
             who
             is
             pleased
             to
             be
             stiled
             the
             
               Father
               of
               Spirits
            
             ?
             And
             in
             which
             respect
             it
             may
             fitly
             be
             said
             to
             thee
             ,
             Dost
             thou
             thus
             requite
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             foolish
             Creature
             ,
             
             and
             unwise
             ?
             
               Is
               not
               he
               thy
               Father
               —
               ?
            
             If
             thou
             didst
             hate
             thy
             own
             self
             (
             in
             a
             sense
             
               besides
               that
            
             wherein
             it
             is
             thy
             duty
             ,
             and
             in
             which
             kind
             thou
             hast
             ,
             as
             thy
             case
             is
             ,
             a
             just
             and
             dreadful
             cause
             of
             self-abhorrence
             )
             ;
             If
             thou
             didst
             hate
             thy
             very
             life
             and
             being
             ,
             and
             wer't
             laying
             daily
             plots
             of
             self-destruction
             ,
             thou
             wer
             't
             not
             so
             wickedly
             unnatural
             .
             He
             is
             more
             intimate
             to
             thee
             than
             thou
             art
             to
             thy self
             .
             That
             natural
             love
             which
             thou
             owest
             to
             thy self
             ,
             and
             the
             nature
             from
             whence
             it
             springs
             ,
             is
             
               of
               him
            
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             be
             
               subordinate
               to
               him
            
             ;
             And
             by
             a
             
               superior
               Law
               of
               Nature
            
             ,
             thy
             very
             life
             if
             he
             actually
             require
             it
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             sacrific'd
             and
             laid
             down
             for
             his
             sake
             :
             Thy
             hatred
             towards
             him
             ,
             therefore
             is
             more
             prodigiously
             unnatural
             ,
             than
             if
             it
             were
             most
             directly
             and
             implacably
             bent
             against
             thy self
             .
          
           
             And
             yet
             also
             in
             hating
             him
             thou
             dost
             most
             
             mischievously
             hate
             thy self
             too
             ;
             and
             all
             that
             thou
             dost
             ,
             by
             the
             instinct
             of
             that
             vile
             temper
             of
             heart
             towards
             him
             thou
             dost
             it
             against
             thy
             own
             life
             and
             soul.
             Thou
             cuttest
             thy self
             off
             from
             him
             who
             is
             thy
             life
             ;
             and
             art
             laying
             a
             train
             for
             the
             blowing
             up
             of
             thy
             eternal
             Hope
             .
             
               All
               that
               hate
               him
               love
               death
               .
            
             
             Further
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             
               It
               is
               the
               most
               comprehensive
               wickedness
               ,
               and
               which
               entirely
               contains
               all
               other
               in
               it
               .
            
             For
             as
             the
             
               Law
               of
               Love
            
             is
             the
             universal
             and
             summary
             Law
             ,
             comprehending
             all
             Duty
             ,
             and
             even
             
               as
               it
               enjoins
               love
               to
               God
            
             (
             for
             love
             to
             men
             ought
             to
             be
             resolved
             into
             that
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             for
             his
             sake
             )
             ;
             so
             must
             
               disaffection
               to
               God
            
             be
             comprehensive
             
               of
               all
               sin
            
             ,
             whereinto
             every
             thing
             of
             it
             resolves
             it self
             .
             Dost
             thou
             not
             see
             then
             how
             thou
             cancellest
             and
             nullifiest
             the
             obligation
             of
             all
             Laws
             ,
             while
             thou
             hast
             no
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ?
             offerest
             violence
             to
             the
             very
             knot
             and
             juncture
             ,
             wherein
             they
             all
             meet
             and
             are
             infolded
             together
             ?
             Not
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             therefore
             ,
             What
             can
             it
             be
             but
             the
             very
             top
             of
             Rebellion
             ?
             What
             will
             thy
             sobriety
             ,
             thy
             justice
             ,
             thy
             charity
             signifie
             ,
             if
             thou
             hadst
             these
             to
             glory
             in
             ,
             while
             thou
             art
             habitually
             disaffected
             to
             thy
             God
             ?
             Let
             men
             value
             thee
             for
             these
             ,
             to
             whom
             thereby
             thou
             shewest
             some
             respect
             ;
             But
             shall
             he
             ,
             who
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             knows
             thou
             bearest
             none
             to
             him
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             
               It
               is
               a
               most
               reproachful
               contemptuous
               wickedness
               !
            
             To
             him
             ,
             I
             mean
             ,
             whom
             it
             most
             directly
             offends
             against
             !
             Carries
             it
             not
             in
             it
             most
             horrid
             contumely
             and
             indignity
             to
             the
             most
             high
             God
             ?
             It
             is
             a
             practical
             denial
             of
             all
             those
             
             excellencies
             in
             him
             ,
             that
             render
             and
             recommend
             him
             the
             most
             worthy
             object
             of
             
               our
               delight
            
             ;
             it
             is
             
               more
               than
               saying
            
             ,
             He
             is
             
               not
               good
               ,
               holy
               ,
               wise
               ,
               just
            
             and
             true
             .
             Things
             may
             on
             the
             sudden
             be
             said
             that
             are
             not
             
               deliberately
               thought
            
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             retracted
             the
             next
             breath
             ;
             but
             a
             man
             's
             
               stated
               ,
               constant
               course
            
             and
             way
             signifies
             the
             apprehension
             it
             proceeds
             from
             to
             be
             fixed
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             the
             
               setled
               habitual
               sense
               of
               his
               Soul.
               
            
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             and
             since
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             Thou
             delightest
             in
             other
             things
             whilst
             thou
             
               delightest
               not
               in
               him
            
             ;
             It
             plainly
             imports
             it
             to
             be
             the
             
               constant
               sense
            
             of
             thy
             very
             heart
             ,
             that
             
               those
               things
            
             are
             better
             than
             He.
             What
             is
             it
             then
             that
             hath
             thy
             delight
             and
             love
             ?
             Whereon
             is
             thy
             heart
             set
             ?
             Commune
             with
             thy self
             .
             Dost
             thou
             not
             tremble
             ,
             when
             thou
             findest
             this
             to
             be
             thy
             very
             case
             ,
             that
             thou
             may'st
             truly
             say
             ,
             
               I
               can
               delight
               in
               creatures
               ,
               but
               not
               in
               God
               ;
               can
               take
               pleasure
               in
               my
               friend
               ,
               but
               none
               in
               him
               ;
               I
               must
               confess
               it
               to
               be
               the
               temper
               of
               my
               heart
               ,
               that
               I
               love
               my
               Father
               ,
               Mother
               ,
               Son
               or
               Daughter
               more
               than
               Christ
               :
            
             Is
             it
             not
             then
             to
             be
             concluded
             from
             his
             own
             express
             word
             ,
             
             that
             thou
             art
             not
             worthy
             of
             him
             ,
             
             and
             canst
             be
             none
             of
             his
             Disciple
             ?
             Nay
             ,
             may'st
             thou
             not
             moreover
             truly
             say
             ,
             that
             thou
             lovest
             this
             base
             impure
             earth
             more
             than
             God
             ?
             That
             thou
             takest
             more
             delight
             in
             thy
             companions
             in
             wickedness
             ;
             canst
             more
             solace
             thy self
             with
             a
             drunkard
             on
             the
             Ale-bench
             ,
             with
             a
             lascivious
             wanton
             ,
             with
             a
             prophane
             scoffer
             at
             godliness
             ,
             than
             with
             the
             blessed
             God
             ?
             That
             thou
             canst
             allow
             
             thy self
             to
             riot
             with
             the
             luxurious
             ,
             and
             eat
             and
             drink
             with
             the
             drunken
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             do
             such
             things
             ,
             but
             
               take
               pleasure
            
             in
             them
             that
             do
             them
             ,
             yea
             and
             thy self
             
               take
               pleasure
            
             to
             commit
             iniquity
             ;
             but
             in
             the
             glorious
             holy
             God
             thou
             canst
             
               take
               no
               pleasure
            
             !
             Then
             wouldst
             thou
             be
             content
             to
             carry
             the
             plain
             sense
             of
             thy
             heart
             written
             on
             thy
             forehead
             ,
             and
             proclaim
             it
             to
             all
             the
             world
             ,
             
               as
               thy
               resolved
               practical
               judgment
            
             ,
             That
             thou
             accountest
             
               thy
               Friends
               ,
               thy
               Relations
               ,
               this
               vile
               and
               vanishing
               World
               ,
               thy
               wicked
               Associates
               ,
               thine
               own
               impure
               lusts
               ,
               better
               than
               God
               ?
            
             And
             dost
             thou
             not
             yet
             see
             the
             horrid
             vileness
             of
             thy
             own
             heart
             in
             all
             this
             ?
             Art
             thou
             yet
             an
             harmless
             innocent
             creature
             ,
             an
             honest
             well-meaning
             man
             for
             all
             this
             ?
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             wil't
             thou
             not
             see
             ,
             that
             thine
             heart
             goes
             against
             thy
             Conscience
             all
             this
             while
             ?
             That
             thou
             disaffectest
             him
             in
             whom
             thou
             knowest
             thou
             shouldst
             delight
             ?
             That
             the
             temper
             of
             thy
             Spirit
             is
             a
             continual
             affront
             to
             thy
             profession
             ,
             through
             the
             perfidious
             falshood
             and
             vanity
             whereof
             ,
             thou
             dost
             but
             cover
             hatred
             with
             lying
             lips
             ?
             Is
             not
             that
             an
             odious
             thing
             which
             thou
             so
             
               seekest
               to
               hide
            
             ;
             and
             which
             ,
             though
             thou
             art
             not
             loath
             to
             be
             guilty
             of
             it
             ,
             thou
             art
             so
             very
             unwilling
             should
             be
             known
             ?
          
           
             And
             since
             thou
             art
             so
             very
             loath
             it
             should
             be
             known
             ,
             How
             canst
             thou
             hold
             up
             thy
             head
             before
             that
             eye
             that
             is
             as
             a
             flame
             of
             fire
             ,
             that
             searches
             thy
             heart
             and
             tries
             thy
             reins
             ,
             that
             observes
             thy
             wayward
             spirit
             ,
             and
             
             sees
             with
             how
             obstinate
             an
             aversion
             thou
             declinest
             his
             acquaintance
             and
             converse
             ?
             Wilt
             thou
             stand
             before
             the
             glorious
             Majesty
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             who
             knows
             thy
             disaffected
             heart
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             a
             small
             transgression
             thou
             hast
             been
             guilty
             of
             ,
             in
             not
             
               loving
               him
            
             and
             making
             him
             thy
             delight
             ?
             Dost
             thou
             think
             this
             will
             pass
             for
             a
             little
             offence
             in
             the
             solemn
             judgment
             of
             the
             great
             day
             that
             is
             drawing
             on
             ?
             Or
             will
             thy
             heart
             indure
             ,
             or
             thy
             hands
             be
             strong
             ,
             when
             the
             secrets
             of
             all
             hearts
             shall
             be
             laid
             open
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             stand
             convicted
             before
             his
             Tribunal
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             of
             having
             born
             all
             thy
             days
             a
             false
             disloyal
             heart
             ,
             full
             of
             malignity
             and
             ill-will
             to
             thy
             Soveraign
             Lord
             ,
             whom
             thou
             wast
             so
             many
             ways
             obliged
             to
             serve
             and
             cleave
             to
             with
             delight
             and
             love
             ?
          
           
             When
             the
             difference
             shall
             be
             visibly
             put
             between
             those
             that
             
               delighted
               in
               God
            
             and
             them
             that
             
               never
               did
            
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             be
             markt
             out
             for
             one
             of
             them
             that
             didst
             in
             heart
             depart
             from
             him
             all
             thy
             days
             ,
             and
             be
             thereupon
             abandon'd
             to
             the
             society
             of
             that
             horrid
             accursed
             crew
             ,
             in
             whom
             only
             thou
             didst
             delight
             :
             Surely
             thou
             wilt
             not
             then
             say
             ,
             thy
             transgression
             was
             small
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             But
             we
             are
             also
             to
             expostulate
             with
             
               another
               sort
            
             ;
             who
             ,
             though
             they
             are
             not
             altogether
             unacquainted
             with
             this
             heavenly
             exercise
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             yet
             too
             much
             disuse
             it
             ,
             and
             apply
             not
             themselves
             to
             it
             (
             as
             who
             do
             ?
             )
             with
             that
             constancy
             and
             intention
             of
             Soul
             as
             the
             matter
             requires
             .
             And
             
             these
             we
             are
             to
             put
             upon
             the
             consideration
             of
             such
             evils
             ,
             as
             either
             
               are
               included
            
             in
             this
             neglect
             ,
             or
             are
             ally'd
             unto
             it
             (
             and
             do
             therefore
             accompany
             and
             aggravate
             the
             natural
             evil
             of
             it
             )
             ,
             as
             either
             causing
             it
             ,
             or
             being
             caused
             by
             it
             .
             And
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Those
             whom
             we
             now
             intend
             are
             to
             bethink
             themselves
             ,
             
               what
               evil
               is
               included
            
             in
             their
             neglect
             of
             this
             part
             of
             
               holy
               Practice
            
             .
             And
             you
             are
             to
             judg
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             it
             by
             its
             disagreement
             with
             such
             known
             and
             usual
             measures
             ,
             as
             whereto
             our
             practice
             should
             be
             sutable
             ,
             and
             which
             in
             reason
             and
             justice
             it
             is
             to
             be
             estimated
             and
             censured
             by
             ;
             as
             for
             instance
             ,
             
               The
               Divine
               Law
               ,
               Conscience
               ,
               Experience
               ,
               Obligation
               by
               kindness
               ,
               Stipulation
               ,
               Relation
               ,
               Profession
               ,
               Tendency
               of
               the
               new
               Nature
               ,
               Dictates
               of
               Gods
               Spirit
               ,
               The
               course
               and
               drift
               of
               his
               design
            
             ;
             with
             all
             which
             it
             will
             be
             found
             to
             have
             very
             ill
             accord
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               How
               directly
               opposite
               is
               it
               to
               the
               Law
               of
               God!
            
             Not
             only
             to
             his
             express
             
               written
               Precept
            
             ,
             but
             to
             that
             immutable
             eternal
             Law
             which
             arises
             from
             our
             very
             Natures
             refer'd
             unto
             his
             !
             The
             obligingness
             or
             binding
             force
             whereof
             ,
             doth
             not
             so
             much
             stand
             in
             this
             ,
             
               That
               the
               thing
               to
               be
               done
               is
               such
               as
               whereto
               our
               Natures
               were
               originally
               inclin'd
               ,
            
             (
             which
             yet
             is
             of
             great
             weight
             ,
             they
             having
             been
             thus
             inclin'd
             and
             determin'd
             by
             our
             Maker
             himself
             ,
             so
             that
             
               our
               inclination
            
             was
             in
             this
             case
             expressive
             of
             
               his
               Will
               )
            
             ;
             but
             (
             which
             is
             indeed
             the
             very
             reason
             of
             that
             ,
             for
             we
             must
             conceive
             the
             
               Divine
               Wisdom
            
             in
             the
             blessed
             God
             to
             
             conduct
             all
             the
             determinations
             of
             
               His
               Will
               )
               ,
               the
               natural
               unchangeable
               congruity
               of
               the
               thing
               it self
               .
            
             And
             therefore
             as
             to
             the
             things
             whose
             
               constant
               fitness
            
             would
             render
             them
             matter
             of
             Duty
             to
             us
             
               at
               all
               times
            
             ,
             it
             was
             provided
             ,
             inclinations
             sutable
             to
             them
             should
             be
             planted
             in
             our
             Natures
             from
             the
             beginning
             :
             But
             things
             that
             were
             to
             be
             matter
             of
             Duty
             but
             
               for
               a
               time
            
             ,
             having
             only
             a
             
               present
               fitness
            
             unto
             some
             present
             juncture
             or
             state
             of
             affairs
             ,
             it
             was
             sufficient
             that
             the
             Divine
             Pleasure
             should
             be
             signified
             about
             them
             in
             some
             way
             more
             sutable
             to
             their
             occasional
             and
             
               temporary
               use
            
             ,
             and
             that
             might
             not
             so
             certainly
             extend
             to
             all
             men
             and
             times
             .
          
           
             That
             great
             Law
             of
             
               Love
               to
               God
            
             (
             which
             comprehends
             this
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             )
             is
             you
             may
             be
             sure
             of
             that
             former
             sort
             ,
             it
             being
             impossible
             there
             should
             be
             a
             reasonable
             Creature
             in
             being
             ,
             but
             it
             will
             immediately
             and
             always
             be
             his
             Duty
             to
             
               love
               God
            
             supreamly
             and
             above
             all
             things
             ;
             yea
             ,
             that
             you
             must
             know
             is
             the
             most
             fundamental
             of
             all
             such
             Laws
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             when
             because
             original
             impressions
             were
             become
             so
             obscure
             and
             illegible
             in
             our
             Natures
             ,
             it
             became
             necessary
             there
             should
             be
             a
             new
             and
             more
             express
             Edition
             of
             them
             in
             Gods
             written
             Word
             :
          
           
             This
             is
             placed
             in
             the
             very
             front
             of
             them
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               have
               no
               other
               gods
               before
               me
            
             ;
             Which
             signifies
             only
             the
             having
             of
             a
             God
             in
             Name
             and
             no
             more
             ,
             if
             it
             doth
             not
             signifie
             
               loving
               him
               before
               all
               other
            
             .
             Wherefore
             when
             our
             Saviour
             was
             to
             tell
             which
             was
             the
             first
             and
             
             
               great
               Commandment
            
             ,
             he
             gives
             it
             thus
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               love
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               with
               all
               thy
               heart
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               soul
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               mind
               .
            
             The
             thing
             enjoined
             by
             this
             Law
             is
             most
             substantial
             ,
             the
             life
             and
             soul
             of
             all
             other
             Duty
             ,
             and
             without
             which
             all
             that
             we
             can
             do
             besides
             is
             but
             meer
             shadow
             ;
             for
             whatsoever
             we
             are
             enjoined
             to
             do
             else
             ,
             we
             must
             understand
             enjoined
             to
             be
             done
             
               out
               of
               love
               to
               God
            
             ,
             as
             the
             principle
             whence
             it
             must
             proceed
             ;
             and
             not
             proceeding
             thence
             ,
             the
             moral
             goodness
             of
             it
             vanishes
             as
             a
             beam
             cut
             off
             from
             the
             Sun.
             
               For
               on
               this
            
             (
             with
             the
             other
             which
             is
             like
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             which
             also
             hangs
             upon
             this
             )
             
               hang
               all
               the
               Law
               and
               the
               Prophets
               .
            
             And
             what
             durst
             thou
             who
             knowest
             God
             ,
             or
             rather
             art
             known
             of
             him
             ,
             neglect
             so
             great
             and
             substantial
             a
             Duty
             ?
             This
             is
             not
             like
             the
             command
             of
             
               wearing
               fringe
               on
               the
               borders
               of
               the
               garment
               ,
            
             or
             of
             
               not
               wearing
               a
               garment
               of
               linnen
               and
               woollen
            
             ;
             wherein
             sure
             they
             whom
             it
             concerned
             should
             have
             been
             very
             undutiful
             to
             have
             disobeyed
             :
             But
             it
             is
             the
             very
             greatest
             among
             the
             great
             things
             of
             the
             Law
             ;
             A
             Duty
             upon
             which
             all
             Duty
             depends
             ,
             even
             for
             life
             and
             breath
             !
             Should
             not
             this
             have
             obtain'd
             in
             thy
             practice
             ,
             that
             ought
             to
             run
             through
             and
             animate
             all
             the
             rest
             ?
             Or
             was
             it
             fit
             it
             should
             ly
             dead
             and
             bound
             up
             in
             the
             
               habitual
               principle
            
             ,
             and
             not
             go
             forth
             (
             or
             very
             rarely
             )
             into
             act
             and
             exercise
             ?
             Or
             didst
             thou
             do
             thy
             duty
             herein
             ,
             by
             being
             only
             inclin'd
             to
             do
             it
             ?
             Or
             would
             not
             the
             inclination
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             right
             ,
             infer
             (
             or
             otherwise
             is
             it
             like
             to
             last
             long
             without
             )
             sutable
             
             exercise
             ?
             
             Why
             was
             so
             
               express
               a
               Law
            
             neglected
             ,
             so
             often
             enjoined
             (
             or
             the
             practice
             mentioned
             with
             approbation
             ,
             
             or
             the
             neglect
             of
             it
             animadverted
             upon
             with
             abhorrence
             ,
             
             in
             the
             very
             terms
             ,
             or
             in
             terms
             evidently
             enough
             of
             the
             same
             import
             )
             in
             the
             Sacred
             Volume
             ?
             
             How
             could
             you
             turn
             over
             the
             leaves
             of
             that
             Book
             and
             not
             often
             meet
             with
             such
             words
             ,
             
               Rejoice
               in
               the
               Lord
               ye
               righteous
            
             ;
             
             
               Rejoice
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               again
               I
               say
               to
               you
               rejoice
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             Should
             not
             so
             
               frequent
               inculcations
            
             of
             the
             same
             thing
             have
             been
             answered
             by
             the
             frequency
             and
             continuedness
             of
             your
             practice
             of
             it
             ?
             
             Or
             was
             it
             enough
             now
             and
             then
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             casually
             and
             by
             chance
             ,
             to
             hit
             upon
             the
             doing
             of
             what
             is
             so
             momentous
             a
             part
             of
             your
             Religion
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             be
             the
             business
             of
             your
             life
             ?
             Ought
             it
             not
             to
             cut
             your
             heart
             to
             find
             your self
             convicted
             herein
             of
             a
             disobedient
             omission
             ?
             And
             when
             the
             great
             God
             exacts
             that
             stated
             homage
             from
             you
             ,
             
               A
               frequent
               ,
               practical
               ,
               explicite
               ,
               recognition
               and
               owning
               of
               him
               as
               the
               supream
               delight
               ,
               the
               great
               solace
               ,
               repose
               and
               rest
               of
               your
               Souls
               ,
            
             that
             you
             have
             been
             so
             little
             aw'd
             with
             the
             apprehension
             of
             his
             authority
             and
             right
             in
             this
             case
             ?
             When
             he
             hath
             mercifully
             chosen
             ,
             to
             make
             that
             the
             matter
             of
             his
             command
             and
             claim
             ,
             wherein
             your
             own
             advantage
             ,
             satisfaction
             and
             content
             doth
             so
             entirely
             consist
             ?
             That
             your
             practice
             is
             herein
             
               disagreeable
               to
               a
               Law
            
             ,
             speaks
             it
             sinful
             ;
             that
             it
             transgresses
             
               so
               great
               a
               Law
            
             ,
             highly
             aggravates
             your
             sin
             :
             A
             Law
             so
             important
             ,
             upon
             which
             so
             much
             depends
             ,
             so
             express
             and
             plain
             ,
             legible
             
             in
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             reference
             whereto
             ,
             the
             very
             excellency
             of
             the
             object
             would
             suffice
             to
             be
             a
             Law
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             dictate
             your
             duty
             ,
             if
             no
             command
             had
             been
             otherwise
             given
             in
             the
             case
             .
             Surely
             the
             neglect
             of
             
               such
               a
               Law
            
             cannot
             have
             been
             without
             
               great
               transgression
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Your
               own
               Conscience
               you
               will
               acknowledg
               ought
               to
               be
               a
               Rule
               to
               you
               ,
               when
               it
               manifestly
               agrees
               with
               that
               former
               Rule
               ,
               The
               supream
               and
               Royal
               Law.
            
             Do
             you
             not
             find
             your selves
             herein
             to
             have
             offended
             against
             that
             ?
             It
             may
             be
             your
             sleeping
             Conscience
             did
             not
             find
             your self
             to
             offend
             :
             But
             do
             you
             not
             find
             your self
             to
             have
             offended
             it
             ,
             now
             beginning
             to
             awake
             ?
             This
             is
             not
             a
             doubtful
             and
             disputable
             matter
             ,
             (
             perhaps
             your
             minding
             such
             matters
             too
             much
             ,
             hath
             hindered
             you
             in
             this
             )
             ,
             surely
             you
             will
             not
             make
             a
             scruple
             of
             it
             ,
             a
             difficult
             case
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             
               Whether
               you
               should
               take
               the
               Lord
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               for
               your
               God
               ?
            
             Whether
             you
             should
             chuse
             him
             for
             your
             portion
             ,
             seek
             rest
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             place
             upon
             him
             your
             delight
             and
             love
             ?
             And
             if
             in
             so
             plain
             a
             case
             your
             Conscience
             hath
             not
             exprest
             it self
             offended
             ,
             you
             have
             offended
             against
             it
             ,
             in
             letting
             it
             sleep
             so
             securely
             ,
             and
             not
             stirring
             it
             up
             to
             its
             proper
             office
             and
             work
             .
             And
             know
             ,
             that
             
               sinning
               against
               the
               light
               of
               ones
               own
               Conscience
               ,
            
             doth
             not
             stand
             only
             
               in
               going
               against
               the
               actual
               deliberated
               thoughts
               which
               we
               have
               had
               ,
            
             but
             also
             in
             walking
             contrary
             to
             our
             
               habitual
               knowledg
            
             ,
             and
             the
             thoughts
             and
             apprehensions
             which
             thence
             we
             
               might
               and
               
               should
               actually
               have
               had
            
             ;
             Inadvertency
             and
             disregard
             of
             known
             duty
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             usual
             way
             of
             
               sinning
               against
               Conscience
            
             .
             And
             besides
             ,
             Have
             you
             not
             in
             this
             often
             gone
             against
             the
             repeated
             checks
             of
             your
             own
             Consciences
             !
             Bethink
             your selves
             ,
             Have
             you
             not
             in
             your
             prayers
             intermingled
             frequent
             confessions
             of
             your
             cold
             love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             have
             taken
             so
             little
             delight
             in
             him
             ?
             And
             were
             those
             only
             
               customary
               forms
            
             with
             you
             ,
             and
             words
             of
             course
             ?
             Surely
             (
             though
             it
             might
             not
             be
             urgently
             enough
             )
             your
             Consciences
             did
             at
             such
             times
             accuse
             you
             .
             And
             let
             that
             be
             a
             dreadful
             thing
             in
             your
             eyes
             ,
             to
             continue
             a
             course
             which
             ,
             if
             you
             consider
             ,
             you
             cannot
             but
             condemn
             .
             And
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             
               Ought
               not
               your
               Experience
               to
               have
               been
               instructive
               to
               you
            
             ;
             as
             it
             commonly
             is
             to
             men
             in
             other
             matters
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             in
             this
             neglect
             run
             counter
             to
             such
             instruction
             ?
             By
             this
             means
             you
             are
             suppos'd
             to
             have
             known
             the
             sweetness
             ,
             as
             by
             that
             last
             mentioned
             ,
             the
             equity
             and
             fitness
             of
             delight
             in
             God.
             Have
             not
             those
             been
             your
             best
             hours
             ,
             wherein
             you
             could
             freely
             solace
             your selves
             in
             him
             ?
             was
             not
             one
             of
             them
             better
             than
             a
             thousand
             otherwise
             spent
             !
             Did
             you
             never
             find
             it
             
               good
               for
               you
            
             ,
             
             in
             this
             way
             ,
             
               to
               draw
               nigh
               to
               God
            
             ?
             and
             hereupon
             
               pronounce
               them
               blessed
               whom
               he
               did
               chuse
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               cause
               to
               approach
               unto
               him
               ?
            
             And
             where
             is
             that
             blessedness
             of
             which
             ye
             spake
             ?
             Have
             ye
             forgotten
             ,
             that
             ye
             ever
             thus
             tasted
             how
             gracious
             the
             Lord
             was
             ?
             And
             't
             is
             like
             ,
             you
             have
             
               by
               your
               taste
            
             found
             it
             also
             an
             
               evil
               
               thing
               and
               bitter
               to
               depart
               from
               him
               .
            
             Methinks
             you
             should
             reckon
             it
             a
             great
             increase
             of
             your
             sin
             to
             have
             gone
             against
             your
             own
             sense
             ,
             when
             especially
             ,
             your
             superior
             rule
             might
             give
             you
             assurance
             it
             did
             not
             deceive
             you
             .
             And
             doth
             it
             not
             expresly
             oblige
             you
             to
             follow
             its
             guidance
             ,
             
             while
             it
             puts
             the
             character
             of
             perfect
             ,
             or
             of
             
               being
               come
               to
               full
               age
            
             ,
             upon
             them
             ,
             who
             
               by
               reason
               of
               use
            
             (
             or
             accustomedness
             )
             have
             
               senses
               exercised
            
             to
             discern
             between
             Good
             and
             Evil
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             
               And
               what
               will
               you
               say
               to
               the
               great
               obligations
               which
               the
               love
               and
               kindness
               of
               God
               have
               laid
               upon
               you
               ?
            
             Will
             you
             not
             esteem
             your selves
             to
             have
             been
             thereby
             bound
             to
             place
             your
             love
             and
             delight
             on
             him
             ?
             Could
             you
             decline
             doing
             so
             without
             putting
             a
             slight
             upon
             his
             love
             ,
             who
             is
             infinite
             in
             what
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             
               who
               is
               love
            
             ?
             was
             not
             his
             love
             enough
             to
             deserve
             yours
             ?
             The
             love
             of
             a
             God
             ,
             that
             of
             a
             silly
             worm
             !
             Were
             you
             not
             oblig'd
             to
             love
             him
             back
             again
             ,
             who
             was
             so
             much
             before-hand
             with
             you
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             love
             ?
             
             
               To
               love
               him
               who
               had
               loved
               you
               first
               ?
            
             The
             first
             love
             is
             Therefore
             perfectly
             free
             ;
             the
             latter
             is
             thereby
             certainly
             obliged
             and
             become
             bounden
             duty
             .
             How
             variously
             and
             with
             how
             mighty
             demonstration
             hath
             that
             love
             exprest
             and
             evidence't
             it self
             ?
             It
             hath
             not
             glanc't
             at
             you
             ,
             but
             rested
             on
             you
             ,
             and
             setled
             
               in
               delight
            
             .
             He
             hath
             so
             stood
             affected
             towards
             the
             people
             of
             his
             choice
             ,
             and
             put
             a
             name
             on
             them
             on
             purpose
             to
             signifie
             his
             delight
             in
             them
             .
             
             
               He
               rejoices
               over
               them
               with
               joy
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               rests
               in
               his
               love
               to
               them
               .
            
             
             
               The
               Lord
               taketh
               pleasure
               in
               his
               people
               .
               
               His
               delights
               have
            
             from
             of
             old
             
               been
               with
               the
               Sons
               of
               men
               .
            
             
             Could
             He
             delight
             in
             such
             as
             you
             ,
             and
             cannot
             you
             in
             him
             ?
             Be
             amazed
             at
             this
             !
             How
             mean
             an
             Object
             had
             he
             for
             his
             delight
             !
             How
             glorious
             and
             enamouring
             a
             one
             have
             you
             !
             Excellency
             and
             Love
             in
             conjunction
             !
             whereas
             in
             you
             were
             met
             Deformity
             and
             ill-will
             !
             He
             hath
             loved
             you
             so
             as
             to
             remit
             to
             you
             much
             .
             To
             give
             to
             you
             and
             for
             you
             a
             great
             deal
             more
             ,
             Himself
             and
             the
             Son
             of
             his
             delights
             .
             He
             then
             (
             thou
             shouldst
             recount
             )
             did
             invite
             thee
             
               to
               delight
               in
               him
            
             who
             hath
             always
             sought
             thy
             good
             ,
             done
             strange
             things
             to
             effect
             it
             ,
             takes
             pleasure
             in
             thy
             prosperity
             and
             exercises
             loving
             kindness
             towards
             thee
             with
             delight
             ?
             Who
             contrived
             thy
             Happiness
             ;
             wrought
             out
             thy
             Peace
             at
             the
             expence
             of
             Blood
             ,
             even
             
               his
               own
            
             ;
             Taught
             thee
             the
             way
             of
             Life
             ,
             cared
             for
             thee
             all
             thy
             days
             ,
             hath
             supplied
             thy
             wants
             ,
             born
             thy
             burdens
             ,
             eas'd
             thy
             griefs
             ,
             wip't
             thy
             tears
             .
             And
             if
             now
             he
             say
             to
             thee
             ;
             
               After
               all
               this
               couldst
               thou
               take
               no
               pleasure
               in
               me
               ?
            
             Will
             not
             that
             confound
             and
             shame
             thee
             ?
             He
             hath
             exprest
             his
             love
             by
             his
             so
             earnest
             (
             and
             at
             last
             successful
             )
             endeavours
             to
             gain
             thine
             .
             By
             this
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             seemed
             to
             put
             a
             value
             on
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             he
             desisted
             not
             till
             in
             some
             degree
             he
             had
             won
             it
             :
             Whereupon
             there
             hath
             been
             an
             acquaintance
             ,
             a
             friendship
             ,
             some
             intimacies
             between
             him
             and
             thee
             ,
             according
             as
             sovereign
             Majesty
             hath
             vouchsafed
             to
             descend
             ,
             and
             advance
             sinful
             dust
             .
             And
             how
             disingenuous
             ,
             unbecoming
             and
             unsutable
             to
             all
             this
             is
             thy
             strangeness
             and
             distance
             afterwards
             !
             It
             
             it
             is
             more
             unworthy
             to
             cast
             out
             of
             your
             hearts
             than
             not
             to
             have
             admitted
             such
             a
             guest
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             How
             contrary
             is
             this
             omission
             to
             what
             by
             solemn
             
               vow
               and
               astipulation
            
             you
             have
             bound
             your selves
             to
             ?
             It
             hath
             graciously
             pleased
             the
             blessed
             God
             in
             his
             transactions
             with
             men
             to
             contrive
             his
             Laws
             into
             the
             
               form
               of
               a
               Covenant
            
             ,
             wherein
             upon
             terms
             ,
             he
             binds
             himself
             to
             them
             ,
             expecting
             (
             what
             he
             obtains
             from
             such
             as
             become
             his
             own
             )
             
               their
               restipulation
            
             .
             Wonderful
             grace
             !
             that
             he
             should
             article
             with
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             capitulate
             with
             the
             work
             of
             his
             own
             hands
             !
             And
             whereas
             his
             first
             and
             great
             Law
             (
             and
             which
             virtually
             being
             submitted
             to
             comprehends
             our
             obedience
             to
             all
             the
             rest
             )
             is
             as
             hath
             been
             noted
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               have
               no
               other
               Gods
               before
               me
            
             ;
             This
             also
             he
             gives
             forth
             often
             ,
             as
             the
             sum
             and
             abridgment
             of
             his
             
               Covenant
               ,
               That
               he
               will
               be
               our
               God
               ,
               and
               we
               shall
               be
               his
               people
               .
            
             Now
             this
             you
             have
             consented
             to
             ;
             and
             therein
             bound
             your selves
             ,
             (
             as
             you
             have
             heard
             our
             Saviour
             expounds
             the
             first
             and
             great
             Commandment
             )
             
               To
               love
               him
               with
               all
               your
               soul
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             And
             how
             well
             doth
             your
             neglect
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             agree
             and
             consist
             with
             this
             ?
             What
             ,
             love
             him
             with
             all
             your
             soul
             in
             whom
             you
             can
             rarely
             find
             your selves
             to
             take
             any
             pleasure
             ?
             Surely
             your
             hearts
             will
             now
             misgive
             and
             admit
             a
             conviction
             you
             have
             not
             dealt
             truly
             (
             as
             well
             as
             not
             kindly
             )
             in
             this
             .
             What
             ,
             not
             to
             keep
             Faith
             with
             the
             righteous
             God!
             To
             deceive
             a
             Deceiver
             some
             would
             think
             not
             intolerable
             .
             But
             what
             pretence
             can
             there
             be
             for
             such
             dealing
             
             with
             the
             God
             of
             Truth
             ?
             You
             have
             vow'd
             to
             him
             ,
             What
             think
             you
             of
             this
             drawing
             back
             ?
             Such
             trifling
             with
             him
             ;
             the
             great
             and
             terrible
             God
             who
             keeps
             Covenant
             and
             Mercy
             for
             ever
             !
             How
             unbecoming
             is
             it
             !
             to
             dally
             with
             him
             as
             you
             would
             with
             an
             
               uncertain
               whiffling
               man
            
             ?
             To
             be
             off
             and
             on
             ,
             to
             say
             and
             unsay
             ,
             that
             he
             shall
             be
             your
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             shall
             not
             ,
             (
             for
             how
             is
             he
             your
             God
             if
             you
             delight
             not
             in
             him
             ?
             )
             imports
             little
             of
             that
             solemn
             gravity
             and
             stayedness
             which
             becomes
             a
             transaction
             with
             the
             most
             High
             God.
             He
             takes
             no
             pleasure
             in
             fools
             ;
             
               Wherefore
               pay
               that
               which
               you
               have
               vowed
               .
            
             
          
           
             6.
             
             
               Nor
               doth
               it
               better
               agree
               with
               your
               Relation
               to
               him
               ,
               which
               arises
               from
               your
               Covenant
               .
            
             Thence
             he
             becomes
             yours
             and
             you
             his
             :
             
               I
               entred
               into
               Covenant
               with
               thee
               ,
               and
               thou
               becamest
               mine
            
             ;
             and
             the
             Covenant
             binding
             on
             both
             parts
             ,
             the
             relation
             is
             mutual
             ;
             so
             that
             thereby
             also
             he
             becomes
             yours
             :
             It
             is
             a
             most
             near
             ,
             represented
             therefore
             by
             the
             nearest
             among
             men
             ,
             even
             the
             conjugal
             ,
             relation
             ;
             Therefore
             how
             full
             is
             that
             
               Song
               of
               Songs
            
             of
             expressions
             importing
             mutual
             delights
             sutable
             thereto
             !
             And
             what
             a
             bondage
             (
             as
             well
             as
             incongruity
             )
             were
             that
             relation
             without
             delight
             ?
             Have
             you
             repented
             your
             Choice
             ?
             If
             not
             ,
             Why
             take
             you
             not
             pleasure
             ?
             Why
             do
             you
             not
             rejoice
             and
             glory
             in
             it
             ,
             even
             as
             he
             professes
             to
             do
             over
             you
             ?
             If
             he
             should
             repent
             ,
             In
             what
             case
             were
             you
             ?
             Not
             to
             take
             pleasure
             ,
             in
             God!
             Your
             
               own
               God!
            
             How
             strangely
             uncouth
             is
             it
             ?
             You
             are
             not
             to
             consider
             him
             as
             a
             stranger
             ,
             an
             unrelated
             one
             .
             If
             he
             were
             such
             to
             you
             his
             own
             excellencies
             challenge
             to
             be
             
             beheld
             with
             delight
             ;
             But
             you
             are
             to
             reckon
             and
             say
             of
             him
             ,
             
               This
               is
               my
               Beloved
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               my
               Friend
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             
               I
               am
               his
               and
               he
               is
               mine
               .
            
             And
             how
             ill
             do
             such
             words
             become
             the
             mouth
             that
             utters
             them
             not
             
               from
               the
               abundance
               of
               the
               heart
               !
            
             even
             from
             an
             heart
             abounding
             and
             overflowing
             with
             Love
             and
             Joy
             !
          
           
             7.
             
             
               And
               how
               doth
               the
               temper
               of
               your
               heart
               and
               your
               practice
               ,
               while
               you
               take
               not
               actual
               ,
               ordinary
               delight
               in
               God
               ,
               clash
               and
               jar
               with
               your
               profession
               ?
            
             For
             admit
             you
             do
             not
             then
             make
             an
             express
             verbal
             profession
             of
             
               actual
               delight
               in
               God
            
             at
             such
             times
             when
             you
             find
             it
             not
             ,
             yet
             you
             still
             avow
             your selves
             ,
             and
             would
             be
             accounted
             and
             lookt
             upon
             as
             
               related
               to
               him
            
             :
             And
             the
             just
             challenges
             of
             that
             relation
             are
             not
             any
             way
             answered
             ,
             but
             by
             a
             course
             of
             ordinary
             actual
             delight
             .
             So
             much
             your
             Profession
             manifestly
             imports
             .
             Whilst
             you
             profess
             the
             Lord
             to
             be
             your
             God
             ,
             you
             profess
             him
             to
             be
             your
             
               supream
               delight
            
             .
             And
             how
             is
             he
             so
             ,
             when
             you
             seldom
             have
             a
             delightful
             thought
             of
             him
             ,
             or
             look
             to
             him
             with
             any
             pleasure
             ?
             and
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             Spirit
             towards
             him
             is
             usually
             strange
             and
             shie
             ?
             And
             bethink
             your selves
             ,
             What
             would
             you
             then
             be
             esteemed
             ?
             such
             as
             care
             not
             for
             him
             ,
             as
             value
             him
             not
             ?
             Would
             you
             willingly
             be
             taken
             for
             such
             in
             all
             those
             long
             intervals
             wherein
             your
             actual
             delight
             in
             him
             is
             wholly
             discontinued
             ?
             Would
             you
             not
             be
             ashamed
             the
             disposition
             of
             your
             heart
             towards
             him
             at
             such
             times
             should
             be
             known
             ?
             Do
             you
             not
             desire
             to
             be
             better
             thought
             of
             ?
             What
             is
             there
             then
             at
             the
             
             bottom
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             covert
             of
             your
             yet
             continued
             profession
             at
             such
             times
             ,
             but
             falsehood
             ?
             A
             correspondent
             affection
             there
             is
             not
             .
             Is
             not
             your
             very
             profession
             then
             meer
             dissimulation
             and
             a
             lie
             ?
             A
             concealment
             and
             disguise
             of
             an
             heart
             inwardly
             bad
             and
             naught
             ?
             but
             which
             only
             comforts
             it self
             that
             it
             is
             not
             known
             ;
             that
             is
             all
             day
             long
             full
             of
             earth
             and
             vanity
             ,
             and
             wholly
             taken
             up
             with
             either
             the
             contentments
             ,
             delights
             and
             hopes
             ,
             or
             the
             cares
             ,
             fears
             ,
             and
             discontents
             that
             do
             naturally
             arise
             from
             these
             vile
             mean
             Objects
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             of
             a
             kind
             as
             mean
             and
             vile
             as
             they
             ;
             Only
             makes
             a
             shift
             to
             lie
             hid
             all
             the
             while
             ,
             and
             lurk
             under
             the
             appearance
             such
             a
             one
             hath
             put
             on
             of
             a
             
               Lover
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             one
             that
             above
             all
             things
             delights
             in
             him
             .
             But
             is
             this
             honest
             dealing
             ?
             or
             was
             this
             indeed
             all
             that
             was
             
               this
               while
            
             to
             be
             got
             of
             God
             ,
             
               the
               credit
               of
               being
               thought
               his
               ?
            
          
           
             Yet
             it
             may
             be
             you
             will
             somewhat
             relieve
             your selves
             ,
             by
             saying
             you
             suppose
             for
             all
             this
             your
             profession
             was
             not
             altogether
             false
             .
             For
             you
             hope
             there
             was
             still
             a
             Principle
             in
             you
             by
             which
             your
             heart
             was
             habitually
             directed
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             whereby
             his
             Interest
             did
             still
             live
             and
             was
             maintained
             in
             you
             ,
             notwithstanding
             your
             many
             and
             long
             diversions
             from
             him
             .
             And
             while
             your
             Profession
             did
             signifie
             that
             ,
             it
             signified
             
               some
               real
               thing
            
             ,
             and
             so
             was
             not
             a
             false
             and
             lying
             Profession
             .
          
           
             But
             to
             this
             I
             say
             ,
             Was
             this
             all
             that
             your
             Profession
             was
             in
             it self
             apt
             ,
             and
             
               by
               you
               designed
            
             to
             signifie
             ?
             Surely
             it
             was
             apt
             and
             intended
             to
             signifie
             more
             than
             
               habitual
               inclination
            
             .
             It
             carried
             
             the
             appearance
             of
             such
             actings
             Godward
             as
             were
             sutable
             to
             your
             having
             him
             for
             your
             God
             ;
             And
             you
             would
             it's
             likely
             have
             been
             loth
             it
             should
             have
             been
             otherwise
             understood
             .
             And
             surely
             whatsoever
             it
             said
             or
             imported
             
               more
               than
               the
               Truth
            
             was
             false
             .
          
           
             And
             again
             ,
             Can
             you
             be
             confident
             that
             so
             much
             as
             you
             suppose
             ,
             was
             true
             ?
             Are
             you
             sure
             of
             this
             ,
             that
             because
             you
             have
             sometimes
             found
             some
             motions
             of
             heart
             towards
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             therefore
             habitually
             inclin'd
             to
             him
             ,
             when
             it
             very
             rarely
             puts
             forth
             it self
             in
             any
             sutable
             acts
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             most
             part
             works
             quite
             another
             way
             ?
             Whereby
             are
             Habits
             to
             be
             known
             but
             by
             the
             frequency
             of
             their
             acts
             ?
             Do
             not
             you
             know
             there
             are
             many
             half-inclinations
             and
             workings
             of
             heart
             with
             some
             complacency
             God-ward
             that
             prove
             abortive
             and
             come
             to
             nothing
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             the
             
               stony
               ground
            
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             Heb.
             6.
             4.
             do
             more
             than
             intimate
             .
             Surely
             your
             hope
             and
             safety
             more
             depend
             upon
             your
             repentance
             ,
             your
             return
             and
             closer
             adherence
             to
             God
             thereupon
             ,
             than
             the
             supposition
             your
             heart
             is
             in
             the
             main
             sound
             and
             right
             amidst
             those
             more
             notable
             declinings
             from
             him
             .
          
           
             But
             we
             will
             admit
             your
             supposition
             true
             (
             which
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             persons
             we
             are
             now
             dealing
             with
             and
             the
             Design
             of
             this
             present
             Piece
             of
             our
             Discourse
             requires
             )
             and
             take
             it
             for
             granted
             ,
             that
             amidst
             this
             your
             great
             neglect
             ,
             you
             have
             notwithstanding
             ,
             a
             Principle
             ,
             a
             new
             and
             holy
             nature
             in
             you
             ,
             whose
             tendency
             is
             Godward
             :
             Whereupon
             we
             further
             say
             then
             ,
             
             8.
             
             
               And
               doth
               not
               your
               unaccustomedness
               to
               this
               blessed
               exercise
               resist
               the
               Tendency
               of
               that
               new
               nature
               ?
            
             And
             so
             your
             practice
             while
             your
             hearts
             run
             a
             quite
             contrary
             course
             (
             for
             they
             are
             not
             doing
             nothing
             while
             they
             are
             not
             in
             this
             delightful
             way
             working
             towards
             God
             )
             doth
             not
             only
             offend
             against
             your
             profession
             which
             it
             
               in
               great
               part
            
             belies
             ;
             but
             against
             that
             vital
             Principle
             also
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             you
             ;
             and
             so
             your
             very
             excuse
             aggravates
             your
             sin
             .
             Is
             there
             indeed
             such
             a
             Principle
             in
             you
             ?
             And
             whither
             tends
             it
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             from
             God
             ?
             And
             doth
             it
             not
             then
             naturally
             aim
             at
             him
             and
             tend
             towards
             him
             ?
             Being
             upon
             both
             those
             accounts
             (
             as
             well
             as
             that
             it
             resembles
             him
             ,
             and
             is
             his
             living
             Image
             )
             called
             a
             
               participation
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
            
             ?
             Yea
             ,
             doth
             it
             not
             tend
             to
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ?
             For
             it
             tends
             to
             him
             
               as
               the
               Souls
               last
               end
               and
               rest
               .
            
             What
             good
             Principle
             can
             you
             have
             in
             you
             God
             ward
             if
             you
             have
             not
             
               Love
               to
               him
            
             ?
             And
             the
             property
             of
             that
             is
             to
             work
             towards
             him
             by
             desire
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             rest
             in
             him
             by
             delight
             .
             Have
             you
             Faith
             in
             God
             ?
             That
             works
             by
             this
             
               Love.
               Faith
            
             is
             that
             
               great
               power
            
             in
             the
             Holy
             Soul
             by
             which
             it
             
               acts
               from
               God
            
             as
             a
             Principle
             ;
             Love
             is
             that
             by
             which
             it
             acts
             towards
             him
             as
             an
             End
             ;
             By
             that
             it
             
               draws
               from
               him
            
             ,
             by
             this
             it
             
               moves
               to
               him
            
             ,
             and
             
               rests
               in
               him
            
             .
             The
             same
             holy
             gracious
             nature
             (
             dependently
             on
             its
             great
             Author
             and
             Cause
             )
             inclining
             it
             both
             to
             this
             motion
             and
             rest
             ;
             and
             to
             the
             former
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             latter
             :
             So
             by
             the
             work
             of
             the
             new
             Creature
             is
             the
             Soul
             formed
             purposely
             for
             blessedness
             in
             God
             and
             devotedness
             to
             him
             ;
             its
             aspirations
             ,
             its
             motions
             ,
             its
             
             very
             pulse
             ,
             breath
             ,
             tend
             and
             beat
             this
             way
             .
             But
             you
             apply
             not
             your
             Souls
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             You
             bend
             your
             minds
             and
             hearts
             another
             way
             ;
             What
             are
             you
             doing
             then
             ?
             You
             are
             striving
             against
             your
             own
             life
             ;
             you
             are
             mortifying
             all
             good
             inclinations
             towards
             God
             ,
             stifling
             and
             stopping
             the
             breath
             that
             your
             panting
             heart
             would
             send
             forth
             to
             him
             ;
             you
             are
             busily
             
               crucifying
               the
               new
               creature
            
             ,
             instead
             of
             the
             
               body
               of
               sin
            
             .
             There
             is
             somewhat
             in
             you
             that
             would
             work
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             you
             suffer
             it
             not
             ;
             And
             is
             that
             well
             ?
             That
             
               Divine
               thing
               ,
               born
               of
               God
               ,
            
             of
             heavenly
             descent
             ,
             that
             hath
             so
             much
             in
             it
             of
             sacredness
             by
             its
             extraction
             and
             parentage
             ,
             you
             fear
             not
             to
             do
             violence
             to
             !
          
           
             If
             indeed
             such
             a
             thing
             (
             as
             you
             seem
             to
             hope
             )
             be
             in
             you
             ;
             at
             sometime
             or
             other
             you
             may
             perceive
             which
             way
             it
             beats
             and
             tends
             .
             The
             Soul
             in
             which
             it
             hath
             place
             is
             byass'd
             by
             it
             Godward
             ;
             and
             though
             often
             it
             is
             not
             discernible
             ,
             it
             sometimes
             shews
             its
             inclination
             .
             Other
             men
             ,
             and
             meaner
             creatures
             ,
             sleep
             sometimes
             ,
             and
             then
             their
             most
             rooted
             dispositions
             appear
             not
             ;
             when
             they
             are
             awake
             they
             bewray
             them
             ,
             and
             let
             them
             be
             seen
             in
             their
             actions
             ,
             motions
             and
             pursuits
             .
             The
             renewed
             Soul
             hath
             its
             sleeping
             intervals
             too
             ,
             and
             what
             propensions
             it
             hath
             towards
             God
             is
             little
             discernible
             ,
             (
             and
             yet
             even
             then
             it
             sometimes
             dreams
             of
             him
             ,
             at
             least
             between
             sleeping
             and
             waking
             ;
             
             
               I
               sleep
               ,
               but
               my
               heart
               waketh
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               voice
               of
               my
               beloved
               )
               :
            
             But
             if
             you
             seriously
             commune
             with
             your selves
             in
             your
             more
             wakeful
             
             seasons
             ,
             you
             may
             perceive
             what
             your
             hearts
             seek
             and
             crave
             ;
             some
             such
             sense
             as
             this
             may
             be
             read
             in
             them
             ,
             
             
               The
               desire
               of
               our
               Souls
               is
               unto
               thy
               Name
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               remembrance
               of
               thee
               .
               One
               thing
               have
               I
               desired
               ,
               that
               will
               I
               seek
               after
               ,
            
             
             
               to
               behold
               the
               beauty
               (
               the
               delight
               ,
            
             as
             the
             word
             signifies
             )
             
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             And
             when
             you
             observe
             this
             discovered
             inclination
             ,
             you
             may
             see
             what
             it
             is
             that
             in
             your
             too
             wonted
             course
             you
             repress
             and
             strive
             against
             .
             That
             Divine
             Birth
             calls
             for
             sutable
             nutriment
             ,
             
               more
               tastes
            
             how
             gracious
             the
             Lord
             is
             .
             You
             will
             have
             it
             
               feed
               upon
               ashes
            
             ,
             upon
             wind
             and
             vanity
             ;
             or
             (
             although
             it
             had
             the
             best
             Parent
             ,
             it
             hath
             so
             ill
             a
             Nurse
             )
             when
             it
             asks
             bread
             ,
             you
             give
             it
             a
             stone
             ,
             and
             let
             it
             be
             stung
             by
             a
             Scorpion
             :
             And
             the
             injury
             strikes
             higher
             than
             at
             
               it
               alone
            
             ,
             even
             (
             as
             is
             obvious
             )
             at
             the
             very
             Author
             of
             this
             Divine
             Production
             ;
             Which
             therefore
             we
             add
             as
             a
             further
             aggravation
             of
             this
             evil
             ,
             viz.
             
          
           
             9.
             
             That
             it
             's
             an
             offence
             against
             the
             
               Spirit
               of
               Grace
            
             ,
             whose
             dictates
             are
             herein
             slighted
             and
             opposed
             ;
             for
             surely
             with
             the
             tendencies
             of
             the
             new
             creature
             he
             concurs
             :
             It
             is
             maintained
             by
             him
             as
             well
             as
             produced
             ,
             continually
             depends
             on
             him
             as
             to
             its
             being
             ,
             properties
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             operations
             .
             Nothing
             therefore
             can
             be
             cross
             to
             the
             inclination
             of
             a
             renewed
             Soul
             ,
             
               as
               such
            
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             more
             principally
             so
             to
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             himself
             .
             And
             particularly
             the
             disposing
             of
             the
             Soul
             unto
             delight
             is
             most
             expresly
             ascribed
             to
             him
             ;
             
             that
             very
             disposition
             being
             it self
             
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             :
             And
             we
             find
             it
             numbered
             
             among
             the
             
               fruits
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             .
             
             You
             may
             possibly
             be
             less
             apprehensive
             of
             your
             sin
             in
             this
             ,
             because
             you
             find
             him
             not
             dictating
             to
             you
             with
             that
             discernible
             Majesty
             ,
             Authority
             and
             Glory
             that
             you
             may
             think
             agreeable
             to
             so
             great
             an
             Agent
             .
             But
             you
             must
             know
             ,
             he
             applies
             himself
             to
             us
             in
             a
             way
             much
             imitating
             that
             of
             nature
             .
             And
             as
             in
             reference
             to
             the
             conservation
             of
             our
             natural
             beings
             ,
             we
             are
             assured
             the
             First
             Cause
             co-operates
             with
             Inferiour
             Causes
             (
             for
             we
             live
             ,
             move
             ,
             
             and
             have
             our
             being
             in
             him
             )
             ,
             though
             the
             Divine
             influence
             is
             not
             communicated
             to
             this
             purpose
             with
             any
             
               sensible
               glory
            
             ,
             or
             so
             distinguishably
             ,
             that
             we
             can
             discern
             what
             influence
             is
             from
             the
             superiour
             Cause
             and
             what
             from
             subordinate
             ;
             our
             reason
             and
             faith
             certainly
             assure
             us
             of
             what
             our
             sense
             cannot
             reach
             in
             this
             matter
             :
             So
             it
             is
             here
             also
             ,
             The
             
               Divine
               Spirit
            
             accommodates
             himself
             very
             much
             to
             the
             same
             way
             of
             working
             with
             our
             own
             ,
             and
             acts
             us
             sutably
             to
             our
             own
             Natures
             .
             And
             though
             by
             very
             sensible
             tokens
             we
             cannot
             always
             tell
             which
             be
             the
             motions
             that
             proceed
             from
             him
             ;
             yet
             Faith
             teaches
             us
             from
             his
             Word
             ,
             to
             ascribe
             to
             him
             whatever
             spiritual
             good
             we
             find
             in
             our selves
             ;
             inasmuch
             as
             
               we
               are
               not
               of
               our selves
               sufficient
               to
               think
               a
               good
               thought
               .
            
             And
             if
             by
             that
             Word
             we
             judg
             of
             the
             various
             motions
             that
             stir
             in
             us
             ,
             we
             may
             discern
             which
             are
             good
             and
             which
             not
             ;
             and
             so
             may
             know
             what
             to
             ascribe
             to
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             what
             not
             .
             Whereas
             therefore
             that
             Word
             commands
             us
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             if
             we
             find
             any
             motion
             
             in
             our
             hearts
             tending
             that
             way
             ,
             we
             are
             presently
             to
             own
             the
             finger
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             touch
             of
             his
             Holy
             Spirit
             therein
             .
             And
             what
             have
             you
             found
             no
             such
             motions
             excited
             ,
             no
             thoughts
             cast
             in
             that
             have
             had
             this
             aspect
             and
             tendency
             ,
             which
             your
             indulged
             carnality
             and
             aversion
             have
             represt
             and
             counter-wrought
             ?
             Herein
             you
             have
             
               grieved
               and
               quencht
               the
               Spirit
            
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             it
             have
             not
             over-born
             you
             into
             what
             you
             should
             have
             understood
             to
             have
             been
             your
             duty
             ,
             but
             have
             upon
             your
             untractableness
             retired
             and
             withdrawn
             from
             you
             ;
             Do
             not
             therefore
             make
             the
             
               less
               reckoning
            
             of
             the
             matter
             ,
             but
             the
             more
             rather
             ;
             this
             carries
             more
             in
             it
             of
             awful
             consideration
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             smarter
             rebuke
             
               that
               He
               desisted
            
             .
             You
             must
             consider
             him
             as
             a
             free
             Agent
             ,
             and
             who
             works
             to
             will
             and
             to
             do
             
               of
               his
               good
               pleasure
            
             .
             His
             influence
             is
             retractable
             ,
             and
             when
             it
             is
             retracted
             ,
             you
             ought
             in
             this
             case
             to
             reckon
             it
             signifies
             a
             resentment
             of
             your
             undutiful
             and
             regardless
             carriage
             towards
             him
             .
             And
             ought
             you
             not
             to
             smite
             upon
             the
             thigh
             then
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             
               What
               have
               I
               done
            
             ?
             You
             have
             striven
             against
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             most
             High
             God
             ;
             You
             have
             resisted
             him
             
               in
               the
               exeeution
               of
               his
               Office
               ,
            
             when
             you
             were
             committed
             to
             his
             Conduct
             and
             Government
             ;
             you
             have
             fal'n
             out
             and
             quarrelled
             with
             your
             merciful
             Guide
             ,
             and
             slighted
             at
             once
             both
             his
             Authority
             and
             Love.
             This
             could
             be
             no
             small
             offence
             .
             And
             you
             are
             also
             to
             consider
             ,
             that
             when
             such
             a
             Province
             was
             assigned
             him
             in
             reference
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             you
             ;
             and
             the
             great
             
             God
             set
             his
             Spirit
             on
             work
             about
             you
             .
             It
             was
             with
             a
             special
             end
             and
             design
             ,
             being
             the
             determination
             of
             most
             wise
             Counsel
             .
          
           
             And
             how
             highly
             doth
             this
             increase
             the
             offence
             ?
             That
             ,
          
           
             10.
             
             You
             have
             herein
             directly
             obstructed
             the
             course
             and
             progress
             of
             that
             Design
             ;
             That
             could
             be
             no
             other
             than
             
               the
               magnifying
               of
               his
               grace
               in
               your
               conduct
               to
               blessedness
               .
            
             This
             is
             that
             whereon
             he
             hath
             been
             intent
             ;
             and
             he
             hath
             made
             his
             Design
             herein
             so
             visible
             ,
             that
             they
             that
             run
             might
             read
             what
             it
             was
             .
             The
             very
             overture
             to
             you
             of
             placing
             your
             delights
             on
             him
             speaks
             its
             end
             ;
             'T
             is
             that
             whereby
             he
             should
             be
             most
             highly
             acknowledg'd
             and
             you
             blessed
             both
             at
             once
             .
             His
             
               known
               design
            
             you
             ought
             to
             have
             reckoned
             did
             
               prescribe
               to
               you
            
             ,
             and
             give
             you
             
               a
               Law
            
             ;
             'T
             is
             a
             part
             of
             civility
             
               towards
               even
               an
               ordinary
               man
            
             ,
             not
             to
             cross
             his
             Design
             which
             I
             know
             him
             earnestly
             to
             intend
             ,
             when
             it
             tends
             no
             way
             to
             my
             prejudice
             ,
             or
             any
             mans
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             to
             do
             so
             would
             in
             common
             interpretation
             ,
             besides
             rudeness
             ,
             argue
             
               ill
               nature
            
             and
             a
             mischievous
             disposition
             .
             Much
             more
             would
             duty
             and
             just
             observance
             
               towards
               a
               superior
            
             challenge
             so
             much
             ,
             as
             not
             to
             counter-work
             him
             ,
             and
             awe
             a
             well-temper'd
             spirit
             into
             subjection
             and
             compliance
             ;
             but
             a
             stiff
             reluctancy
             to
             the
             great
             and
             known
             Design
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             meant
             so
             directly
             to
             our
             own
             advantage
             ,
             speaks
             so
             very
             bad
             a
             temper
             ▪
             hath
             in
             it
             such
             a
             complication
             of
             peevish
             wilfulness
             ,
             of
             undutifulness
             and
             ingratitude
             to
             him
             ,
             of
             negligence
             and
             disregard
             of
             our selves
             ,
             
             that
             it
             must
             want
             a
             name
             to
             express
             it
             .
          
           
             And
             now
             do
             you
             see
             what
             evil
             the
             neglect
             
               of
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             (
             accompanied
             as
             it
             cannot
             but
             be
             with
             the
             having
             your
             hearts
             otherwise
             ingaged
             and
             vainly
             busie
             )
             doth
             include
             and
             carry
             in
             it
             ?
             Will
             you
             pause
             a
             while
             and
             deliberate
             upon
             it
             ?
             Do
             but
             make
             your
             just
             and
             sober
             estimate
             by
             the
             things
             that
             have
             been
             mentioned
             .
          
           
             Measure
             it
             by
             
               Gods
               Law
            
             ,
             and
             it
             imports
             manifest
             disobedience
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             highest
             consequence
             ;
             by
             the
             judgment
             of
             
               your
               own
               conscience
            
             ,
             and
             it
             imports
             
               much
               boldness
               against
               light
            
             in
             a
             very
             plain
             case
             ;
             by
             
               your
               experience
            
             ,
             and
             it
             speaks
             an
             
               uninstructible
               stupidity
            
             ,
             or
             a
             very
             heedless
             forgetful
             spirit
             ;
             by
             the
             obligation
             laid
             upon
             you
             ,
             by
             the
             kindness
             of
             this
             very
             counsel
             and
             offer
             (
             besides
             many
             other
             ways
             )
             ,
             and
             it
             hath
             in
             it
             
               great
               ingratitude
            
             and
             insensibleness
             of
             the
             greatest
             love
             ;
             by
             your
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             it
             imports
             treachery
             ;
             by
             your
             Relation
             ,
             much
             incongruity
             and
             undecency
             ;
             by
             your
             Profession
             ,
             falshood
             and
             hypocrisie
             ;
             by
             the
             
               tendency
               of
               the
               new
               nature
            
             in
             you
             ,
             
               unnatural
               violence
            
             ;
             by
             the
             
               Dictates
               of
               Gods
               Spirit
            
             ,
             great
             untractableness
             ;
             by
             his
             
               known
               declared
               Design
            
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             a
             most
             
               undutiful
               disrespect
            
             to
             him
             ,
             with
             a
             most
             wretched
             carelesness
             of
             your selves
             ,
             as
             to
             your
             nearest
             and
             most
             important
             concern
             .
          
           
             One
             would
             think
             it
             needless
             to
             say
             more
             ;
             But
             why
             should
             we
             balk
             any
             thing
             that
             so
             obviously
             occurs
             ,
             tending
             to
             set
             forth
             the
             exceeding
             great
             sinfulness
             of
             this
             sin
             ?
             Therefore
             
             know
             ,
             that
             besides
             its
             great
             faultiness
             in
             it self
             ,
          
           
             Much
             also
             cannot
             but
             be
             derived
             into
             it
             
             from
             its
             very
             faulty
             causes
             .
             It
             supposes
             and
             argues
             great
             evils
             that
             flow
             into
             it
             ,
             and
             from
             which
             it
             hath
             its
             rise
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Great
             blindness
             and
             ignorance
             of
             God
             ;
             For
             is
             it
             possible
             any
             should
             have
             known
             and
             not
             have
             loved
             him
             ?
             or
             have
             beheld
             his
             glory
             and
             not
             have
             been
             delighted
             therewith
             ?
             and
             that
             with
             such
             delight
             and
             love
             as
             should
             have
             held
             a
             setled
             seat
             and
             residence
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             And
             can
             
               your
               ignorance
            
             of
             God
             be
             excusable
             or
             innocent
             ?
             
             The
             Apostles
             words
             are
             too
             applicable
             ;
             
               Some
               have
               not
               the
               knowledg
               of
               God
               ,
               I
               speak
               it
               to
               your
               shame
               .
            
             Do
             you
             pretend
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             know
             him
             not
             ?
             Worship
             him
             so
             oft
             ,
             and
             
               worship
               you
               know
               not
               what
            
             ?
             Had
             such
             opportunity
             of
             knowing
             him
             ,
             and
             yet
             be
             ignorant
             ?
             
             at
             least
             it
             would
             be
             thought
             ,
             
               In
               Judah
               is
               God
               known
               ,
               and
               that
               his
               Name
               were
               great
               in
               Israel
               ,
            
             where
             he
             hath
             had
             his
             Tabernacle
             and
             dwelling
             place
             .
             Here
             one
             would
             think
             his
             Altar
             should
             not
             bear
             the
             same
             Inscription
             as
             at
             Athens
             ,
             
             
               To
               the
               unknown
               God.
            
             How
             express
             hath
             his
             discovery
             of
             himself
             been
             to
             you
             !
             and
             how
             amiable
             !
             What
             was
             there
             in
             it
             not
             delectable
             ?
             or
             in
             respect
             whereof
             he
             hath
             not
             appeared
             altogether
             lovely
             ?
             as
             it
             were
             composed
             of
             delights
             ?
             You
             have
             had
             opportunity
             to
             behold
             him
             clad
             with
             the
             Garments
             of
             Salvation
             and
             Praise
             ;
             And
             as
             
               he
               is
               in
               Christ
            
             ,
             in
             that
             alluring
             posture
             ,
             
             
               reconciling
               the
               world
               to
               himself
            
             ,
             
             wherein
             all
             his
             Attributes
             have
             visibly
             comply'd
             to
             the
             reconciling
             design
             ;
             His
             boundless
             fulness
             of
             life
             and
             love
             not
             obstructed
             by
             any
             of
             them
             ,
             from
             flowing
             out
             in
             rich
             and
             liberal
             communications
             .
             If
             you
             had
             not
             excluded
             that
             glorious
             pleasant
             light
             wherein
             he
             is
             so
             to
             be
             beheld
             ,
             you
             would
             have
             beheld
             what
             had
             won
             your
             hearts
             fully
             ,
             and
             bound
             them
             to
             him
             in
             everlasting
             delight
             and
             love
             .
             And
             have
             you
             not
             reason
             to
             be
             ashamed
             you
             have
             not
             known
             him
             better
             ,
             and
             to
             better
             purpose
             ?
             
               Alienation
               from
               the
               life
               of
               God
            
             proceeds
             from
             
               blindness
               of
               heart
            
             ,
             
             
               i.
               e.
            
             a
             chosen
             affected
             voluntary
             blindness
             .
             Or
             if
             your
             knowledg
             of
             him
             be
             not
             little
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Your
             
               little
               delight
               in
               him
            
             argues
             
               much
               unmindfulness
               of
               him
            
             ;
             At
             least
             that
             you
             have
             not
             minded
             him
             duly
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             what
             you
             have
             known
             .
             It
             might
             here
             be
             seasonable
             to
             suggest
             to
             you
             ,
             how
             likely
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             
               several
               ways
            
             your
             great
             faultiness
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             
               thinking
               of
               God
            
             may
             have
             contributed
             to
             the
             withholding
             of
             your
             delight
             from
             him
             .
             Consider
             therefore
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             Have
             not
             your
             thoughts
             of
             him
             been
             slight
             and
             transient
             ?
             Have
             they
             not
             been
             overly
             superficial
             thoughts
             ?
             casual
             only
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             have
             dropt
             into
             your
             minds
             as
             it
             were
             by
             chance
             ,
             fluid
             and
             roving
             ,
             fixed
             neither
             
               upon
               him
            
             nor
             
               into
               your
               hearts
            
             ?
             Too
             much
             resembling
             what
             is
             said
             of
             the
             wicked
             man
             ,
             
             
               God
               is
               not
               in
               all
               his
               thoughts
            
             ;
             He
             hath
             not
             been
             
               amidst
               them
            
             .
             Your
             thoughts
             have
             not
             united
             upon
             him
             ,
             he
             hath
             not
             been
             situated
             and
             
             centred
             in
             them
             .
             Was
             not
             this
             the
             case
             ?
             You
             bestowed
             upon
             him
             it
             may
             be
             now
             and
             then
             an
             hasty
             passant
             glance
             ,
             the
             careless
             cast
             of
             a
             wandering
             eye
             ;
             and
             was
             this
             likely
             to
             beget
             an
             abiding
             permanent
             delight
             ?
             Have
             you
             been
             wont
             to
             compose
             your selves
             designedly
             and
             on
             purpose
             to
             think
             of
             him
             ,
             so
             as
             your
             thoughts
             might
             be
             said
             to
             have
             been
             directed
             towards
             him
             by
             the
             desire
             and
             inclining
             bent
             of
             your
             heart
             ;
             according
             to
             that
             ,
             
             
               The
               desire
               of
               our
               Soul
               is
               towards
               thy
               name
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               remembrance
               of
               thee
               ?
            
             Whence
             it
             is
             that
             't
             is
             represented
             as
             the
             
               usual
               posture
            
             of
             them
             whom
             he
             reckons
             among
             his
             Jewels
             ,
             and
             for
             whom
             the
             book
             of
             remembrance
             was
             written
             ,
             
             that
             
               they
               thought
               on
               his
               name
            
             .
             A
             thing
             that
             they
             might
             be
             
               known
               by
            
             ,
             and
             distinguisht
             from
             other
             men
             ;
             (
             wherefore
             it
             is
             observable
             ,
             that
             their
             remembrance
             of
             him
             ,
             was
             thought
             worth
             the
             remembring
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             transmitted
             into
             records
             ,
             never
             to
             be
             forgotten
             )
             .
             The
             evil
             of
             your
             
               not-delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             hath
             a
             great
             accession
             from
             your
             negligent
             thinking
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Have
             not
             your
             thoughts
             of
             Him
             been
             low
             and
             mean
             ,
             such
             as
             have
             imported
             
               light
               esteem
            
             ?
             Compare
             them
             with
             those
             admiring
             thoughts
             ,
             
             
               Who
               is
               like
               unto
               thee
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               among
               the
               gods
               !
               Who
               is
               like
               thee
               ,
               glorious
               in
               holiness
               !
               O
               Lord
               ,
               our
               Lord
               ,
            
             
             
               how
               excellent
               is
               thy
               name
               in
               all
               the
               earth
               !
            
             How
             unlike
             have
             yours
             been
             to
             such
             thoughts
             ?
             Bethink
             your selves
             ,
             how
             deeply
             culpable
             you
             have
             made
             your
             neglect
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             by
             your
             unworthy
             thoughts
             ,
             
             by
             which
             you
             have
             detracted
             so
             unspeakably
             from
             the
             Divine
             excellency
             !
             Hence
             you
             have
             more
             to
             account
             for
             than
             meerly
             
               not-delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             a
             rendering
             him
             such
             to
             your selves
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             were
             
               not
               worthy
               to
               be
               delighted
               in
               .
            
             How
             ought
             this
             to
             shake
             your
             hearts
             !
          
           
             3.
             
             Have
             they
             not
             been
             
               hard
               thoughts
            
             ;
             full
             of
             censure
             ,
             and
             misjudging
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             Counsels
             ,
             Ways
             and
             Works
             ?
             Have
             there
             not
             been
             perverse
             reasonings
             ,
             with
             dislike
             of
             his
             Methods
             of
             Government
             over
             men
             
               in
               this
               present
               state
            
             ?
             As
             if
             he
             had
             
               too
               little
            
             kindness
             for
             such
             as
             you
             would
             have
             him
             favour
             ,
             and
             
               too
               much
            
             for
             others
             ;
             Judging
             his
             love
             and
             hatred
             by
             false
             measures
             ?
             This
             seems
             to
             be
             much
             the
             evil
             unto
             which
             the
             Injunction
             of
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             is
             here
             opposed
             in
             this
             Psalm
             ;
             and
             whence
             it
             may
             be
             estimated
             ,
             how
             directly
             that
             militates
             against
             this
             ,
             and
             prevailing
             ,
             excludes
             it
             .
             Perhaps
             you
             have
             delighted
             so
             little
             in
             God
             ,
             because
             ye
             have
             thought
             (
             the
             thing
             that
             is
             so
             wearisom
             to
             him
             )
             ,
             
               Every
               one
               that
               doth
               evil
               is
               good
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               he
               delighteth
               in
               them
            
             ;
             and
             have
             said
             in
             your
             hearts
             ,
             
               Where
               is
               the
               God
               of
               Judgment
               .
            
          
           
             Or
             have
             you
             not
             been
             more
             peccant
             in
             your
             apprehensions
             of
             his
             rules
             and
             resolutions
             for
             the
             disposing
             of
             men
             
               as
               to
               their
               eternal
               states
            
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             disbelieved
             the
             revelation
             he
             hath
             given
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             and
             express
             declarations
             of
             his
             mind
             and
             purpose
             touching
             these
             matters
             ?
             Was
             it
             not
             enough
             for
             you
             to
             have
             known
             his
             gracious
             propensions
             
             towards
             returning
             sinners
             ,
             that
             desire
             him
             again
             for
             their
             God
             ,
             and
             willingly
             accept
             the
             grace
             ,
             and
             submit
             themselves
             to
             the
             conduct
             and
             government
             of
             his
             Son
             ?
             Should
             not
             this
             have
             allured
             and
             won
             your
             hearts
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             made
             you
             ,
             with
             humble
             thankful
             admiration
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             resign
             and
             yeild
             your selves
             to
             be
             his
             for
             ever
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             measured
             your
             apprehensions
             of
             him
             by
             the
             suggestions
             and
             misgivings
             of
             your
             guilty
             jealous
             hearts
             ;
             or
             by
             your
             experienc'd
             animosity
             ,
             and
             the
             implacableness
             of
             your
             own
             spirits
             towards
             such
             as
             have
             offended
             you
             ;
             as
             if
             he
             could
             forgive
             no
             more
             than
             you
             are
             dispos'd
             to
             do
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             oppos'd
             your
             own
             imaginations
             of
             him
             to
             his
             express
             testifications
             of
             himself
             ,
             that
             
               He
               is
               Love
               ;
               Slow
               to
               anger
               ,
               and
               of
               great
               mercy
               ,
               &c.
               
               And
               that
               as
               the
               heavens
               are
               high
               above
               the
               earth
               ,
               so
               are
               his
               ways
               above
               your
               ways
               ,
               and
               his
               thoughts
               above
               your
               thoughts
               ?
            
             Have
             you
             not
             (
             against
             his
             plain
             word
             )
             thought
             him
             irreconcilable
             ,
             and
             averse
             to
             the
             accepting
             of
             any
             atonement
             for
             you
             ?
             prescribed
             and
             set
             bounds
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             thought
             your
             sin
             
               greater
               than
               could
               be
               forgiven
            
             ?
             And
             if
             hereupon
             you
             have
             not
             delighted
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             have
             found
             all
             ingenuous
             affection
             towards
             him
             stifled
             within
             you
             ,
             as
             your
             
               not-delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             was
             a
             foul
             evil
             ;
             
               the
               more-sinful
               injurious
               cause
            
             (
             denying
             the
             infinite
             goodness
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             and
             giving
             the
             lye
             to
             his
             Word
             )
             hath
             made
             it
             beyond
             all
             expression
             worse
             .
             And
             further
             at
             least
             consider
             ,
          
           
           
             4.
             
             Have
             not
             your
             thoughts
             of
             God
             been
             few
             ?
             Is
             not
             the
             meditation
             of
             him
             with
             you
             an
             unwonted
             thing
             ?
             The
             
               Psalmist
               ,
               resolving
               to
               mind
               him
               much
               ,
            
             
             
               To
               praise
               and
               sing
               to
               him
               as
               long
               as
               he
               lived
               ,
               and
               while
               he
               had
               any
               being
               ,
            
             Doth
             as
             it
             were
             prophesie
             to
             himself
             ,
             that
             
               his
               meditation
               of
               him
               should
               be
               sweet
               .
            
             Frequent
             (
             right
             )
             thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             will
             surely
             be
             pleasant
             delightful
             thoughts
             :
             But
             your
             
               little
               delight
               in
               God
            
             too
             plainly
             argues
             ,
             you
             have
             minded
             him
             but
             seldom
             .
             And
             how
             full
             of
             guilt
             is
             your
             
               not-delighting
               in
               God
            
             upon
             this
             account
             ?
             How
             cheap
             is
             the
             expence
             of
             a
             thought
             ?
             What
             ,
             that
             so
             much
             should
             not
             be
             done
             in
             order
             to
             the
             
               delightful
               rest
            
             of
             your
             Soul
             in
             God!
             
          
           
             3.
             
             It
             supposes
             much
             carnality
             ,
             a
             prone
             inclination
             and
             addictedness
             to
             this
             earth
             and
             the
             things
             of
             it
             ;
             And
             thereupon
             argues
             in
             you
             a
             very
             mean
             abject
             spirit
             .
             While
             you
             can
             take
             no
             pleasure
             (
             or
             do
             take
             so
             little
             )
             in
             God
             ,
             is
             there
             nothing
             else
             wherein
             you
             take
             pleasure
             ?
             And
             what
             is
             it
             ?
             God
             hath
             in
             this
             matter
             no
             other
             rival
             than
             
               this
               world
            
             .
             'T
             is
             its
             friendship
             that
             is
             enmity
             to
             him
             ;
             something
             or
             other
             of
             it
             ,
             
             
               The
               lust
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               the
               lust
               of
               the
               eye
               ,
            
             or
             
               the
               pride
               of
               life
               prevails
               far
               ,
            
             while
             
               the
               love
               of
               the
               Father
               hath
               so
               little
               place
               in
               you
               .
            
             
             Whither
             are
             you
             sunk
             ?
             into
             how
             low
             and
             vile
             a
             temper
             of
             spirit
             ,
             when
             you
             can
             take
             pleasure
             in
             so
             base
             things
             ,
             rather
             than
             in
             the
             blessed
             God
             ;
             and
             quit
             so
             high
             and
             pure
             delights
             for
             mire
             and
             dirt
             ?
             What
             hath
             thus
             carnalized
             your
             minds
             ,
             that
             you
             favour
             
             only
             the
             things
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             Divine
             things
             are
             tasteless
             and
             without
             relish
             ?
          
           
             Nor
             are
             you
             to
             think
             more
             favourably
             of
             your
             case
             ,
             if
             you
             take
             
               little
               actual
               complacency
            
             in
             the
             world
             also
             ;
             probably
             it
             is
             because
             you
             have
             little
             of
             it
             to
             delight
             in
             ;
             it
             may
             be
             you
             are
             more
             acquainted
             with
             the
             cares
             of
             it
             than
             the
             delights
             ;
             or
             your
             desire
             after
             it
             is
             much
             larger
             than
             your
             possession
             .
             'T
             is
             all
             one
             for
             that
             .
             But
             what
             are
             your
             hearts
             
               most
               apt
            
             to
             
               delight
               in
            
             ?
             or
             ,
             what
             is
             most
             agreeable
             to
             your
             temper
             ?
             'T
             is
             the
             same
             thing
             ,
             what
             earthly
             affection
             predominates
             in
             you
             ,
             while
             the
             
               temper
               of
               your
               spirit
               is
               earthly
            
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             thereby
             held
             off
             from
             God.
             Your
             not-having
             actual
             earthly
             delights
             to
             put
             in
             the
             balance
             against
             heavenly
             ,
             is
             only
             by
             accident
             .
             But
             all
             your
             cares
             ,
             desires
             and
             hopes
             of
             that
             vile
             kind
             ,
             would
             turn
             into
             as
             vile
             delights
             ,
             if
             you
             had
             your
             wills
             .
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             you
             are
             the
             more
             excuseless
             ,
             and
             your
             sin
             is
             the
             grosser
             ,
             That
             even
             the
             cares
             and
             troubles
             of
             
               this
               world
            
             are
             of
             more
             value
             with
             you
             than
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             How
             far
             are
             you
             from
             that
             temper
             ,
             
             
               Whom
               have
               I
               in
               heaven
               but
               thee
               ,
               and
               whom
               do
               I
               desire
               on
               earth
               besides
               thee
               ?
            
          
           
             4.
             
             And
             how
             sad
             an
             argument
             is
             it
             ,
             
               of
               downright
               aversion
               and
               disaffectedness
               to
               God
               ,
               in
               a
               great
               degree
               at
               least
               yet
               remaining
               !
            
             Whence
             can
             your
             
               not-delighting
               in
               him
            
             proceed
             ,
             but
             from
             this
             ,
             
               as
               its
               most
               immediate
               cause
            
             ?
             What
             could
             hinder
             you
             ,
             if
             your
             heart
             were
             inclin'd
             ?
             Are
             you
             not
             astonisht
             ,
             to
             behold
             this
             as
             the
             state
             of
             your
             case
             ,
             That
             you
             
               delight
               not
               in
               
               him
               ,
               because
               your
               heart
               is
               against
               it
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             
               from
               flat
               enmity
            
             .
          
           
             And
             what
             doth
             more
             naturally
             import
             enmity
             to
             any
             thing
             ,
             than
             to
             turn
             off
             from
             it
             ,
             as
             not
             being
             able
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             it
             .
             So
             God
             expresses
             his
             detestation
             of
             Apostates
             ,
             
               If
               any
               man
               draw
               back
            
             ,
             
             
               my
               Soul
               shall
               have
               no
               pleasure
               in
               him
               .
            
             And
             his
             contempt
             of
             Jechoniah
             is
             signified
             by
             the
             like
             manner
             of
             speaking
             .
             Do
             you
             not
             tremble
             to
             think
             that
             this
             should
             be
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             spirit
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             your
             estimate
             of
             him
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             were
             a
             
               despised
               broken
               Idol
            
             ,
             
             and
             as
             mean
             a
             thing
             ,
             as
             a
             
               vessel
               wherein
               is
               no
               pleasure
            
             ?
             Reckon
             then
             thus
             with
             your self
             ;
             As
             your
             case
             stands
             ,
             and
             things
             do
             lye
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ,
             your
             
               little
               delight
               in
               God
            
             can
             have
             no
             more
             favourable
             account
             given
             of
             it
             ,
             nor
             be
             resolved
             into
             any
             gentler
             or
             milder
             cause
             than
             enmity
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             this
             seem
             to
             you
             not
             to
             be
             a
             cause
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             coincident
             ,
             and
             fall
             in
             with
             it
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             worse
             .
             By
             how
             much
             less
             this
             enmity
             hath
             of
             antecedency
             to
             your
             neglect
             ,
             or
             the
             more
             it
             seems
             
               the
               same
            
             with
             it
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             it
             discovers
             the
             evil
             of
             the
             
               thing
               it self
            
             .
             For
             by
             what
             worse
             name
             can
             we
             call
             any
             thing
             than
             
               enmity
               to
               God
            
             ?
             But
             we
             speak
             of
             your
             
               habitual
               temper
            
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             your
             
               actual
               neglect
            
             .
             And
             since
             you
             have
             a
             discovery
             of
             God
             as
             the
             most
             delectable
             Object
             ,
             cannot
             pretend
             there
             is
             a
             better
             ,
             have
             leave
             and
             free
             permission
             to
             place
             your
             delight
             on
             him
             ,
             yea
             are
             earnestly
             invited
             and
             
             prest
             to
             it
             ,
             'T
             is
             plain
             ,
             nothing
             else
             is
             in
             your
             way
             to
             hinder
             you
             ;
             Therefore
             you
             
               delight
               not
               in
               him
            
             ,
             because
             your
             
               heart
               only
               is
               averse
            
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             We
             also
             might
             insist
             further
             to
             shew
             
             
               the
               evils
               that
               ensue
               and
               follow
               upon
               this
               neglect
               :
            
             Such
             I
             mean
             ,
             as
             do
             not
             follow
             casually
             and
             by
             accident
             ,
             but
             which
             have
             a
             very
             
               inward
               connexion
            
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             are
             its
             most
             
               natural
               consequents
            
             ;
             being
             some
             way
             
               caused
               by
               it
            
             ,
             or
             which
             it
             doth
             very
             
               directly
               tend
            
             to
             beget
             .
          
           
             And
             yet
             these
             we
             need
             not
             be
             solicitously
             curious
             to
             distinguish
             ,
             as
             things
             of
             a
             kind
             altogether
             diverse
             from
             those
             last
             mentioned
             under
             the
             foregoing
             head
             .
          
           
             For
             it
             is
             very
             apparent
             ,
             the
             same
             things
             may
             both
             
               cause
               little
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             and
             
               be
               caused
               thereby
            
             ;
             As
             a
             person
             may
             therefore
             
               not
               delight
               in
               God
            
             because
             he
             
               knows
               him
               not
            
             ,
             and
             may
             therefore
             be
             the
             less
             apt
             to
             entertain
             the
             
               knowledg
               of
               him
            
             ,
             because
             he
             hath
             
               no
               delight
               in
               him
            
             .
             And
             the
             case
             is
             the
             same
             as
             to
             the
             other
             things
             spoken
             of
             as
             causes
             of
             this
             omission
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             that
             it
             and
             they
             may
             be
             mutual
             causes
             of
             one
             another
             .
             But
             it
             however
             equally
             serves
             the
             design
             of
             aggravating
             the
             evil
             of
             not
             taking
             frequent
             actual
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             that
             hereby
             
               sin
               grows
            
             ,
             whether
             in
             the
             same
             or
             in
             
               different
               kinds
            
             ;
             There
             is
             still
             an
             increase
             of
             sin
             ,
             though
             but
             of
             the
             same
             sort
             that
             was
             in
             being
             before
             .
          
           
             You
             ought
             to
             consider
             then
             ,
             As
             you
             take
             so
             little
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             from
             that
             very
             bad
             
             cause
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             not
             entertained
             the
             right
             knowledg
             of
             him
             ,
             when
             you
             had
             so
             great
             opportunity
             to
             get
             much
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             makes
             your
             matter
             very
             ill
             ;
             Do
             you
             not
             also
             find
             that
             by
             your
             withholding
             your selves
             from
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             you
             have
             still
             less
             disposition
             to
             seek
             his
             more
             inward
             acquaintance
             ?
             And
             doth
             not
             that
             make
             your
             matter
             much
             worse
             ?
             If
             you
             already
             know
             somewhat
             of
             him
             ,
             you
             yet
             know
             but
             in
             part
             ;
             your
             object
             is
             infinite
             ,
             and
             this
             knowledg
             so
             excellent
             ,
             that
             you
             cannot
             fully
             attain
             to
             it
             ,
             there
             is
             still
             more
             to
             be
             known
             .
          
           
             Now
             therefore
             if
             you
             did
             
               delight
               much
               in
               God
            
             ,
             
             would
             you
             not
             be
             
               pressing
               hard
               after
               him
            
             ?
             would
             you
             not
             be
             
               following
               on
               to
               know
               him
            
             ?
             
             And
             then
             would
             his
             goings
             forth
             be
             prepared
             before
             you
             as
             the
             morning
             ,
             and
             he
             would
             be
             still
             visiting
             you
             with
             fresh
             and
             increasing
             light
             ;
             whereupon
             your
             pleasure
             would
             be
             renewed
             and
             increased
             by
             every
             fresh
             view
             ,
             and
             consequently
             your
             progress
             would
             be
             from
             sight
             to
             sight
             ,
             and
             from
             pleasure
             to
             pleasure
             ;
             whereas
             now
             this
             wheel
             stands
             still
             ,
             or
             you
             are
             going
             back
             into
             darkness
             and
             desolation
             .
             Have
             you
             not
             much
             the
             more
             to
             answer
             for
             upon
             this
             account
             ?
          
           
             The
             like
             may
             be
             said
             as
             to
             the
             rest
             .
             The
             irrectitude
             and
             great
             faultiness
             of
             your
             thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             though
             that
             contribute
             not
             a
             little
             to
             your
             
               not-delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             yet
             also
             ,
             if
             you
             did
             
               delight
               in
               him
               more
            
             ,
             would
             not
             your
             thoughts
             of
             him
             be
             more
             deeply
             serious
             ,
             more
             highly
             raised
             ?
             Would
             you
             not
             be
             very
             unapt
             
             to
             take
             up
             injurious
             hard
             thoughts
             of
             him
             ?
             Would
             not
             his
             thoughts
             (
             once
             become
             precious
             to
             you
             )
             be
             also
             numerous
             ,
             or
             innumerable
             rather
             ,
             
             as
             the
             sands
             of
             the
             Sea-shore
             ?
             Would
             not
             your
             earthly
             temper
             ,
             your
             strangeness
             and
             aversness
             to
             him
             ,
             vanish
             and
             wear
             off
             ,
             if
             you
             were
             more
             exercised
             in
             actual
             delightful
             converses
             with
             him
             ?
             Therefore
             the
             permanency
             and
             increase
             of
             those
             mentioned
             evils
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             have
             got
             such
             setled
             rooting
             in
             you
             ,
             is
             all
             to
             be
             charged
             upon
             your
             not-applying
             your selves
             to
             more
             frequent
             
               actual
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             
          
           
             Besides
             what
             may
             further
             follow
             hereupon
             ,
             
               The
               languishment
               and
               decays
               of
               your
               inward
               man
               ;
               The
               difficulty
               you
               find
               to
               trust
               in
               God
               ,
            
             when
             you
             are
             reduc'd
             to
             straits
             ,
             (
             as
             who
             would
             commit
             his
             concernments
             to
             one
             he
             doth
             not
             love
             ?
             )
             ;
             
               Your
               impatience
               of
               adverse
               and
               cross
               emergencies
               ,
            
             that
             may
             often
             befal
             to
             you
             ;
             
               Your
               aptness
               to
               vexation
               or
               despondency
               ;
               The
               easie
               victory
               a
               temptation
               hath
               over
               you
               ,
            
             as
             surely
             he
             is
             sooner
             drawn
             away
             from
             God
             ,
             or
             into
             sin
             against
             him
             ,
             who
             delights
             not
             in
             him
             )
             ;
             
               Your
               less-usefulness
               in
               your
               place
               and
               station
               ;
               Your
               want
               of
               courage
               ,
               resolution
               ,
               zeal
               for
               God
               ,
            
             (
             which
             are
             best
             maintained
             by
             delight
             and
             the
             relishes
             of
             a
             sweet
             complacency
             taken
             in
             him
             )
             ;
             
               Your
               sluggishness
               in
               a
               course
               of
               well-doing
               ;
               The
               sense
               of
               a
               toilsom
               heavy
               labour
               in
               Religion
               ,
            
             that
             it
             begets
             you
             weariness
             without
             rest
             ,
             (
             whence
             you
             rather
             affect
             a
             rest
             
               from
               it
            
             ,
             than
             
               in
               it
            
             and
             
               by
               it
               )
            
             ;
             and
             lastly
             ,
             
               Your
               continual
               bondage
               by
               the
               fear
               of
               death
               ,
            
             (
             which
             one
             would
             not
             
             dread
             ,
             apprehending
             it
             only
             a
             removal
             into
             his
             presence
             in
             whom
             I
             delight
             )
             .
             All
             these
             things
             (
             which
             might
             have
             been
             distinctly
             insisted
             on
             ,
             and
             more
             expresly
             accommodated
             to
             the
             present
             purpose
             ,
             but
             that
             I
             would
             not
             be
             over-tedious
             ,
             and
             that
             somewhere
             else
             some
             or
             other
             of
             them
             may
             fall
             again
             in
             our
             way
             )
             do
             bring
             in
             
               great
               and
               weighty
               additions
            
             to
             the
             evil
             and
             guiltiness
             of
             this
             sin
             ,
             and
             much
             tend
             to
             lay
             load
             upon
             it
             ,
             to
             fill
             up
             its
             measure
             ,
             even
             unto
             pressing
             down
             and
             running
             over
             .
             For
             how
             just
             is
             it
             ,
             to
             impute
             to
             it
             what
             it
             naturally
             causes
             ,
             and
             lay
             its
             own
             impure
             and
             viperous
             births
             at
             its
             own
             door
             ?
          
           
             And
             though
             this
             Discourse
             have
             been
             drawn
             out
             to
             a
             greater
             length
             than
             was
             intended
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             be
             lost
             labour
             ,
             if
             by
             all
             that
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             any
             that
             fear
             God
             shall
             be
             brought
             to
             apprehend
             more
             of
             the
             odiousness
             of
             this
             sin
             ;
             and
             the
             
               self-indulgent
               thought
            
             be
             banisht
             far
             from
             them
             ,
             that
             
               this
               is
               either
               an
               indifferent
               matter
               ,
            
             or
             at
             least
             (
             if
             it
             be
             somewhat
             a
             careless
             )
             't
             is
             
               one
               of
               their
               more
               harmless
               inadvertencies
               and
               omissions
               .
            
          
           
             Which
             good
             effect
             ,
             if
             through
             the
             blessing
             of
             God
             it
             may
             accomplish
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             the
             less
             need
             unto
             such
             to
             read
             on
             ,
             but
             take
             their
             nearer
             way
             to
             the
             immediate
             present
             practice
             of
             this
             great
             Duty
             .
             And
             because
             also
             it
             is
             to
             be
             hoped
             ,
             that
             the
             evil
             of
             this
             neglect
             once
             apprehended
             ,
             will
             prompt
             and
             quicken
             serious
             and
             considering
             persons
             to
             set
             upon
             the
             enjoined
             Duty
             ;
             It
             will
             be
             the
             less
             necessary
             to
             enlarge
             much
             in
             that
             other
             
             kind
             of
             Discourse
             ,
             which
             we
             now
             come
             to
             ,
             viz.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Invitation
               thereunto
            
             .
             Wherein
             yet
             we
             
             have
             reason
             to
             fear
             it
             may
             be
             too
             needful
             to
             place
             some
             part
             of
             our
             present
             labour
             .
             For
             though
             in
             matters
             of
             an
             infinitely
             inferior
             nature
             and
             concernment
             ,
             any
             practice
             is
             readily
             undertaken
             that
             is
             once
             represented
             reasonable
             and
             gainful
             ;
             In
             such
             a
             business
             as
             this
             ,
             an
             hundred
             difficulties
             are
             imagined
             ;
             we
             stand
             as
             persons
             that
             cannot
             find
             their
             hands
             ;
             and
             all
             the
             question
             is
             ,
             (
             even
             if
             there
             be
             some
             inclination
             to
             it
             ,
             or
             conviction
             at
             least
             it
             should
             be
             done
             )
             ,
             
               But
               how
               shall
               we
               go
               about
               it
               ?
            
             We
             are
             apt
             to
             grope
             as
             in
             the
             dark
             ,
             even
             at
             noon-day
             ,
             and
             cannot
             find
             the
             door
             or
             way
             that
             leads
             into
             a
             practice
             wherein
             there
             is
             so
             much
             both
             of
             pleasantness
             and
             duty
             .
             Therefore
             as
             the
             case
             is
             ,
             the
             Invitation
             to
             this
             exercise
             ought
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             possible
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             kind
             of
             manuduction
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             needful
             we
             be
             not
             only
             called
             and
             prest
             ,
             but
             even
             led
             into
             it
             .
             This
             then
             we
             are
             to
             endeavour
             ,
             the
             giving
             of
             some
             
               plain
               Prescriptions
            
             ,
             that
             may
             put
             us
             into
             an
             easie
             and
             direct
             way
             of
             falling
             expeditely
             upon
             this
             delightful
             work
             .
          
           
             And
             here
             it
             must
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             all
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             )
             are
             not
             in
             an
             equal
             disposition
             to
             it
             ;
             Some
             are
             more
             averse
             ,
             others
             less
             ,
             but
             all
             too
             much
             ;
             Therefore
             are
             we
             to
             begin
             as
             low
             as
             their
             case
             may
             require
             ,
             who
             are
             
               less
               dispos'd
            
             ;
             and
             so
             proceeding
             on
             in
             our
             course
             ,
             somewhat
             may
             fall
             in
             more
             sutable
             to
             them
             who
             are
             in
             some
             disposition
             to
             it
             ,
             
             but
             do
             yet
             need
             (
             as
             who
             do
             not
             ?
             )
             some
             help
             and
             furtherance
             in
             order
             thereto
             .
          
           
             First
             therefore
             ,
             
               It
               is
               necessary
               ,
               that
               you
               do
               deliberately
               and
               resolvedly
               design
               the
               thing
               it self
               .
            
             Propose
             to
             your selves
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             as
             a
             business
             unto
             which
             you
             will
             designedly
             and
             with
             stedfast
             purpose
             apply
             your
             whole
             Soul.
             Content
             not
             your selves
             with
             light
             roving
             thoughts
             about
             it
             ,
             which
             many
             have
             about
             divers
             matters
             which
             they
             never
             think
             fit
             to
             engage
             themselves
             in
             .
             Determine
             the
             matter
             fully
             in
             your
             own
             heart
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Many
               projects
               I
               have
               tried
               in
               my
               time
               ,
               sundry
               things
               I
               have
               turn'd
               my
               mind
               unto
               ,
               to
               little
               purpose
               ,
               I
               will
               now
               ,
               see
               what
               there
               is
               of
               delight
               to
               be
               found
               in
               God.
            
             The
             sloth
             and
             aversion
             of
             a
             backward
             heart
             must
             be
             overcome
             by
             resolution
             ;
             and
             that
             resolution
             be
             well-weighed
             ,
             deliberately
             taken
             up
             ,
             deeply
             fixed
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             last
             and
             overcome
             .
             And
             why
             should
             you
             not
             be
             resolved
             in
             this
             point
             ?
             Is
             this
             a
             matter
             always
             to
             be
             waved
             ?
             Know
             you
             another
             way
             to
             be
             happy
             ?
             Are
             you
             yet
             to
             learn
             ,
             that
             a
             reasonable
             Soul
             needs
             the
             fulness
             of
             God
             to
             make
             it
             happy
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             is
             no
             other
             God
             but
             one
             ?
             Can
             there
             be
             any
             dispute
             or
             doubt
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             when
             there
             is
             but
             
               one
               thing
            
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             besides
             yeilding
             ones
             self
             to
             be
             miserable
             for
             ever
             ?
             And
             what
             need
             of
             that
             ,
             while
             yet
             there
             is
             
               one
               way
            
             to
             avoid
             it
             ?
             Surely
             ,
             
               that
               there
               is
               but
               one
            
             ,
             is
             better
             than
             if
             there
             were
             a
             thousand
             .
             You
             need
             not
             now
             be
             lnog
             in
             chusing
             ;
             nor
             do
             you
             need
             to
             deliberate
             ,
             
               becauseof
               any
               doubt
            
             in
             the
             case
             ,
             but
             
             
               that
               you
               may
               more
               fully
               comprehend
               in
               your
               own
               thoughts
               that
               there
               is
               none
               ,
            
             and
             that
             your
             resolution
             may
             hereupon
             grow
             the
             more
             peremptory
             ,
             and
             secure
             from
             the
             danger
             of
             any
             change
             .
          
           
             To
             talk
             of
             any
             difficulty
             in
             the
             matter
             ,
             is
             a
             strange
             impertinency
             ;
             for
             who
             would
             oppose
             difficulty
             to
             necessity
             ?
             or
             alledg
             ,
             
               the
               thing
               is
               hard
            
             which
             
               must
               be
               done
            
             ?
             Or
             must
             it
             be
             done
             ,
             and
             never
             be
             attempted
             ?
             or
             attempted
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             resolved
             upon
             ?
             You
             have
             nothing
             to
             do
             to
             read
             further
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             digest
             this
             
               first
               counsel
            
             ,
             and
             here
             settle
             your
             resolution
             ,
             
               I
               will
               apply
               my self
               to
               a
               course
               of
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             If
             this
             appear
             not
             reasonable
             to
             you
             ,
             despair
             that
             any
             thing
             will
             that
             follows
             .
             'T
             is
             foolish
             trifling
             ,
             to
             look
             upon
             such
             writings
             that
             profess
             their
             design
             ,
             and
             have
             it
             in
             their
             fronts
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             meant
             for
             
               helps
               unto
               Christian
               practice
            
             ,
             only
             with
             an
             humour
             of
             
               seeing
               what
               a
               man
               can
               say
               .
            
             And
             if
             ever
             you
             will
             be
             in
             earnest
             ,
             you
             must
             return
             to
             this
             point
             ;
             And
             will
             but
             waste
             time
             to
             no
             purpose
             ,
             if
             you
             will
             not
             now
             set
             down
             your
             resolution
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             
               That
               you
               will
               seek
               an
               happiness
               for
               your
               Soul
               ,
            
             (
             too
             long
             already
             neglected
             !
             )
             ;
             an
             happiness
             that
             may
             satisfie
             and
             last
             ;
             And
             (
             where
             only
             it
             is
             to
             be
             found
             )
             in
             the
             
               blessed
               God
            
             ;
             and
             
               in
               him
            
             by
             
               setting
               your selves
               to
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ;
             since
             nothing
             can
             make
             you
             happy
             wherein
             you
             delight
             not
             .
             And
             that
             you
             will
             make
             use
             of
             what
             you
             further
             read
             ,
             according
             as
             you
             find
             it
             conducing
             ,
             and
             apt
             to
             serve
             your
             purpose
             herein
             .
             Then
             next
             ,
          
           
           
             2.
             
             Consider
             your
             
               present
               state
               Godward
               .
               Must
               you
               ,
            
             do
             you
             see
             
               you
               must
            
             come
             to
             this
             point
             ,
             of
             
               having
               your
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ?
             In
             what
             posture
             then
             are
             your
             affairs
             towards
             him
             ?
             How
             do
             things
             stand
             between
             him
             and
             you
             ?
             You
             do
             well
             know
             ,
             you
             were
             unacceptable
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             his
             enemy
             ;
             and
             that
             his
             Justice
             and
             holy
             Nature
             obliged
             him
             to
             hold
             you
             as
             such
             ,
             (
             though
             he
             never
             gave
             you
             ground
             to
             think
             him
             implacable
             )
             .
             Can
             you
             delight
             in
             an
             enemy
             ?
             who
             (
             as
             matters
             in
             that
             case
             stand
             )
             must
             be
             apprehended
             ready
             to
             avenge
             himself
             on
             you
             ,
             and
             as
             having
             whet
             his
             glittering
             Sword
             ,
             and
             made
             the
             Arrow
             ready
             upon
             the
             string
             ,
             directed
             against
             your
             very
             heart
             ?
             Apprehend
             this
             to
             
               have
               been
            
             your
             case
             ,
             and
             most
             deservedly
             ,
             That
             you
             were
             an
             impure
             hateful
             wretch
             ,
             deformed
             and
             loathsom
             ,
             one
             that
             could
             yeild
             the
             holy
             God
             no
             matter
             of
             delight
             ,
             full
             of
             enmity
             and
             contrariety
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             whom
             he
             could
             not
             but
             find
             much
             cause
             of
             most
             just
             hatred
             .
             Remember
             you
             were
             one
             of
             his
             revolted
             creatures
             ,
             under
             his
             most
             deserved
             wrath
             and
             curse
             .
             Know
             at
             how
             vast
             a
             distance
             you
             were
             from
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             or
             a
             state
             that
             could
             admit
             of
             it
             .
             Consider
             ,
             Is
             this
             still
             your
             case
             ?
             And
             do
             not
             rashly
             think
             it
             altered
             ;
             or
             that
             you
             have
             nothing
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             out
             of
             hand
             to
             rush
             upon
             the
             business
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               God.
            
             
          
           
             3.
             
             Yet
             
               do
               not
               think
               it
               unalterable
            
             .
             Do
             not
             conclude
             it
             as
             a
             determined
             and
             undoubted
             thing
             ,
             that
             matters
             can
             never
             be
             taken
             
             up
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ,
             or
             you
             become
             sutable
             and
             acceptable
             to
             him
             .
             Look
             not
             upon
             your
             vile
             wicked
             heart
             as
             unalterably
             wicked
             ;
             nor
             upon
             him
             therefore
             as
             an
             irreconcilable
             enemy
             .
             Account
             he
             waits
             for
             your
             turning
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             being
             inclin'd
             to
             friendship
             with
             you
             ;
             Otherwise
             would
             vengeance
             have
             suffered
             you
             so
             long
             to
             live
             ?
             Have
             you
             not
             been
             long
             at
             his
             mercy
             ?
             Hath
             he
             not
             spared
             you
             ,
             when
             it
             was
             in
             his
             power
             to
             crush
             you
             at
             pleasure
             ?
             Do
             not
             think
             therefore
             (
             what
             you
             have
             no
             pretence
             for
             )
             that
             he
             hath
             a
             destructive
             design
             upon
             you
             ,
             and
             will
             accept
             of
             no
             atonement
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Acquaint
               your self
               with
               the
               way
               and
               terms
               upon
               which
               his
               Gospel
               declares
               him
               reconcilable
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             never
             be
             reconciled
             to
             you
             
               while
               you
               remain
               wicked
            
             ,
             nor
             for
             
               your
               own
               sake
            
             ,
             become
             you
             
               never
               so
               good
            
             .
             That
             a
             more
             costly
             sacrifice
             than
             you
             can
             either
             procure
             or
             be
             ,
             must
             expiate
             your
             guilt
             ,
             and
             make
             your
             peace
             .
             If
             this
             matter
             could
             have
             been
             effected
             in
             a
             less
             expensive
             way
             ,
             the
             
               Son
               of
               God
            
             had
             not
             (
             as
             you
             know
             he
             was
             )
             been
             designed
             himself
             ,
             and
             made
             that
             sacrifice
             ;
             nor
             a
             work
             have
             been
             undertaken
             by
             him
             that
             might
             as
             well
             have
             been
             done
             by
             common
             hands
             .
             And
             since
             he
             submitted
             and
             undertook
             as
             he
             did
             ,
             reckon
             with
             your self
             ,
             how
             highly
             just
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             entire
             honour
             of
             so
             merciful
             condescension
             ,
             and
             so
             great
             a
             performance
             ,
             be
             wholly
             ascribed
             to
             him
             .
             But
             withal
             know
             ,
             he
             shed
             his
             blood
             ,
             not
             in
             kindness
             
               to
               your
               sin
            
             ,
             but
             
               to
               you
            
             :
             And
             
             that
             his
             design
             was
             at
             once
             to
             procure
             the
             death
             of
             that
             ,
             and
             your
             life
             ;
             That
             you
             need
             his
             Spirit
             as
             well
             as
             his
             Blood
             ;
             that
             to
             recommend
             and
             reconcile
             you
             to
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             this
             to
             his
             vindictive
             Justice
             ;
             That
             as
             you
             expect
             ever
             to
             experience
             and
             taste
             the
             delights
             of
             that
             communion
             ,
             whereinto
             he
             calls
             you
             ,
             you
             must
             not
             only
             
               have
               the
               blood
               of
               Christ
               to
               cleanse
               you
               from
               all
               sin
               ,
            
             
             but
             must
             also
             
               walk
               in
               the
               light
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               in
               the
               light
            
             ;
             That
             an
             entire
             resignation
             ,
             a
             betrusting
             and
             subjecting
             of
             your self
             to
             the
             mercy
             and
             governing
             power
             of
             the
             Redeemer
             ,
             is
             necessary
             to
             the
             setting
             of
             things
             right
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ;
             In
             whom
             only
             you
             may
             both
             accept
             God
             and
             be
             accepted
             of
             him
             ;
             That
             he
             must
             be
             the
             center
             of
             union
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ;
             and
             that
             union
             the
             ground
             of
             all
             delightful
             intercourse
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             Make
             request
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             draw
             you
             into
             that
             union
             with
             his
             Son
             ;
             unto
             whom
             none
             can
             come
             ,
             
             but
             who
             are
             drawn
             by
             himself
             .
          
           
             Do
             not
             dream
             and
             slumber
             in
             this
             business
             ;
             but
             know
             your
             All
             depends
             on
             it
             .
             Consider
             the
             exigency
             of
             your
             case
             .
             Do
             you
             find
             your
             heart
             sluggish
             and
             indispos'd
             to
             any
             such
             transaction
             with
             God
             and
             Christ
             ?
             Doth
             it
             decline
             and
             draw
             back
             ?
             Know
             ,
             it
             herein
             doth
             but
             act
             its
             own
             nature
             ,
             and
             do
             as
             it
             is
             ,
             or
             like
             it self
             ;
             Therefore
             stir
             up
             your self
             ,
             
             
               to
               take
               hold
               of
               his
               strength
            
             ;
             in
             which
             way
             ,
             if
             you
             have
             mind
             to
             be
             at
             peace
             ,
             
               you
               shall
               make
               peace
            
             .
             Cry
             to
             him
             earnestly
             ,
             
               Draw
               a
               
               poor
               wretch
               out
               of
               darkness
               and
               death
               ,
               that
               must
               otherwise
               be
               at
               eternal
               distance
               from
               thee
               ,
               and
               be
               miserable
               for
               ever
               .
               Join
               me
               to
               him
               who
               will
               bring
               me
               to
               thee
               ,
               and
               make
               me
               one
               for
               ever
               with
               thee
               .
            
             Hereupon
             ,
          
           
             6.
             
             
               Accepting
               Jesus
               Christ
               as
               thy
               Saviour
               and
               thy
               Lord
               ;
               accept
               in
               him
               ,
               with
               all
               humble
               reverence
               ,
               thankfulness
               and
               admiration
               of
               divine
               mercy
               and
               goodness
               ,
               the
               blessed
               God
               to
               be
               thy
               God
               ;
               surrendring
               and
               yeilding
               up
               thy self
               entirely
               and
               fully
               to
               be
               his
               for
               ever
               .
            
             Do
             this
             unfainedly
             ,
             and
             with
             great
             solemnity
             ;
             And
             let
             it
             be
             to
             thee
             for
             an
             everlasting
             memorial
             !
             Record
             it
             as
             a
             memorable
             day
             ,
             wherein
             thou
             didst
             go
             out
             of
             thy self
             ,
             and
             all
             finite
             ,
             narrow
             ,
             limited
             good
             ,
             and
             pass
             into
             union
             with
             the
             eternal
             ,
             immense
             ,
             incomprehensible
             and
             all-comprehending
             good
             ,
             and
             enter
             upon
             it
             as
             thine
             own
             !
             And
             what
             ,
             wilt
             thou
             delight
             in
             a
             God
             that
             is
             not
             thine
             ?
             Canst
             thou
             be
             content
             to
             look
             wistly
             on
             him
             ,
             as
             one
             unrelated
             and
             a
             stranger
             ?
             Apprehend
             (
             and
             bless
             God
             that
             this
             is
             the
             state
             of
             the
             case
             )
             ,
             that
             in
             this
             way
             he
             offers
             himself
             most
             freely
             to
             thee
             .
             It
             were
             astonishing
             to
             think
             of
             purchasing
             so
             great
             a
             good
             !
             the
             matter
             were
             not
             to
             be
             offered
             at
             .
             But
             how
             transporting
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             nothing
             but
             acceptance
             and
             resignation
             should
             be
             needful
             to
             make
             thee
             one
             with
             the
             great
             God
             ,
             and
             make
             his
             fulness
             thine
             !
             Therefore
             make
             haste
             to
             do
             this
             ,
             and
             be
             not
             hasty
             in
             doing
             it
             .
             Defer
             not
             ,
             but
             do
             it
             with
             great
             seriousness
             ,
             deliberation
             ,
             and
             fulness
             of
             consent
             ;
             considering
             
             you
             are
             about
             to
             enter
             into
             an
             everlasting
             Covenant
             not
             to
             to
             be
             forgotten
             ;
             and
             doing
             a
             thing
             never
             to
             be
             again
             undone
             .
          
           
             Now
             if
             herein
             your
             heart
             be
             sincere
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             a
             real
             and
             vital
             exercise
             of
             
               your
               very
               Soul
            
             in
             this
             transaction
             with
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             so
             as
             that
             you
             truly
             take
             him
             for
             your
             God
             ,
             preferring
             him
             in
             your
             estimation
             and
             choice
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             giving
             up
             your self
             absolutely
             and
             without
             reservation
             to
             him
             as
             his
             ,
             to
             be
             governed
             and
             disposed
             of
             by
             him
             in
             all
             things
             at
             his
             pleasure
             ;
             You
             are
             hereby
             brought
             into
             that
             state
             that
             doth
             admit
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             .
          
           
             And
             what
             remains
             to
             be
             said
             ,
             will
             concern
             you
             as
             persons
             in
             a
             nearer
             capacity
             ,
             and
             who
             have
             a
             kind
             of
             fundamental
             aptitude
             and
             disposedness
             of
             heart
             unto
             this
             spiritual
             work
             ;
             And
             will
             therefore
             be
             directed
             to
             you
             ,
             considered
             according
             to
             that
             supposition
             .
          
           
             Only
             it
             is
             withal
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             in
             the
             case
             of
             many
             such
             ,
             that
             they
             were
             arrived
             hither
             long
             ago
             ,
             and
             been
             (
             as
             was
             before
             supposed
             )
             hereupon
             somewhat
             exercised
             and
             vers'd
             in
             this
             piece
             of
             holy
             practice
             ,
             have
             had
             many
             pleasant
             turns
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             tasted
             often
             the
             delights
             of
             his
             converse
             :
             But
             have
             discontinued
             their
             course
             ,
             and
             are
             grown
             strange
             to
             him
             who
             was
             their
             delight
             ;
             have
             suffered
             themselves
             by
             insensible
             degrees
             to
             be
             drawn
             and
             tempted
             away
             from
             him
             ;
             or
             there
             hath
             been
             some
             grosser
             and
             more
             violent
             rupture
             ,
             by
             which
             they
             have
             broken
             
             themselves
             off
             .
             It
             will
             be
             requisite
             to
             say
             somewhat
             more
             peculiar
             to
             these
             ,
             (
             for
             the
             reducing
             of
             them
             again
             even
             to
             this
             unitive
             point
             )
             ;
             After
             which
             ,
             what
             shall
             ensue
             ,
             may
             in
             common
             concern
             them
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             are
             arrived
             so
             far
             ,
             together
             .
          
           
             For
             such
             therefore
             whose
             case
             this
             is
             ,
             it
             will
             surely
             both
             become
             and
             concern
             you
             to
             take
             this
             course
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Make
               a
               stand
               ,
               and
               bethink
               your selves
            
             ;
             Can
             you
             justifie
             your
             carriage
             towards
             him
             whom
             you
             have
             taken
             to
             be
             your
             God
             ?
             Can
             you
             approve
             your
             own
             way
             ?
             Was
             this
             all
             that
             you
             oblig'd
             your selves
             unto
             in
             the
             day
             of
             your
             solemn
             Treaty
             with
             him
             ;
             Only
             to
             take
             on
             you
             the
             Name
             of
             a
             Relation
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             so
             (
             excepting
             that
             you
             would
             now
             and
             then
             complement
             him
             in
             some
             piece
             of
             external
             heartless
             homage
             )
             take
             leave
             till
             you
             meet
             again
             with
             him
             in
             another
             world
             ?
             And
             that
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             this
             present
             world
             ,
             or
             your
             carnal
             self
             (
             to
             be
             gratified
             and
             served
             out
             of
             it
             )
             should
             really
             be
             your
             God
             ,
             and
             He
             only
             bear
             the
             name
             ?
             Was
             this
             indeed
             your
             meaning
             ?
             Or
             if
             it
             was
             ,
             did
             you
             deal
             sincerely
             in
             that
             Treaty
             ?
             Or
             can
             you
             think
             it
             was
             his
             meaning
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             would
             expect
             no
             more
             from
             you
             ?
             Can
             you
             allow
             your selves
             so
             to
             interpret
             his
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             give
             this
             as
             the
             summary
             account
             of
             the
             tenor
             of
             it
             ?
             How
             would
             you
             then
             expound
             it
             to
             nothing
             !
             And
             make
             a
             meer
             trifle
             of
             it
             !
             And
             make
             your
             Religion
             a
             fitter
             service
             for
             an
             inanimate
             sensless
             Idol
             ,
             than
             the
             living
             and
             
             true
             God
             ;
             Do
             you
             not
             yet
             know
             what
             the
             Name
             of
             God
             imports
             ?
             Can
             he
             be
             a
             God
             to
             you
             that
             is
             not
             acknowledg'd
             by
             you
             as
             your
             very
             best
             ,
             the
             universal
             ,
             and
             absolutely
             all-comprehending
             good
             ?
             But
             if
             you
             apprehend
             there
             was
             really
             more
             in
             the
             matter
             ;
             and
             that
             you
             have
             been
             altogether
             faulty
             in
             this
             thing
             .
             Then
             ,
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Represent
               to
               your selves
               as
               fully
               as
               you
               can
               the
               greatness
               of
               the
               fault
               .
            
             What
             have
             you
             made
             God
             an
             unnecessary
             thing
             to
             you
             ,
             while
             the
             Creature
             ,
             your
             very
             Idols
             ,
             lying
             vanities
             ,
             were
             thought
             necessary
             ?
             And
             these
             were
             the
             things
             upon
             which
             you
             thought
             fit
             to
             set
             your
             hearts
             !
             
               Which
               you
               have
               loved
               ,
               which
               you
               have
               served
               ,
               after
               which
               you
               have
               walked
               ,
            
             
             
               which
               you
               have
               sought
               ,
               and
               whom
               you
               have
               worshipt
               !
            
             (
             The
             heap
             of
             expressions
             wherewith
             it
             seem'd
             meet
             to
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             to
             set
             out
             the
             profuse
             lavishness
             of
             Idolatrous
             affection
             )
             .
             Think
             how
             monstrous
             this
             is
             !
             Revolve
             in
             your
             own
             minds
             the
             several
             aggravations
             of
             your
             sinful
             neglect
             before
             mentioned
             ;
             and
             labour
             to
             feel
             the
             weight
             of
             them
             upon
             your
             own
             spirits
             ;
             Think
             what
             time
             you
             have
             lost
             from
             pleasant
             
               delightful
               walking
               with
               God!
            
             What
             damage
             you
             have
             done
             your selves
             !
             How
             far
             you
             might
             have
             attained
             !
             How
             much
             you
             are
             cast
             behind
             in
             your
             preparations
             for
             a
             blessed
             Eternity
             !
             What
             wrong
             you
             have
             done
             him
             ,
             whom
             you
             took
             for
             the
             
               God
               of
               your
               life
            
             ,
             to
             whom
             you
             vowed
             your
             hearts
             and
             souls
             !
             How
             little
             kindly
             and
             truly
             you
             have
             dealt
             with
             him
             !
          
           
           
             3.
             
             
               Return
               to
               him
               with
               weeping
               and
               supplication
               .
            
             Open
             your selves
             freely
             to
             him
             .
             Let
             him
             hear
             you
             
               bemoaning
               your selves
            
             ,
             pour
             out
             your
             Souls
             to
             him
             ,
             in
             large
             acknowledgments
             and
             confessions
             of
             your
             guiltiness
             ;
             which
             ,
             while
             you
             keep
             silence
             ,
             will
             consume
             your
             bones
             and
             waste
             you
             to
             nothing
             .
             
               Remember
               whence
               you
               are
               fal'n
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               repent
               and
               do
               your
               first
               works
               .
            
             Till
             then
             ,
             
               He
               hath
               this
               against
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               have
               left
               your
               first
               love
               .
            
             And
             consider
             ,
             Is
             it
             not
             a
             grievous
             thing
             to
             you
             ?
             Doth
             it
             not
             pain
             your
             hearts
             ,
             that
             your
             Lord
             and
             Redeemer
             should
             have
             
               somewhat
               against
               you
            
             (
             as
             it
             were
             laid
             up
             ,
             noted
             ,
             and
             put
             on
             record
             ,
             kept
             in
             store
             ,
             and
             (
             as
             himself
             remarkably
             expresses
             it
             ,
             
             
               (
               sealed
               up
               among
               his
               treasures
               )
            
             ;
             somewhat
             that
             sticks
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             which
             he
             bears
             in
             mind
             ,
             and
             hath
             lying
             in
             his
             heart
             against
             you
             ?
             Is
             this
             a
             small
             thing
             with
             you
             ?
             when
             that
             must
             be
             apprehended
             to
             be
             his
             sense
             (
             and
             suppose
             him
             saying
             to
             you
             )
             
               I
               remember
               the
               kindness
               of
               thy
               youth
               ,
            
             
             
               the
               love
               of
               thine
               espousals
            
             —
             And
             now
             since
             those
             former
             days
             ,
             
               What
               iniquity
               hast
               thou
               found
               in
               me
               ,
               that
               thou
               art
               gone
               far
               from
               me
               ,
               and
               hast
               walked
               after
               vanity
               ,
               and
               art
               become
               vain
               ?
            
             How
             confounding
             a
             thing
             were
             it
             ,
             if
             he
             should
             say
             ,
             as
             sometime
             to
             others
             in
             a
             case
             resembling
             yours
             (
             and
             why
             should
             you
             not
             take
             it
             as
             equally
             belonging
             to
             you
             )
             ?
             
               O
               my
               people
            
             ,
             
             
               What
               have
               I
               done
               unto
               thee
               ?
               and
               wherein
               have
               I
               wearied
               thee
               ?
               testifie
               against
               me
               :
            
             And
             while
             the
             
               case
               admits
            
             such
             sharp
             and
             cutting
             rebuke
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             the
             
               matter
               of
               rebuke
            
             (
             not
             rebuke
             it self
             abstracted
             from
             the
             matter
             ,
             
               i.
               e.
            
             
             if
             it
             were
             causless
             )
             that
             should
             smart
             or
             wound
             ;
             How
             becoming
             is
             it
             !
             and
             sutable
             to
             the
             case
             ,
             to
             cast
             down
             a
             wounded
             bleeding
             heart
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             be
             abased
             in
             the
             dust
             at
             the
             footstool
             of
             his
             Mercy-seat
             !
             And
             though
             your
             sin
             be
             great
             and
             hainous
             ;
          
           
             4.
             
             Yet
             apprehend
             you
             are
             before
             a
             Mercy-Seat
             ;
             That
             
               there
               is
               forgiveness
               with
               him
               that
               he
               may
               be
               feared
               .
            
             How
             would
             this
             apprehension
             promote
             the
             humiliation
             which
             the
             case
             requires
             !
             A
             sullen
             despondency
             that
             excludes
             hope
             of
             mercy
             hardens
             the
             heart
             ;
             continues
             the
             sinful
             comfortless
             distance
             :
             Therefore
             apply
             your selves
             to
             him
             ;
             seek
             his
             Pardon
             in
             the
             Blood
             of
             the
             Redeemer
             ;
             know
             you
             need
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             only
             upon
             such
             terms
             to
             be
             obtained
             .
          
           
             Yet
             also
             take
             heed
             lest
             any
             diminishing
             thoughts
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             your
             sin
             return
             ,
             and
             make
             you
             neglect
             the
             thing
             ,
             or
             wave
             the
             known
             stated
             way
             of
             remission
             .
             We
             are
             apt
             to
             look
             upon
             crimes
             whereby
             
               men
               are
               immediately
               offended
            
             ,
             (
             and
             which
             therefore
             are
             of
             worse
             reputation
             
               among
               men
               )
            
             ,
             as
             robbery
             ,
             murder
             ,
             &c.
             as
             very
             horrid
             .
             This
             is
             a
             matter
             that
             lies
             immediately
             between
             Spirit
             and
             Spirit
             ;
             the
             God
             of
             the
             Spirits
             of
             all
             flesh
             and
             your
             Spirit
             .
             You
             have
             had
             a
             solemn
             transaction
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             have
             dealt
             falsly
             :
             And
             though
             the
             matter
             were
             secret
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ,
             Is
             it
             the
             less
             evil
             
               in
               it self
            
             for
             that
             ?
             If
             you
             had
             dealt
             unworthily
             ,
             and
             used
             base
             treachery
             towards
             a
             friend
             ,
             in
             a
             matter
             only
             known
             to
             him
             and
             your self
             ,
             Would
             you
             not
             
             when
             you
             have
             reflected
             ,
             blush
             to
             see
             his
             face
             ,
             till
             matters
             be
             composed
             betwixt
             you
             ?
             And
             is
             there
             another
             way
             of
             having
             them
             composed
             ,
             and
             of
             restoring
             delightful
             friendly
             converse
             ,
             than
             by
             your
             seeking
             his
             Pardon
             ,
             and
             his
             granting
             it
             ?
             Could
             you
             have
             the
             confidence
             to
             put
             your self
             upon
             conversing
             with
             him
             as
             at
             former
             times
             ,
             without
             such
             a
             preface
             ?
             Or
             were
             it
             not
             great
             immodesty
             and
             impudence
             to
             offer
             at
             it
             ?
             But
             that
             when
             this
             hath
             been
             the
             case
             between
             the
             blessed
             God
             and
             you
             ,
             and
             you
             now
             come
             with
             deep
             resentments
             ,
             and
             serious
             unfeigned
             acknowledgments
             of
             your
             most
             offensive
             neglects
             of
             him
             ,
             to
             seek
             forgiveness
             at
             his
             hand
             ,
             he
             should
             be
             easie
             and
             facile
             to
             forgive
             ;
             How
             should
             this
             melt
             you
             down
             before
             him
             !
             And
             this
             is
             what
             his
             own
             word
             obliges
             you
             to
             apprehend
             and
             believe
             of
             him
             .
             
             
               These
               words
            
             He
             hath
             required
             to
             
               be
               proclaimed
            
             to
             you
             ;
             
               Return
               you
               back-sliding
               ones
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               not
               cause
               mine
               anger
               to
               fall
               upon
               you
               ;
               for
               I
               am
               merciful
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               not
               keep
               anger
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
             
               Only
               acknowledg
               your
               iniquity
               ,
               that
               you
               have
               transgressed
               against
               the
               Lord
               your
               God
               ,
               and
               have
               scattered
               your
               ways
               to
               the
               strangers
               under
               every
               green
               tree
            
             (
             your
             offence
             hath
             been
             Idolatry
             as
             well
             as
             theirs
             )
             ;
             
               Turn
               ,
               O
               backsliding
               Children
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ;
               for
               I
               am
               married
               unto
               you
               —
            
          
           
             What
             heart
             would
             not
             break
             and
             bleed
             at
             this
             overture
             !
             You
             can
             be
             recovered
             to
             no
             capacity
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             as
             heretofore
             ,
             till
             you
             sensibly
             feel
             the
             need
             of
             great
             forgiveness
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             disposition
             of
             heart
             inwardly
             
             to
             relish
             the
             sweetness
             and
             pleasantness
             of
             it
             ;
             Till
             those
             words
             do
             agree
             with
             the
             sense
             of
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             you
             can
             (
             as
             in
             a
             transport
             )
             cry
             out
             ,
             
               O
               the
               blessedness
               of
               the
               man
            
             (
             as
             the
             expression
             imports
             )
             
               whose
               iniquity
               is
               forgiven
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               whose
               sin
               is
               covered
            
             !
             &c.
             And
             now
             when
             you
             are
             come
             thus
             far
             ,
             if
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             Spirit
             be
             right
             even
             in
             this
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             in
             conjunction
             with
             the
             desire
             ,
             hope
             and
             value
             of
             forgiveness
             ,
             at
             least
             an
             equal
             dread
             of
             such
             future
             strangenesses
             and
             breaches
             between
             God
             and
             you
             :
             And
             that
             will
             be
             very
             natural
             to
             you
             ,
             which
             I
             next
             add
             as
             further
             advice
             ;
          
           
             5.
             
             
               Most
               earnestly
               seek
               and
               crave
               a
               better
               and
               more
               fixed
               temper
               of
               spirit
            
             ;
             More
             fully
             determined
             and
             bent
             Godward
             ;
             That
             
               your
               heart
               may
               be
               directed
               into
               the
               love
               of
               God
            
             ;
             
             That
             
               the
               spirit
               of
               love
               ,
               power
               ,
               and
               a
               sound
               mind
               may
               bear
               rule
               in
               you
               .
            
             Be
             intent
             upon
             the
             recovery
             of
             that
             healthy
             soundness
             ,
             which
             wheresoever
             it
             hath
             place
             ,
             will
             with
             a
             certain
             steady
             power
             ,
             and
             a
             strong
             inclining
             bent
             of
             love
             ,
             carry
             your
             heart
             toward
             God.
             And
             take
             heed
             lest
             you
             be
             satisfied
             in
             the
             expectation
             and
             hope
             of
             forgiveness
             ,
             as
             to
             your
             former
             neglects
             of
             God
             ,
             without
             this
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             a
             manifest
             prejudice
             daily
             accrewing
             to
             the
             Christian
             name
             and
             profession
             ,
             by
             the
             unequal
             estimation
             which
             that
             part
             of
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Christ
             hath
             ,
             that
             concerns
             the
             
               work
               of
               his
               Spirit
               upon
               us
               ,
               regeneration
               ,
            
             the
             
               new
               creature
               ,
               repentance
            
             ,
             and
             an
             
               holy
               life
            
             ;
             in
             comparison
             of
             that
             which
             concerns
             
               his
               performances
            
             
             and
             
               acquisitions
               for
               us
               ,
               expiation
               of
               sin
               ,
               satisfaction
               of
               Divine
               Justice
               ,
               forgiveness
            
             and
             
               acceptance
               with
               God.
            
             How
             sweet
             ravishing
             transporting
             Doctrines
             ,
             and
             how
             
               pure
               Gospel
            
             are
             these
             latter
             accounted
             by
             many
             ,
             who
             esteem
             the
             former
             cold
             ,
             sapless
             ,
             unpleasant
             notions
             !
             Thence
             comes
             Christian
             Religion
             to
             look
             with
             so
             distorted
             a
             face
             and
             aspect
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             suffered
             a
             convulsion
             ,
             that
             hath
             altered
             and
             disguised
             it
             unto
             that
             degree
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             hardly
             to
             be
             known
             ;
             being
             made
             to
             seem
             as
             if
             it
             imported
             only
             a
             
               design
               to
               rescue
               some
               persons
               from
               Divine
               Wrath
               and
               Justice
               ,
               without
               ever
               giving
               them
               that
               disposition
               of
               heart
               which
               is
               necessary
               both
               to
               their
               serving
               of
               God
               and
               their
               blessedness
               in
               him
               .
            
             This
             is
             not
             to
             be
             imputed
             so
             much
             to
             the
             misrepresentation
             made
             of
             it
             by
             them
             ,
             whose
             business
             it
             hath
             been
             to
             instruct
             others
             ,
             (
             though
             of
             them
             
               too
               many
            
             may
             have
             been
             very
             faulty
             in
             almost
             suppressing
             or
             insisting
             less
             ,
             or
             very
             little
             ,
             upon
             Doctrines
             of
             the
             former
             strain
             ,
             while
             the
             stream
             of
             their
             Discourses
             hath
             mostly
             run
             upon
             the
             other
             )
             ;
             for
             it
             must
             be
             acknowledged
             ,
             that
             by
             very
             many
             in
             our
             age
             ,
             the
             absolute
             necessity
             of
             the
             great
             heart-change
             hath
             been
             both
             most
             clearly
             represented
             ,
             and
             as
             urgently
             prest
             as
             perhaps
             in
             most
             that
             have
             gone
             before
             .
             But
             the
             matter
             is
             plainly
             to
             be
             most
             attributed
             to
             that
             depravedness
             of
             mans
             nature
             ,
             whence
             there
             is
             a
             most
             unequal
             and
             partial
             reception
             of
             the
             Truth
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             seems
             (
             taken
             apart
             by
             it self
             )
             to
             import
             more
             of
             
               indulgence
               to
               sinners
            
             is
             readily
             catcht
             at
             ,
             that
             
             which
             more
             directly
             
               strikes
               at
               the
               very
               root
               of
               sin
               ,
            
             is
             let
             pass
             as
             if
             it
             had
             never
             been
             spoken
             .
             And
             so
             men
             
               make
               up
               to
               themselves
            
             a
             Gospel
             of
             this
             tenor
             and
             import
             ,
             
               That
               let
               the
               temper
               of
               their
               spirits
               towards
               God
               be
               what
               it
               will
               ,
               if
               they
               rely
               and
               rest
               upon
               the
               righteousness
               of
               Christ
               ,
               God
               will
               be
               reconciled
               to
               them
               .
            
             And
             they
             think
             they
             need
             take
             no
             further
             care
             .
             But
             whatever
             is
             said
             in
             the
             Gospel
             
               of
               Christ
            
             besides
             ,
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             
               being
               born
               of
               God
            
             ,
             of
             
               partaking
               a
               Divine
               nature
            
             ,
             of
             
               putting
               off
               the
               old
               man
            
             ,
             and
             
               putting
               on
               the
               new
            
             ,
             &c.
             is
             lookt
             upon
             as
             if
             it
             had
             been
             thrown
             in
             by
             chance
             ,
             and
             did
             signifie
             nothing
             .
             And
             the
             other
             ,
             without
             this
             ,
             is
             thought
             to
             be
             
               pure
               Gospel
            
             ;
             As
             if
             these
             were
             impertinent
             additions
             and
             falsifications
             .
             But
             will
             not
             such
             men
             understand
             ,
             that
             the
             detracting
             of
             any
             thing
             from
             the
             Instrument
             or
             Testament
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             adding
             thereto
             ,
             makes
             it
             
               another
               thing
            
             ,
             and
             none
             of
             his
             act
             or
             deed
             ?
             And
             so
             that
             their
             
               pure
               Gospel
            
             ,
             as
             they
             call
             it
             ,
             is
             
               another
               Gospel
            
             ,
             nay
             (
             because
             there
             cannot
             be
             another
             )
             
               no
               Gospel
            
             ?
             Or
             will
             they
             not
             understand
             ,
             how
             
               simply
               impossible
               it
               is
            
             ,
             in
             the
             very
             
               nature
               of
               the
               thing
            
             ,
             that
             the
             end
             should
             be
             attained
             ,
             of
             bringing
             men
             to
             blessedness
             ,
             
               (
               i.
               e.
            
             to
             a
             
               delightful
               rest
               in
               God
            
             )
             ,
             without
             their
             having
             a
             
               new
               nature
            
             ,
             an
             heart
             inclined
             and
             bent
             toward
             God
             ,
             wrought
             to
             a
             conformity
             and
             agreement
             with
             Gods
             own
             holy
             Nature
             and
             Will
             ,
             unto
             which
             the
             offer
             and
             hope
             of
             forgiveness
             by
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             is
             designed
             to
             win
             and
             form
             them
             ?
             For
             can
             men
             be
             happy
             
             in
             him
             in
             whom
             they
             take
             no
             delight
             ?
             or
             delight
             in
             him
             to
             whom
             the
             very
             temper
             of
             their
             spirits
             is
             habitually
             unsutable
             and
             repugnant
             ?
             How
             plain
             are
             things
             to
             them
             that
             are
             not
             resolved
             
               not
               to
               see
            
             !
          
           
             Wherefore
             beware
             of
             contenting
             your selves
             with
             the
             meer
             hope
             ,
             that
             upon
             your
             having
             admitted
             a
             conviction
             ,
             and
             felt
             some
             regret
             in
             your
             spirits
             for
             former
             strangeness
             to
             God
             ,
             you
             shall
             be
             pardoned
             ;
             so
             as
             thereupon
             never
             to
             design
             a
             redress
             ,
             but
             run
             on
             the
             same
             course
             as
             before
             :
             And
             when
             you
             have
             hereby
             contracted
             a
             new
             score
             ,
             and
             the
             load
             of
             your
             guilt
             begins
             to
             be
             sensibly
             heavy
             upon
             you
             ,
             then
             betake
             your selves
             to
             God
             for
             a
             new
             pardon
             .
             What
             presumptuous
             trifling
             is
             this
             with
             the
             Lord
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             !
             And
             what
             do
             you
             mean
             by
             it
             ,
             or
             seem
             to
             expect
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             ,
             that
             God
             should
             instead
             of
             remitting
             your
             sin
             to
             you
             remit
             your
             duty
             ;
             cancel
             the
             obligation
             of
             that
             very
             supream
             universal
             fundamental
             Law
             of
             Nature
             it self
             ,
             and
             excuse
             you
             quite
             from
             ever
             loving
             ,
             delighting
             in
             him
             ,
             or
             setting
             your
             heart
             upon
             him
             at
             all
             ?
             Think
             not
             forgiveness
             alone
             then
             will
             serve
             your
             turn
             ;
             it
             will
             signifie
             as
             much
             as
             a
             pardon
             will
             do
             to
             a
             Malefactor
             just
             ready
             to
             dye
             of
             a
             mortal
             disease
             ;
             he
             ,
             poor
             man
             !
             as
             much
             needs
             a
             
               skilful
               Physician
            
             ,
             as
             a
             
               merciful
               Prince
            
             ;
             And
             so
             do
             you
             .
             And
             your
             matter
             is
             nothing
             the
             worse
             (
             sure
             )
             ,
             that
             the
             person
             of
             each
             is
             sustained
             by
             the
             same
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             that
             both
             parts
             can
             be
             performed
             by
             the
             same
             hand
             .
             And
             know
             ,
             that
             a
             
               restored
               rectitude
            
             
             of
             Spirit
             Godward
             ,
             a
             
               renewed
               healthiness
            
             and
             soundness
             of
             heart
             ,
             with
             your
             
               actual
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             thereupon
             in
             your
             future
             course
             ,
             stands
             in
             nearer
             and
             more
             immediate
             connexion
             with
             your
             final
             perfect
             delightful
             rest
             and
             blessedness
             in
             him
             ,
             than
             your
             being
             perpetually
             forgiven
             the
             not-doing
             of
             it
             ;
             if
             this
             were
             supposed
             possible
             without
             that
             ;
             But
             it
             is
             not
             indeed
             supposable
             ,
             for
             if
             God
             would
             not
             therefore
             hereafter
             banish
             you
             his
             presence
             (
             as
             now
             he
             does
             not
             )
             ,
             you
             would
             for
             ever
             banish
             your selves
             ,
             as
             now
             you
             do
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             
               Let
               there
               be
               a
               solemn
               recognition
               and
               renewal
               of
               your
               engagement
               and
               devoting
               of
               your self
               to
               God.
            
             Again
             take
             hold
             of
             his
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             see
             that
             it
             take
             faster
             hold
             of
             you
             .
             Do
             it
             as
             if
             you
             had
             never
             done
             it
             ,
             as
             if
             you
             were
             now
             to
             begin
             with
             him
             ;
             only
             that
             
               your
               own
               sin
            
             and
             
               his
               grace
            
             ought
             now
             to
             appear
             greater
             in
             your
             eyes
             ;
             that
             more
             odious
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             added
             treachery
             to
             
               disaffection
               ;
               this
            
             more
             glorious
             and
             admirable
             ,
             that
             yet
             he
             hath
             left
             open
             to
             you
             a
             door
             of
             hope
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             is
             
               place
               for
               repentance
            
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             is
             ready
             to
             treat
             with
             you
             again
             on
             a
             new
             score
             .
             With
             what
             humility
             ,
             shame
             ,
             fear
             and
             trembling
             ,
             distrust
             of
             your self
             ,
             resolution
             of
             future
             more
             diligent
             circumspection
             and
             observation
             of
             your
             own
             spirit
             ,
             trust
             and
             dependence
             on
             his
             ,
             ought
             this
             transaction
             now
             to
             be
             managed
             with
             the
             holy
             God!
             
          
           
             And
             when
             you
             are
             thus
             returned
             into
             the
             way
             and
             course
             of
             your
             duty
             ;
             Then
             may
             what
             follows
             concern
             you
             in
             common
             with
             all
             other
             ,
             
             that
             (
             being
             entered
             )
             desire
             direction
             how
             to
             proceed
             and
             improve
             in
             this
             holy
             Exercise
             of
             Delighting
             in
             God.
             
          
           
             Because
             therefore
             such
             as
             have
             been
             somewhat
             practised
             in
             this
             course
             ,
             and
             being
             convinc't
             of
             the
             equity
             and
             excellency
             of
             it
             ,
             desire
             to
             make
             progress
             therein
             ,
             do
             yet
             find
             a
             difficulty
             in
             it
             ;
             it
             goes
             not
             easily
             with
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             easily
             diverted
             and
             can
             hardly
             hold
             on
             in
             it
             ;
             some
             what
             is
             intended
             to
             be
             said
             ,
             that
             possibly
             may
             ,
             through
             the
             Lords
             blessing
             be
             of
             some
             use
             as
             to
             that
             (
             too-common
             )
             case
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               First
               then
               ,
               Let
               it
               be
               your
               great
               study
               and
               endeavour
               to
               get
               a
               temper
               of
               mind
               actually
               ,
               ordinarily
               and
               more
               entirely
               spiritual
               .
            
             We
             suppose
             the
             implantation
             of
             some
             holy
             and
             spiritual
             Principles
             in
             you
             already
             ;
             But
             that
             is
             not
             enough
             .
             For
             as
             a
             mind
             
               wholly
               carnal
            
             ,
             only
             savours
             the
             things
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             will
             perpetually
             withdraw
             and
             recoil
             ,
             if
             you
             offer
             it
             any
             thing
             tending
             God-ward
             ;
             so
             ,
             
               in
               whatsoever
               degree
               it
               is
               carnal
               ,
            
             it
             will
             do
             thus
             in
             a
             proportionable
             degree
             .
             If
             you
             say
             ,
             
               let
               me
               now
               apply
               my self
               to
               some
               delightful
               intercourse
               with
               God
               ,
            
             while
             an
             earthly
             tincture
             is
             fresh
             with
             you
             ,
             and
             it
             was
             some
             carnal
             thing
             that
             made
             the
             last
             impression
             upon
             your
             spirit
             ,
             many
             excuses
             will
             be
             found
             out
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             manifold
             diversions
             ;
             It
             will
             never
             be
             thought
             seasonable
             .
             Many
             other
             things
             will
             be
             judged
             necessary
             to
             be
             minded
             first
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             fence
             against
             the
             addictedness
             of
             your
             hearts
             to
             those
             
               other
               things
            
             .
             And
             whereas
             ,
             through
             the
             great
             advantages
             that
             sensible
             
             things
             have
             upon
             your
             senses
             and
             imagination
             ,
             you
             are
             in
             continual
             danger
             to
             be
             over-born
             and
             held
             off
             from
             God
             ;
             This
             you
             must
             earnestly
             intend
             to
             watch
             and
             fortifie
             those
             inlets
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             give
             away
             your
             souls
             to
             sense
             and
             the
             things
             of
             sense
             .
             Trust
             not
             your
             senses
             and
             their
             objects
             to
             parly
             ,
             but
             under
             strict
             inspection
             .
             Never
             suffer
             that
             they
             should
             let
             in
             upon
             you
             what
             is
             sutable
             and
             grateful
             to
             them
             at
             their
             own
             pleasure
             .
          
           
             You
             need
             to
             have
             somewhat
             else
             than
             sense
             ,
             even
             a
             
               spirit
               of
               might
               and
               power
            
             ,
             that
             may
             counter-mand
             and
             over-rule
             in
             every
             of
             those
             ports
             ,
             and
             
               turn
               the
               battle
               in
               the
               gate
               .
            
             Those
             use
             to
             be
             the
             places
             of
             most
             strength
             ;
             and
             surely
             here
             there
             needs
             most
             .
             Your
             case
             and
             present
             state
             cannot
             admit
             that
             you
             securely
             give
             up
             your selves
             to
             unmixed
             unsolicitous
             delight
             even
             in
             the
             best
             Object
             .
             If
             you
             intermit
             care
             and
             vigilancy
             ,
             you
             will
             soon
             have
             such
             things
             come
             in
             upon
             you
             ,
             as
             will
             make
             a
             
               worse
               mixture
            
             in
             your
             delight
             than
             they
             can
             do
             ,
             and
             corrupt
             and
             spoil
             all
             .
             Your
             delight
             were
             better
             to
             be
             mixed
             with
             
               holy
               care
            
             ,
             than
             with
             
               sinful
               vanity
               ;
               that
            
             tends
             to
             preserve
             ,
             this
             utterly
             to
             destroy
             it
             .
             Your
             state
             is
             that
             of
             conflict
             and
             warfare
             :
             You
             must
             be
             content
             with
             such
             spiritual
             delight
             ,
             as
             will
             consist
             with
             this
             state
             .
             In
             a
             time
             of
             War
             and
             Danger
             ,
             when
             a
             City
             is
             beset
             with
             a
             surrounding
             Enemy
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Inhabitants
             are
             to
             be
             intent
             upon
             common
             Safety
             ,
             their
             case
             will
             not
             admit
             ,
             that
             they
             should
             entirely
             indulge
             themselves
             to
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             :
             And
             surely
             it
             is
             better
             to
             bear
             the
             
             inconvenience
             of
             Watching
             and
             Guarding
             themselves
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             the
             comforts
             which
             a
             rational
             probability
             of
             Safety
             by
             such
             means
             will
             allow
             them
             ,
             than
             meerly
             with
             the
             mad
             hope
             of
             procuring
             themselves
             an
             opportunity
             and
             vacancy
             for
             freer
             delights
             ,
             to
             throw
             open
             their
             Gates
             ,
             and
             permit
             themselves
             and
             all
             their
             delectable
             things
             to
             the
             rapine
             &
             spoil
             of
             a
             merciless
             Enemy
             :
             Understand
             this
             to
             be
             your
             case
             .
             Therefore
             strictly
             guard
             all
             the
             avenues
             of
             your
             inward
             man.
             It
             is
             better
             resist
             there
             and
             combate
             your
             Enemy
             ,
             than
             within
             your
             Walls
             ;
             who
             is
             more
             easily
             kept
             than
             driven
             out
             .
             There
             cause
             every
             occasion
             and
             object
             (
             even
             that
             importunes
             and
             
               pretends
               business
            
             to
             you
             )
             to
             make
             a
             stand
             ,
             and
             diligently
             examine
             the
             errand
             .
             Let
             also
             for
             this
             purpose
             
               a
               spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               and
               Judgment
            
             reside
             here
             ,
             
               (
               The
               Gate
            
             was
             wont
             to
             be
             the
             place
             of
             counsel
             and
             judgment
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             
               strength
               )
            
             ,
             that
             may
             prudently
             consider
             what
             is
             to
             be
             entertained
             and
             what
             not
             ;
             and
             determine
             and
             do
             accordingly
             .
             
             But
             if
             
               you
               will
               have
               no
               rule
               over
               your
               own
               spirit
               ,
               but
               let
               it
               be
               as
               a
               City
               broken
               down
               and
               without
               walls
            
             ;
             If
             you
             will
             live
             careless
             and
             at
             ease
             ,
             and
             think
             in
             this
             way
             to
             have
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             your
             delight
             will
             soon
             find
             other
             Objects
             ,
             and
             grow
             like
             that
             of
             the
             Swine
             wallowing
             in
             the
             mire
             ,
             become
             sensual
             ,
             impure
             ,
             and
             at
             length
             turn
             all
             to
             Gall
             and
             Wormwood
             .
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             you
             have
             known
             some
             of
             much
             pretence
             to
             Piety
             ,
             that
             would
             allow
             themselves
             the
             liberty
             of
             being
             otherwise
             very
             pleasant
             
             in
             their
             usual
             conversation
             ;
             by
             which
             you
             may
             imagine
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             (
             which
             you
             cannot
             suppose
             such
             persons
             unacquainted
             with
             )
             may
             fairly
             consist
             with
             
               another
               sort
               of
               delight
            
             .
             Nor
             indeed
             is
             it
             to
             be
             doubted
             but
             it
             may
             ;
             For
             the
             Rules
             and
             Measures
             which
             the
             Holy
             God
             hath
             set
             us
             import
             
               no
               such
               rigorous
               severity
            
             ,
             nor
             do
             confine
             us
             to
             so
             very
             narrow
             bounds
             ,
             but
             that
             there
             is
             scope
             and
             latitude
             enough
             left
             unto
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             sober
             desires
             and
             inclinations
             that
             are
             of
             a
             meaner
             kind
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             adjoined
             the
             inferior
             faculties
             we
             find
             in
             our selves
             to
             our
             natures
             ,
             and
             at
             first
             created
             a
             terrestrial
             Paradise
             for
             innocent
             man
             ,
             never
             intended
             to
             forbid
             the
             gratification
             of
             those
             faculties
             ,
             nor
             hath
             given
             us
             any
             reason
             to
             doubt
             but
             that
             the
             lower
             delights
             that
             are
             sutable
             to
             them
             
               might
               be
            
             innocently
             entertained
             ;
             Nay
             ,
             and
             the
             very
             Rules
             themselves
             of
             Temperance
             and
             Sobriety
             which
             he
             hath
             given
             us
             ,
             for
             the
             guiding
             and
             governing
             of
             sensitive
             desires
             ,
             do
             plainly
             imply
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             permitted
             .
             For
             that
             which
             ought
             not
             
               to
               be
            
             ,
             is
             not
             to
             be
             regulated
             ,
             but
             destroyed
             :
             But
             then
             ,
             whereas
             such
             rules
             do
             so
             limit
             the
             inclinations
             and
             functions
             of
             the
             low
             animal
             life
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             may
             be
             consistent
             with
             our
             end
             ,
             and
             subservient
             to
             it
             ;
             How
             perverse
             and
             wicked
             an
             indulgence
             to
             them
             were
             it
             ,
             to
             oppose
             them
             at
             once
             both
             to
             the
             Authority
             of
             him
             that
             set
             us
             those
             Rules
             ,
             and
             (
             therein
             )
             to
             our
             very
             end
             it self
             !
             That
             delectation
             in
             the
             things
             of
             this
             lower
             world
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             by
             the
             Divine
             Law
             forbidden
             and
             declared
             evil
             ,
             
             either
             in
             it self
             ,
             or
             
               by
               the
               undue
               measure
            
             ,
             season
             ,
             or
             other
             circumstances
             thereof
             ,
             is
             abundantly
             sufficient
             for
             our
             entertainment
             ,
             and
             the
             gratification
             of
             this
             grosser
             part
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             in
             this
             our
             earthly
             pilgrimage
             ;
             and
             
               so
               much
            
             can
             never
             hurt
             us
             ,
             nor
             hinder
             our
             higher
             delights
             .
             God
             hath
             fenc'd
             and
             hedg'd
             them
             in
             for
             us
             (
             as
             a
             Garden
             inclosed
             )
             by
             his
             own
             Rules
             and
             Laws
             set
             about
             them
             ;
             so
             that
             we
             cannot
             prejudice
             or
             empair
             them
             ,
             but
             by
             breaking
             thorough
             his
             inclosure
             .
             Our
             great
             care
             and
             study
             therefore
             must
             be
             ,
             to
             repress
             and
             mortifie
             all
             earthly
             and
             sensual
             inclinations
             ,
             unto
             that
             degree
             as
             till
             they
             be
             reduc't
             to
             a
             conformity
             and
             agreement
             with
             his
             Rules
             and
             Measures
             ;
             unto
             which
             they
             who
             have
             no
             regard
             ,
             and
             do
             yet
             pretend
             highly
             to
             spirituality
             ,
             and
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             'T
             is
             apparently
             nothing
             else
             but
             meer
             hollow
             pretence
             ;
             they
             only
             put
             on
             a
             good
             face
             ,
             and
             make
             a
             fair
             shew
             ;
             look
             big
             ,
             and
             speak
             great
             swelling
             words
             of
             vanity
             ,
             as
             they
             must
             be
             called
             ,
             while
             their
             hearts
             taste
             nothing
             of
             what
             their
             tongues
             utter
             .
             Spiritual
             delight
             and
             joy
             is
             a
             severe
             thing
             ,
             separated
             from
             vain
             and
             unbecoming
             levities
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             from
             all
             earthly
             impurities
             ▪
             and
             only
             grows
             and
             flourishes
             in
             a
             Soul
             that
             is
             dead
             to
             this
             world
             ,
             and
             alive
             to
             God
             through
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             See
             then
             to
             the
             usual
             temper
             of
             your
             spirit
             ;
             and
             do
             not
             think
             it
             enough
             ,
             that
             you
             hope
             the
             great
             renewing
             change
             did
             somtime
             pass
             upon
             it
             ;
             and
             that
             therefore
             your
             case
             is
             good
             and
             safe
             ,
             and
             you
             may
             now
             take
             your
             ease
             and
             liberty
             ;
             
             But
             be
             intent
             upon
             this
             ,
             to
             get
             into
             a
             
               confirmed
               growing
               spirituality
            
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             may
             find
             you
             are
             in
             your
             ordinary
             course
             
               after
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             
             then
             will
             you
             
               savour
               the
               things
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ;
             And
             then
             especially
             will
             the
             blessed
             God
             himself
             become
             your
             
               great
               delight
            
             ,
             
             and
             your
             
               exceeding
               joy
            
             .
             Retire
             yourself
             from
             this
             world
             ,
             draw
             off
             your
             mind
             and
             heart
             .
             This
             is
             Gods
             great
             rival
             .
             The
             friendship
             of
             this
             world
             
               is
               enmity
               to
               him
            
             ,
             
             which
             is
             elsewhere
             said
             of
             the
             
               carnal
               mind
            
             ;
             
             that
             is
             indeed
             the
             same
             thing
             ,
             viz.
             a
             
               mind
               that
               is
               over-friendly
               affected
               towards
               this
               world
               ,
            
             or
             not
             chastly
             ;
             wherefore
             also
             in
             that
             fore-mentioned
             Scripture
             ,
             they
             that
             are
             supposed
             and
             suspected
             to
             have
             made
             themselves
             ,
             in
             that
             undue
             sense
             ,
             
               friends
               of
               this
               world
            
             ,
             are
             bespoken
             under
             the
             names
             of
             Adulterers
             and
             Adulteresses
             .
             You
             must
             cast
             off
             all
             other
             Lovers
             ,
             if
             you
             intend
             
               delighting
               in
               God.
            
             Get
             up
             then
             into
             the
             higher
             region
             where
             you
             may
             be
             out
             of
             the
             danger
             of
             having
             your
             spirit
             ingulpht
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             suck't
             up
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             this
             world
             ;
             or
             of
             being
             subject
             to
             its
             debasing
             ,
             stupifying
             influence
             .
             Bear
             your self
             as
             the
             inhabitant
             of
             another
             country
             .
             Make
             this
             your
             mark
             and
             scope
             ,
             that
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             spirit
             may
             be
             such
             ,
             that
             the
             secret
             of
             the
             Divine
             Presence
             may
             become
             to
             you
             as
             your
             very
             element
             ,
             wherein
             you
             can
             most
             freely
             breath
             and
             live
             ,
             and
             be
             most
             at
             ease
             ;
             and
             out
             of
             which
             you
             may
             perceive
             you
             cannot
             enjoy
             your self
             ;
             and
             that
             what-ever
             tends
             to
             withdraw
             you
             from
             him
             ,
             any
             extravagant
             
             motion
             ,
             the
             beginnings
             of
             the
             excursion
             ,
             or
             the
             least
             departing
             step
             ,
             may
             be
             sensibly
             painful
             and
             grievous
             to
             you
             .
             And
             do
             not
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             an
             hopeless
             thing
             you
             should
             ever
             come
             to
             this
             ;
             
             some
             have
             come
             to
             it
             ;
             
               One
               thing
               have
               I
               desired
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               that
               will
               I
               seek
               after
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               dwell
               in
               the
               House
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               all
               the
               days
               of
               my
               life
               ,
               to
               behold
               the
               beauty
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               to
               enquire
               in
               his
               Temple
               .
            
          
           
             Nor
             was
             this
             a
             transient
             fit
             only
             with
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
             but
             we
             find
             him
             frequently
             speaking
             the
             same
             sense
             ,
             
             
               Surely
               goodness
               and
               mercy
               shall
               follow
               me
               all
               the
               days
               of
               my
               life
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               dwell
               in
               the
               House
               of
               the
               Lord
               for
               ever
               ,
            
             And
             again
             we
             have
             the
             like
             strains
             ;
             
             
               How
               amiable
               are
               thy
               Tabernacles
               ,
               O
               Lord
               God
               of
               Hosts
               !
               My
               Soul
               longeth
               ;
               yea
               ,
               even
               fainteth
               for
               the
               Courts
               of
               the
               Lord
               :
               Blessed
               are
               they
               that
               dwell
               in
               thy
               House
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             And
             what
             was
             this
             House
             more
             to
             him
             than
             another
             House
             ,
             save
             that
             here
             he
             reckoned
             upon
             enjoying
             the
             Divine
             Presence
             ?
             So
             that
             here
             was
             an
             heart
             so
             naturaliz'd
             to
             this
             Presence
             ,
             as
             to
             affect
             
               an
               abode
               in
               it
            
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             might
             
               lead
               his
               life
               with
               God
            
             ,
             and
             dwell
             with
             him
             all
             his
             days
             ;
             He
             could
             not
             be
             content
             with
             giving
             a
             visit
             now
             and
             then
             .
          
           
             And
             why
             should
             this
             temper
             of
             spirit
             in
             the
             clearer
             light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             be
             look't
             upon
             as
             an
             unattainable
             thing
             ?
             A
             lazy
             despondency
             ,
             and
             the
             mean
             conceit
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             modest
             not
             to
             aim
             so
             high
             ,
             starves
             Religion
             ,
             and
             stifles
             all
             truly
             noble
             and
             generous
             desires
             .
             Let
             this
             then
             be
             the
             thing
             designed
             with
             you
             ,
             and
             constantly
             pursue
             and
             drive
             the
             design
             ,
             that
             you
             
             may
             get
             into
             this
             disposition
             of
             spirit
             towards
             God.
             His
             Spirit
             will
             not
             be
             restrained
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             duly
             sought
             ,
             and
             dutifully
             comply'd
             with
             and
             obeyed
             ;
             if
             you
             carefully
             reserve
             your self
             for
             him
             ,
             
             as
             one
             
               whom
               be
               hath
               set
               apart
               for
               himself
               .
            
             If
             you
             will
             be
             entirely
             his
             ,
             and
             keep
             your
             distance
             ,
             using
             an
             holy
             chast
             reservedness
             as
             to
             other
             things
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             such
             things
             as
             any
             way
             tend
             to
             indispose
             your
             spirit
             towards
             him
             ,
             or
             render
             it
             less
             sutable
             to
             his
             converse
             ,
             He
             will
             be
             no
             stranger
             to
             you
             .
          
           
             And
             that
             it
             may
             be
             more
             sutable
             and
             fit
             for
             him
             ,
             you
             should
             habituate
             and
             accustom
             your self
             to
             converse
             
               in
               the
               general
            
             with
             
               spiritual
               things
            
             .
             You
             will
             be
             as
             the
             things
             are
             you
             converse
             most
             with
             ;
             they
             will
             leave
             their
             stamp
             and
             impress
             on
             you
             ;
             
               wandring
               after
               vanity
            
             ,
             you
             will
             
               become
               vain
               ;
               minding
               earthly
               things
               ,
            
             you
             will
             
               become
               earthly
            
             ;
             Accordingly
             ,
             being
             much
             taken
             up
             with
             
               spiritual
               things
            
             ,
             you
             will
             bear
             their
             image
             ,
             and
             become
             spiritual
             .
          
           
             Think
             how
             unworthy
             it
             is
             ,
             since
             you
             have
             faculties
             (
             and
             those
             now
             refined
             and
             improved
             by
             Divine
             light
             and
             grace
             )
             that
             are
             capable
             of
             being
             employed
             about
             so
             much
             higher
             objects
             than
             those
             of
             sense
             ,
             That
             you
             should
             yeild
             to
             a
             confinement
             ,
             in
             so
             great
             part
             ,
             to
             so
             low
             and
             mean
             things
             ;
             whence
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             when
             you
             should
             mind
             things
             of
             an
             higher
             nature
             ,
             't
             is
             a
             
               strange
               work
            
             with
             you
             ,
             and
             those
             things
             seem
             odd
             and
             uncouth
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             are
             all
             with
             you
             as
             meer
             shadow
             and
             darkness
             ,
             that
             you
             should
             be
             most
             familiar
             
             with
             .
             Urge
             on
             your
             spirit
             ;
             make
             it
             enter
             into
             the
             invisible
             world
             .
             May
             you
             not
             be
             assured
             ,
             if
             you
             will
             use
             your
             understanding
             ,
             That
             there
             are
             things
             you
             never
             saw
             ,
             that
             are
             unspeakably
             more
             excellent
             and
             glorious
             than
             any
             thing
             you
             have
             seen
             ,
             or
             than
             can
             be
             seen
             by
             eyes
             of
             flesh
             ?
          
           
             Why
             should
             your
             mind
             and
             thoughts
             be
             limited
             within
             the
             narrow
             bounds
             of
             this
             sublunary
             world
             ;
             so
             small
             and
             minute
             ,
             and
             (
             by
             the
             apostacy
             and
             sin
             of
             man
             )
             so
             abject
             and
             deformed
             a
             part
             of
             Gods
             Creation
             ?
             Do
             not
             bind
             down
             your
             spirit
             to
             the
             consideration
             and
             view
             of
             the
             affairs
             and
             concernments
             only
             of
             this
             Region
             of
             sin
             and
             wretchedness
             ;
             where
             few
             things
             fall
             under
             your
             notice
             ,
             that
             can
             be
             a
             comfortable
             (
             or
             so
             greatly
             edifying
             and
             instructive
             a
             )
             prospect
             to
             a
             serious
             spirit
             .
             But
             consider
             ,
             That
             as
             certainly
             as
             you
             behold
             with
             your
             eyes
             the
             wickedness
             and
             miseries
             of
             this
             forlorn
             world
             ,
             that
             hath
             forsaken
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             in
             great
             part
             forsaken
             of
             him
             ;
             so
             certainly
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             vastly
             greater
             world
             than
             this
             ,
             of
             glorious
             and
             innocent
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             stand
             in
             direct
             and
             dutiful
             subordination
             to
             their
             common
             Maker
             and
             Lord
             ;
             loving
             ,
             and
             beloved
             of
             him
             ;
             delighting
             to
             do
             his
             will
             ,
             and
             solacing
             themselves
             perpetually
             in
             his
             blessed
             presence
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             mutual
             love
             ,
             communion
             and
             felicity
             of
             one
             another
             .
             
             Unto
             which
             happy
             number
             (
             or
             
               innumerable
               company
            
             rather
             as
             they
             are
             called
             )
             the
             Redeemer
             is
             daily
             adjoining
             such
             as
             he
             recovers
             and
             translates
             out
             of
             the
             ruins
             
             and
             desolation
             of
             this
             miserable
             accursed
             part
             of
             the
             Universe
             .
          
           
             Reckon
             your self
             as
             someway
             appertaining
             to
             that
             blessed
             Society
             .
             Mind
             the
             affairs
             thereof
             as
             those
             of
             your
             own
             Country
             ,
             and
             that
             properly
             belong
             to
             you
             .
             When
             we
             are
             taught
             to
             pray
             ,
             
               That
               the
               will
               of
               God
               may
               be
               done
               on
               earth
               as
               it
               is
               in
               heaven
            
             ;
             Can
             it
             be
             supposed
             ,
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             a
             strange
             thing
             to
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             
               how
               affairs
               go
               there
            
             ?
             Surely
             Faith
             and
             holy
             Reason
             ,
             well
             used
             ,
             would
             furnish
             us
             with
             regular
             and
             warrantable
             notions
             enough
             of
             the
             state
             of
             things
             above
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             not
             need
             to
             carry
             it
             as
             persons
             that
             have
             no
             concern
             therein
             ;
             or
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             required
             to
             be
             as
             strangers
             on
             earth
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             make
             our selves
             such
             to
             heaven
             rather
             .
          
           
             Let
             your
             mind
             be
             much
             employed
             in
             considering
             the
             state
             of
             things
             between
             God
             and
             his
             Creatures
             .
             Design
             a
             large
             field
             for
             your
             thoughts
             to
             spread
             themselves
             in
             ,
             (
             and
             you
             will
             also
             find
             it
             a
             fruitful
             one
             )
             ;
             let
             them
             run
             backward
             and
             forward
             ,
             and
             expatiate
             on
             every
             side
             .
             Think
             how
             all
             things
             sprang
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             among
             them
             Man
             ,
             that
             excellent
             part
             of
             this
             his
             lower
             Creation
             ;
             what
             he
             was
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             what
             he
             is
             now
             become
             .
             Think
             of
             the
             admirable
             person
             ,
             the
             glorious
             excellences
             ,
             the
             mighty
             design
             ,
             the
             wonderful
             atchievements
             and
             performances
             of
             the
             Redeemer
             ;
             And
             the
             blessed
             issue
             he
             will
             bring
             things
             to
             at
             length
             .
          
           
             Think
             of
             ,
             and
             study
             much
             the
             nature
             ,
             parts
             and
             accomplishments
             of
             the
             new
             creature
             ;
             
             get
             your
             mind
             well-instructed
             and
             furnished
             with
             apprehensions
             of
             the
             whole
             entire
             frame
             of
             that
             holy
             rectitude
             wherein
             the
             Image
             of
             God
             upon
             renewed
             Souls
             doth
             consist
             ;
             the
             several
             lovely
             ornaments
             of
             the
             hidden
             man
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             how
             it
             is
             framed
             and
             habited
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             as
             it
             should
             be
             towards
             God
             and
             towards
             men
             .
             Cast
             about
             ,
             and
             you
             will
             not
             want
             matter
             of
             spiritual
             employment
             and
             exercise
             for
             your
             minds
             and
             hearts
             ;
             nor
             have
             occasion
             ,
             if
             any
             expostulate
             with
             you
             ,
             
               why
               you
               mind
               this
               earth
               and
               the
               things
               of
               sense
               so
               much
               ,
            
             to
             say
             ,
             
               you
               know
               not
               what
               else
               to
               think
               of
            
             ;
             you
             may
             sure
             find
             many
             things
             else
             .
             And
             if
             you
             would
             use
             your
             thoughts
             to
             such
             converse
             ,
             and
             thus
             daily
             entertain
             your self
             ,
             In
             this
             way
             you
             may
             expect
             a
             spiritual
             frame
             to
             grow
             habitual
             to
             you
             ;
             and
             then
             would
             the
             rest
             of
             your
             business
             do
             it self
             .
             You
             would
             not
             need
             to
             be
             prest
             and
             perswaded
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             any
             more
             than
             to
             do
             the
             acts
             of
             Nature
             ,
             to
             eat
             ,
             and
             drink
             ,
             and
             move
             ,
             yea
             and
             
               draw
               your
               breath
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Endeavour
               your
               knowledg
               ,
               or
               the
               conception
               you
               have
               of
               God
               ,
               may
               be
               more
               distinct
               and
               clear
               .
            
             For
             observe
             whether
             when
             you
             would
             apply
             your self
             to
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ,
             this
             be
             not
             the
             next
             (
             or
             at
             least
             one
             )
             great
             obstruction
             after
             that
             of
             an
             indisposed
             carnal
             heart
             ,
             That
             though
             
               you
               would
               ,
               and
               you
               know
               't
               is
               fit
               you
               should
               do
               so
               ,
               you
               know
               not
               how
               to
               go
               about
               it
               ;
               for
               you
               are
               at
               a
               loss
               ,
               what
               or
               how
               to
               conceive
               of
               him
               .
            
             But
             is
             it
             fit
             it
             should
             be
             always
             thus
             ?
             What
             ,
             ever
             learning
             and
             never
             arrive
             to
             this
             
             knowledg
             ?
             'T
             is
             most
             true
             ,
             
               We
               can
               never
               search
               out
               the
               Almighty
               unto
               perfection
            
             ;
             And
             it
             will
             always
             be
             but
             a
             little
             portion
             we
             shall
             know
             of
             that
             glorious
             incomprehensible
             Being
             :
             But
             since
             there
             is
             a
             
               knowledg
               of
               God
            
             ,
             we
             are
             required
             to
             have
             our
             Souls
             furnisht
             with
             ,
             and
             whereon
             eternal
             life
             depends
             ,
             with
             all
             gracious
             dispositions
             of
             heart
             towards
             him
             ,
             that
             are
             the
             beginnings
             of
             that
             life
             ;
             Certainly
             the
             whole
             compass
             of
             our
             Duty
             and
             Blessedness
             is
             not
             all
             laid
             upon
             an
             Impossibility
             ;
             And
             therefore
             ,
             if
             we
             do
             not
             
               so
               far
            
             know
             as
             to
             love
             and
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             above
             all
             things
             else
             ,
             this
             must
             be
             through
             our
             own
             great
             default
             ;
             and
             more
             to
             be
             imputed
             to
             our
             carelesness
             and
             contentedness
             to
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             than
             that
             he
             is
             unknowable
             ,
             or
             hath
             so
             reserved
             and
             shut
             up
             himself
             from
             us
             that
             we
             cannot
             know
             him
             .
             There
             are
             many
             things
             belonging
             to
             the
             Being
             of
             God
             which
             we
             are
             not
             concerned
             to
             know
             ,
             and
             which
             it
             would
             be
             a
             vain
             and
             bold
             curiosity
             to
             pry
             into
             :
             But
             what
             is
             necessary
             to
             direct
             or
             practise
             ,
             and
             tends
             to
             shew
             how
             we
             should
             be
             and
             carry
             our selves
             towards
             him
             ,
             is
             not
             (
             such
             hath
             been
             his
             gracious
             vouchsafement
             )
             impossible
             or
             difficult
             to
             be
             known
             .
             We
             may
             apprehend
             him
             to
             be
             the
             most
             excellent
             Being
             ;
             and
             may
             descend
             to
             many
             particular
             excellencies
             ,
             wherein
             we
             may
             easily
             apprehend
             him
             infinitely
             to
             surpass
             all
             other
             Beings
             .
          
           
             For
             we
             most
             certainly
             know
             ,
             
               all
               things
               were
               of
               him
            
             ,
             and
             therefore
             ,
             that
             whatsoever
             excellency
             we
             can
             observe
             in
             creatures
             ,
             must
             be
             
             eminently
             and
             in
             highest
             perfection
             in
             Him
             ,
             without
             the
             want
             of
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             what
             doth
             it self
             import
             weakness
             and
             imperfection
             ;
             And
             hath
             it
             not
             been
             His
             errand
             &
             business
             into
             the
             world
             ,
             
             
               who
               lay
               in
               his
               bosom
               ,
               to
               declare
               him
               ?
            
             And
             hath
             not
             he
             ,
             
               who
               at
               sundry
               times
               and
               in
               divers
               manners
               spake
               in
               time
               past
               unto
               the
               fathers
               by
               the
               Prophets
               ,
               in
               these
               last
               days
               spoken
               to
               us
               by
               his
               Son
               ,
               whom
               he
               hath
               appointed
               heir
               of
               all
               things
               ,
               by
               whom
               also
               he
               made
               the
               worlds
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               brightness
               of
               his
               Glory
               ,
               and
               the
               express
               Image
               of
               his
               Person
               ?
            
             He
             hath
             been
             on
             earth
             the
             visible
             Representation
             of
             God
             to
             men
             ;
             The
             Divine
             Glory
             shone
             in
             him
             ;
             
             
               The
               glory
               of
               the
               only
               begotten
               Son
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               full
               of
               grace
               and
               truth
            
             ;
             Was
             not
             that
             Divine
             ?
          
           
             Suppose
             we
             then
             ,
             we
             had
             seen
             Christ
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             been
             the
             constant
             observers
             of
             his
             whole
             conversation
             on
             earth
             ,
             (
             and
             though
             we
             have
             not
             seen
             it
             ,
             we
             have
             the
             sufficient
             Records
             of
             his
             Life
             and
             Actions
             in
             our
             hands
             )
             ;
             Let
             us
             I
             say
             suppose
             him
             from
             day
             to
             day
             before
             our
             eyes
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             meek
             ,
             humble
             ,
             lovely
             deportments
             among
             men
             ;
             and
             withal
             in
             the
             beams
             of
             Majesty
             that
             appeared
             through
             that
             vail
             wherein
             he
             was
             pleased
             to
             inwrap
             himself
             :
             If
             we
             did
             observe
             him
             going
             to
             and
             fro
             ,
             and
             every
             where
             doing
             good
             ,
             scattering
             blessings
             wherever
             he
             went
             ;
             with
             what
             compassion
             and
             tenderness
             he
             healed
             the
             sick
             ,
             instructed
             the
             ignorant
             ,
             supplied
             and
             fed
             the
             hungry
             and
             necessitous
             ;
             how
             he
             bare
             with
             the
             weak
             ,
             forgave
             the
             injurious
             (
             even
             against
             his
             own
             life
             )
             ,
             and
             wept
             over
             secure
             and
             
             obstinate
             sinners
             ;
             with
             what
             mighty
             power
             he
             cast
             out
             Devils
             ,
             raised
             the
             dead
             ,
             commanded
             Winds
             and
             Seas
             ,
             and
             they
             obeyed
             him
             ;
             with
             what
             authority
             ,
             zeal
             and
             conviction
             he
             contested
             against
             an
             hypocritical
             generation
             of
             hardened
             ,
             impenitent
             ,
             unbelieving
             wretches
             ,
             casting
             flames
             of
             holy
             just
             displeasure
             in
             their
             faces
             ,
             and
             threatning
             them
             with
             the
             damnation
             of
             Hell
             :
             And
             now
             suppose
             the
             veil
             laid
             aside
             ,
             and
             the
             lustre
             of
             all
             these
             excellencies
             shining
             forth
             ,
             without
             the
             interposition
             of
             any
             obscuring
             cloud
             or
             shadow
             ;
             And
             such
             a
             one
             is
             the
             blessed
             God.
             For
             this
             was
             the
             
               express
               Image
               of
               his
               Person
            
             ;
             and
             as
             he
             himself
             tells
             us
             ,
             
               They
               that
               have
               seen
               Him
            
             ,
             
             
               have
               seen
               the
               Father
            
             .
             And
             do
             you
             not
             now
             see
             one
             to
             be
             
               delighted
               in
            
             ?
          
           
             But
             yet
             further
             ,
             Can
             you
             not
             frame
             a
             notion
             of
             Wisdom
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             Holiness
             ,
             Truth
             ,
             Power
             ,
             with
             other
             known
             Perfections
             ,
             all
             concurring
             together
             in
             a
             Being
             purely
             Spiritual
             (
             not
             obvious
             to
             our
             sense
             )
             ,
             and
             that
             was
             Eternally
             and
             Originally
             of
             Himself
             ,
             the
             Author
             and
             Original
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             who
             is
             therefore
             over
             all
             and
             in
             all
             ,
             infinite
             and
             unchangeable
             in
             all
             the
             perfections
             before-mentioned
             ?
             Surely
             such
             conceptions
             are
             not
             impossible
             to
             you
             ?
             And
             this
             is
             He
             in
             whom
             you
             are
             to
             delight
             .
          
           
             Lift
             up
             then
             your
             minds
             above
             your
             senses
             and
             all
             sensible
             things
             ;
             use
             your
             understandings
             ,
             whereby
             you
             are
             distinguisht
             from
             brute
             creatures
             .
             Consider
             ,
             this
             is
             he
             from
             whom
             you
             and
             all
             things
             sprang
             ,
             and
             in
             whom
             your
             
             life
             is
             .
             Do
             you
             perceive
             life
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             power
             ,
             love
             in
             other
             things
             ;
             these
             must
             all
             have
             some
             or
             other
             fountain
             .
             Other
             things
             have
             not
             these
             of
             themselves
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             not
             of
             themselves
             ,
             therefore
             they
             must
             derive
             and
             partake
             them
             from
             him
             ;
             and
             thence
             it
             is
             evident
             ,
             they
             must
             be
             in
             him
             in
             their
             highest
             excellency
             .
             Of
             this
             ,
             your
             understandings
             ,
             duly
             exercised
             ,
             will
             render
             you
             as
             sure
             ,
             as
             if
             you
             saw
             that
             infinite
             glory
             ,
             in
             which
             all
             these
             meet
             ,
             with
             your
             eyes
             ;
             and
             will
             assure
             you
             ,
             't
             is
             so
             much
             more
             excellent
             and
             glorious
             ,
             for
             that
             it
             cannot
             be
             seen
             with
             your
             eyes
             .
             You
             see
             the
             external
             acts
             and
             expressions
             of
             these
             things
             from
             such
             creatures
             as
             you
             are
             :
             But
             life
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             power
             ,
             love
             themselves
             are
             invisible
             things
             ,
             which
             in
             themselves
             you
             
               cannot
               see
            
             ;
             yet
             you
             are
             not
             the
             less
             certain
             that
             there
             are
             such
             things
             .
             And
             do
             you
             not
             find
             ,
             that
             the
             certain
             evidence
             you
             have
             ,
             that
             these
             things
             meet
             in
             this
             or
             that
             creature
             ,
             do
             render
             it
             lovely
             and
             delightful
             in
             your
             eyes
             ?
             especially
             ,
             if
             you
             have
             ,
             or
             apprehend
             you
             may
             have
             nearest
             interest
             in
             such
             a
             creature
             ?
             The
             blessed
             God
             not
             only
             hath
             these
             things
             in
             himself
             ,
             but
             is
             these
             very
             things
             himself
             ;
             therefore
             must
             be
             invisible
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             ;
             And
             because
             he
             not
             only
             hath
             them
             ,
             but
             is
             them
             ,
             therefore
             they
             are
             in
             him
             perfectly
             unchangeably
             and
             eternally
             ,
             as
             being
             his
             very
             Essence
             .
             Think
             then
             of
             a
             Being
             that
             is
             pure
             ,
             original
             ,
             substantial
             ,
             
               life
               ,
               wisdom
               ,
               power
               ,
               love
            
             ;
             And
             how
             infinitely
             amiable
             and
             delectable
             should
             that
             ever
             blessed
             Being
             be
             unto
             you
             !
          
           
           
             Converse
             with
             the
             Word
             of
             God.
             Read
             his
             descriptions
             of
             Himself
             ;
             And
             do
             not
             content
             your selves
             to
             have
             the
             words
             and
             expressions
             before
             your
             eyes
             ,
             or
             in
             your
             mouths
             ,
             that
             represent
             to
             you
             his
             Nature
             and
             Attributes
             ;
             but
             make
             your
             pauses
             ,
             and
             consider
             the
             things
             themselves
             signify'd
             by
             them
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             when
             you
             read
             such
             passages
             of
             his
             own
             holy
             Book
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             tells
             you
             his
             name
             ,
             that
             
               He
               is
               the
               Lord
            
             ,
             
             
               the
               Lord
               God
               ,
               gracious
               and
               merciful
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             Or
             that
             tell
             you
             
               He
               is
               light
               ,
               He
               is
               love
               ,
               He
               is
               God
               only
               wise
               ,
               He
               is
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               God
               all-sufficient
               ,
               He
               is
               all
               in
               all
               ,
            
             and
             that
             the
             
               Heavens
               ,
               and
               Heaven
               of
               Heavens
               cannot
               contain
               Him
            
             ;
             Or
             wherein
             you
             find
             him
             admired
             as
             
               glorious
               in
               Holiness
            
             ;
             Or
             that
             say
             ,
             
               He
               is
               what
               He
               is
            
             ,
             that
             
               He
               is
               the
               first
               and
               the
               last
               ,
            
             the
             
               Alpha
               and
               Omega
            
             ,
             &c.
             
             Labour
             to
             fix
             the
             apprehension
             and
             true
             import
             of
             all
             such
             expressions
             deep
             in
             your
             mind
             ;
             that
             you
             may
             have
             an
             entire
             and
             well-formed
             representation
             of
             him
             before
             you
             ,
             unto
             which
             you
             may
             upon
             all
             occasions
             have
             recourse
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             at
             a
             loss
             every
             time
             you
             are
             to
             apply
             your selves
             to
             any
             converse
             with
             him
             ,
             what
             or
             how
             to
             conceive
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             And
             because
             meer
             words
             ,
             though
             they
             may
             furnish
             you
             with
             a
             more
             full
             and
             comprehensive
             notion
             of
             him
             ,
             yet
             it
             may
             be
             not
             with
             so
             lively
             a
             one
             ,
             or
             that
             you
             find
             so
             powerfully
             striking
             your
             heart
             ,
             compare
             with
             that
             account
             his
             Word
             gives
             you
             of
             him
             ,
             the
             Works
             which
             your
             eyes
             may
             daily
             behold
             ,
             and
             which
             you
             are
             assured
             were
             wrought
             
             and
             done
             by
             him
             .
             To
             read
             or
             hear
             of
             his
             Wisdom
             ,
             Power
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             &c.
             and
             then
             to
             have
             the
             visible
             effects
             within
             your
             constant
             view
             ,
             that
             so
             fully
             correspond
             to
             what
             his
             Word
             hath
             said
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             demonstrate
             him
             to
             be
             what
             you
             were
             told
             he
             is
             ;
             How
             mighty
             a
             confirmation
             doth
             this
             carry
             with
             it
             !
             You
             may
             behold
             somewhat
             of
             him
             in
             every
             creature
             .
             All
             his
             Works
             do
             not
             only
             represent
             ,
             but
             even
             praise
             and
             commend
             him
             to
             you
             .
          
           
             Above
             all
             ,
             since
             he
             is
             only
             to
             be
             seen
             in
             his
             own
             light
             ,
             pray
             earnestly
             and
             continually
             to
             the
             
               God
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             
               the
               Father
               of
               Glory
               ,
               that
               he
               would
               give
               you
               the
               spirit
               of
               wisdom
               and
               revelation
               in
               the
               knowledg
               of
               him
               .
            
             From
             such
             as
             so
             desire
             to
             know
             him
             ,
             he
             will
             not
             conceal
             himself
             .
             This
             is
             your
             more
             direct
             
               following
               on
               to
               know
               the
               Lord
            
             ;
             
             in
             which
             case
             he
             hath
             said
             ,
             
               you
               shall
               know
            
             ,
             and
             
               that
               his
               going
               forth
               shall
               be
               prepared
               as
               the
               morning
               .
            
             By
             your
             craving
             looks
             ,
             and
             the
             expecting
             posture
             of
             your
             waiting
             eye
             ,
             you
             draw
             forth
             and
             invite
             his
             enlightening
             communications
             ,
             which
             do
             but
             wait
             for
             an
             invitation
             .
             For
             it
             is
             most
             reasonable
             you
             should
             feel
             your
             want
             ,
             and
             express
             your
             desire
             of
             what
             is
             so
             precious
             ,
             before
             you
             find
             it
             .
             Hereby
             you
             put
             your selves
             amidst
             the
             glorious
             beams
             of
             his
             vital
             pleasant
             light
             ;
             or
             do
             open
             your
             Souls
             to
             admit
             and
             let
             it
             in
             upon
             you
             .
             Who
             when
             he
             finds
             it
             is
             with
             you
             a
             
               desired
               thing
            
             and
             longed
             for
             ,
             takes
             more
             pleasure
             in
             imparting
             ,
             than
             you
             can
             pains
             in
             seeking
             ,
             or
             plesure
             in
             receiving
             it
             .
          
           
           
             Nor
             yet
             ,
             when
             you
             have
             thus
             attained
             to
             some
             competent
             measure
             of
             the
             knowledg
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             you
             to
             satisfie
             your selves
             that
             now
             you
             are
             not
             altogether
             ignorant
             :
             But
             ,
          
           
             3.
             
             
               Imploy
               your
               knowledg
               in
               frequent
               and
               solemn
               thinking
               on
               him
            
             ;
             which
             is
             one
             (
             and
             the
             next
             )
             end
             of
             that
             knowledg
             ,
             and
             a
             further
             great
             means
             to
             your
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             .
             Your
             knowledg
             of
             God
             signifies
             little
             to
             this
             purpose
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             ,
             if
             ,
             as
             it
             gives
             you
             the
             advantage
             of
             having
             frequent
             actual
             thoughts
             of
             him
             ,
             it
             be
             not
             
               used
               to
               this
               end
               .
               Not
               having
               this
               knowledg
               ,
            
             when
             you
             would
             set
             your selves
             seriously
             to
             think
             on
             God
             ,
             you
             are
             lost
             in
             the
             dark
             ,
             and
             know
             not
             which
             way
             to
             turn
             your selves
             ;
             And
             
               having
               it
            
             ,
             you
             will
             be
             as
             much
             strangers
             to
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ,
             if
             you
             let
             your
             knowledg
             lye
             bound
             up
             in
             dead
             and
             spiritless
             notion
             ,
             and
             labour
             not
             to
             have
             it
             turned
             into
             active
             life
             and
             fervent
             love
             ,
             by
             the
             agitation
             of
             your
             working
             thoughts
             .
             By
             your
             musing
             this
             fire
             must
             be
             kindled
             .
             Do
             you
             suppose
             it
             possible
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             God
             and
             not
             think
             of
             him
             ?
             If
             God
             be
             the
             solace
             and
             joy
             of
             your
             Souls
             ,
             surely
             it
             must
             be
             
               God
               remembered
            
             and
             minded
             much
             ,
             not
             neglected
             and
             forgotten
             .
             
               My
               soul
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Psalmist
             )
             
               shall
               be
               satisfied
               as
               with
               marrow
               and
               fatness
               ,
               
               and
               my
               mouth
               shall
               praise
               thee
               with
               joyful
               lips
               ;
               when
               I
               remember
               thee
               on
               my
               bed
               ,
               and
               meditate
               on
               thee
               in
               the
               night-watches
               .
            
             
             And
             he
             at
             the
             same
             time
             says
             
               his
               meditation
               of
               him
               shall
               be
               sweet
               ,
            
             when
             he
             says
             
               he
               will
               be
               glad
               in
               the
               Lord.
               
            
          
           
             'T
             is
             not
             a
             brutal
             delight
             you
             are
             here
             invited
             
             to
             .
             Even
             such
             creatures
             have
             their
             Pleasures
             also
             ;
             and
             do
             need
             thereto
             ,
             besides
             a
             sutable
             object
             ,
             only
             the
             help
             and
             ministry
             of
             their
             senses
             .
             Your
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             can
             find
             no
             way
             into
             your
             hearts
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             introduction
             of
             your
             exercised
             minds
             .
             There
             the
             matter
             must
             be
             prepared
             and
             form'd
             ,
             by
             which
             your
             delight
             is
             to
             be
             nourish'd
             &
             maintained
             .
             Hereto
             then
             you
             must
             apply
             your selves
             with
             design
             ,
             and
             with
             serious
             diligence
             ,
             and
             take
             pains
             with
             your
             recoiling
             thoughts
             .
             Do
             not
             make
             that
             fulsom
             pretence
             ,
             to
             excuse
             your
             slothful
             neglect
             ,
             that
             you
             cannot
             command
             your
             own
             thoughts
             .
             The
             thing
             it self
             is
             unquestionably
             true
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             are
             not
             of
             your selves
             sufficient
             to
             think
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             good
             ,
             as
             of
             your selves
             ;
             and
             so
             you
             may
             truly
             enough
             say
             ,
             that
             you
             cannot
             think
             any
             thought
             at
             all
             without
             God
             ▪
             or
             so
             much
             as
             draw
             a
             breath
             .
             Only
             ,
             as
             besides
             your
             natural
             dependence
             on
             God
             for
             the
             support
             of
             your
             natural
             life
             and
             being
             ,
             there
             must
             be
             that
             course
             taken
             ,
             and
             those
             things
             done
             ,
             by
             which
             in
             an
             orderly
             course
             of
             Providence
             you
             may
             live
             ;
             so
             for
             the
             maintaining
             of
             your
             spiritual
             life
             (
             which
             very
             much
             stands
             in
             delight
             and
             joy
             in
             God
             )
             you
             must
             join
             a
             spiritual
             dependence
             for
             that
             special
             influence
             and
             concurrence
             which
             is
             necessary
             hereto
             ,
             with
             the
             doing
             of
             such
             things
             as
             by
             Gods
             appointment
             and
             prescription
             are
             to
             serve
             this
             end
             .
             They
             who
             complain
             therefore
             they
             cannot
             attain
             to
             it
             ,
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             or
             their
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             is
             faint
             and
             languishing
             ;
             while
             in
             the
             mean
             
             time
             they
             use
             no
             endeavour
             to
             bend
             and
             direct
             their
             thoughts
             towards
             him
             ,
             do
             make
             as
             idle
             a
             complaint
             ,
             as
             he
             that
             shall
             say
             ,
             he
             is
             in
             a
             miserable
             straving
             condition
             ,
             and
             nothing
             nourishes
             him
             ,
             who
             wanting
             nothing
             sutable
             for
             him
             ,
             is
             so
             wretchedly
             slothful
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             be
             at
             no
             pains
             to
             prepare
             ,
             or
             so
             much
             as
             eat
             and
             chew
             his
             own
             necessary
             food
             .
             You
             may
             not
             imagine
             ,
             
               you
               have
            
             all
             that
             is
             needful
             for
             the
             well-governing
             of
             your
             spirits
             in
             your
             own
             hands
             and
             power
             .
             Nor
             ought
             you
             therefore
             to
             think
             ,
             that
             what
             is
             simply
             needful
             
               is
               not
               to
               be
               had
            
             .
             God
             is
             not
             behind-hand
             with
             you
             ;
             He
             is
             no
             such
             hard
             task-master
             ,
             as
             to
             require
             Brick
             and
             allow
             no
             Straw
             :
             But
             may
             most
             righteously
             say
             ,
             
               ye
               are
               idle
            
             ,
             and
             do
             therefore
             only
             complain
             like
             the
             sluggard
             in
             his
             bed
             ,
             whose
             hands
             cannot
             endure
             to
             labour
             .
             You
             dare
             not
             deliberately
             go
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             tell
             him
             ,
             you
             do
             all
             you
             can
             to
             fix
             the
             thoughts
             of
             your
             hearts
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             yet
             it
             will
             not
             be
             ;
             or
             that
             he
             gives
             you
             no
             help
             .
             Though
             he
             can
             be
             no
             way
             indebted
             to
             you
             ,
             but
             by
             his
             own
             free
             promise
             ;
             He
             giveth
             
               meat
               to
               them
               that
               fear
               him
               ,
               being
               ever
               mindful
               of
               his
               Covenant
               ,
            
             (
             yea
             he
             doth
             it
             for
             Ravens
             and
             Sparrows
             )
             ;
             He
             will
             not
             then
             famish
             the
             Souls
             that
             cry
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             wait
             on
             him
             ;
             
               Their
               heart
               shall
               live
               that
               seek
               God.
            
             It
             's
             becoming
             and
             sutable
             to
             the
             state
             of
             things
             between
             him
             and
             you
             ,
             that
             he
             should
             put
             you
             upon
             
               seeking
               that
               you
               may
               find
            
             .
             Your
             reasonable
             nature
             and
             faculties
             (
             especially
             being
             already
             rectified
             in
             some
             measure
             ,
             and
             enlivened
             by
             his
             Grace
             and
             
             Spirit
             )
             do
             require
             to
             be
             held
             to
             such
             terms
             .
             It
             is
             natural
             to
             you
             
               to
               think
            
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             nothing
             more
             sutable
             to
             the
             new
             creature
             ,
             than
             that
             you
             apply
             and
             set
             your selves
             to
             
               think
               on
               him
            
             ,
             and
             that
             your
             thoughts
             be
             set
             (
             and
             held
             )
             on
             work
             to
             enquire
             and
             seek
             him
             out
             .
             Know
             therefore
             ,
             you
             do
             not
             your
             parts
             ,
             unless
             you
             make
             this
             more
             your
             business
             :
             Therefore
             to
             be
             here
             more
             particular
             ;
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Solemnly
               set
               your selves
               at
               chosen
               times
               to
               think
               on
               God.
            
             Meditation
             is
             of
             it self
             a
             distinct
             Duty
             ,
             and
             must
             have
             a
             considerable
             time
             allow'd
             it
             among
             the
             other
             exercises
             of
             the
             Christian
             Life
             .
             It
             challenges
             a
             just
             share
             and
             part
             in
             the
             time
             of
             our
             Lives
             ;
             and
             he
             in
             whom
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             to
             place
             our
             delight
             ,
             is
             ,
             you
             know
             ,
             the
             prime
             and
             chief
             Object
             of
             this
             holy
             Work.
             Is
             it
             reasonable
             that
             he
             who
             is
             our
             Life
             ,
             and
             our
             All
             ,
             should
             never
             be
             thought
             on
             ,
             but
             now
             and
             then
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             by
             chance
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             by
             ?
             
               My
               meditation
               on
               him
               shall
               be
               sweet
               .
            
             Doth
             not
             that
             imply
             that
             it
             was
             with
             the
             Psalmist
             a
             designed
             thing
             to
             meditate
             on
             God
             ?
             that
             it
             was
             a
             stated
             course
             ?
             whereas
             it
             was
             become
             customary
             and
             usual
             to
             him
             ,
             his
             ordinary
             practice
             to
             appoint
             times
             for
             meditating
             on
             God
             ,
             his
             well-known
             exercise
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             supposed
             )
             he
             promises
             himself
             satisfaction
             and
             solace
             of
             soul
             herein
             .
          
           
             Let
             your
             eyes
             herein
             therefore
             prevent
             the
             Night-watches
             .
             Reckon
             you
             have
             neglected
             one
             of
             the
             most
             important
             businesses
             of
             the
             day
             ,
             if
             you
             have
             omitted
             this
             ,
             and
             that
             to
             such
             omissions
             you
             ow
             your
             little
             
               delight
               in
               God
               ▪
            
             
             Wherein
             therefore
             are
             you
             to
             repair
             your selves
             but
             by
             redressing
             this
             great
             neglect
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Think
               often
               of
               him
               amidst
               your
               other
               affairs
               .
               Every
               one
               as
               he
               is
               called
            
             (
             be
             his
             state
             or
             way
             of
             living
             what
             it
             will
             ,
             
             be
             he
             bond
             or
             free
             )
             is
             required
             therein
             to
             
               abide
               with
               God.
            
             And
             how
             is
             that
             but
             by
             often
             thinking
             of
             him
             ,
             as
             being
             a
             great
             part
             (
             and
             fundamental
             to
             all
             the
             rest
             )
             of
             what
             can
             be
             meant
             
               by
               this
               abode
            
             ?
             How
             grateful
             a
             mixture
             would
             the
             thoughts
             of
             God
             make
             with
             that
             great
             variety
             of
             
               other
               things
            
             which
             we
             are
             necessarily
             to
             be
             concern'd
             in
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             in
             this
             world
             !
             If
             they
             be
             serious
             and
             right
             thoughts
             they
             will
             be
             accompanied
             with
             same
             favour
             and
             relish
             of
             sweetness
             ,
             and
             at
             least
             ,
             tend
             to
             keep
             the
             heart
             in
             a
             disposition
             for
             more
             delightful
             solemn
             intercourses
             
               with
               God.
            
             
          
           
             It
             is
             a
             sad
             Truth
             (
             than
             which
             also
             nothing
             is
             more
             appar●nt
             )
             that
             whatsoever
             there
             is
             ,
             either
             of
             sinfulness
             or
             uncomfortableness
             in
             the
             lives
             of
             those
             who
             have
             engaged
             and
             devoted
             themselves
             to
             God
             ,
             doth
             in
             greatest
             part
             proceed
             from
             their
             neglect
             to
             
               mind
               God.
            
             A
             thing
             ,
             if
             due
             heed
             were
             taken
             about
             it
             ,
             so
             easie
             ,
             so
             little
             laborious
             ,
             and
             the
             labour
             whereof
             (
             so
             much
             as
             it
             is
             )
             were
             sure
             to
             be
             recompenc't
             with
             so
             unspeakable
             pleasure
             ;
             that
             they
             are
             so
             often
             lost
             in
             darkness
             ,
             drown'd
             in
             carnality
             ,
             buried
             in
             earthliness
             ,
             and
             overwhelmed
             with
             miseries
             and
             desolations
             of
             spirit
             ,
             and
             all
             this
             for
             want
             of
             a
             right
             employing
             of
             their
             thoughts
             ,
             is
             from
             hence
             only
             ;
             They
             set
             their
             thoughts
             upon
             
             things
             that
             tend
             either
             to
             corrupt
             and
             deprave
             their
             spirits
             ,
             or
             to
             disquiet
             and
             afflict
             them
             .
          
           
             At
             this
             in-let
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             labour
             of
             their
             own
             thoughts
             ,
             sins
             and
             calamities
             are
             brought
             in
             upon
             them
             as
             a
             flood
             ;
             which
             very
             thoughts
             if
             they
             were
             plac't
             and
             exercised
             aright
             ,
             would
             let
             in
             God
             upon
             them
             ,
             fill
             them
             with
             his
             fulness
             ,
             replenish
             their
             Souls
             with
             his
             light
             ,
             grace
             ,
             and
             consolations
             .
             And
             how
             much
             more
             easie
             an
             exercise
             were
             it
             to
             keep
             their
             thoughts
             imployed
             upon
             
               one
               object
            
             that
             is
             ever
             full
             ,
             delectable
             and
             present
             ;
             than
             to
             divide
             them
             
               among
               many
            
             ,
             that
             
               either
               lie
               remote
            
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             their
             power
             ,
             to
             be
             pursued
             with
             anxiety
             ,
             toil
             ,
             and
             very
             often
             with
             disappointment
             ;
             Or
             ,
             
               being
               nearer
               hand
            
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             (
             if
             they
             be
             things
             that
             have
             an
             appearance
             of
             good
             in
             them
             )
             with
             much
             danger
             and
             damage
             to
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             with
             little
             satisfaction
             ;
             or
             (
             if
             they
             appear
             evil
             )
             to
             be
             endured
             with
             pain
             and
             sorrow
             !
             So
             that
             the
             labour
             of
             their
             thoughts
             ,
             among
             those
             many
             things
             ,
             brings
             them
             in
             torture
             ,
             when
             their
             Rest
             upon
             God
             alone
             ,
             
             would
             be
             all
             pleasure
             ,
             
               delight
               and
               joy
               :
               Here
               their
               souls
               might
               dwell
               at
               ease
            
             or
             (
             as
             those
             words
             import
             )
             
               rest
               in
               goodness
            
             (
             even
             with
             that
             quiet
             repose
             which
             men
             are
             wont
             to
             take
             by
             night
             ;
             for
             so
             the
             word
             we
             read
             Dwell
             peculiarly
             fignifies
             ,
             after
             the
             weariness
             which
             we
             may
             suppose
             to
             have
             been
             contracted
             by
             the
             labour
             of
             the
             foregoing
             day
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             no
             such
             sweet
             and
             pleasant
             fruit
             were
             to
             be
             hoped
             for
             from
             the
             careful
             government
             and
             ordering
             of
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             Is
             
             the
             obligation
             of
             Gods
             Law
             in
             this
             matter
             nothing
             with
             us
             ?
             whom
             we
             are
             bound
             to
             fear
             ,
             and
             love
             ,
             to
             trust
             and
             obey
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             of
             him
             are
             we
             not
             bound
             so
             much
             as
             to
             think
             ?
             And
             what
             is
             
               loving
               God
               with
               all
               our
               mind
               ,
            
             so
             expresly
             mentioned
             in
             
               that
               great
               summary
            
             of
             our
             duty
             towards
             him
             ?
             Or
             what
             can
             it
             mean
             ,
             after
             the
             required
             love
             of
             all
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             soul
             ,
             to
             add
             so
             particularly
             ,
             and
             
               with
               all
               thy
               mind
            
             ,
             when-as
             the
             mind
             we
             know
             is
             not
             the
             seat
             of
             love
             ?
             Surely
             it
             cannot
             at
             least
             ,
             but
             imply
             ,
             that
             our
             thoughts
             must
             be
             much
             exercised
             upon
             God
             even
             by
             the
             direction
             of
             our
             Love
             ,
             and
             that
             our
             Love
             must
             be
             maintain'd
             by
             thoughts
             of
             him
             ;
             That
             our
             minds
             and
             hearts
             must
             continually
             correspond
             and
             concur
             to
             the
             
               loving
               of
               God
            
             ;
             and
             so
             our
             whole
             soul
             be
             exercised
             and
             set
             on
             work
             therein
             .
          
           
             What
             doth
             it
             mean
             that
             our
             Youth
             is
             challenged
             to
             the
             remembrance
             of
             him
             ?
             
             What
             ,
             is
             our
             riper
             Age
             more
             exempt
             ?
             Do
             we
             as
             we
             longer
             live
             by
             him
             ow
             him
             less
             ?
             Doth
             it
             signifie
             nothing
             with
             us
             that
             (
             as
             was
             hinted
             formerly
             )
             the
             wicked
             bear
             this
             brand
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             
               They
               that
               forget
               God.
            
             
             That
             it
             is
             a
             differencing
             character
             of
             his
             own
             people
             ,
             That
             
               they
               thought
               on
               his
               Name
            
             ?
             Why
             do
             we
             suppose
             our
             thoughts
             exempt
             from
             his
             Government
             ,
             or
             the
             obligation
             of
             his
             Laws
             ?
             Why
             should
             it
             be
             reckoned
             less
             insolent
             to
             say
             
               our
               thoughts
            
             ,
             than
             
               our
               tongues
            
             are
             
               our
               own
               ,
               who
               is
               Lord
               over
               as
               ?
            
             May
             we
             do
             what
             we
             will
             with
             our
             thoughts
             ?
             Who
             gave
             us
             our
             thinking
             power
             ,
             
             or
             made
             us
             capable
             of
             forming
             a
             thought
             ?
             And
             now
             ,
             Will
             we
             assume
             the
             confidence
             to
             tell
             God
             we
             think
             on
             him
             all
             that
             we
             can
             ?
             How
             many
             idle
             thoughts
             in
             the
             day
             might
             we
             have
             exchang'd
             for
             thoughts
             of
             God!
             and
             every
             thought
             have
             been
             to
             us
             a
             spring
             of
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             holy
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             !
             Know
             then
             that
             if
             ever
             you
             will
             do
             any
             thing
             in
             this
             great
             matter
             of
             
               deligbting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             you
             must
             arrest
             your
             thoughts
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             engage
             them
             in
             more
             constant
             converse
             with
             him
             :
             And
             withal
             mix
             prayers
             with
             those
             thoughts
             ;
             or
             let
             them
             often
             be
             praying
             ,
             craving
             thoughts
             ,
             such
             as
             may
             carry
             with
             them
             annexed
             desires
             ;
             or
             wherein
             your
             heart
             may
             breath
             out
             requests
             ,
             
             such
             as
             that
             (
             for
             instance
             )
             
               Rejoice
               the
               Soul
               of
               thy
               Servant
               ;
               For
               unto
               thee
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               do
               I
               lift
               up
               my
               soul
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             See
             they
             be
             spiritful
             thoughts
             that
             carry
             life
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             aim
             to
             draw
             more
             .
          
           
             But
             now
             our
             thoughts
             may
             be
             conversant
             about
             him
             under
             very
             various
             considerations
             ,
             and
             all
             of
             them
             very
             delightful
             .
             And
             this
             variety
             may
             much
             increase
             our
             delight
             ,
             while
             our
             minds
             converse
             with
             him
             ,
             now
             under
             one
             notion
             ,
             then
             under
             another
             .
             They
             are
             apt
             to
             tire
             and
             grow
             weary
             ,
             being
             long
             imployed
             the
             same
             way
             upon
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             And
             it
             were
             an
             injury
             to
             the
             blessed
             God
             himself
             ,
             when
             he
             presents
             himself
             under
             various
             aspects
             and
             appearances
             ,
             so
             to
             take
             notice
             of
             any
             one
             ,
             as
             to
             overlook
             and
             neglect
             the
             rest
             .
             Therefore
             ,
          
           
             4.
             
             Look
             often
             to
             him
             according
             as
             absolutely
             
             considered
             he
             is
             in
             himself
             the
             most
             excellent
             Being
             ;
             and
             as
             in
             reference
             to
             his
             creatures
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             Supream
             Author
             and
             Lord
             of
             all
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             an
             unspeakable
             pleasure
             to
             be
             taken
             in
             him
             so
             beheld
             .
             Too
             many
             while
             their
             distrust
             ,
             or
             their
             carnality
             and
             strangeness
             to
             God
             holds
             them
             in
             suspence
             concerning
             their
             own
             special
             relation
             to
             him
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             fancy
             themselves
             excused
             of
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             :
             It
             belongs
             not
             to
             them
             they
             think
             ,
             but
             to
             some
             familiar
             friends
             ,
             and
             great
             favourites
             of
             his
             to
             whom
             he
             expresses
             special
             kindness
             ,
             and
             on
             whom
             he
             places
             the
             marks
             of
             his
             more
             peculiar
             good-will
             .
             But
             do
             you
             think
             so
             to
             shift
             and
             wave
             the
             obligation
             of
             an
             universal
             Law
             upon
             mankind
             ,
             and
             all
             reasonable
             nature
             ?
             You
             are
             to
             remember
             (
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             )
             your
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             is
             not
             to
             be
             considered
             only
             as
             your
             priviledg
             ,
             but
             as
             an
             act
             of
             homage
             to
             him
             that
             made
             you
             ,
             and
             put
             an
             intelligent
             apprehensive
             spirit
             into
             you
             ,
             by
             which
             you
             are
             capable
             of
             knowing
             who
             made
             you
             ,
             and
             of
             beholding
             your
             Makers
             excellency
             with
             admiration
             and
             delight
             .
             And
             if
             now
             you
             are
             become
             guilty
             and
             vile
             ;
             Will
             you
             run
             into
             darkness
             and
             hide
             your selves
             from
             him
             ,
             or
             close
             your
             eyes
             ,
             and
             then
             say
             ,
             the
             Sun
             doth
             not
             shine
             ,
             and
             deny
             the
             blessed
             glorious
             God
             to
             be
             what
             most
             truly
             and
             unchangeably
             he
             is
             ?
             What-ever
             you
             are
             or
             have
             desired
             he
             should
             be
             towards
             you
             ,
             yet
             do
             him
             right
             .
             Behold
             and
             confess
             his
             glorious
             excellency
             ,
             every
             way
             most
             worthy
             to
             be
             
               delighted
               in
            
             .
             Nor
             have
             you
             rendered
             your selves
             so
             vile
             ,
             
             nor
             had
             so
             much
             cause
             of
             apprehending
             his
             displeasure
             towards
             you
             ,
             by
             any
             thing
             so
             much
             as
             this
             ,
             
               Your
               not
               having
               taken
               delight
               in
               him
               all
               this
               while
            
             ;
             and
             your
             neglect
             to
             take
             the
             ways
             (
             spoken
             of
             before
             )
             tending
             to
             bring
             you
             thereto
             .
             If
             you
             think
             you
             have
             no
             special
             relation
             to
             him
             ,
             Do
             you
             think
             you
             ever
             shall
             if
             you
             continue
             ,
             in
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             spirits
             ,
             strangers
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             look
             upon
             him
             as
             one
             in
             whom
             you
             are
             to
             take
             no
             delight
             ?
             Surely
             't
             is
             your
             dutiful
             affection
             towards
             him
             and
             complacency
             in
             him
             ,
             that
             must
             give
             you
             ground
             to
             hope
             you
             are
             his
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             yours
             ;
             And
             therefore
             the
             beginnings
             and
             first
             degrees
             of
             that
             complacency
             and
             delight
             must
             be
             in
             you
             before
             ;
             being
             begotten
             by
             the
             view
             of
             that
             excellency
             which
             he
             hath
             in
             himself
             antecedently
             to
             his
             being
             related
             to
             you
             .
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             and
             if
             your
             relation
             to
             him
             were
             already
             as
             sure
             and
             evident
             to
             you
             as
             can
             be
             supposed
             ;
             yet
             are
             you
             to
             take
             heed
             of
             confining
             your
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             to
             that
             consideration
             of
             him
             only
             ;
             or
             of
             making
             it
             the
             chief
             reason
             of
             that
             your
             delight
             .
             For
             so
             your
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             will
             be
             more
             for
             your
             own
             sakes
             ,
             or
             upon
             your
             own
             account
             than
             his
             .
             Learn
             to
             look
             upon
             things
             as
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             not
             according
             to
             their
             aspect
             upon
             your
             affairs
             .
             Is
             it
             not
             a
             greater
             thing
             that
             
               he
               is
               God
            
             ,
             than
             that
             
               he
               is
               yours
            
             ?
          
           
             It
             is
             a
             purer
             ,
             a
             more
             noble
             and
             generous
             affection
             to
             him
             you
             are
             to
             aim
             at
             ,
             than
             what
             is
             measured
             only
             by
             your
             private
             interest
             .
             Is
             
             that
             boundless
             fulness
             of
             life
             ,
             glory
             ,
             and
             all
             perfection
             (
             treasured
             up
             in
             the
             eternal
             and
             incomprehensible
             Being
             )
             to
             be
             all
             estimated
             by
             the
             capacity
             and
             concerns
             of
             a
             silly
             worm
             ?
             That
             consideration
             ,
             therefore
             ,
             being
             sometimes
             laid
             aside
             ,
             sit
             down
             and
             contemplate
             God
             as
             he
             is
             in
             himself
             ,
             not
             disowning
             (
             as
             it
             is
             not
             fit
             you
             should
             )
             but
             only
             waving
             the
             present
             consideration
             of
             any
             more
             comfortable
             relation
             ,
             wherein
             you
             may
             (
             though
             most
             justly
             )
             suppose
             him
             to
             stand
             to
             you
             ;
             and
             see
             if
             you
             cannot
             take
             pleasure
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             great
             and
             glorious
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             a
             being
             so
             every
             way
             perfect
             before
             your
             eyes
             .
             Try
             if
             it
             will
             not
             be
             pleasant
             to
             you
             to
             fall
             down
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             give
             him
             Glory
             ;
             To
             join
             your
             Praises
             and
             triumphant
             Songs
             to
             those
             of
             Saints
             and
             Angels
             :
             And
             how
             much
             yet
             also
             it
             will
             add
             to
             your
             satisfaction
             to
             behold
             and
             acknowledg
             him
             exalted
             above
             all
             blessing
             and
             praise
             .
             How
             great
             delight
             hath
             been
             taken
             in
             him
             upon
             such
             accounts
             !
             In
             what
             transports
             have
             holy
             souls
             been
             upon
             the
             view
             and
             contemplation
             of
             his
             Sovereign
             Power
             and
             Dominion
             ;
             his
             wife
             and
             righteous
             Government
             ;
             his
             large
             and
             flowing
             Goodness
             ,
             that
             extends
             in
             common
             to
             all
             the
             Works
             of
             his
             hands
             !
             Labour
             to
             imitate
             the
             ingenous
             and
             loyal
             affection
             of
             this
             kind
             ,
             whereof
             you
             find
             many
             expressions
             in
             the
             sacred
             Volume
             .
             For
             what
             hath
             been
             matter
             of
             delight
             to
             Saints
             of
             old
             ,
             ought
             surely
             still
             as
             much
             to
             be
             accounted
             so
             .
             To
             give
             instances
             .
          
           
             
               You
               sometimes
               find
               them
               in
               a
               most
               complacential
               
               adoration
               of
               his
               wonderful
               Wisdom
               and
               Counsels
               .
            
             
             O
             the
             depths
             of
             the
             riches
             both
             of
             the
             wisdom
             and
             knowledg
             of
             God!
             How
             unsearchable
             are
             his
             judgments
             ,
             and
             his
             ways
             past
             finding
             out
             !
             
             
               And
               again
            
             ,
             To
             God
             only
             wise
             be
             glory
             ,
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             for
             ever
             .
             Amen
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             King
             Eternal
             ,
             
             Immortal
             ,
             Invisible
             ,
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             be
             honour
             and
             glory
             for
             ever
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             To
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             our
             Saviour
             be
             Glory
             and
             Majesty
             ,
             
             Dominion
             and
             Power
             now
             and
             ever
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             
               Elsewhere
               we
               have
               them
               in
               transports
               admiring
               his
               Holiness
               .
            
             Who
             is
             like
             unto
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             
             among
             the
             Gods
             !
             Who
             is
             like
             thee
             glorious
             in
             Holiness
             !
             There
             is
             none
             holy
             as
             the
             Lord
             ;
             for
             there
             is
             none
             besides
             thee
             ,
             
             neither
             is
             there
             any
             rock
             like
             our
             God!
             
               And
               this
               is
               recommended
               and
               enjoined
               to
               his
               holy
               Ones
               as
               the
               special
               matter
               of
               their
               joy
               and
               praise
               :
            
             
             Rejoice
             in
             the
             Lord
             ye
             Righteous
             ,
             and
             give
             thanks
             at
             the
             remembrance
             of
             his
             holiness
             .
          
           
             
               At
               other
               times
               we
               have
               their
               magnificent
               Celebrations
               of
               his
               Glorious
               Power
               ,
               and
               that
               by
               way
               of
               Triumph
               over
               the
               Paganish
               gods
            
             ;
             Our
             God
             is
             in
             the
             heavens
             ,
             
             he
             hath
             done
             whatsoever
             he
             pleased
             .
             Their
             Idols
             are
             silver
             and
             gold
             ,
             
             &c.
             
             Be
             thou
             exalted
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             in
             thine
             own
             strength
             .
             
             We
             will
             sing
             and
             praise
             thy
             power
             .
             Forsake
             me
             not
             until
             I
             have
             shewed
             thy
             strength
             unto
             this
             generation
             ,
             and
             thy
             power
             to
             every
             one
             that
             is
             to
             come
             ,
             &c.
             
             
               This
               is
               given
               out
               as
               the
               Song
               of
            
             Moses
             
               and
               the
            
             Lamb
             ,
             Who
             shall
             not
             
             fear
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             glorifie
             thy
             name
             ?
             Great
             and
             marvelous
             are
             thy
             works
             ,
             Lord
             God
             Almighty
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             
               And
               how
               do
               they
               magnifie
               his
               Mercy
               and
               Goodness
               both
               towards
               his
               own
               people
               ,
               and
               his
               creatures
               in
               general
               .
            
             
             O
             how
             great
             is
             thy
             goodness
             which
             thou
             hast
             laid
             up
             for
             them
             that
             fear
             thee
             ,
             that
             thou
             hast
             wrought
             for
             them
             that
             trust
             in
             thee
             before
             the
             children
             of
             men
             !
             
             Rejoice
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             ye
             righteous
             ,
             for
             praise
             is
             comely
             for
             the
             upright
             :
             Praise
             the
             Lord
             with
             harp
             :
             Sing
             unto
             him
             with
             the
             Psaltery
             ,
             —
             The
             earth
             is
             full
             of
             the
             goodness
             of
             the
             Lord.
             I
             will
             extol
             thee
             my
             God
             ,
             
             O
             King
             ,
             I
             will
             bless
             thy
             name
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
             Men
             shall
             speak
             of
             the
             might
             of
             thy
             terrible
             acts
             ,
             they
             shall
             abundantly
             utter
             the
             memory
             of
             thy
             great
             goodness
             ,
             and
             shall
             sing
             of
             thy
             righteousness
             .
             The
             Lord
             is
             gracious
             and
             full
             of
             compassion
             ,
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             and
             of
             great
             mercy
             .
             The
             Lord
             is
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             his
             tender
             mercies
             are
             over
             all
             his
             works
             .
             
               To
               insert
               all
               that
               might
               be
               mentioned
               to
               this
               purpose
               ,
               were
               to
               transcribe
               a
               great
               part
               of
               the
               Bible
               .
            
          
           
             
               And
               in
               what
               raptures
               do
               we
               often
               find
               them
               ,
               in
               the
               contemplation
               of
               his
            
             Faithfulness
             and
             Truth
             ,
             his
             Justice
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             his
             Eternity
             ,
             
               the
               boundlesness
               of
               his
               Presence
               ,
               the
               greatness
               of
               his
               Works
               ,
               the
               extensiveness
               of
               his
               Dominion
               ,
               the
               perpetuity
               of
               his
               Kingdom
               ,
               the
               exactness
               of
               his
               Government
            
             ;
             Who
             is
             a
             strong
             God
             like
             unto
             thee
             ,
             
             and
             to
             thy
             faithfulness
             round
             about
             thee
             !
             Thy
             mercy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             is
             in
             the
             heavens
             ,
             
             and
             thy
             faithfulness
             reaches
             unto
             the
             clouds
             .
             Before
             the
             mountains
             were
             brought
             
             forth
             ,
             or
             ever
             thou
             hadst
             formed
             the
             earth
             ,
             or
             the
             world
             ,
             
             from
             everlasting
             to
             everlasting
             thou
             art
             God.
             
          
           
             
               But
               will
               God
               indeed
               dwell
               on
               the
               earth
               ?
            
             Behold
             the
             heaven
             and
             heaven
             of
             heavens
             cannot
             contain
             thee
             .
             
             The
             works
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             great
             ,
             
             sought
             out
             of
             them
             that
             have
             pleasure
             therein
             .
             His
             work
             is
             honourable
             and
             glorious
             ,
             &c.
             
             All
             thy
             works
             shall
             praise
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             thy
             Saints
             shall
             bless
             thee
             ;
             they
             shall
             speak
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             thy
             Kingdom
             ,
             
             and
             talk
             of
             thy
             power
             .
             To
             make
             known
             to
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             his
             mighty
             acts
             ,
             and
             the
             glorious
             Majesty
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             .
             Thy
             Kingdom
             is
             an
             everlasting
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             thy
             Dominion
             endureth
             throughout
             all
             generations
             .
          
           
             And
             his
             Glory
             in
             the
             general
             (
             which
             results
             from
             his
             several
             Excellencies
             in
             conjunction
             )
             ,
             How
             loftily
             is
             it
             often
             celebrated
             with
             the
             expression
             of
             the
             most
             loyal
             desires
             that
             it
             may
             be
             every-where
             renowned
             ,
             and
             of
             greatest
             complacency
             ,
             in
             as
             far
             as
             it
             is
             apprehended
             so
             to
             be
             .
             
             
               The
               glory
               of
               the
               Lord
               shall
               endure
               for
               ever
               .
               They
               shall
               sing
               in
               the
               ways
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               for
               great
               is
               the
               glory
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             
             
               Be
               thou
               exalted
               above
               the
               heavens
               ,
               let
               thy
               glory
               be
               above
               all
               the
               earth
               .
            
             
             
               Let
               them
               praise
               the
               name
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             
             
               for
               his
               name
               alone
               is
               excellent
               ,
               his
               glory
               is
               above
               the
               earth
               and
               the
               heavens
               .
            
             When
             you
             read
             such
             passages
             as
             these
             (
             whether
             they
             be
             elogies
             or
             commendations
             of
             him
             ,
             or
             doxologies
             and
             direct
             attributions
             of
             glory
             to
             him
             )
             ,
             you
             are
             to
             bethink
             your selves
             ,
             with
             what
             temper
             of
             heart
             these
             things
             were
             uttered
             !
             
             with
             how
             raised
             and
             exalted
             a
             spirit
             !
             what
             high
             delight
             and
             pleasure
             was
             conceived
             in
             glorifying
             God
             ,
             or
             in
             beholding
             him
             glorious
             !
             How
             large
             and
             unbounded
             a
             heart
             ,
             and
             how
             full
             of
             his
             praise
             doth
             still
             every
             where
             discover
             it self
             in
             such
             strains
             ;
             When
             all
             Nations
             ,
             when
             all
             Creatures
             ,
             when
             every-thing
             that
             hath
             breath
             ,
             when
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             are
             invited
             together
             ,
             to
             join
             in
             the
             consort
             ,
             and
             bear
             a
             part
             in
             his
             praises
             !
             And
             now
             eye
             him
             under
             the
             same
             notions
             under
             which
             you
             have
             seen
             him
             so
             magnified
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             same
             way
             you
             may
             have
             your
             own
             heart
             wrought
             up
             to
             the
             same
             pitch
             and
             temper
             towards
             him
             .
             Should
             it
             not
             provoke
             an
             emulation
             ,
             and
             make
             you
             covet
             to
             be
             amidst
             the
             throng
             of
             loyal
             and
             devoted
             Souls
             ,
             when
             you
             see
             them
             ascending
             as
             if
             they
             were
             all
             incense
             !
             When
             you
             behold
             them
             dissolving
             and
             melting
             away
             in
             delight
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             ready
             to
             expire
             ,
             even
             fainting
             that
             they
             can
             do
             no
             more
             ;
             designing
             their
             very
             last
             breath
             shall
             go
             forth
             in
             the
             close
             of
             a
             Song
             !
             
               (
               I
               will
               sing
               unto
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             
             
               as
               long
               as
               I
               live
               ,
               I
               will
               sing
               praise
               to
               my
               God
               while
               I
               have
               my
               being
               !
               )
            
             How
             becoming
             is
             it
             ,
             to
             resolve
             ,
             
               This
               shall
               be
               my
               aim
               and
               ambition
               ,
               to
               fly
               the
               same
               ,
               and
               if
               it
               were
               possible
               ,
            
             
             
               a
               greater
               height
            
             .
             Read
             over
             such
             Psalms
             as
             are
             more
             especially
             designed
             for
             the
             magnifying
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             when
             you
             see
             what
             were
             the
             things
             that
             were
             most
             taking
             to
             so
             spiritual
             and
             pious
             hearts
             ;
             thence
             receive
             instruction
             ,
             and
             aim
             to
             have
             your
             hearts
             alike
             affected
             and
             transported
             with
             
             the
             same
             things
             .
             Frame
             the
             supposition
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             meant
             ,
             that
             the
             invitation
             is
             directed
             to
             you
             ,
             
               O
               Come
               let
               us
               sing
               unto
               the
               Lord
               ,
               let
               us
               come
               before
               his
               presence
               with
               thanksgiving
               ,
               and
               make
               a
               joyful
               noise
               to
               him
               with
               Psalms
               ;
               for
               the
               Lord
               is
               a
               great
               God
               ,
               and
               a
               great
               King
               above
               all
               gods
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             And
             think
             with
             your selves
             ,
             Is
             he
             not
             as
             great
             as
             he
             was
             ?
             Is
             he
             not
             as
             much
             our
             Maker
             as
             he
             was
             theirs
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             now
             as
             true
             ,
             that
             
               the
               Lord
               reigneth
               ,
               and
               is
               high
               above
               all
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               exalted
               far
               above
               all
               gods
               ?
            
             Now
             since
             these
             were
             the
             considerations
             upon
             which
             so
             great
             complacency
             was
             taken
             in
             him
             ,
             set
             the
             same
             before
             your
             own
             eyes
             .
             And
             since
             these
             were
             proposed
             as
             the
             matter
             of
             so
             common
             a
             joy
             ,
             and
             the
             Creation
             seems
             design'd
             for
             a
             musical
             instrument
             of
             as
             many
             strings
             as
             there
             are
             Creatures
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ;
             Awake
             ,
             and
             make
             haste
             to
             get
             your
             heart
             fixed
             :
             Lest
             
               the
               heavens
               rejoice
               ,
               and
               the
               earth
               be
               glad
               ,
               the
               world
               and
               all
               that
               dwell
               therein
               :
            
             Lest
             
               the
               sea
               roar
               ,
               and
               the
               fulness
               thereof
               ,
               the
               floods
               clap
               their
               hands
               ,
               the
               fields
               and
               the
               hills
               be
               joyful
               together
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               trees
               of
               the
               wood
               rejoice
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             while
             you
             only
             are
             silent
             and
             unconcern'd
             .
          
           
             And
             seriously
             consider
             the
             kind
             and
             nature
             of
             that
             joy
             and
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             wherewith
             the
             hearts
             of
             holy
             men
             did
             so
             exceedingly
             abound
             ;
             Which
             is
             to
             be
             collected
             from
             the
             expressed
             ground
             and
             reasons
             of
             it
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             wheresoever
             you
             have
             any
             discovery
             of
             that
             joy
             it self
             ;
             This
             general
             and
             principal
             character
             may
             be
             given
             of
             it
             ,
             that
             it
             was
             a
             
             
               sincerely-devout
               and
               a
               loyal
               joy
            
             ;
             not
             a
             mean
             ,
             narrow
             ,
             selfish
             pleasure
             ,
             an
             hugging
             of
             themselves
             in
             this
             apprehension
             meerly
             ,
             
               It
               is
               well
               with
               me
            
             ,
             or
             
               I
               am
               safe
               and
               happy
               whatsoever
               becomes
               of
               the
               world
               .
            
             This
             was
             still
             the
             burden
             of
             their
             Song
             ;
             
               The
               Lord
               is
               great
               ,
               and
               glorious
               ,
               and
               excellent
               is
               exalted
               ;
               and
               most
               high
               over
               all
               .
            
             And
             it
             is
             to
             be
             observed
             ,
             that
             as
             this
             was
             the
             common
             and
             more
             usual
             strain
             and
             temper
             of
             holy
             Souls
             ,
             in
             the
             ages
             whereof
             the
             Scriptures
             give
             us
             any
             account
             ;
             so
             were
             doubts
             ,
             and
             fears
             ,
             and
             troubled
             thoughts
             concerning
             their
             own
             interest
             in
             God
             ,
             a
             great
             deal
             less
             usual
             and
             common
             in
             those
             days
             .
             So
             that
             in
             proportion
             to
             the
             other
             pious
             and
             holy
             exercises
             of
             such
             as
             were
             true
             fearers
             of
             God
             and
             devoted
             to
             him
             ,
             there
             is
             little
             account
             given
             us
             of
             any
             thing
             of
             that
             kind
             in
             the
             sacred
             Writings
             ,
             and
             especially
             in
             the
             New
             Testament
             of
             our
             Lord
             ▪
             An
             argument
             ,
             That
             such
             as
             were
             sincerely
             religious
             were
             most
             taken
             up
             about
             the
             interest
             of
             God
             and
             Christ
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             rejoicing
             either
             in
             the
             observation
             of
             its
             growth
             and
             increase
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             hope
             and
             confidence
             that
             it
             shall
             grow
             :
             And
             that
             they
             were
             much
             less
             concerned
             about
             their
             own
             interest
             ;
             yea
             and
             that
             this
             course
             did
             thrive
             best
             with
             them
             .
             While
             they
             were
             most
             intent
             upon
             the
             affairs
             of
             their
             common
             Lord
             ,
             their
             own
             were
             well
             enough
             provided
             for
             .
          
           
             We
             cannot
             hereupon
             but
             note
             therefore
             by
             the
             way
             ,
             how
             altered
             a
             thing
             Religion
             is
             now
             become
             .
             Almost
             the
             whole
             business
             of
             
             it
             ,
             even
             among
             them
             that
             more
             seriously
             mind
             any
             thing
             belonging
             to
             it
             ,
             is
             a
             
               fear
               of
               going
               to
               Hell
            
             ;
             and
             hence
             perpetual
             endless
             scruples
             ,
             doubts
             and
             enquiries
             about
             marks
             and
             signs
             ,
             and
             how
             to
             know
             what
             is
             the
             least
             degree
             of
             that
             grace
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             their
             being
             saved
             .
             As
             if
             the
             intention
             were
             to
             beat
             down
             the
             price
             to
             the
             very
             lowest
             ,
             and
             dodge
             always
             ,
             and
             cheapen
             heaven
             to
             the
             utmost
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             feared
             (
             as
             too
             many
             )
             with
             a
             design
             not
             to
             aim
             at
             any
             thing
             higher
             than
             what
             is
             meerly
             necessary
             to
             that
             purpose
             only
             ,
             and
             never
             to
             mind
             being
             excellent
             ,
             but
             only
             being
             saved
             .
          
           
             And
             yet
             also
             it
             were
             well
             ,
             in
             a
             comparative
             sense
             ,
             if
             that
             it self
             were
             minded
             in
             good
             earnest
             by
             many
             that
             profess
             beyond
             the
             common
             rate
             ;
             And
             That
             whereas
             their
             own
             interest
             is
             the
             thing
             they
             most
             mind
             ,
             it
             were
             not
             their
             meanest
             and
             least
             considerable
             interest
             ,
             even
             that
             of
             their
             sense
             ,
             and
             flesh
             ,
             and
             secular
             advantage
             ;
             and
             that
             under
             the
             pretence
             too
             (
             which
             makes
             the
             matter
             so
             much
             the
             worse
             )
             of
             much
             love
             and
             zeal
             Godward
             ,
             and
             devotedness
             to
             his
             interest
             ;
             which
             they
             supposed
             involved
             and
             wrapt
             up
             wholly
             with
             theirs
             .
             Whence
             also
             all
             their
             delight
             and
             joy
             is
             measured
             only
             by
             the
             aspect
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             of
             
               publick
               affairs
            
             upon
             them
             and
             
               their
               private
               ones
            
             :
             And
             they
             are
             either
             overwhelmed
             with
             sorrow
             ,
             or
             transported
             with
             joy
             ,
             according
             as
             the
             state
             of
             things
             doth
             either
             frown
             upon
             ,
             or
             favour
             their
             concernments
             .
             In
             the
             days
             when
             the
             interest
             of
             Christ
             lay
             more
             entirely
             
             and
             undividedly
             among
             one
             sort
             of
             men
             ;
             and
             more
             apparently
             ,
             their
             contests
             being
             less
             among
             themselves
             ,
             and
             chiefly
             with
             the
             Infidel
             world
             ;
             and
             they
             had
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             no
             enemies
             but
             those
             in
             common
             of
             the
             Christian
             Name
             and
             Cause
             :
             So
             that
             any
             common
             state
             of
             suffering
             to
             them
             ,
             was
             the
             visible
             prejudice
             of
             that
             Cause
             and
             Interest
             :
          
           
             Why
             ,
             what
             ,
             Did
             they
             delight
             and
             please
             themselves
             in
             nothing
             but
             a
             warm
             Sun
             and
             
             Halcyon-seasons
             ?
             Surely
             they
             had
             matter
             little
             enough
             for
             that
             sort
             of
             joy
             .
             And
             what
             ,
             Did
             they
             therefore
             dejectedly
             languish
             and
             despond
             ,
             and
             give
             themselves
             up
             to
             sorrow
             and
             despair
             ?
             Nor
             that
             neither
             ;
             unless
             they
             had
             all
             had
             but
             one
             neck
             ,
             and
             that
             also
             perfectly
             in
             the
             enemies
             power
             ,
             it
             had
             been
             an
             impossible
             thing
             to
             stifle
             and
             extinguish
             their
             delight
             and
             joy
             :
             So
             fully
             did
             Christ
             make
             it
             good
             to
             them
             ,
             That
             
               their
               sorrow
               should
               be
               turned
               into
               joy
               ,
               and
               their
               joy
               should
               no
               man
               take
               from
               them
               .
            
             For
             even
             that
             increased
             it
             which
             aim'd
             at
             it's
             suppression
             ;
             and
             the
             waters
             thrown
             upon
             their
             flame
             ,
             became
             rivers
             of
             oyl
             .
             They
             had
             got
             a
             secret
             way
             of
             
               rejoicing
               in
               tribulation
            
             ,
             of
             
               counting
               it
               all
               joy
               when
               they
               fell
               into
               divers
               tentations
               ,
            
             of
             
               taking
               pleasure
               in
               reproaches
               for
               the
               sake
               of
               Christ
               ,
            
             of
             turning
             difficulties
             and
             hazards
             into
             matter
             of
             triumph
             ,
             of
             
               taking
               joyfully
               the
               spoiling
               of
               their
               goods
               ,
            
             and
             glorying
             to
             be
             
               counted
               worthy
               to
               suffer
            
             any
             thing
             for
             so
             excellent
             a
             name
             .
             Insomuch
             ,
             that
             though
             their
             Head
             and
             Lord
             was
             in
             a
             most
             ignominious
             way
             taken
             from
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             
             left
             as
             a
             despised
             party
             of
             men
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             an
             outragious
             world
             ,
             under
             the
             (
             seemingly-hopeless
             )
             profession
             of
             addictedness
             to
             the
             interest
             of
             a
             Man
             that
             dy'd
             upon
             a
             Cross
             among
             Thieves
             but
             the
             other
             day
             :
             And
             though
             many
             of
             them
             never
             saw
             his
             face
             ,
             but
             had
             their
             knowledg
             of
             him
             by
             report
             and
             hear-say
             ,
             yet
             
               believing
               they
               rejoic'd
            
             ,
             
             
               with
               joy
               unspeakable
               and
               full
               of
               glory
               .
            
             The
             matter
             and
             ground
             of
             their
             joy
             was
             not
             so
             uncertain
             and
             changeable
             a
             thing
             ,
             nor
             so
             light
             and
             unsubstantial
             as
             the
             worlds
             kindness
             and
             favour
             ,
             and
             the
             smooth
             face
             of
             a
             serene
             Sky
             .
             These
             were
             
               true
               Lovers
            
             of
             Christ
             ;
             and
             such
             as
             counted
             him
             worthy
             for
             whom
             they
             should
             do
             all
             that
             lay
             in
             their
             power
             ,
             and
             suffer
             all
             which
             it
             was
             in
             the
             power
             of
             any
             others
             to
             do
             against
             them
             upon
             his
             account
             .
          
           
             They
             that
             rejoice
             and
             place
             their
             delight
             in
             the
             blessed
             God
             himself
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             have
             for
             the
             Object
             of
             their
             joy
             the
             
               Everlasting
               I
               AM
            
             ,
             Him
             
               who
               is
               the
               same
               yesterday
               ,
               and
               to
               day
               ,
               and
               for
               ever
               .
            
             And
             whose
             excellent
             glory
             may
             be
             clouded
             indeed
             and
             eclips'd
             to
             the
             world
             and
             the
             eye
             of
             Sense
             ;
             but
             still
             shines
             in
             it self
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             eye
             of
             Faith
             ,
             with
             the
             same
             bright
             and
             undiminish'd
             lustre
             .
          
           
             That
             delight
             will
             then
             be
             continued
             and
             permanent
             ,
             and
             ever
             springing
             up
             in
             fresh
             liveliness
             and
             vigour
             ,
             which
             is
             taken
             in
             this
             blessed
             Object
             ,
             considered
             as
             it
             is
             in
             it self
             ;
             and
             that
             hath
             place
             in
             a
             Soul
             that
             acts
             in
             a
             steady
             direct
             course
             towards
             that
             Object
             ,
             
             without
             sinister
             respects
             ,
             or
             any
             selfish
             ones
             ,
             of
             even
             the
             highest
             kind
             ,
             otherwise
             than
             in
             that
             subordination
             which
             will
             be
             sutable
             to
             the
             vast
             disproportion
             and
             inequality
             between
             Gods
             interest
             and
             ours
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             (
             looking
             upon
             our
             own
             external
             concernments
             as
             unworthy
             to
             be
             named
             in
             the
             same
             day
             )
             ,
             That
             though
             we
             reckon
             what
             there
             is
             delectable
             in
             God
             will
             make
             for
             our
             eternal
             advantage
             ;
             yet
             to
             consider
             that
             advantage
             of
             ours
             so
             much
             less
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             so
             much
             more
             pleased
             and
             satisfy'd
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             in
             himself
             blessed
             and
             glorious
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             in
             it self
             a
             thing
             more
             considerable
             that
             he
             be
             so
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             what
             becomes
             of
             us
             ,
             or
             of
             any
             creature
             ,
             or
             of
             this
             whole
             Creation
             .
             We
             are
             not
             indeed
             concern'd
             ,
             nor
             may
             think
             it
             warrantable
             to
             put
             our selves
             upon
             any
             such
             severe
             and
             unnatural
             trials
             of
             our
             love
             and
             fidelity
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             put
             the
             question
             to
             our
             own
             hearts
             ,
             Could
             we
             be
             content
             to
             lye
             in
             Hell
             ,
             or
             be
             in
             the
             state
             of
             the
             damned
             for
             ever
             for
             his
             Glory
             ?
             For
             it
             were
             a
             most
             injurious
             and
             vile
             supposition
             of
             somewhat
             inconsistent
             with
             his
             own
             most
             blessed
             Nature
             ,
             and
             eternal
             ,
             essential
             felicity
             ,
             (
             for
             his
             happiness
             cannot
             but
             be
             much
             placed
             in
             the
             benignity
             of
             his
             Nature
             )
             ,
             to
             imagine
             that
             ever
             he
             can
             be
             pleased
             ,
             or
             esteem
             himself
             glorify'd
             by
             the
             everlasting
             miseries
             of
             any
             one
             that
             truly
             loves
             him
             .
             We
             ought
             to
             abhor
             the
             mention
             or
             imagination
             of
             such
             a
             thing
             ▪
             as
             a
             blasphemy
             against
             his
             infinite
             goodness
             ;
             the
             denial
             whereof
             were
             to
             deny
             his
             Godhead
             .
             And
             it
             were
             also
             an
             absurd
             and
             
             self-contradicting
             supposition
             :
             For
             none
             can
             be
             in
             the
             state
             of
             the
             damned
             ,
             but
             they
             must
             be
             also
             in
             a
             state
             of
             extream
             enmity
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             wickedness
             and
             malignity
             arrived
             and
             grown
             up
             to
             its
             highest
             pitch
             ;
             Which
             indeed
             is
             the
             very
             horrour
             ,
             and
             immost
             center
             of
             Hell
             :
             Wickedness
             and
             eternal
             misery
             differing
             (
             for
             the
             most
             part
             )
             but
             in
             degree
             ,
             as
             grace
             and
             glory
             do
             .
             So
             that
             to
             put
             our selves
             upon
             this
             trial
             of
             sincerity
             towards
             God
             ,
             were
             to
             ask
             ourselves
             ,
             Whether
             we
             would
             be
             willing
             to
             express
             our
             sincere
             love
             to
             God
             ,
             by
             everlasting
             hatred
             of
             him
             ;
             and
             the
             Truth
             of
             our
             grace
             by
             being
             as
             maliciously
             wicked
             as
             the
             Devil
             and
             his
             Angels
             ?
             The
             expressions
             of
             Moses
             and
             Paul
             so
             frequently
             alledged
             can
             be
             wiredrawn
             to
             no
             such
             sense
             .
             This
             is
             no
             place
             to
             discuss
             the
             importance
             of
             them
             .
             But
             i●
             were
             certainly
             most
             imprudent
             (
             whatsoever
             they
             import
             )
             to
             seek
             marks
             of
             sincere
             love
             to
             God
             thence
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             fetcht
             from
             so
             many
             plain
             texts
             of
             Scripture
             .
             But
             it
             is
             out
             of
             question
             that
             we
             may
             and
             ought
             to
             mind
             and
             take
             complacency
             in
             our
             own
             blessedness
             ,
             in
             a
             degree
             inferior
             and
             subordinate
             to
             that
             which
             we
             take
             in
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             without
             making
             the
             sinful
             and
             absurd
             supposition
             of
             their
             inconsistency
             :
             Or
             that
             we
             can
             ever
             be
             put
             to
             choose
             the
             absence
             or
             privation
             of
             the
             one
             as
             a
             means
             to
             the
             other
             .
             And
             such
             complacency
             and
             delight
             in
             God
             as
             arises
             upon
             such
             grounds
             is
             of
             the
             right
             stamp
             and
             kind
             .
          
           
             See
             then
             that
             yours
             be
             a
             well-complexion'd
             
             delight
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             inwardly
             partakes
             of
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             Religion
             
               i.
               e.
            
             that
             hath
             in
             it
             entire
             
               devotedness
               to
               God
            
             as
             the
             very
             life
             ,
             Soul
             ,
             spirit
             of
             it
             :
             And
             if
             this
             be
             not
             the
             thing
             but
             meerly
             self-satisfaction
             which
             you
             chiefly
             have
             in
             pursuit
             under
             the
             name
             of
             delight
             in
             God
             ;
             you
             beat
             the
             air
             ,
             and
             do
             but
             hunt
             after
             a
             shadow
             .
             For
             there
             is
             no
             such
             thing
             as
             real
             solid
             delight
             in
             God
             any-where
             existing
             ,
             or
             ever
             will
             be
             ,
             separately
             and
             apart
             from
             a
             supream
             love
             and
             addictedness
             of
             heart
             to
             him
             and
             his
             interest
             as
             our
             chief
             and
             utmost
             end
             .
             Which
             temper
             of
             spirit
             towards
             him
             ,
             must
             be
             maintained
             and
             improved
             ,
             by
             our
             fixed
             intuition
             and
             view
             of
             his
             glorius
             greatness
             ,
             and
             absolute
             excellency
             and
             perfection
             ;
             and
             the
             congruity
             and
             fitness
             which
             we
             thereupon
             apprehend
             ,
             that
             we
             and
             all
             things
             ,
             (
             as
             all
             are
             of
             him
             )
             should
             be
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             alone
             may
             have
             the
             glory
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             And
             though
             you
             are
             not
             to
             prefer
             the
             consideration
             of
             your
             own
             interest
             in
             God
             as
             
               a
               good
               sutable
               to
               you
            
             ,
             or
             to
             give
             it
             the
             highest
             place
             in
             your
             
               delight
               ;
               yet
               also
               you
               must
               take
               heed
               of
               neglecting
               it
               ,
               or
               of
               denying
               it
               any
               place
               at
               all
               .
            
             For
             though
             we
             may
             plainly
             observe
             ,
             as
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             That
             it
             was
             the
             usual
             temper
             of
             holy
             Men
             of
             Old
             ,
             to
             be
             
               most
               taken
            
             up
             in
             admiring
             God
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             his
             own
             Excellency
             and
             Glory
             in
             it self
             considered
             ;
             and
             may
             thence
             collect
             that
             to
             be
             the
             genuine
             right
             temper
             of
             a
             gracious
             heart
             when
             it
             is
             most
             it self
             :
             Yet
             also
             't
             is
             as
             evident
             ,
             That
             they
             were
             far
             from
             neglecting
             their
             own
             interest
             in
             
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             counted
             it
             not
             a
             small
             matter
             ;
             Yea
             ,
             that
             it
             had
             (
             though
             not
             the
             principal
             )
             a
             very
             great
             influence
             upon
             their
             delight
             and
             
               joy
               in
               him
            
             .
             No
             one
             can
             read
             the
             Bible
             ,
             and
             not
             have
             frequent
             occasion
             to
             take
             notice
             of
             this
             .
             For
             how
             often
             do
             we
             find
             him
             spoken
             of
             under
             the
             names
             of
             their
             
               Portion
               ,
               Heritage
            
             ,
             &
             c
             !
             And
             in
             what
             raptures
             of
             Joy
             do
             we
             often
             find
             them
             upon
             that
             account
             !
             So
             the
             Psalmist
             considers
             him
             ,
             when
             he
             says
             ,
             
               The
               lines
               are
               fallen
               to
               him
               in
               pleasant
               places
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               he
               had
               a
               goodly
               heritage
               .
            
             How
             often
             do
             we
             find
             them
             glorying
             in
             their
             relation
             by
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             making
             their
             boasts
             of
             him
             as
             
               their
               God
            
             ;
             
             
               I
               will
               love
               thee
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               my
               strength
               ,
            
             &
             c
             !
             You
             have
             
               [
               my
            
             ]
             no
             less
             than
             nine
             times
             repeated
             in
             the
             beginning
             (
             the
             first
             and
             second
             verses
             )
             of
             that
             Psalm
             ,
             
               My
               strength
               ,
               my
               rock
               ,
               my
               fortress
               ,
               my
               deliverer
               ,
               my
               God
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             And
             afterwards
             How
             glorious
             a
             triumph
             is
             there
             raised
             ,
             and
             in
             what
             exultation
             do
             we
             behold
             them
             upon
             this
             !
             
             
               Who
               is
               God
               save
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             and
             who
             is
             a
             Rock
             
               save
               our
               God
            
             ?
             And
             again
             ,
             
               The
               Lord
               liveth
               and
               blessed
               be
               my
               Rock
               ,
               and
               let
               the
               God
               of
               my
               Salvation
               be
               exalted
               .
            
             And
             this
             was
             some
             of
             the
             last
             holy
             breath
             uttered
             by
             that
             anointed
             one
             of
             the
             God
             of
             Jacob
             ,
             
             and
             the
             sweet
             Psalmist
             of
             
               Israel
               ;
               He
               hath
               made
               with
               me
               an
               everlasting
               Covenant
               ordered
               in
               all
               things
               and
               sure
               .
            
             And
             this
             is
             all
             my
             Salvation
             and
             all
             my
             Desire
             —
             With
             this
             ,
             How
             well
             satisfied
             and
             pleased
             did
             he
             expire
             ,
             and
             go
             down
             to
             the
             grave
             !
             And
             the
             People
             of
             God
             are
             sometime
             represented
             as
             so
             taken
             with
             this
             apprehension
             
             of
             their
             peculiar
             relation
             to
             God
             that
             they
             cannot
             be
             content
             to
             know
             ,
             but
             they
             proclaim
             ;
             it
             ;
             nor
             was
             it
             enough
             the
             present
             age
             should
             know
             ,
             but
             they
             must
             have
             it
             told
             the
             following
             generation
             ;
             
               Let
               Mount
               Sion
               rejoice
            
             ,
             &c.
             
             
             Mark
             —
             
               That
               ye
               may
               tell
               the
               generation
               following
               —
               For
               this
               God
               is
               our
               God.
            
             See
             their
             ostentation
             of
             him
             ,
             
               This
               God!
            
             q.
             d.
             Behold
             what
             a
             God
             have
             we
             !
             View
             him
             well
             ,
             and
             take
             notice
             how
             glorious
             a
             God
             he
             is
             .
             And
             as
             they
             glory
             in
             the
             greatness
             of
             the
             God
             to
             whom
             they
             were
             related
             ,
             so
             they
             do
             in
             the
             eternity
             of
             the
             relation
             .
             This
             God
             is
             our
             God
             
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
            
             !
             &c.
             And
             how
             unexpressible
             was
             the
             inward
             pleasure
             wherewith
             we
             may
             suppose
             those
             words
             to
             have
             been
             uttered
             ,
             
             
               God
               even
               our
               own
               God
               shall
               bless
               us
               !
            
             How
             delightful
             an
             appropriation
             !
             as
             if
             it
             were
             intended
             to
             be
             said
             ,
             The
             blessing
             it self
             were
             less
             significant
             ,
             it
             could
             not
             have
             that
             savour
             with
             it
             if
             it
             were
             not
             from
             
               our
               own
               God.
            
             Not
             only
             therefore
             allow
             but
             urge
             your
             spirits
             thus
             to
             look
             towards
             God
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             both
             
               delight
               in
               him
               ,
               as
               being
               in
               himself
               the
               most
               excellent
               one
               ,
            
             &
             also
             as
             
               being
               yours
            
             ;
             for
             know
             ,
             you
             are
             not
             permitted
             only
             ,
             but
             obliged
             to
             eye
             ,
             accept
             and
             rejoice
             in
             him
             as
             such
             .
             It
             is
             his
             first
             and
             great
             Law
             ,
             and
             the
             form
             of
             his
             Covenant
             which
             he
             requires
             you
             to
             enter
             into
             with
             him
             ,
             
               To
               take
               him
               for
               your
               God.
            
             Herein
             to
             be
             shie
             and
             decline
             ,
             is
             to
             rebel
             .
             And
             when
             he
             offers
             himself
             in
             all
             his
             rich
             fulness
             to
             be
             your
             Portion
             and
             your
             God
             ,
             How
             
               vile
               ingratitude
            
             were
             it
             to
             neglect
             and
             overlook
             the
             
             kindness
             of
             the
             overture
             .
             It
             is
             his
             glory
             to
             have
             indigent
             souls
             satiating
             themselves
             in
             him
             ,
             drawing
             from
             him
             their
             vital
             breath
             ,
             living
             upon
             him
             as
             their
             All
             :
             Confessing
             they
             cannot
             live
             ,
             but
             by
             his
             vouchsafed
             communications
             .
             And
             if
             you
             should
             say
             you
             love
             him
             ,
             but
             
               so
               he
               be
               ever
               glorious
               in
               himself
               ,
               you
               care
               not
               to
               be
               happy
            
             ;
             It
             would
             sound
             like
             an
             hollow
             complement
             .
             You
             are
             not
             to
             deal
             with
             
               a
               God
            
             upon
             such
             terms
             .
             It
             becomes
             you
             not
             ,
             nor
             is
             sutable
             to
             him
             .
             It
             is
             fit
             for
             you
             to
             own
             it
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             your
             Life
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             a
             
               meer
               nothing
            
             in
             your self
             ,
             and
             must
             seek
             your
             All
             in
             him
             .
             
             Your
             Song
             and
             your
             Prayer
             must
             be
             directed
             to
             him
             
               as
               the
               God
               of
               your
               life
               .
            
             You
             do
             not
             own
             him
             
               as
               God
            
             ,
             except
             you
             own
             and
             adore
             him
             as
             your
             all-sufficient
             Good
             ,
             and
             that
             fulness
             which
             filleth
             all
             in
             all
             .
             You
             detract
             from
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Godhead
             ,
             if
             you
             attribute
             not
             this
             to
             him
             ;
             And
             if
             accordingly
             ,
             as
             one
             that
             cannot
             live
             without
             him
             ,
             you
             do
             not
             seek
             union
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             joyn
             your self
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             then
             rejoyce
             and
             solace
             your self
             in
             that
             blessed
             conjunction
             .
          
           
             And
             if
             you
             be
             not
             sure
             as
             yet
             that
             he
             is
             yours
             ,
             your
             delighting
             in
             him
             is
             not
             therefore
             to
             be
             suspended
             and
             delayed
             till
             you
             be
             .
             But
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             delight
             in
             him
             as
             
               willing
               to
               become
               yours
            
             .
             To
             disbeleive
             that
             he
             is
             willing
             ,
             is
             to
             give
             him
             
               the
               lye
            
             .
             It
             is
             the
             great
             design
             of
             his
             Gospel
             so
             to
             represent
             him
             to
             you
             .
             See
             that
             your
             hearts
             do
             embrace
             and
             close
             with
             that
             as
             a
             most
             delightful
             and
             lovely
             representation
             :
             
               The
               great
               and
               
               glorious
               Lord
               of
               heaven
               and
               earth
               offering
               himself
               in
               all
               his
               fulness
               to
               be
               thine
               !
               Thy
               portion
               and
               thy
               God
               for
               ever
               !
            
             How
             transporting
             should
             this
             be
             to
             you
             !
             Nor
             ,
             if
             you
             suspect
             the
             sincerity
             of
             your
             own
             heart
             towards
             him
             (
             which
             is
             the
             only
             thing
             you
             can
             have
             any
             pretence
             to
             suspect
             ,
             for
             it
             were
             a
             blasphemy
             to
             his
             Truth
             and
             Goodness
             to
             intimate
             a
             suspicious
             thought
             
               of
               him
            
             )
             may
             you
             therefore
             spend
             all
             your
             time
             in
             anxious
             enquiries
             ,
             or
             in
             looking
             only
             upon
             your
             own
             evil
             heart
             :
             But
             look
             most
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             direct
             and
             steady
             eye
             towards
             him
             .
             Behold
             and
             view
             well
             his
             glory
             and
             his
             love
             ,
             that
             by
             this
             means
             your
             heart
             may
             be
             captivated
             and
             more
             entirely
             won
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             This
             makes
             delight
             in
             God
             a
             strange
             thing
             in
             the
             hearts
             and
             practice
             of
             many
             .
             They
             find
             too
             much
             cause
             of
             complaint
             concerning
             their
             own
             hearts
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             disaffected
             ,
             and
             disenclin'd
             Godward
             .
             And
             what
             is
             the
             course
             they
             take
             hereupon
             ?
             Their
             Religion
             is
             nothing
             but
             complaint
             .
             And
             all
             their
             days
             are
             spent
             in
             beholding
             that
             they
             are
             bad
             ,
             without
             ever
             taking
             the
             way
             to
             become
             better
             .
             They
             conclude
             their
             case
             to
             be
             evil
             and
             full
             of
             danger
             ,
             because
             they
             find
             they
             can
             take
             no
             delight
             in
             God
             :
             And
             they
             will
             take
             no
             delight
             in
             him
             because
             they
             have
             that
             apprehension
             of
             the
             danger
             of
             their
             case
             .
             And
             so
             their
             not-delighting
             in
             God
             resolves
             into
             it self
             .
             And
             they
             delight
             not
             in
             him
             because
             they
             delight
             not
             in
             him
             .
             T
             is
             strange
             the
             absurdity
             of
             this
             is
             not
             more
             reflected
             on
             .
             
             And
             what
             now
             is
             to
             be
             done
             in
             this
             case
             ?
             To
             rest
             here
             is
             to
             be
             held
             in
             a
             circle
             of
             sin
             and
             misery
             all
             your
             days
             :
             And
             would
             signify
             as
             if
             delighting
             in
             God
             were
             a
             simple
             impossibility
             ,
             or
             as
             if
             not
             to
             delight
             in
             God
             ,
             were
             a
             thing
             so
             highly
             rational
             as
             to
             be
             its
             own
             sufficient
             self-justification
             ;
             And
             that
             it
             were
             reason
             enough
             not
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             because
             we
             do
             not
             .
             There
             can
             be
             no
             other
             way
             to
             be
             taken
             but
             to
             behold
             him
             more
             in
             that
             discovery
             of
             him
             which
             his
             Gospel
             sets
             before
             your
             eyes
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             way
             seek
             to
             have
             your
             hearts
             taken
             with
             his
             amiableness
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             allured
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             .
             And
             labour
             in
             this
             way
             to
             have
             that
             delight
             increased
             to
             that
             degree
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             cease
             to
             be
             a
             question
             or
             doubt
             with
             you
             ,
             
               Do
               I
               delight
               in
               God
               or
               no
               ?
            
             Whence
             when
             you
             reflect
             and
             find
             that
             you
             do
             ;
             Then
             shall
             you
             have
             that
             additional
             matter
             of
             further
             delight
             ;
             That
             whereas
             you
             before
             took
             delight
             in
             him
             because
             being
             in
             himself
             so
             excellent
             a
             one
             he
             hath
             freely
             offered
             himself
             to
             you
             to
             become
             yours
             ;
             You
             may
             now
             delight
             in
             him
             also
             ,
             because
             you
             are
             sure
             he
             is
             so
             :
             Whereof
             you
             cannot
             have
             a
             more
             fatisfying
             assurance
             than
             from
             his
             so
             express
             saying
             ,
             
             
               I
               Love
               them
               that
               Love
               me
            
             ;
             
             and
             
               we
               love
               him
               because
               he
               loved
               us
               first
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             
               Take
               especial
               heed
               of
               more
               apparent
               and
               grosser
               transgressions
               .
               Nor
               account
               your
               security
               from
               the
               danger
               of
               them
               so
               much
               to
               stand
               in
               your
               being
               ordinarily
               out
               of
               the
               way
               of
               temptations
               to
               them
               ,
               as
               in
               an
               habitual
               frame
               of
               holiness
               ,
               
               and
               the
               settled
               aversion
               of
               your
               heart
               to
               them
               .
            
             Endeavour
             a
             growing
             conformity
             to
             God
             in
             the
             temper
             of
             your
             spirit
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             in
             Love
             with
             purity
             ;
             That
             your
             heart
             may
             no
             more
             endure
             an
             impure
             thought
             ,
             than
             you
             would
             fire
             in
             your
             bosom
             .
             If
             you
             be
             herein
             careless
             and
             remiss
             ,
             and
             suffer
             your
             heart
             to
             grow
             dissolute
             ,
             or
             more
             bold
             and
             adventurous
             ,
             in
             admitting
             sinful
             cogitations
             ;
             Or
             if
             you
             have
             more
             liking
             or
             less
             dislike
             of
             any
             wicked
             course
             wherein
             others
             take
             their
             liberty
             ,
             you
             are
             approaching
             the
             borders
             of
             a
             dangerous
             precipice
             .
             And
             if
             some
             greater
             breach
             hereupon
             ensue
             between
             God
             and
             you
             ,
             what
             becomes
             of
             your
             delight
             in
             him
             ?
             A
             sad
             interruption
             of
             such
             pleasant
             intercourse
             cannot
             but
             follow
             ,
             both
             on
             his
             part
             ,
             and
             on
             yours
             .
          
           
             
               On
               his
               part
            
             ,
             a
             suspension
             and
             restraint
             of
             those
             communications
             of
             light
             and
             grace
             which
             are
             necessary
             to
             your
             delight
             in
             him
             .
             He
             will
             be
             just
             in
             his
             way
             of
             dealing
             towards
             those
             of
             his
             own
             family
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             merciful
             .
             It
             appears
             how
             much
             
             David's
             delight
             in
             God
             was
             intermitted
             ,
             upon
             his
             great
             transgression
             ,
             through
             Gods
             withdrawing
             from
             him
             ,
             when
             he
             prays
             he
             would
             
               restore
               the
               joy
               of
               his
               salvation
               .
            
             
          
           
             And
             
               on
               your
               part
            
             ,
             will
             insue
             both
             
               less
               liking
            
             of
             Gods
             presence
             ,
             and
             a
             dread
             of
             it
             :
             Your
             inclination
             will
             not
             be
             towards
             him
             as
             before
             ;
             though
             the
             act
             of
             sin
             be
             soon
             over
             ,
             the
             effect
             will
             remain
             ;
             even
             a
             carnal
             frame
             of
             spirit
             that
             disaffects
             converse
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             cares
             
             not
             to
             come
             nigh
             him
             .
             And
             if
             that
             were
             not
             ,
             a
             guilty
             fear
             would
             hold
             you
             off
             ;
             so
             that
             if
             you
             were
             willing
             ,
             you
             would
             not
             dare
             to
             approach
             him
             :
             Your
             liberty
             taken
             to
             sin
             would
             soon
             infer
             a
             bondage
             upon
             your
             spirit
             God-ward
             ,
             unless
             conscience
             be
             wholly
             asleep
             ;
             and
             you
             have
             learned
             a
             stupid
             insolent
             confidence
             to
             affront
             God
             ,
             which
             surely
             would
             signifie
             little
             to
             your
             
               delight
               in
               him
               .
               Thou
               shalt
               put
               away
               iniquity
               from
               thy
               tabernacles
               —
               Then
               shalt
               thou
               have
               thy
               delight
               in
               the
               Almighty
            
             ;
             
             
               and
               shalt
               lift
               up
               thy
               face
               unto
               God.
            
             The
             conscience
             of
             unpurged
             iniquity
             ,
             will
             not
             let
             you
             lift
             up
             your
             face
             or
             appear
             in
             that
             glorious
             presence
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             
               Cherish
               the
               great
               grace
               of
               humility
               ;
               And
               be
               ever
               mean
               and
               low
               in
               your
               own
               eyes
               .
            
             That
             temper
             carries
             in
             it
             even
             a
             natural
             disposition
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             How
             sweet
             complacency
             will
             such
             a
             Soul
             take
             in
             him
             !
             His
             
               light
               and
               glory
            
             shine
             with
             great
             lustre
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             such
             a
             one
             while
             there
             is
             not
             a
             nearer
             (
             imagined
             )
             lustre
             to
             vie
             therewith
             (
             Stars
             are
             seen
             at
             noon
             ,
             by
             them
             that
             descend
             low
             into
             a
             deep
             pit
             )
             .
             They
             will
             admire
             God
             but
             little
             that
             admire
             themselves
             much
             .
             And
             take
             little
             pleasure
             in
             him
             ,
             who
             are
             too
             much
             pleased
             with
             themselves
             .
             And
             how
             sweet
             a
             relish
             
               have
               his
               love
               and
               grace
            
             to
             an
             humble
             lowly
             soul
             ,
             that
             esteems
             it self
             less
             than
             the
             least
             of
             his
             mercies
             !
             With
             what
             ravishing
             delight
             ,
             will
             Divine
             mercy
             be
             entertain'd
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             so
             unexpectedly
             vouchsafed
             ;
             when
             this
             shall
             be
             the
             sense
             of
             the
             Soul
             now
             caught
             into
             the
             embraces
             
             of
             Gods
             love
             ,
             
               What
               I
               vile
               creature
               !
               impure
               worm
               !
               what
               ,
               beloved
               of
               God!
            
             Expectation
             ,
             grounded
             especially
             upon
             an
             opinion
             of
             merit
             ,
             would
             unspeakably
             lessen
             a
             favour
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             afforded
             (
             as
             also
             expected
             evils
             seem
             the
             less
             when
             they
             come
             )
             .
             But
             the
             lowly
             soul
             ,
             that
             apprehends
             desert
             of
             nothing
             but
             Hell
             ,
             is
             surprized
             and
             overcome
             with
             wonder
             and
             delight
             ,
             when
             the
             great
             God
             expresses
             kindness
             towards
             it
             .
             Besides
             that
             he
             more
             freely
             communicates
             himself
             to
             such
             :
             
               To
               this
               man
               will
               I
               look
               ,
               even
               to
               him
               that
               is
               poor
               and
               of
               a
               contrite
               spirit
               ,
            
             
             &c.
             
             And
             he
             looks
             to
             such
             with
             a
             design
             of
             habitation
             ;
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             are
             not
             to
             him
             so
             pleasant
             a
             dwelling
             .
             Down
             then
             into
             the
             dust
             ,
             there
             you
             are
             in
             the
             fittest
             place
             and
             posture
             for
             delightful
             converse
             with
             God.
             
          
           
             8.
             
             
               Reckon
               much
               upon
               an
               eternal
               abode
               in
               that
               presence
               where
               is
               fulness
               of
               joy
               and
               pleasures
               for
               evermore
               .
            
             Enjoy
             by
             a
             serious
             believing
             foresight
             the
             delights
             of
             heaven
             ,
             labour
             to
             
               rejoyce
               in
               hope
               of
               the
               glory
               of
               God.
            
             Look
             beyond
             this
             your
             present
             state
             .
             Confine
             not
             your
             eye
             and
             delight
             to
             what
             is
             now
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             but
             think
             of
             what
             shall
             be
             .
             Set
             before
             your
             eyes
             the
             glorious
             prospect
             of
             the
             blessed
             God
             communicating
             himself
             to
             that
             vast
             Assembly
             
               of
               Angels
               and
               the
               spirits
               of
               just
               men
               made
               perfect
               ,
            
             in
             clearest
             discoveries
             of
             his
             glory
             ,
             and
             richest
             effusions
             of
             his
             goodness
             .
             The
             best
             appearance
             of
             things
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             
               makes
               but
               a
               dull
               scene
            
             in
             comparison
             of
             this
             .
             If
             you
             look
             towards
             God
             
             according
             to
             what
             now
             appears
             of
             his
             glory
             in
             the
             frame
             of
             the
             universe
             ,
             and
             the
             course
             of
             his
             administrations
             and
             government
             over
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             He
             hath
             not
             ,
             't
             is
             true
             ,
             
               left
               himself
               without
               witness
            
             .
             And
             you
             may
             behold
             much
             that
             would
             be
             to
             you
             the
             matter
             of
             delightful
             admiration
             ;
             
               If
               your
               eye
               be
               clear
               ,
               and
               can
               pierce
               through
               clouds
               and
               darkness
               and
               a
               manifold
               veil
               .
            
             He
             hath
             made
             this
             world
             and
             is
             every-where
             in
             it
             ,
             but
             it
             knows
             him
             not
             .
             His
             light
             shines
             in
             darkness
             ,
             that
             doth
             not
             comprehend
             it
             .
             Beams
             of
             his
             glory
             do
             every-where
             break
             forth
             ,
             through
             every
             Creature
             ,
             Providence
             ,
             Law
             ,
             and
             Ordinance
             of
             his
             .
             But
             much
             of
             his
             glory
             that
             shines
             in
             the
             Creation
             is
             hid
             by
             a
             train
             of
             second
             causes
             ,
             through
             which
             few
             look
             to
             the
             first
             .
             His
             Laws
             men
             judg
             of
             according
             to
             their
             interests
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             while
             the
             holy
             glorious
             Majesty
             that
             enacted
             them
             is
             out
             of
             sight
             .
             His
             work
             in
             the
             world
             is
             carried
             on
             in
             a
             mystery
             ;
             His
             interest
             lives
             ,
             but
             is
             deprest
             ;
             They
             who
             are
             most
             devoted
             to
             him
             are
             supported
             indeed
             by
             his
             invisible
             hand
             ,
             but
             are
             ,
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             low
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             and
             afflicted
             .
             If
             you
             now
             limit
             and
             confine
             your
             apprehensions
             of
             him
             to
             his
             present
             appearances
             ,
             the
             matter
             of
             your
             delight
             is
             real
             ,
             but
             much
             diminish't
             :
             But
             conceive
             of
             him
             (
             as
             your
             Faith
             can
             behold
             him
             at
             a
             distance
             )
             in
             that
             posture
             wherein
             having
             setled
             the
             eternal
             State
             of
             things
             he
             will
             finally
             shew
             himself
             .
             Conceive
             him
             as
             having
             now
             gathered
             home
             all
             that
             that
             have
             been
             recovered
             to
             him
             out
             of
             the
             
             apostacy
             ,
             and
             joined
             them
             to
             those
             numberless
             legions
             of
             innocent
             and
             pure
             spirits
             about
             his
             throne
             that
             never
             offended
             :
             Conceive
             him
             as
             dispensing
             rewards
             ,
             pouring
             out
             blessings
             upon
             the
             loyal
             heads
             and
             hearts
             of
             them
             that
             expressed
             fidelity
             and
             duty
             to
             him
             in
             the
             time
             and
             state
             of
             trial
             and
             temptation
             ;
             Letting
             his
             Glory
             shine
             out
             with
             bright
             and
             direct
             beams
             ,
             to
             so
             many
             beholding
             and
             admiring
             eyes
             ;
             Giving
             forth
             the
             full
             and
             satisfying
             communications
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             making
             Rivers
             of
             pleasure
             flow
             perpetually
             to
             the
             replenishing
             the
             vast
             enlarged
             capacities
             ,
             of
             so
             innumerable
             a
             multitude
             of
             grateful
             adoring
             spirits
             ,
             to
             whom
             it
             is
             now
             sensibly
             to
             be
             perceived
             how
             his
             fulness
             filleth
             All
             in
             all
             .
             Take
             this
             view
             of
             him
             ;
             and
             let
             your
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             thus
             enter
             into
             that
             which
             is
             within
             the
             veil
             :
             And
             remember
             there
             is
             only
             
               a
               little
               time
            
             between
             you
             and
             that
             blessed
             state
             ;
             That
             then
             you
             are
             
               to
               enter
               into
               the
               joy
               of
               your
               Lord
            
             ;
             so
             that
             the
             very
             element
             and
             region
             wherein
             you
             are
             to
             live
             for
             ever
             ,
             shall
             be
             nothing
             else
             but
             delight
             and
             joy
             .
             In
             this
             way
             of
             believing
             foresight
             ,
             and
             by
             this
             lawful
             and
             allowed
             prepossession
             of
             future
             blessedness
             ,
             much
             surely
             would
             be
             added
             to
             your
             present
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             Should
             not
             the
             thoughts
             of
             him
             be
             pleasant
             to
             you
             from
             whom
             you
             are
             expecting
             so
             great
             things
             ?
             If
             your
             delight
             in
             him
             be
             any
             at
             all
             ,
             upon
             what
             you
             have
             already
             found
             and
             experienced
             of
             his
             goodness
             ;
             It
             should
             be
             abundantly
             the
             more
             upon
             what
             you
             are
             by
             his
             Word
             encouraged
             to
             look
             for
             .
          
           
           
             And
             having
             thus
             given
             some
             account
             in
             what
             way
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             is
             to
             be
             exercised
             and
             improved
             ;
             It
             were
             a
             charitable
             hope
             that
             there
             would
             be
             little
             need
             to
             propound
             arguments
             to
             perswade
             unto
             it
             :
             But
             it
             were
             an
             hope
             not
             grounded
             upon
             common
             experience
             ,
             which
             too
             plainly
             tells
             us
             ,
             that
             though
             such
             directions
             as
             these
             are
             plain
             and
             obvious
             ,
             not
             unknown
             to
             Christians
             ;
             but
             only
             less
             considered
             (
             whence
             it
             was
             not
             needless
             here
             to
             recommend
             them
             )
             ,
             yet
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             obtains
             little
             place
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             the
             most
             .
             There
             will
             therefore
             too
             probably
             be
             still
             much
             need
             of
             excitation
             to
             it
             .
          
           
             And
             yet
             because
             it
             is
             not
             
               multitude
               of
               words
            
             that
             is
             likely
             to
             do
             the
             business
             ,
             but
             the
             
               weight
               of
               things
            
             ,
             urged
             on
             by
             a
             more
             powerful
             hand
             than
             that
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             that
             much
             may
             be
             collected
             to
             this
             purpose
             from
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             of
             the
             sinfulness
             of
             the
             omission
             ;
             I
             shall
             ,
             with
             great
             brevity
             ,
             offer
             these
             things
             only
             to
             be
             considered
             .
          
           
             Is
             it
             not
             a
             merciful
             vouchsafement
             that
             the
             holy
             God
             allows
             you
             to
             place
             your
             delight
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             invites
             you
             to
             it
             ?
             How
             much
             Grace
             and
             Love
             breaths
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             
               Delight
               thy self
               also
               in
               the
               Lord
               !
               Trust
            
             in
             him
             was
             recommended
             before
             ,
             and
             now
             this
             being
             added
             also
             ;
             How
             plain
             is
             it
             that
             your
             ease
             and
             rest
             is
             the
             thing
             designed
             !
             Is
             it
             fit
             to
             receive
             so
             much
             kindness
             with
             neglect
             ?
          
           
             Again
             ,
             He
             delights
             in
             you
             ,
             I
             speak
             to
             such
             of
             whom
             this
             may
             be
             supposed
             .
             
             And
             it
             is
             indefinitely
             said
             His
             delights
             were
             with
             the
             
             sons
             of
             men
             .
             Think
             
               what
               he
               is
            
             ,
             and
             
               what
               you
               are
            
             ;
             And
             at
             once
             ,
             both
             wonder
             and
             yield
             .
          
           
             And
             what
             else
             have
             you
             to
             delight
             in
             ?
             what
             thing
             will
             you
             name
             ,
             that
             shall
             supply
             the
             place
             of
             [
             GOD
             ]
             or
             be
             to
             you
             in
             the
             stead
             of
             him
             ?
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             Who
             should
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             but
             you
             ?
             his
             friends
             ?
             his
             sons
             ?
             those
             of
             his
             own
             house
             ?
          
           
             Think
             what
             life
             and
             vigour
             it
             will
             infuse
             into
             you
             ;
             
             and
             that
             ,
             
               The
               joy
               of
               the
               Lord
               will
               be
               your
               strength
               .
            
             How
             pleasantly
             will
             you
             hold
             on
             your
             course
             !
             and
             discharge
             all
             the
             other
             Duties
             of
             this
             your
             present
             state
             !
             You
             must
             serve
             him
             .
             Dare
             you
             think
             of
             throwing
             off
             his
             yoke
             ?
             How
             desirable
             is
             it
             then
             to
             take
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             whom
             I
             must
             serve
             !
             which
             only
             makes
             that
             service
             acceptable
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             easie
             to
             my self
             !
          
           
             Further
             ,
             This
             is
             a
             pleasure
             none
             can
             rob
             you
             of
             ;
             A
             joy
             that
             cannot
             be
             taken
             from
             you
             .
             Other
             Objects
             of
             your
             delight
             are
             vanishing
             daily
             .
             Neither
             Men
             nor
             Devils
             can
             ever
             hinder
             your
             
               delighting
               in
               God
            
             ,
             if
             your
             hearts
             be
             so
             enclin'd
             ;
             And
             were
             you
             never
             brought
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             any
             person
             or
             thing
             to
             which
             you
             had
             a
             former
             aversion
             ;
             One
             that
             had
             wrong'd
             you
             might
             yet
             possibly
             win
             you
             by
             after-kindness
             .
             Give
             a
             reason
             why
             you
             should
             be
             more
             difficult
             towards
             the
             blessed
             God
             that
             never
             wrong'd
             you
             !
             and
             whose
             way
             towards
             you
             hath
             constantly
             imported
             so
             much
             good-will
             !
          
           
           
             And
             consider
             that
             your
             condition
             on
             earth
             is
             such
             ,
             as
             exposes
             you
             to
             many
             sufferings
             and
             hardships
             ;
             Which
             by
             
               your
               not-delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             you
             can
             never
             be
             sure
             to
             avoid
             ,
             (
             for
             they
             are
             things
             common
             to
             men
             )
             but
             which
             ,
             
               by
               your
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             you
             may
             be
             easily
             able
             to
             endure
             .
          
           
             Besides
             all
             this
             ,
             seriously
             consider
             ,
             that
             you
             must
             die
             ;
             You
             can
             make
             no
             shift
             to
             avoid
             that
             .
             How
             easily
             tolerable
             and
             pleasant
             ,
             will
             it
             be
             to
             think
             ,
             then
             ,
             of
             going
             to
             him
             with
             whom
             you
             have
             lived
             in
             a
             delightful
             communion
             before
             !
             And
             how
             dreadful
             to
             appear
             before
             him
             ,
             to
             whom
             your
             own
             heart
             shall
             accuse
             you
             to
             have
             been
             (
             against
             all
             his
             importunities
             and
             allurements
             )
             a
             disaffected
             stranger
             !
          
           
             To
             these
             I
             add
             the
             consideration
             in
             the
             other
             part
             of
             the
             verse
             ;
             
               And
               he
               shall
               give
               thee
               the
               desire
               of
               thine
               heart
               .
            
          
           
             By
             Desire
             ]
             it
             's
             plain
             we
             are
             to
             understand
             the
             
               thing
               desired
            
             which
             is
             usual
             .
          
           
             By
             
               the
               thing
               desired
            
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             be
             so
             unreasonable
             as
             to
             think
             is
             meant
             ,
             
               any
               thing
               whatsoever
               it
               be
            
             ,
             that
             ,
             even
             with
             the
             greatest
             extravagancy
             ,
             we
             may
             set
             our
             hearts
             upon
             ;
             as
             worldly
             possessions
             ,
             riches
             ,
             honours
             ,
             &c.
             
             For
             it
             were
             most
             unbecoming
             that
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             should
             be
             so
             mercenary
             ;
             or
             be
             propounded
             as
             the
             price
             of
             so
             mean
             things
             .
             Yea
             ,
             and
             if
             the
             matter
             were
             so
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             were
             a
             means
             to
             the
             attaining
             of
             these
             things
             as
             the
             end
             ;
             which
             were
             to
             make
             
             the
             blessed
             God
             an
             inferiour
             good
             to
             these
             .
             Nor
             can
             we
             suppose
             that
             one
             who
             
               delights
               in
               God
            
             should
             ever
             esteem
             any
             reward
             or
             recompence
             
               of
               another
               kind
            
             ,
             greater
             than
             what
             he
             finds
             in
             this
             very
             delight
             it self
             .
             And
             besides
             ,
             we
             are
             very
             prone
             to
             desire
             things
             that
             (
             as
             the
             case
             may
             be
             )
             would
             prove
             very
             hurtful
             to
             us
             .
             If
             God
             should
             gratifie
             us
             with
             every
             thing
             we
             fancy
             he
             should
             many
             times
             please
             us
             to
             our
             ruine
             .
             And
             do
             we
             believe
             that
             when
             he
             hath
             won
             a
             person
             to
             place
             his
             delight
             and
             take
             pleasure
             in
             himself
             ,
             
               He
               will
               requite
               him
               with
               a
               mischief
               ?
            
          
           
             Since
             then
             we
             may
             not
             understand
             him
             to
             mean
             
               that
               whatsoever
               we
               desire
               ,
               if
               we
               delight
               in
               him
               ,
               we
               shall
               have
            
             ;
             We
             are
             to
             enquire
             further
             .
             And
             it
             's
             plain
             the
             things
             that
             can
             be
             supposed
             to
             be
             desired
             by
             such
             persons
             as
             are
             here
             spoken
             to
             ,
             must
             be
             of
             one
             of
             these
             two
             sorts
             :
             Either
             things
             of
             a
             
               spiritual
               nature
            
             ,
             that
             tend
             directly
             to
             the
             gratification
             and
             advantage
             of
             the
             inward
             man
             ;
             Or
             else
             
               external
               good
               things
            
             ,
             that
             make
             for
             the
             support
             and
             comfort
             of
             this
             present
             life
             .
          
           
             We
             will
             suppose
             it
             to
             be
             the
             one
             or
             the
             other
             of
             these
             .
             And
             shall
             shew
             that
             whichsoever
             sort
             it
             be
             that
             is
             desired
             ,
             
               Delighting
               in
               God
            
             doth
             naturally
             infer
             the
             satisfaction
             (
             some
             way
             or
             other
             )
             of
             such
             desires
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Supposing
             they
             be
             spiritual
             good
             things
             that
             are
             desired
             ,
             
               Delight
               in
               God
            
             is
             most
             directly
             the
             satisfaction
             it self
             of
             such
             desire
             .
             Whatsoever
             purely
             spiritual
             good
             we
             can
             desire
             
             is
             either
             
               God
               himself
            
             ,
             or
             
               somewhat
               in
               order
               to
               him
               .
               If
               it
               be
               God
               himself
            
             we
             desire
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             we
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             we
             enjoy
             him
             ,
             and
             have
             what
             we
             would
             have
             ;
             And
             can
             only
             enjoy
             him
             more
             fully
             ,
             by
             more
             entire
             and
             composed
             rest
             and
             
               delight
               in
               him
               .
               If
               it
               be
               somewhat
               in
               order
               to
               him
               ,
            
             He
             is
             still
             supreamly
             and
             ultimately
             desired
             in
             that
             very
             desire
             ;
             so
             that
             in
             
               delighting
               in
               him
            
             ,
             we
             have
             our
             end
             ,
             and
             that
             upon
             which
             this
             desire
             doth
             lastly
             terminate
             .
             And
             now
             should
             not
             this
             be
             a
             great
             inducement
             to
             us
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God
            
             ,
             that
             hereby
             our
             desires
             ,
             the
             motions
             of
             our
             working
             hearts
             directed
             towards
             him
             ,
             do
             immediately
             find
             in
             him
             a
             
               peaceful
               and
               pleasant
               rest
            
             ,
             and
             turn
             into
             a
             satisfying
             fruition
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             Supposing
             the
             things
             we
             desire
             be
             those
             of
             an
             inferiour
             kind
             ;
             
               Delight
               in
               God
            
             doth
             not
             a
             little
             to
             the
             satisfying
             of
             them
             also
             .
          
           
             It
             doth
             not
             ,
             as
             was
             said
             ,
             intitle
             us
             to
             the
             things
             themselves
             we
             desire
             whatever
             they
             be
             ,
             or
             how
             unsutable
             soever
             to
             us
             .
          
           
             But
             first
             ,
             It
             moderates
             these
             desires
             ,
             makes
             
             them
             sober
             ,
             prudent
             ,
             and
             rational
             ,
             and
             capable
             of
             being
             satisfied
             with
             what
             is
             fit
             for
             us
             .
             He
             that
             is
             much
             habituated
             to
             delight
             in
             God
             is
             not
             apt
             to
             foolish
             extravagant
             desires
             .
             This
             is
             the
             sence
             of
             such
             a
             one
             ,
             
               Not
               my
               will
               Lord
               ,
               but
               thine
               be
               done
               .
            
             He
             may
             desire
             the
             same
             thing
             that
             others
             do
             ,
             yet
             not
             with
             the
             same
             peremptory
             and
             precipitant
             desire
             ,
             but
             with
             a
             desire
             tempered
             
             with
             submission
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             reserved
             deference
             of
             the
             matter
             to
             the
             Divine
             pleasure
             :
             
               This
               thing
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               I
               desire
               if
               thou
               see
               good
               .
            
             So
             that
             the
             general
             object
             of
             such
             a
             ones
             desire
             is
             only
             
               that
               which
               in
               the
               divine
               estimate
               is
               fit
               and
               good
               for
               him
               .
            
             And
             though
             he
             desire
             this
             or
             that
             particular
             thing
             ,
             yet
             not
             as
             
               it
               is
               this
               thing
            
             ,
             but
             as
             supposing
             it
             possible
             this
             thing
             may
             be
             judged
             fit
             for
             him
             by
             the
             supream
             Wisdom
             ,
             whereto
             he
             hath
             refer'd
             the
             matter
             .
             But
             if
             it
             shall
             be
             judged
             otherwise
             ;
             
               This
               thing
            
             falls
             without
             the
             compass
             of
             the
             general
             object
             of
             his
             desire
             ,
             and
             in
             just
             construction
             he
             desires
             it
             not
             .
             For
             he
             desires
             it
             not
             otherwise
             than
             on
             that
             condition
             that
             God
             see
             it
             meet
             for
             him
             ;
             And
             not
             longer
             than
             till
             he
             find
             he
             does
             not
             .
             In
             which
             case
             the
             sobriety
             and
             submissiveness
             of
             his
             former
             desire
             ,
             appears
             in
             his
             
               cheerful
               patient
               want
            
             of
             the
             thing
             which
             he
             finds
             God
             hath
             thought
             fit
             to
             deny
             him
             .
             So
             that
             even
             then
             ,
             his
             desire
             is
             satisfied
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             It
             doth
             not
             (
             as
             often
             it
             is
             with
             a
             carnal
             heart
             )
             turn
             ,
             being
             crost
             ,
             into
             rage
             and
             madness
             ;
             But
             into
             a
             
               complacential
               peace
            
             ,
             and
             rest
             in
             the
             Divine
             will.
             He
             is
             satisfied
             in
             what
             God
             hath
             thought
             fit
             to
             do
             .
             Yea
             the
             very
             thing
             is
             done
             which
             he
             would
             have
             done
             :
             God
             hath
             given
             him
             his
             
               hearts
               desire
            
             .
             For
             let
             the
             question
             be
             put
             to
             such
             a
             person
             ,
             
               Do
               you
               desire
               such
               a
               thing
               though
               God
               judg
               it
               will
               be
               hurtful
               to
               you
               or
               unfit
               for
               you
               ?
            
             And
             no
             doubt
             he
             will
             ,
             not
             in
             faint
             Words
             that
             
             have
             no
             sence
             under
             them
             (
             as
             almost
             any
             other
             man
             would
             )
             but
             from
             his
             very
             heart
             and
             Soul
             say
             ,
             No.
             And
             if
             he
             deliberate
             the
             matter
             of
             his
             own
             accord
             ,
             or
             by
             any
             ones
             enquiry
             be
             occasion'd
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             This
             will
             be
             found
             the
             sence
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             (
             though
             his
             desire
             hath
             inclin'd
             to
             this
             or
             that
             thing
             in
             particular
             )
             :
             And
             this
             would
             be
             his
             Prayer
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               If
               thy
               wisdom
               ,
               which
               is
               infinitely
               more
               than
               mine
               ,
               see
               this
               thing
               not
               fit
               ,
               cross
               me
               ,
               deny
               me
               in
               this
               desire
               of
               mine
               .
            
             And
             
               this
               general
               desire
            
             at
             least
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             measure
             of
             the
             particular
             one
             ,
             is
             sure
             to
             be
             accomplisht
             to
             one
             that
             hath
             God
             for
             his
             delight
             .
             
             For
             the
             promise
             is
             express
             and
             cannot
             fail
             ,
             
               All
               things
               shall
               Work
               together
               for
               good
               ,
               to
               them
               that
               love
               God.
               
            
          
           
             And
             
               this
               love
               to
               God
            
             ,
             or
             
               delight
               in
               him
            
             ,
             as
             it
             entitles
             such
             to
             that
             his
             care
             and
             concern
             for
             them
             which
             is
             exprest
             in
             this
             promise
             ;
             So
             it
             doth
             
               in
               its
               own
               nature
            
             dispose
             their
             hearts
             to
             an
             acquiescence
             and
             satisfiedness
             therein
             .
             For
             
               love
               to
               God
            
             ,
             where
             it
             is
             true
             ,
             is
             supream
             ,
             and
             prevails
             over
             all
             other
             love
             to
             this
             or
             that
             particular
             good
             .
             Whence
             it
             cannot
             be
             ,
             but
             ,
             
               if
               this
               love
               be
               in
               act
               ,
            
             (
             as
             ,
             the
             Text
             must
             be
             understood
             to
             call
             unto
             actual
             and
             exercised
             delight
             in
             God
             )
             it
             must
             subdue
             ,
             and
             keep
             the
             heart
             so
             far
             subject
             to
             the
             divine
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             as
             that
             its
             desire
             and
             addictedness
             to
             this
             
               particular
               lesser
               good
            
             (
             concerning
             which
             there
             may
             also
             
             be
             a
             just
             and
             rational
             doubt
             whether
             it
             will
             be
             
               now
               a
               good
               to
               him
            
             yea
             or
             no
             )
             shall
             never
             be
             a
             matter
             of
             controversy
             and
             quarrel
             with
             him
             who
             is
             ,
             unquestionably
             ,
             the
             
               Supream
               and
               universal
               good
            
             .
             How
             will
             that
             one
             thought
             overcome
             ,
             if
             such
             a
             one
             shall
             but
             apprehend
             God
             saying
             to
             him
             ,
             
               Dost
               thou
               love
               me
               above
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               wilt
               yet
               contend
               with
               me
               for
               such
               a
               trifle
               !
            
          
           
             And
             we
             may
             by
             the
             way
             note
             ,
             That
             upon
             this
             ground
             
               of
               the
               dubious
               mutability
               of
               external
               good
               things
            
             (
             which
             ,
             by
             circumstances
             ,
             may
             become
             evil
             to
             this
             or
             that
             person
             )
             As
             they
             are
             not
             here
             ,
             so
             nor
             can
             they
             be
             any-where
             the
             matter
             of
             a
             
               general
               absolute
               promise
            
             ,
             to
             be
             claim'd
             indefinitely
             by
             any
             ones
             faith
             .
             The
             nature
             of
             the
             thing
             refuses
             it
             .
             For
             suppose
             we
             ,
             that
             what
             may
             ,
             in
             this
             or
             that
             case
             ,
             become
             evil
             or
             prejudicial
             to
             this
             or
             that
             person
             ,
             doth
             now
             actually
             
               become
               so
            
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             an
             absolute
             promise
             ,
             now
             claimable
             by
             such
             a
             person
             ,
             What
             would
             follow
             ?
             
               That
               an
               evil
               is
               now
               the
               actual
               matter
               of
               a
               promise
               !
            
             Than
             which
             what
             can
             be
             said
             or
             supposed
             more
             absurd
             ?
             when
             nothing
             can
             further
             or
             otherwise
             be
             the
             matter
             of
             a
             promise
             ,
             than
             
               as
               it
               is
               good
            
             .
             Wherefore
             that
             promise
             would
             ,
             in
             the
             supposed
             case
             ,
             degenerate
             (
             as
             the
             matter
             of
             it
             is
             by
             the
             present
             circumstances
             varied
             )
             and
             turn
             into
             a
             threatning
             .
             Wherefore
             when
             that
             condition
             or
             proviso
             is
             not
             expresly
             
             added
             to
             a
             promise
             concerning
             a
             temporal
             good
             ,
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             the
             thing
             implies
             (
             and
             requires
             )
             
               it
               to
               be
               understood
            
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             ,
             otherwise
             than
             as
             qualifi'd
             by
             that
             condition
             ,
             any
             way
             a
             promise
             .
             Now
             he
             that
             is
             in
             the
             present
             exercise
             of
             delight
             in
             God
             ,
             hath
             his
             heart
             so
             set
             upon
             God
             and
             alienated
             from
             earthly
             things
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             present
             temper
             of
             it
             bears
             proportion
             to
             the
             
               natural
               tenor
            
             of
             such
             promises
             ;
             And
             is
             not
             otherwise
             than
             
               by
               the
               cessation
               of
               this
               delight
               ,
            
             liable
             to
             the
             torture
             of
             unsatisfied
             desire
             in
             reference
             to
             these
             lower
             things
             :
             
               Although
               the
               fig-tree
               shall
               not
               blossom
               —
               yet
               I
               will
               rejoyce
               in
               the
               Lord
            
             &c.
             
             
          
           
             And
             as
             delight
             in
             God
             doth
             thus
             reduce
             and
             moderate
             desires
             in
             reference
             to
             any
             inferior
             good
             ;
             so
             that
             ,
             
               if
               it
               be
               with-held
            
             ,
             they
             admit
             a
             satisfaction
             without
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             want
             of
             is
             easily
             tolerable
             .
             So
             secondly
             ,
             
               If
               it
               be
               granted
            
             ,
             Delight
             in
             God
             addes
             a
             satisfying
             sweetness
             to
             the
             enjoyment
             .
             A
             lover
             of
             God
             hath
             another
             taste
             and
             relish
             ,
             even
             of
             earthly
             good
             things
             ,
             than
             an
             earthly-minded
             man
             can
             have
             .
             He
             hath
             that
             sweet
             Savor
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             upon
             his
             spirit
             ,
             that
             imparts
             a
             sweetness
             to
             all
             the
             enjoyments
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             beyond
             what
             such
             things
             
               in
               their
               own
               nature
            
             have
             with
             them
             .
             
             
               This
               makes
               the
               righteous
               mans
               little
               ,
               better
               than
               the
               great
               revenues
               of
               many
               wicked
               .
            
          
           
           
             Upon
             the
             whole
             therefore
             ,
             This
             is
             ,
             if
             duly
             weighed
             ,
             a
             mighty
             and
             most
             perswasive
             argument
             to
             delight
             in
             God.
             For
             it
             imports
             thus
             much
             ,
             which
             I
             add
             for
             a
             close
             to
             this
             discourse
             .
          
           
             If
             you
             place
             your
             delight
             here
             ;
             You
             are
             most
             certainly
             delivered
             from
             the
             vexation
             and
             torment
             
               of
               unsatisfied
               desire
            
             .
             The
             motions
             of
             your
             Souls
             are
             sure
             to
             end
             in
             a
             pleasant
             rest
             .
             Your
             lesser
             desires
             will
             be
             swallowed
             up
             in
             greater
             ,
             and
             all
             in
             the
             Divine
             fulness
             ;
             So
             that
             you
             will
             now
             say
             ,
             
               Whom
               have
               I
               in
               heaven
               but
               thee
               ?
               and
               there
               is
               none
               on
               earth
               I
               desire
               besides
               thee
               .
            
             
             If
             you
             take
             no
             delight
             in
             God
             ,
             your
             own
             Souls
             will
             be
             a
             
               present
               Hell
            
             to
             you
             .
             And
             it
             may
             be
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             considered
             ,
             how
             much
             the
             
               future
               Hell
            
             stands
             also
             in
             
               unsatisfied
               desire
            
             ;
             Which
             desire
             (
             all
             sutable
             Objects
             being
             for
             ever
             cut
             off
             from
             it
             )
             turns
             wholly
             to
             despair
             ,
             rage
             and
             torture
             .
             And
             that
             ravenous
             appetite
             ,
             which
             would
             be
             preying
             upon
             external
             Objects
             that
             now
             fail
             ,
             turns
             inward
             ,
             and
             as
             an
             insatiable
             Vulture
             ,
             gnaws
             everlastingly
             the
             wretched
             Soul
             it self
             .
          
           
             And
             the
             beginnings
             of
             
               this
               Hell
            
             you
             will
             now
             have
             within
             you
             ,
             while
             you
             refuse
             to
             
               delight
               in
               God.
            
             The
             sapless
             ,
             earthly
             vanities
             upon
             which
             your
             hearts
             are
             set
             give
             you
             some
             present
             content
             ,
             which
             allays
             your
             misery
             for
             a
             little
             while
             ,
             and
             renders
             it
             less
             sensible
             to
             you
             :
             But
             they
             have
             nothing
             
             in
             them
             to
             answer
             the
             vast
             desires
             of
             a
             reasonable
             immortal
             spirit
             .
             Whereby
             you
             certainly
             doom
             yourselves
             to
             perpetual
             disrest
             .
             For
             
               in
               these
               false
               vanishing
               shadows
               of
               goodness
               ,
            
             you
             cannot
             have
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             
               in
               the
               blessed
               God
            
             you
             
               will
               not
            
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           Imprimatur
           ,
        
         
           
             
               Aug.
               9.
               1674.
               
            
          
           
             C.
             Smith
             .
          
        
         
           THE
           END
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           THE
           
             Blessedness
             of
             the
             Righteous
          
           ,
           Opened
           and
           further
           Recommended
           from
           the
           Consideration
           of
           the
           
             Vanity
             of
             this
             Mortal
             Life
          
           :
           In
           two
           Treatises
           ,
           On
           Psal.
           17.
           15.
           
           &
           Psal.
           89.
           47.
           
           By
           the
           same
           Author
           .
        
         
           And
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           the
           Ball
           in
           St.
           Pauls
           Church-yard
           .
           1674.
           
        
         
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A44697-e170
           
             *
             From
             Psal.
             10.
             13.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A44697-e4770
           
             Rom.
             5.
             10
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             27.
             4.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             14.
             
          
           
             Hos.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             v.
             13.
             
          
           
             v.
             13.
             
          
           
             v.
             17.
             
          
           
             v.
             38.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             14.
             21
             
          
           
             v.
             22.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             26.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             
          
           
             Act.
             26.
             18.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             15.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             6.
             
          
           
             Num.
             14.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             106.
             24.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             7.
             39.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             6.
             
          
           
             v.
             35.
             
          
           
             v.
             63.
             
          
           
             v.
             64.
             
          
           
             v.
             65.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             12.
             
          
           
             v.
             37.
             
          
           
             38.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             53.
             1.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             19
             ▪
             
          
           
             Isa.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             12.
             3.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             4.
             15.
             
          
           
             ch
             .
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             2.
             10.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             2
             ▪
             14.
             
          
           
             v.
             16.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1
             ▪
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             3.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             1.
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             
          
           
             v.
             6.
             
          
           
             v.
             7.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             17
             
          
           
             Isa.
             58.
             11.
             
          
           
             v.
             14.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             4.
             14.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             14.
             14.
             
          
           
             ch
             .
             10.
             
          
           
             *
             And
             how
             rationally
             men
             may
             be
             said
             at
             the
             same
             time
             to
             love
             ,
             delight
             in
             and
             enjoy
             the
             amiable
             or
             delectable
             object
             ,
             and
             therewith
             also
             love
             their
             own
             love
             ,
             enjoy
             their
             own
             fruition
             ,
             or
             delight
             in
             their
             own
             delight
             ;
             enough
             is
             said
             by
             some
             Schoolmen
             .
             Nor
             indeed
             can
             it
             be
             conceived
             how
             the
             Soul
             can
             continue
             to
             love
             or
             delight
             in
             any
             thing
             but
             it
             must
             be
             so
             .
             For
             while
             it
             perseveres
             ,
             every
             latter
             act
             justifies
             the
             former
             ,
             and
             takes
             complacency
             therein
             ,
             but
             all
             as
             directed
             towards
             such
             an
             object
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             40.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             1.
             12.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             15.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             1.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             16.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             96.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.
             3.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             22
             ,
             23.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             v.
             13.
             
          
           
             v
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             2.
             
          
           
             Luk.
             21.
             19.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             23.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             51.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             91.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             27.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             
          
           
             v.
             10.
             
          
           
             v.
             11.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             3.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             20.
             
          
           
             v.
             14.
             
          
           
             Ver.
             18.
             19.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             
          
           
             v.
             4.
             
          
           
             v.
             5.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             34.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             ult
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             4.
             
          
           
             Job
             17.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             84.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             40.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             3.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             v.
             10.
             
          
           
             v.
             12.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             14.
             
          
           
             v.
             16.
             
          
           
             v.
             18.
             
          
           
             v.
             21.
             
          
           
             v.
             23.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             15
             ▪
             13.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             50.
             
          
           
             Acts
             9.
             31.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             9.
             
          
           
             3
             Cor.
             5.
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             Zeph.
             3.
             17.
             18
             
          
           
             Psal.
             27.
             4.
             
          
           
             Job
             34.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             63.
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             73.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             4.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             47
             
          
           
             Luk.
             14.
             26.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes.
             5.
             16.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             26.
             4.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             30.
             
          
           
             v.
             31.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             29
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             16.
             22.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             6.
             24.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             48.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             58.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             3
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             33.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             1.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             7.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psas.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             92.
             
          
           
             Job
             27.
             10.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             23.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             66.
             3.
             
          
           
             Act.
             20.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             2
             
          
           
             Psal.
             23.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             2
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             40.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             68.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             9.
             23.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             14.
             
          
           
             3
             Pet.
             1.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             27.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             14.
             14.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes.
             5.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             51.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             138.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             40.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             2.
             25.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             24.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             138.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             42.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             25.
             
          
           
             v.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             71.
             16
             
          
           
             Zech.
             10.
             12
             ,
          
           
             Mark
             6.
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             17.
             19
             20.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             14.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             23.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             36
             :
             27.
             
          
           
             With
             many
             the
             like
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             147.
             11.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             
          
           
             *
             Rom.
             8.
             2
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Thes.
             5.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             63.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             6.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             29
             
          
           
             Psal.
             14.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             53.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             3.
             
          
           
             v.
             19.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             30
             :
          
           
             Psal.
             10.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             9.
             17.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.
             13
             
          
           
             Luk.
             14.
             26
             
          
           
             Mat.
             22.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             55.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Psa.
             44.
             19.
             
          
           
             Job
             27.
             10.
             ch
             .
             34.
             9.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             58.
             14.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             33.
             1.
             97.
             12.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             1.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             73.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             65.
             
          
           
             Heb
             5.
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             62.
             4.
             
          
           
             Zeph.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             149.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             8.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             5.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             26.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             27.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             5.
             22.
             
          
           
             Act.
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal.
             76.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             10.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             26.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             15.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             8.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             2.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             104.
             33.
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             2
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal.
             73.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             10.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             22.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             63.
             
          
           
             Hos.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             139.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             17.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             6.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             27.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             8.
             2.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             2.
             
          
           
             Deut.
             32.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             2.
             
          
           
             Mic.
             6.
             3.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             3.
             12.
             
          
           
             v.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             32.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             Thes.
             3.
             5.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             25.
             28.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             43
             ▪
             
          
           
             Jam.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             7
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal.
             27.
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             23.
             6
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal.
             84.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             18.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.
             14.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             14.
             9.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             34.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.
             
          
           
             Hos.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             63.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             104.
             34.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             25.
             13
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             9.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             86.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             33.
             
          
           
             Ch.
             16.
             27.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1
             :
             17.
             
          
           
             Jude
             25.
             
          
           
             Exod.
             15.
             11.
             
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             2.
             2
             
          
           
             Psal.
             97.
             12
             
          
           
             Psal.
             115.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             21.
             13
             
          
           
             Psal.
             71.
             18
             
          
           
             Psal.
             31.
             19
             
          
           
             Psal.
             33.
             1.
             
             &c.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             145.
             1
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             69.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             36.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             90.
             2.
             
          
           
             1
             Kings
             8
             :
          
           
             Psal.
             111.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             145.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             104.
             31.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             138.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             57.
             7
             ,
             11.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             148.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             104
             :
             33.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             8
             ,
             48
             ,
             95
             ,
             96
             ,
             97
             ,
             98
             ,
             99
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             18.
             
          
           
             v.
             31.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             48.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             67.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             42.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             8.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             51.
             12
             
          
           
             Job
             22.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             66.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             8.
             
          
           
             Nehem.
             8.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             28
             
          
           
             Hab.
             3.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             37.
             16
             
          
           
             Psal
             73.
             25.