The doctrine & directions but more especially the practice and behavior of a man in the act of the nevv birth A treatise by way of appendix to the former. By Isaac Ambrose, minister of Christ at Preston in Amounderness in Lancashire.
         Ambrose, Isaac, 1604-1664.
      
       
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             The doctrine & directions but more especially the practice and behavior of a man in the act of the nevv birth A treatise by way of appendix to the former. By Isaac Ambrose, minister of Christ at Preston in Amounderness in Lancashire.
             Ambrose, Isaac, 1604-1664.
          
           [4], 70 p.
           
             Printed by J.F. for Nathanael Webb and William Grantham, at the Greyhound in Pauls Church-yard,
             London :
             MDCL. [1650]
          
           
             An appendix to "Prima" by Isaac Ambrose.
             Possibly intended to be issued with 1650 editions of "Prima" (Wing A2964) or "Prima, media, & ultima" (A2961).
             Identified as part of Wing A2961 (reel 1787) and as Wing A2955 (reel 1084).
             Reproductions of the originals in: Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery (reel 1084) and in St. John's College, Cambridge University (reel 1787).
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Christian life -- Early works to 1800.
           Regeneration (Theology) -- Early works to 1800.
           Future life -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A69449  R37037  (Wing A2955).  civilwar no The doctrine & directions but more especially the practice and behavior of a man in the act of the nevv birth. A treatise by way of appendix Ambrose, Isaac 1650    36189 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 B  The  rate of 1 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           THE
           Doctrine
           &
           Directions
           But
           more
           especially
           The
           Practice
           and
           Behavior
           of
           a
           Man
           in
           the
           act
           of
           the
           NEVV
           BIRTH
           .
        
         
           A
           TREATISE
           By
           way
           of
           
             APPENDIX
          
           to
           the
           former
           .
        
         
           By
           
             ISAAC
             AMBROSE
             ,
          
           Minister
           of
           Christ
           at
           
             Preston
          
           in
           
             Amounderness
          
           in
           
             Lancashire
             .
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
             :
          
           Printed
           by
           
             J.
             F.
          
           for
           
             Nathanael
             Webb
          
           and
           
             William
             Grantham
             ,
          
           at
           the
           Greyhound
           in
           
             Pauls
          
           Church-yard
           .
        
         
           
             MDCL
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           AN
           APPENDIX
           ,
           Containing
           both
           the
           Doctrine
           and
           Directions
           ,
           but
           more
           especially
           the
           Practice
           and
           Behavior
           of
           a
           man
           in
           the
           act
           of
           The
           Second
           Birth
           .
        
         
           
             
               The
               occasion
               of
               this
            
             TREATISE
             .
          
           
             HItherto
             I
             have
             given
             the
             
               Doctrine
            
             and
             
               Application
            
             of
             the
             Soul-saving
             
               Second
               Birth
               ;
            
             but
             some
             there
             are
             whose
             hearts
             are
             so
             steely
             ,
             that
             all
             this
             cannot
             work
             upon
             them
             :
             If
             any
             such
             desire
             yet
             any
             more
             (
             and
             desire
             they
             must
             ,
             or
             there
             is
             no
             remedy
             for
             them
             )
             I
             have
             ,
             for
             their
             help
             in
             the
             
               practice
               ,
            
             brought
             a
             
               Practitioner
            
             afore
             them
             .
             It
             was
             
               Cesars
            
             great
             praise
             ,
             that
             he
             bade
             his
             Soldiers
             still
             ,
             
               Come
               ;
            
             and
             if
             men
             had
             but
             many
             
               Cesars
            
             or
             leaders
             in
             these
             practical
             points
             ,
             I
             suppose
             there
             would
             be
             more
             followers
             .
             A
             plain
             
               Doctrine
            
             may
             win
             some
             ,
             and
             a
             particular
             
               Direction
            
             may
             win
             more
             ,
             but
             a
             good
             
               Example
            
             wins
             most
             .
             Howsoever
             then
             ,
             concerning
             the
             
               New
               Birth
               ,
            
             I
             have
             delivered
             the
             
               Doctrine
            
             in
             the
             
               Sermons
               ,
            
             and
             
               Directions
            
             in
             the
             
               Appendix
               ;
            
             yet
             one
             thing
             is
             wanting
             ,
             which
             may
             help
             more
             then
             either
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             
               Practice
            
             of
             some
             Saint
             in
             this
             
               one
               necessary
               thing
               :
            
             And
             what
             Saint
             ?
             what
             man
             that
             hath
             writ
             more
             on
             this
             subject
             ,
             then
             
               T.
               H
               ?
            
             it
             was
             said
             of
             blessed
             Mr.
             
             
               Bolton
               ,
            
             That
             
               for
               himself
               ,
               he
               could
               profess
               to
               his
               comfort
               on
               his
               Deaths-bed
               ,
               That
               he
               never
               taught
               any
               godly
               point
               ,
               but
               he
               first
               wrought
               it
               on
               his
               own
               heart
               ;
            
             the
             same
             ,
             do
             I
             more
             then
             probably
             think
             ,
             was
             the
             
               practice
            
             of
             this
             man
             .
             Now
             therefore
             I
             thought
             
             fit
             ,
             not
             onely
             to
             contract
             his
             Books
             in
             this
             Appendix
             (
             which
             some
             without
             his
             privity
             have
             unskilfully
             put
             out
             )
             but
             also
             ,
             and
             that
             more
             especially
             ,
             to
             set
             afore
             you
             (
             whosoever
             you
             are
             )
             those
             prime
             ,
             powerful
             ,
             pathetical
             expressions
             of
             his
             Soul-pangs
             in
             the
             
               New
               Birth
               ,
            
             as
             matter
             for
             your
             imitation
             :
             These
             expressions
             indeed
             are
             they
             I
             most
             especially
             aym
             at
             ,
             which
             if
             you
             observe
             ,
             are
             always
             delivered
             in
             the
             first
             person
             
               [
               I
               ]
            
             and
             I
             verily
             believe
             they
             were
             not
             fained
             ,
             but
             feeling
             from
             his
             own
             heart
             and
             soul
             .
             What
             needs
             more
             ?
             if
             either
             
               Doctrine
            
             in
             the
             first
             part
             ,
             or
             
               Direction
            
             in
             the
             second
             part
             ,
             or
             
               Practice
            
             in
             the
             third
             part
             of
             the
             Book
             (
             which
             consists
             most
             of
             
               Practice
               )
            
             can
             work
             on
             your
             souls
             ,
             I
             hope
             some
             of
             these
             ,
             or
             all
             of
             these
             ,
             will
             help
             you
             on
             in
             the
             way
             from
             Corruption
             to
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             state
             of
             Nature
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Grace
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
               The
               Souls
               Preparation
               .
            
          
           
             BEfore
             the
             Soul
             can
             share
             in
             
               Christs
            
             Merits
             
               (
               to
               speak
               in
               the
               Authors
               stile
               or
               language
               ,
               without
               any
               alteration
               )
            
             two
             things
             are
             required
             :
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
              
               A
               preparation
               to
               receive
               and
               entertain
               
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 2.
                 
              
               An
               implantation
               of
               the
               Soul
               into
               
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
          
           
             That
             there
             must
             be
             a
             
               Preparation
               ,
            
             is
             the
             first
             ground
             we
             lay
             ;
             and
             herein
             observe
             we
             The
             
               
                 Matter
              
               
                 Maner
              
               
                 Means
              
            
             of
             this
             Preparation
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             For
             
               Matter
               :
            
             The
             soul
             of
             a
             sinner
             must
             be
             prepared
             for
             
               Christ
               ,
            
             before
             he
             can
             entertain
             him
             .
             When
             Kings
             go
             to
             any
             place
             ,
             they
             send
             (
             to
             make
             readiness
             )
             their
             Harbengers
             afore
             them
             ;
             if
             
               Christ
            
             (
             the
             King
             of
             Saints
             )
             come
             into
             a
             Soul
             ,
             there
             must
             be
             a
             
               Preparation
            
             before
             he
             enter
             ;
             and
             good
             Reason
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             a
             meer
             man
             ,
             an
             ordinary
             person
             ,
             but
             a
             King
             ,
             a
             King
             of
             Glory
             .
             
               David
            
             in
             this
             case
             could
             call
             upon
             his
             Soul
             (
             so
             we
             may
             expound
             his
             Gates
             and
             Doors
             )
             
               Lift
               up
               your
               heads
               ,
               O
               ye
               Gates
               ,
               and
               be
               ye
               lift
               up
               ,
               ye
               everlasting
               Doors
               ,
               and
               the
               King
               of
               Glory
               shall
            
             
             
             
               come
               in
               ;
            
             as
             who
             should
             say
             ,
             Be
             enlarged
             
               Love
               ,
               Joy
               ,
               Hope
               ;
            
             set
             open
             ,
             give
             way
             ,
             for
             the
             Lord
             is
             coming
             :
             
               But
               who
               is
               the
               Lord
               ?
               it
               is
               the
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               ,
               the
               Lord
               strong
               and
               mighty
               ,
               the
               Lord
               mighty
               in
               Battel
               :
            
             And
             with
             that
             he
             knocks
             again
             ,
             
               Lift
               up
               your
               heads
               ,
               O
               ye
               Gates
               ,
               and
               be
               ye
               lift
               up
               ,
               ye
               everlasting
               Doors
               ,
               and
               the
               King
               of
               Glory
               shall
               come
               in
               ;
            
             as
             if
             he
             should
             say
             ,
             What
             ,
             shall
             the
             Lord
             knock
             ?
             shall
             the
             King
             of
             Glory
             stand
             ?
             open
             suddenly
             ,
             and
             make
             all
             
               preparation
               .
            
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             
               Maner
            
             of
             this
             
               Preparation
            
             consists
             in
             these
             three
             passages
             :
             First
             ,
             the
             Soul
             breaks
             that
             League
             which
             formerly
             it
             hath
             had
             with
             Corruptions
             ,
             and
             reserves
             it self
             for
             Christ
             :
             And
             secondly
             ,
             the
             Soul
             is
             most
             willing
             to
             give
             way
             to
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             to
             let
             him
             overthrow
             whatsoever
             shall
             oppose
             him
             :
             Thirdly
             ,
             the
             Soul
             is
             content
             that
             God
             should
             rule
             all
             ,
             not
             onely
             the
             eye
             ,
             or
             hand
             ,
             or
             tongue
             ,
             or
             heart
             ,
             but
             the
             whole
             man
             ;
             it
             opens
             all
             the
             
               Gates
               ,
            
             and
             desires
             Christ
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             take
             all
             the
             
               Keys
            
             of
             the
             house
             upon
             him
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             
               Means
            
             of
             this
             
               Preparation
            
             is
             the
             powerful
             Ministery
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             appointed
             for
             this
             work
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             discovered
             in
             three
             particulars
             :
             First
             ,
             in
             a
             particular
             Application
             of
             the
             Truth
             to
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             with
             courage
             :
             Secondly
             ,
             in
             a
             confirmation
             of
             the
             Truth
             by
             soundness
             of
             Argument
             ,
             and
             plain
             evidence
             of
             Scriptures
             :
             Thirdly
             ,
             in
             a
             kinde
             of
             Spiritual
             heat
             in
             the
             heart
             and
             affections
             of
             the
             Minister
             ,
             answerable
             to
             that
             which
             he
             communicates
             to
             the
             people
             .
             And
             this
             powerful
             Ministery
             works
             on
             the
             soul
             ,
             1.
             
             By
             discovering
             what
             is
             in
             a
             mans
             heart
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             soul
             seeth
             that
             it
             never
             saw
             before
             ,
             and
             so
             is
             driven
             to
             a
             stand
             .
             2.
             
             By
             driving
             the
             soul
             into
             an
             awe
             of
             sin
             ,
             so
             that
             it
             dares
             not
             now
             meddle
             with
             sin
             ,
             as
             formerly
             it
             hath
             done
             .
          
           
             If
             any
             soul
             that
             hath
             enjoyed
             these
             
               Means
            
             any
             while
             ,
             is
             not
             yet
             fitted
             and
             
               prepared
               ,
            
             it
             is
             a
             fearful
             suspition
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             
             never
             confer
             any
             good
             to
             that
             soul
             :
             Go
             home
             then
             (
             if
             there
             be
             any
             such
             )
             and
             reason
             with
             your
             own
             souls
             ,
             and
             plead
             with
             your
             own
             hearts
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               why
               not
               yet
               am
               I
               humbled
               and
               prepared
               ?
               will
               Exhortations
               never
               prevail
               with
               me
               ?
               will
               Terrors
               and
               Reproofs
               never
               break
               my
               heart
               into
               pieces
               ?
               I
               have
               heard
               Sermons
               that
               would
               have
               shaken
               the
               very
               stones
               I
               trod
               on
               ,
               that
               would
               have
               moved
               the
               very
               seat
               I
               sate
               on
               ;
               the
               very
               fire
               of
               Hell
               hath
            
             
             
               flashed
               in
               my
               face
               ;
               I
               have
               seen
               even
               the
               plagues
               of
               Hell
               ,
               and
               if
               any
               thing
               can
               do
               me
               any
               good
               ,
               why
               not
               then
               those
               .
               Exhortations
               ,
               Instructions
               ,
               Admonitions
               and
               Reproofs
               that
               I
               have
               often
               had
               ?
               I
               have
               had
               as
               powerful
               means
               as
               may
               be
               ,
               which
               never
               yet
               did
               me
               good
               .
            
             The
             Lord
             be
             merciful
             to
             such
             a
             poor
             soul
             ;
             the
             Lord
             turn
             the
             heart
             of
             such
             a
             poor
             sinner
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             lay
             hold
             of
             mercy
             in
             due
             time
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               SECT.
               1.
               
               
                 The
                 general
                 Circumstances
                 of
                 Preparation
                 on
                 Gods
                 part
                 .
              
            
             
               BUt
               for
               a
               further
               distribution
               ,
               which
               shall
               be
               our
               method
               :
               In
               this
               
                 Preparation
              
               two
               things
               are
               considerable
               ;
               The
               
                 
                   General
                   circumstances
                   .
                
                 
                   Substantial
                   parts
                   .
                
              
            
             
               The
               general
               circumstances
               are
               twofold
               ,
               some
               on
               
                 
                   Gods
                   part
                   .
                
                 
                   Mans
                   part
                   .
                
              
            
             
               On
               Gods
               part
               they
               are
               these
               ,
               
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                  
                   The
                   offer
                   of
                   Christ
                   and
                   Grace
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     2.
                     
                  
                   The
                   condition
                   of
                   this
                   offer
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     3.
                     
                  
                   The
                   easiness
                   of
                   this
                   condition
                   .
                
              
            
             
               On
               Mans
               part
               ,
               two
               things
               are
               considerable
               :
               
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                  
                   That
                   corruption
                   doth
                   oppose
                   this
                   Grace
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     2.
                     
                  
                   That
                   God
                   will
                   remove
                   this
                   corruption
                   .
                
              
            
             
               The
               first
               general
               circumstance
               of
               the
               souls
               
                 Preparation
                 ,
              
               is
               on
               Gods
               part
               ;
               wherein
               is
               
                 The
                 offer
                 of
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 The
                 condition
                 of
                 this
                 offer
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 The
                 easiness
                 of
                 this
                 condition
                 ;
              
               we
               may
               have
               all
               in
               this
               one
               Comparison
               :
               As
               with
               a
               Malefactor
               convicted
               of
               High
               Treason
               ,
               for
               plotting
               some
               wicked
               practice
               against
               his
               Prince
               ,
               if
               (
               after
               the
               discovery
               of
               all
               passages
               )
               the
               King
               make
               a
               Proclamation
               ,
               That
               upon
               the
               surceasing
               of
               his
               Enterprises
               ,
               he
               shall
               be
               pardoned
               ;
               nay
               ,
               if
               the
               King
               shall
               continue
               to
               send
               Message
               after
               Message
               ,
               secretly
               to
               tell
               him
               ,
               that
               would
               he
               yet
               lay
               down
               his
               arms
               and
               take
               a
               pardon
               ,
               he
               shall
               freely
               be
               remitted
               ,
               and
               graciously
               accepted
               into
               favor
               again
               :
               if
               this
               Traytor
               now
               should
               rather
               fling
               away
               his
               Pardon
               then
               his
               Weapons
               ,
               then
               should
               the
               King
               raise
               an
               Army
               and
               overcome
               him
               ,
               and
               take
               him
               ,
               and
               execute
               him
               without
               any
               
               pity
               or
               mercy
               ,
               I
               appeal
               to
               your
               own
               Consciences
               ,
               is
               he
               not
               justly
               rewarded
               ?
               What
               will
               the
               world
               say
               ?
               he
               had
               a
               fair
               offer
               of
               Pardon
               ,
               and
               the
               King
               sent
               Messenger
               after
               Messenger
               unto
               him
               ;
               seeing
               therefore
               he
               refused
               and
               neglected
               such
               offers
               ,
               it
               is
               pity
               but
               condemnation
               should
               befal
               him
               :
               thus
               would
               all
               say
               .
               Why
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               condition
               of
               every
               poor
               soul
               under
               heaven
               ,
               we
               are
               all
               Rebels
               and
               Traytors
               ;
               by
               our
               Oathes
               and
               Blasphemies
               ,
               we
               set
               our
               mouth
               against
               heaven
               ;
               and
               yet
               after
               all
               our
               pride
               and
               stubbornness
               ,
               and
               loosness
               and
               prophaneness
               ,
               and
               contempt
               of
               Gods
               Word
               and
               Ordinances
               ,
               the
               Lord
               is
               pleased
               to
               proclaim
               Mercy
               still
               to
               every
               one
               that
               will
               receive
               it
               :
               
                 All
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 dishonored
                 my
                 Name
                 ,
                 All
                 you
                 that
                 have
                 prophaned
                 my
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 and
                 contemned
                 my
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 All
                 you
                 cursed
                 wretches
                 ,
                 Come
                 ;
                 Come
                 who
                 will
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 Pardon
                 ;
              
               therein
               is
               the
               
                 Offer
                 :
              
               onely
               let
               them
               lay
               aside
               all
               their
               weapons
               ;
               therein
               is
               the
               
                 Condition
                 :
              
               and
               then
               have
               Christ
               for
               the
               taking
               ;
               therein
               is
               the
               
                 Easiness
              
               of
               the
               condition
               .
            
             
               
                 Blessed
                 God
              
               (
               may
               every
               Soul
               say
               )
               
                 if
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 this
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 do
                 nothing
                 ;
                 had
                 the
                 Lord
                 required
                 a
                 great
                 matter
                 of
                 me
                 to
                 have
                 attained
                 salvation
                 ;
                 had
                 he
                 required
                 Thousands
                 of
                 Rams
                 ,
                 and
                 Ten
                 thousand
                 Rivers
                 of
                 Oyl
                 ;
                 had
                 he
                 required
                 the
                 first-born
                 of
                 my
                 body
                 for
                 the
                 sins
                 of
                 my
                 soul
                 ;
                 had
                 he
                 required
                 me
                 to
                 have
                 kneeled
                 and
                 prayed
                 until
                 mine
                 eyes
                 had
                 failed
                 ,
                 until
                 my
                 hands
                 had
                 been
                 wearied
                 ,
                 until
                 my
                 tongue
                 had
                 been
                 hoarse
                 ,
                 and
                 until
                 my
                 heart
                 had
                 fainted
                 ,
                 one
                 drop
                 of
                 mercy
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 gasp
                 would
                 have
                 quit
                 all
                 this
                 cost
                 :
                 But
                 what
                 goodness
                 is
                 this
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 should
                 require
                 nothing
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 lay
                 down
                 my
                 weapons
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 receive
                 Christ
                 offered
                 ?
              
               Lo
               the
               Lord
               this
               day
               hath
               sent
               from
               heaven
               ,
               and
               offered
               Salvation
               unto
               you
               Sons
               of
               men
               ;
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               is
               become
               a
               suitor
               to
               you
               ,
               and
               I
               am
               Christs
               spokesman
               ,
               to
               speak
               a
               good
               word
               for
               him
               :
               O
               that
               we
               may
               have
               our
               errand
               from
               you
               !
               
                 O
                 that
                 there
                 were
                 such
                 an
                 heart
                 in
                 my
                 people
              
               (
               saith
               God
               )
               
                 to
                 fear
              
               
               
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 my
                 Commandments
                 always
                 !
              
               Shall
               the
               Lord
               and
               his
               Messengers
               thus
               woo
               and
               intreat
               ?
               and
               will
               any
               yet
               stand
               out
               against
               God
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 none
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 try
                 it
                 out
                 to
                 the
                 last
                 ?
              
               O
               then
               ,
               if
               the
               great
               God
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               shall
               come
               with
               Ten
               thousand
               thousand
               of
               Judgements
               ,
               and
               execute
               them
               upon
               that
               man
               ;
               if
               he
               shall
               bring
               a
               whole
               Legion
               of
               Devils
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Take
                 him
                 ,
                 Devils
                 ,
                 and
                 torment
                 him
                 ,
                 Devils
                 ,
                 in
                 Hell
                 for
              
               
               
                 ever
                 ;
                 because
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 mercy
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 offered
                 ,
                 he
                 shall
                 not
                 have
                 mercy
                 ;
                 because
                 he
                 would
                 not
                 have
                 salvation
                 when
                 it
                 was
                 tendred
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 be
                 condemned
                 :
              
               If
               God
               should
               thus
               deal
               with
               that
               man
               ,
               the
               Lord
               should
               be
               just
               in
               so
               doing
               ,
               and
               he
               justly
               miserable
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               2.
               
               
                 The
                 general
                 Circumstances
                 of
                 Preparation
                 on
                 Mans
                 part
                 .
              
            
             
               THe
               second
               general
               circumstance
               of
               the
               souls
               
                 Preparation
                 ,
              
               is
               on
               Mans
               part
               ;
               and
               herein
               is
               observable
               ,
            
             
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                
                 That
                 Corruption
                 opposeth
                 Grace
                 .
              
               
                 
                   2.
                   
                
                 That
                 God
                 will
                 remove
                 this
                 Corruption
                 .
              
            
             
               First
               ,
               The
               first
               is
               clear
               ,
               1
               
                 Cor.
              
               2.
               14.
               
               
                 The
                 natural
                 man
                 receiveth
                 not
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 neither
                 can
                 he
                 know
                 them
                 ;
              
               and
               
               
                 Acts
              
               7.
               51.
               
               
                 Ye
                 stiff-necked
                 ,
                 and
                 uncircumcised
                 in
                 heart
                 and
                 ears
                 ,
                 ye
              
               
               
                 do
                 always
                 resist
                 the
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 ,
                 as
                 your
                 fathers
                 did
                 ,
                 so
                 do
                 ye
                 :
              
               Give
               us
               a
               man
               in
               the
               state
               of
               Nature
               ,
               and
               though
               all
               the
               Mininisters
               under
               heaven
               should
               preach
               mercy
               unto
               him
               ;
               though
               all
               the
               Angels
               in
               heaven
               should
               exhort
               and
               intreat
               him
               ;
               though
               all
               glory
               and
               happiness
               were
               laid
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               were
               wished
               onely
               to
               believe
               and
               take
               it
               ,
               and
               it
               should
               be
               his
               for
               ever
               ;
               yet
               in
               his
               natural
               condition
               he
               could
               have
               no
               power
               to
               receive
               so
               blessed
               an
               offer
               :
               howsoever
               ,
               this
               hinders
               not
               but
               he
               is
               to
               wait
               upon
               God
               in
               the
               means
               .
               And
               then
               —
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               God
               may
               remove
               this
               Corruption
               ,
               which
               he
               himself
               cannot
               do
               :
               Herein
               observe
               we
               The
               
                 
                   Author
                
                 
                   Time
                
              
               of
               this
               Grace
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               The
               Author
               is
               God
               :
               
                 I
                 will
                 take
                 away
                 their
                 stony
                 hearts
              
               (
               saith
               God
               )
               
                 and
                 give
                 them
                 an
                 heart
                 of
                 flesh
                 ;
              
               I
               will
               remove
               that
               
               sturdy
               heart
               which
               is
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               will
               give
               them
               a
               frameable
               ,
               teachable
               heart
               ,
               which
               shall
               ply
               ,
               and
               yield
               to
               whatsoever
               I
               shall
               teach
               them
               :
               The
               taking
               away
               of
               the
               indisposition
               of
               the
               soul
               to
               any
               duty
               ,
               and
               the
               fitting
               ,
               framing
               and
               disposing
               of
               a
               soul
               to
               perform
               any
               Spiritual
               service
               ,
               is
               the
               alone
               work
               of
               God
               .
            
             
             
               Quiet
               then
               thy
               soul
               ,
               and
               content
               thy
               heart
               ;
               thou
               mayst
               say
               ,
               
               
                 I
                 have
                 an
                 hard
                 heart
                 within
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 will
                 receive
                 no
                 good
                 from
                 without
                 ,
                 the
                 Word
                 prevails
                 not
                 ,
                 the
                 Sacraments
                 have
                 no
                 power
                 over
                 me
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 cost
                 ,
                 and
                 charges
                 that
                 God
                 hath
                 bestowed
                 upon
                 me
                 is
                 lost
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 not
                 yet
                 humbled
                 ,
                 my
                 corruptions
                 are
                 not
                 yet
                 weakned
                 :
              
               But
               in
               this
               be
               thou
               comforted
               ,
               though
               means
               cannot
               do
               it
               ,
               which
               God
               useth
               at
               his
               pleasure
               ,
               yet
               the
               Lord
               can
               do
               it
               ,
               there
               is
               nothing
               difficult
               to
               him
               that
               hath
               
                 hardness
                 it self
              
               at
               command
               .
            
             
               Be
               then
               Exhorted
               ,
               you
               that
               have
               stony
               hearts
               ,
               to
               have
               recourse
               
               unto
               this
               great
               God
               of
               heaven
               :
               Should
               a
               Physician
               set
               up
               a
               Bill
               ,
               That
               he
               would
               cure
               all
               that
               were
               troubled
               with
               the
               Stone
               in
               the
               Reins
               ,
               and
               that
               we
               should
               hear
               of
               many
               healed
               by
               him
               ,
               this
               would
               stir
               up
               all
               to
               repair
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               labored
               of
               this
               Disease
               :
               Why
               ,
               the
               Lord
               this
               day
               hath
               set
               up
               a
               Bill
               ,
               That
               he
               will
               cure
               all
               stony
               hearts
               that
               will
               but
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               children
               of
               God
               have
               found
               to
               the
               proof
               hereof
               ,
               to
               the
               comfort
               of
               their
               souls
               :
               You
               wives
               therefore
               ,
               that
               have
               husbands
               with
               stony
               hearts
               ,
               and
               you
               parents
               ,
               that
               have
               children
               with
               stony
               hearts
               ,
               tell
               them
               ,
               You
               have
               heard
               this
               day
               of
               a
               Physician
               that
               will
               cure
               them
               ,
               and
               exhort
               them
               to
               repair
               unto
               him
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               the
               Time
               of
               this
               Grace
               is
               either
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               
                 
                   
                     Means
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Men
                     .
                  
                
              
            
             
               1.
               
               In
               regard
               of
               the
               
                 Means
                 ;
              
               and
               that
               is
               ,
               when
               the
               Sons
               of
               men
               have
               the
               Gospel
               shining
               in
               their
               faces
               ;
               if
               ever
               good
               work
               upon
               their
               hearts
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               then
               .
            
             
               This
               should
               teach
               us
               how
               thankful
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               unto
               the
               
               Lord
               ,
               that
               enjoy
               these
               liberties
               in
               the
               Land
               of
               the
               living
               ;
               That
               a
               man
               was
               born
               in
               such
               a
               time
               ,
               in
               the
               last
               Age
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               place
               ,
               in
               this
               Kingdom
               ,
               wherein
               the
               way
               of
               life
               and
               salvation
               is
               so
               fully
               ,
               so
               plainly
               ,
               and
               so
               powerfully
               made
               known
               ,
               that
               the
               Sun
               of
               the
               Gospel
               shines
               full
               in
               his
               face
               ,
               and
               is
               not
               yet
               set
               :
               O
               how
               thankful
               should
               he
               be
               !
            
             
               And
               for
               those
               that
               neglect
               the
               
                 Means
              
               of
               their
               Salvation
               ,
               
               how
               should
               we
               pity
               them
               ?
               Me
               thinks
               I
               see
               a
               poor
               creature
               ,
               that
               slighted
               mercy
               and
               Salvation
               when
               it
               was
               offered
               him
               ;
               me thinks
               I
               see
               that
               soul
               lying
               upon
               his
               deaths-bed
               ,
               light
               is
               departing
               from
               his
               eyes
               ,
               and
               his
               soul
               is
               departing
               from
               his
               body
               ;
               O
               the
               
               name
               of
               a
               
                 Minister
                 ,
              
               of
               a
               
                 Church
                 ,
              
               they
               are
               as
               Bills
               of
               Indictments
               against
               coming
               the
               Soul
               of
               this
               man
               ;
               me thinks
               I
               hear
               such
               a
               man
               say
               at
               his
               last
               gasp
               ,
               
                 The
                 day
                 is
                 gone
                 ,
                 the
                 gate
                 is
                 shut
                 ,
                 and
                 now
                 it
                 is
                 too
                 late
                 to
                 enter
                 :
              
               And
               thus
               the
               soul
               departs
               from
               his
               body
               ,
               the
               body
               to
               the
               grave
               ,
               and
               the
               soul
               to
               hell
               ;
               O
               what
               bitter
               lamentations
               will
               that
               soul
               make
               in
               hell
               ,
               
                 O
                 the
                 golden
                 time
                 that
                 I
                 have
                 seen
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 regarded
                 !
                 O
                 the
                 gracious
                 opportunities
                 of
                 Salvation
                 that
                 my
                 eyes
                 have
                 beheld
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 I
                 neglected
                 !
                 O
                 the
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 goodness
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 that
                 have
                 been
                 offered
                 unto
                 me
                 !
                 All
                 these
                 I
                 have
                 contemned
                 ,
                 and
                 trampled
                 under
                 my
                 feet
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 now
                 must
                 I
                 be
                 tormented
                 with
                 the
                 Devil
                 and
                 his
                 Angels
                 ,
                 from
                 everlasting
                 to
                 everlasting
                 .
              
               Now
               the
               Lord
               give
               us
               hearts
               to
               take
               notice
               of
               these
               things
               .
               If
               I
               were
               now
               breathing
               out
               my
               last
               breath
               ,
               I
               would
               breathe
               out
               this
               Legacy
               to
               all
               surviving
               Christians
               ,
               
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 accepted
                 time
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Salvation
                 .
              
               Do
               you
               hear
               ?
               This
               day
               is
               Grace
               offered
               ,
               and
               if
               any
               here
               would
               entertain
               it
               ,
               O
               what
               comfort
               might
               he
               have
               :
               
                 I
                 was
                 never
                 humbled
                 afore
              
               (
               might
               he
               say
               )
               
                 but
                 this
                 day
                 I
                 was
                 humbled
                 ;
                 I
                 could
                 never
                 before
                 receive
                 mercy
                 ,
                 but
                 this
                 day
                 have
                 I
                 received
                 it
                 ;
                 O
                 this
                 was
                 a
                 good
                 day
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 now
                 blessed
                 am
                 I
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               In
               regard
               of
               men
               on
               whom
               God
               works
               ;
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               on
               some
               in
               their
               tender
               age
               ,
               on
               some
               in
               their
               ripe
               age
               ,
               on
               some
               in
               their
               old
               age
               :
               But
               however
               the
               Lord
               doth
               at
               several
               times
               convert
               several
               of
               his
               servants
               ,
               yet
               most
               ,
               and
               most
               usually
               before
               their
               old
               age
               ;
               and
               that
               some
               Interpreters
               wittily
               observe
               out
               of
               the
               Parable
               of
               the
               Vineyard
               ,
               
                 Mat.
              
               20.
               3
               ,
               4
               ,
               5.
               
               
                 The
                 master
                 of
                 the
                 vineyard
              
               (
               saith
               the
               Text
               )
               
                 went
                 out
                 at
                 the
                 third
                 ,
                 sixth
                 and
              
               
               
                 ninth
                 hour
                 ,
                 and
                 saw
                 some
                 standing
                 idle
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 sent
                 them
                 into
                 his
                 vineyard
                 :
              
               He
               went
               then
               (
               say
               Interpreters
               )
               on
               purpose
               to
               see
               and
               hire
               ,
               and
               to
               send
               in
               laborers
               to
               work
               in
               his
               Vineyard
               ,
               but
               he
               went
               out
               at
               the
               
                 eleventh
                 hour
                 ,
              
               not
               to
               hire
               any
               ,
               he
               expected
               not
               then
               to
               have
               seen
               any
               idle
               ;
               he
               went
               out
               upon
               some
               other
               occasion
               ,
               and
               therefore
               seeing
               them
               standing
               ,
               he
               wondred
               at
               it
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Why
                 stand
                 ye
                 here
                 all
                 the
                 day
                 idle
                 ?
              
               as
               if
               he
               should
               say
               ,
               No
               man
               will
               hire
               you
               now
               ,
               it
               is
               but
               an
               hour
               to
               night
               ,
               and
               therefore
               rather
               a
               time
               to
               leave
               working
               ,
               then
               to
               begin
               to
               work
               .
            
             
               O
               let
               this
               provoke
               us
               ,
               that
               while
               the
               flower
               is
               in
               prime
               ,
               we
               would
               use
               all
               
                 means
              
               for
               our
               good
               ;
               let
               us
               now
               in
               the
               heat
               and
               
               summer
               of
               our
               days
               ,
               improve
               our selves
               in
               good
               works
               ,
               that
               so
               
               when
               the
               harvest
               comes
               ,
               we
               may
               be
               gathered
               into
               Gods
               Barn
               :
               O
               would
               we
               be
               exhorted
               to
               take
               the
               best
               time
               and
               opportunity
               of
               salvation
               ,
               then
               might
               we
               receive
               the
               fruits
               of
               our
               labors
               ,
               the
               salvation
               of
               our
               souls
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
               The
               substantial
               parts
               of
               Preparation
               on
               Gods
               part
               ;
               or
               his
               dispensations
               of
               his
               work
               on
               the
               Soul
               .
            
          
           
             HItherto
             of
             the
             
               general
               Circumstances
            
             of
             the
             souls
             
               preparing
            
             for
             Christ
             .
             Now
             the
             
               Substantial
               parts
            
             of
             this
             
               Preparation
            
             are
             generally
             two
             :
             The
             
               
                 Dispensation
                 of
                 Gods
                 work
                 on
                 the
                 soul
                 .
              
               
                 Disposition
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 by
                 Gods
                 work
                 .
              
            
          
           
             The
             Dispensation
             of
             Gods
             work
             discovers
             it self
             in
             drawing
             the
             soul
             
               
                 From
                 sin
                 .
              
               
                 To
                 himself
                 .
              
            
          
           
             But
             because
             these
             two
             are
             made
             up
             by
             one
             action
             and
             motion
             ,
             we
             shall
             therefore
             handle
             them
             together
             ;
             and
             the
             sum
             is
             this
             ,
             That
             
               God
               by
               an
               holy
               kinde
               of
               violence
               (
               which
               is
               called
               Drawing
               ,
            
             
             Joh.
             6.
             44.
             
             )
             
               doth
               pluck
               the
               soul
               from
               those
               sins
               that
               harbor
               in
               it
               unto
               himself
               :
            
             wherein
             we
             may
             consider
             two
             things
             ;
             
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                
                 What
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 this
                 drawing
                 is
                 .
              
               
                 
                   2.
                   
                
                 The
                 means
                 whereby
                 God
                 draws
                 .
              
            
          
           
             First
             ,
             for
             the
             
               nature
            
             of
             this
             
               drawing
               ,
            
             it
             is
             of
             a
             double
             kinde
             :
             1.
             
             There
             is
             a
             
               Moral
               drawing
               ,
            
             when
             by
             Reasons
             propounded
             ,
             and
             good
             things
             offered
             to
             the
             Understanding
             and
             Will
             ,
             a
             man
             comes
             thereby
             to
             have
             his
             minde
             illightened
             ,
             and
             his
             will
             moved
             to
             embrace
             things
             offered
             :
             Thus
             was
             it
             with
             
               Paul
               ,
            
             when
             he
             was
             
               constrained
               by
               Lydia
               to
               abide
               in
               her
               house
               ,
            
             Acts
             16.
             15.
             2.
             
             There
             is
             
             a
             
               Physical
               drawing
               ,
            
             when
             the
             Lord
             is
             pleased
             to
             put
             a
             new
             power
             into
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             and
             withal
             to
             carry
             the
             will
             to
             the
             object
             propounded
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             embrace
             it
             ;
             when
             the
             Lord
             not
             onely
             offers
             good
             things
             to
             the
             soul
             ,
             but
             enables
             the
             soul
             to
             lay
             hold
             upon
             the
             things
             offered
             :
             And
             thus
             the
             Lord
             
               draws
            
             a
             sinner
             from
             sin
             unto
             himself
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             for
             the
             
               means
            
             whereby
             he
             draws
             ,
             they
             are
             these
             four
             :
          
           
           
             First
             ,
             the
             Lord
             lets
             in
             a
             light
             into
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             poor
             sinner
             ,
             
             and
             discovers
             unto
             him
             that
             he
             is
             in
             a
             wrong
             way
             :
             This
             the
             soul
             marvels
             at
             ,
             because
             usually
             it
             comes
             on
             a
             sudden
             ,
             the
             sinner
             perceiving
             nothing
             less
             ,
             
               Isa.
            
             66.
             1.
             
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             though
             a
             man
             would
             defeat
             the
             power
             of
             this
             light
             ,
             yet
             God
             still
             follows
             it
             with
             forcible
             Arguments
             ,
             and
             draws
             
             with
             the
             cord
             of
             his
             Mercy
             ;
             
               I
               taught
               Ephraim
               to
               go
            
             (
             saith
             God
             )
             
               taking
               them
               by
               the
               arms
               ;
               I
               drew
               them
               by
               the
               cords
               of
               love
               ,
               and
            
             
             
               with
               the
               bonds
               of
               a
               man
               .
            
             This
             mercy
             consists
             in
             these
             bonds
             ,
             or
             this
             love
             is
             made
             up
             of
             four
             cords
             :
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             Lord
             reveals
             himself
             to
             be
             
               ready
            
             to
             
               receive
               ,
            
             and
             
               willing
            
             and
             
               easie
            
             to
             entertain
             poor
             sinners
             when
             they
             come
             unto
             him
             :
             
               Let
               the
               wicked
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Prophet
             )
             
               forsake
               his
               way
               ,
               and
            
             
             
               the
               unrighteous
               man
               his
               thoughts
               ,
               and
               let
               him
               return
               unto
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               be
               will
               have
               mercy
               upon
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               our
               God
               ,
               for
               he
               will
               abundantly
               pardon
               ;
            
             the
             word
             in
             the
             Original
             is
             ,
             
               He
               will
               multiply
               pardons
               :
            
             Hast
             thou
             
               multiplied
               rebellions
               ?
            
             the
             Lord
             will
             also
             
               multiply
               pardons
               :
            
             The
             bowels
             of
             compassion
             are
             still
             open
             ,
             and
             the
             arms
             of
             mercy
             are
             still
             spread
             abroad
             ;
             he
             pardoned
             
               Manasses
               ,
            
             and
             
               Paul
               ,
            
             and
             
               Peter
               ,
            
             and
             so
             will
             he
             thee
             ,
             his
             
               pardons
            
             are
             
               multiplied
               ,
            
             there
             is
             yet
             mercy
             for
             thee
             also
             ,
             and
             for
             a
             thousand
             thousand
             more
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             Lord
             is
             not
             onely
             
               ready
            
             to
             forgive
             when
             men
             come
             to
             to
             him
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             may
             come
             ,
             he
             also
             
               calls
            
             and
             
               commands
            
             them
             :
             
               O
               but
               may
               I
            
             (
             saith
             a
             poor
             sinner
             )
             
               shall
               I
               ,
               dare
               I
               go
               unto
               the
               Lord
               God
               for
               mercy
               ?
               may
               I
               be
               so
               bold
               to
               press
               in
               for
               favor
               at
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               Lord
               ?
               I
               have
               been
               a
               grievous
               sinner
               ,
               and
               have
               heaped
               abomination
               upon
               abomination
               ,
               I
               am
               afraid
               therefore
               to
               approach
               near
               unto
               the
               Lords
               presence
               .
            
             Is
             it
             so
             ?
             hear
             what
             the
             Lord
             saith
             ,
             
               Come
               unto
               me
               ,
               ye
               rebellious
               people
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               heal
            
             
             
               your
               rebellions
               .
               You
               that
               never
               prayed
               ,
               never
               came
               to
               hear
               ,
               all
               Rebels
               ,
               come
               unto
               me
               :
            
             and
             then
             the
             people
             answer
             ,
             
               Behold
               ,
               we
               come
               unto
               thee
               ,
               for
               thou
               art
               our
               God
               .
            
             This
             is
             great
             encouragement
             to
             a
             poor
             sinner
             ,
             he
             begins
             now
             to
             wonder
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               shall
               all
               my
               sins
               be
               pardoned
               ?
               shall
               all
               my
               oathes
               and
               abominations
               be
               forgiven
               ?
               I
               that
               slighted
               so
               many
               mercies
               ,
               and
               committed
               so
               many
               follies
               ,
               shall
               I
               be
               entertained
               ?
               Yes
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Lord
             )
             
               come
               unto
               me
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               be
               forgiven
               ;
               come
               ,
               I
               command
               you
               come
               .
            
          
           
           
             3.
             
             The
             Lord
             doth
             not
             onely
             
               command
            
             a
             poor
             sinner
             to
             come
             in
             ,
             but
             when
             he
             is
             nice
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               There
               is
               mercy
               with
               God
               ,
               but
               not
               for
               me
               ;
            
             the
             Lord
             then
             followeth
             him
             still
             ,
             and
             sends
             another
             
               cord
            
             after
             him
             ,
             that
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             he
             may
             
               win
            
             him
             ,
             and
             
               woo
            
             him
             to
             receive
             mercy
             of
             him
             :
             If
             
               command
            
             therefore
             prevail
             not
             ,
             he
             
               intreats
            
             and
             
               beseeches
            
             him
             to
             come
             and
             receive
             mercy
             ,
             and
             this
             (
             me thinks
             )
             should
             move
             the
             hardest
             heart
             under
             heaven
             .
             
               We
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             )
             
               are
               embassadors
               for
               Christ
               ,
               as
            
             
             
               though
               God
               did
               beseech
               you
               by
               us
               ,
               we
               pray
               you
               in
               Christs
               stead
               ,
               be
               reconciled
               unto
               God
               :
            
             rather
             then
             you
             should
             go
             away
             from
             Christ
             ,
             even
             
               Mercy
            
             it self
             will
             come
             and
             kneel
             down
             before
             you
             ,
             and
             
               beseech
            
             you
             ,
             and
             
               intreat
            
             you
             ,
             
               for
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               sake
               to
               pity
               your
               poor
               souls
               ,
               and
               to
               receive
               pardon
               for
               your
               sins
               :
            
             A
             sinner
             is
             not
             able
             to
             comprehend
             this
             ,
             but
             he
             begins
             to
             be
             at
             a
             stand
             ,
             and
             at
             amazement
             ,
             
               What
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               should
               beseech
               him
               !
               O
               that
               thou
               wouldst
               receive
               pardon
               for
               thy
               sins
               ,
               and
               be
               blessed
               for
               ever
               !
               Good
               Lord
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Soul
             )
             
               is
               this
               possible
               ,
               that
               the
               great
               King
               of
               Heaven
               should
               come
               and
               beseech
               such
               a
               Traytor
               ,
               such
               a
               Rebel
               as
               I
               am
               ,
               to
               take
               pardon
               ?
               That
               a
               King
               on
               Earth
               should
               proclaim
               a
               pardon
               to
               some
               notorious
               Traytor
               ,
               this
               were
               much
               ;
               but
               that
               the
               King
               of
               Heaven
               should
               lay
               down
               his
               Crown
               ,
               and
               come
               creeping
               to
               me
               ,
               and
               beseech
               me
               (
               on
               his
               knee
               as
               it
               were
               )
               to
               take
               mercy
               ;
               this
               is
               a
               thing
               beyond
               all
               expectation
               :
               What
               ,
               shall
               Heaven
               stoop
               to
               earth
               ?
               shall
               Majesty
               stoop
               to
               misery
               ?
               shall
               the
               great
               God
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               ,
               that
               might
               have
               condemned
               my
               soul
               ,
               and
               if
               I
               had
               perished
               and
               been
               damned
               ,
               might
               have
               took
               glory
               by
               my
               destruction
               —
               Is
               it
               possible
               ,
               is
               it
               credible
               ,
               that
               this
               God
               should
               not
               onely
               entertain
               me
               when
               I
               come
               ,
               and
               command
               me
               for
               to
               come
               ,
               but
               intreat
               and
               beseech
               me
               to
               come
               and
               receive
               mercy
               from
               him
               ?
               O
               the
               depth
               of
               the
               incomprehensible
               love
               of
               God!
            
             Imagine
             you
             saw
             God
             the
             Father
             intreating
             you
             ,
             and
             God
             the
             Son
             beseeching
             you
             ,
             as
             he
             doth
             this
             day
             ,
             
               Come
               now
               ,
               and
               forsake
               your
               sins
               ,
               and
               take
               mercy
               ,
               which
               is
               prepared
               for
               you
               ,
               and
               shall
               be
               bestowed
               upon
               you
               :
            
             Would
             not
             this
             make
             a
             soul
             think
             thus
             with
             it self
             ,
             
               What
               ,
               for
               a
               Rebel
               ?
               not
               onely
               to
               have
               mercy
               offered
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               intreated
               to
               receive
               mercy
               ,
               it
               were
               pity
               (
               if
               I
               will
               not
               take
               it
               )
               but
               I
               should
               go
               to
               Hell
               and
               be
               damned
               for
               ever
               .
            
             The
             Lord
             he
             complains
             ,
             
               Why
               will
               ye
               dye
               ?
               as
            
             
             
               I
               live
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               I
               desire
               not
               the
               death
               of
               a
               sinner
               :
               Turn
               ye
               ,
               turn
               ye
               ,
               why
               will
               ye
               dye
               ,
               ye
               sinful
               Sons
               of
               men
               ?
               Mercy
               is
               offered
            
             
             
             
               you
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               reacheth
               out
               his
               hand
               to
               you
               :
            
             fain
             would
             he
             pluck
             the
             Drunkard
             out
             of
             the
             Alehouse
             ,
             and
             the
             Adulterer
             from
             his
             Whore
             :
             O
             if
             you
             break
             this
             cord
             ,
             I
             know
             not
             what
             to
             say
             to
             you
             ,
             this
             is
             able
             to
             break
             a
             Mountain
             in
             pieces
             ;
             
               Shake
               ,
               O
               Mountains
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Prophet
             )
             Why
             ?
             
               because
               God
               hath
               redeemed
            
             
             
               Jacob
               :
            
             The
             Redemption
             of
             
               Jacob
            
             was
             enough
             to
             break
             a
             Mountain
             ,
             let
             his
             
               Mercy
            
             break
             our
             
               hearts
               ;
            
             it
             is
             God
             that
             begs
             ,
             the
             blessing
             is
             our
             own
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             If
             yet
             all
             this
             prevail
             nothing
             at
             all
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             then
             
               wait
               ,
            
             and
             stay
             in
             long
             
               patience
               and
               suffering
               ,
            
             to
             see
             if
             any
             time
             a
             sinner
             will
             turn
             unto
             him
             .
             Our
             Savior
             follows
             poor
             sinners
             from
             Alehouse
             to
             Alehouse
             ,
             and
             says
             ,
             
               I
               beseech
               you
               ,
               Drunkards
               ,
               take
               mercy
               ,
               and
               have
               your
               sins
               pardoned
               :
            
             The
             Lord
             (
             as
             we
             may
             say
             )
             tires
             himself
             ,
             and
             wearieth
             himself
             with
             
               waiting
            
             one
             day
             after
             another
             ,
             and
             one
             week
             after
             another
             :
             
               It
               may
               be
            
             (
             saith
             Christ
             )
             
               this
               week
               ,
               this
               Sabbath
               ,
               this
               Sermon
               a
               sinner
               will
               turn
               unto
               me
               ;
               what
               ,
               will
               it
               never
               be
               ?
            
             Are
             you
             not
             ashamed
             (
             my
             friends
             )
             that
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             should
             thus
             wait
             your
             leisure
             ,
             and
             follow
             you
             from
             house
             to
             house
             ,
             and
             from
             place
             to
             place
             ;
             nay
             ,
             that
             Christ
             should
             every
             morning
             appear
             to
             your
             understanding
             ,
             and
             every
             night
             come
             to
             your
             bed-side
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Let
               this
               be
               the
               last
               night
               of
               sinning
               ,
               and
               the
               next
               day
               the
               first
               day
               of
               your
               repentance
               :
               O
               when
               will
               you
               be
               humbled
               ?
               when
               will
               you
               receive
               mercy
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               go
               well
               with
               you
               ,
               and
               with
               yours
               for
               ever
               !
            
             If
             none
             of
             the
             other
             will
             move
             you
             ,
             yet
             for
             shame
             let
             this
             
               cord
            
             draw
             you
             to
             the
             Lord
             :
             Hear
             ,
             hear
             his
             doleful
             pangs
             ,
             
               O
               Jerusalem
               ,
               Jerusalem
               ,
               wilt
               thou
               not
               be
               made
               clean
               ?
               O
               when
               will
               it
               once
               be
               ?
            
             A
             
             woman
             that
             is
             in
             travel
             ,
             O
             how
             she
             expects
             and
             longs
             for
             her
             delivery
             I
             now
             a
             throb
             comes
             ,
             and
             then
             she
             cryes
             ;
             anon
             comes
             a
             second
             throb
             ,
             and
             then
             she
             cryes
             again
             ,
             
               O
               when
               comes
               deliverance
               ?
            
             Thus
             God
             the
             Father
             takes
             on
             him
             the
             person
             of
             a
             travelling
             woman
             ;
             he
             travels
             and
             travels
             until
             he
             bring
             forth
             a
             son
             ,
             until
             some
             soul
             be
             converted
             ,
             and
             brought
             home
             unto
             him
             ,
             
               O
               Jerusalem
               ,
               wilt
               thou
               not
               be
               made
               clean
               ?
               when
               will
               it
               once
               be
               ?
               I
               have
               waited
               one
               ,
               ten
               ,
               twenty
               ,
               thirty
               ,
               forty
               years
               long
               have
               I
               waited
               on
               this
               generation
               ;
               when
               will
               it
               once
               be
               ?
            
             The
             Lord
             thus
             travels
             in
             patience
             ,
             looking
             when
             we
             will
             receive
             mercy
             ,
             will
             never
             our
             proud
             hearts
             be
             humbled
             ?
             will
             never
             our
             stubborn
             hearts
             be
             softned
             ?
             will
             never
             our
             prophane
             hearts
             be
             sanctified
             ?
             
             when
             will
             it
             once
             be
             ?
             Christ
             hath
             waited
             this
             day
             ,
             this
             week
             ,
             this
             moneth
             ,
             this
             quarter
             ,
             this
             year
             ,
             these
             ten
             ,
             twenty
             ,
             thirty
             ,
             forty
             years
             on
             us
             :
             You
             old
             sinners
             ,
             that
             are
             gray-headed
             in
             your
             wickedness
             ,
             how
             long
             hath
             the
             Lord
             waited
             on
             you
             ?
             O
             for
             shame
             let
             him
             wait
             no
             longer
             ,
             but
             turn
             ,
             turn
             ye
             unto
             him
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             receive
             mercy
             from
             him
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             if
             
               bonds
               of
               love
            
             move
             not
             ,
             the
             Lord
             hath
             
               iron
               cords
               ,
            
             that
             will
             pluck
             in
             pieces
             ;
             to
             wit
             ,
             
               the
               cords
               of
               Conscience
               :
            
             which
             
             thus
             disputes
             ,
             
               He
               that
               being
               often
               reproved
               ,
               doth
               still
               harden
               his
               heart
               ,
               shall
               perish
               everlastingly
               :
            
          
           
             
               But
               thou
               being
               often
               reproved
               ,
               dost
               still
               harden
               thy
               heart
               ,
               therefore
               thou
               shalt
               perish
               everlastingly
               .
            
          
           
             In
             this
             Syllogism
             are
             contained
             the
             
               
                 Monition
              
               
                 Accusation
              
               
                 Condemnation
              
            
             of
             Conscience
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             first
             Proposition
             ,
             
               Conscience
            
             gives
             the
             sinner
             a
             
               Monition
               ,
            
             to
             come
             from
             sin
             ,
             upon
             pain
             of
             the
             heaviest
             Judgement
             that
             can
             be
             inflicted
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Lord
             that
             sends
             the
             Conscience
             on
             this
             errand
             ,
             
               Go
               to
               such
               a
               man
               ,
               and
               tell
               him
               ,
               You
               have
               blasphemed
               Gods
               Name
               ,
               and
               you
               have
               spoken
               against
               Gods
               Saints
               ,
               and
               you
               have
               broken
               Gods
               Sabbaths
               ,
               and
               you
               have
               contemned
               Gods
               Ordinances
               ;
               Be
               it
               known
               then
               unto
               thee
            
             (
             saith
             Conscience
             when
             it
             delivers
             the
             Message
             )
             
               That
               I
               have
               a
               command
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               from
               God
               ,
               I
               charge
               you
               ,
               as
               you
               will
               answer
               it
               at
               the
               dreadful
               day
               of
               Judgement
               ,
               take
               heed
               of
               those
               evils
               and
               sinful
               practises
               that
               heretofore
               you
               have
               committed
               ,
               lest
               you
               damn
               your
               souls
               for
               ever
               .
            
             Will
             you
             question
             his
             Commission
             ?
             see
             
               Prov.
            
             29.
             1.
             
             
               He
               that
               being
            
             
             
               often
               reproved
               ,
               hardeneth
               his
               neck
               ,
               shall
               suddenly
               be
               destroyed
               ;
            
             if
             you
             be
             often
             reproved
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             be
             bettered
             ,
             then
             the
             Lord
             says
             ,
             and
             
               Conscience
            
             from
             the
             Lord
             tells
             you
             ,
             
               Be
               it
               at
               your
               own
               peril
               ,
               ye
               shall
               suddenly
               be
               destroyed
               .
            
             No
             sooner
             
               Conscience
            
             thus
             perks
             upon
             the
             crown
             ,
             but
             the
             sinner
             hangs
             the
             wing
             ,
             and
             withdraws
             himself
             from
             his
             former
             lewd
             courses
             .
             But
             now
             when
             wicked
             persons
             see
             their
             companion
             is
             gone
             ,
             they
             make
             after
             him
             amain
             ,
             and
             then
             
               Conscience
            
             plucks
             one
             way
             ,
             and
             they
             pluck
             another
             way
             ;
             at
             last
             ,
             by
             carnal
             company
             ,
             and
             cursed
             perswasions
             ,
             the
             soul
             is
             drawn
             back
             again
             to
             his
             former
             wicked
             courses
             ,
             and
             so
             perhaps
             this
             twist
             is
             broken
             ,
             and
             the
             sinner
             is
             gone
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             If
             so
             ,
             then
             
               Conscience
               ,
            
             that
             was
             a
             
               Monitor
               ,
            
             now
             turns
             
             
               Accuser
            
             in
             the
             minor
             Proposition
             ;
             before
             it
             was
             onely
             Gods
             
               Herald
            
             to
             forewarn
             him
             ,
             but
             now
             it
             is
             become
             
               a
               Pursevant
               and
               Sergeant
            
             to
             Arrest
             him
             :
             it
             follows
             him
             to
             the
             Alehouse
             ,
             and
             pursues
             him
             home
             ,
             then
             takes
             him
             in
             his
             bed
             ,
             and
             Arrests
             him
             in
             his
             sleep
             ;
             there
             (
             by
             a
             Meditation
             )
             it
             hales
             the
             soul
             before
             the
             Tribunal
             seat
             of
             God
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Lo
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               man
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               Drunkard
               ,
               Adulterer
               ,
               Blasphemer
               ,
               this
               is
               he
               ,
               Lord
               ;
               an
               enemy
               to
               thy
               Servants
               ,
               an
               hater
               of
               thy
               Truth
               ,
               a
               despiser
               of
               thy
               Ordinances
               ;
               at
               such
               a
               time
               ,
               in
               such
               a
               place
               ,
               with
               such
               a
               company
               this
               man
               despised
               thy
               Truth
               ,
               this
               is
               he
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               man
               .
            
             And
             when
             
               Conscience
            
             hath
             thus
             dragged
             him
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             accused
             him
             ,
             then
             
               Take
               him
               ,
               Jaylor
               ,
               take
               him
               ,
               Devil
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Lord
             )
             
               and
               imprison
               him
               ;
               let
               vexation
               ,
               and
               horror
               ,
               and
               trouble
               ,
               and
               anguish
               lie
               upon
               his
               soul
               ,
               until
               he
               confess
               his
               sins
               ,
               and
               resolve
               to
               forsake
               them
               .
            
             In
             this
             case
             was
             
               David
               ,
            
             when
             he
             was
             forced
             to
             say
             ,
             
               My
               bones
               waxed
               old
               through
               my
               roaring
               all
               the
               day
               long
               ;
               for
               day
               and
               night
               thy
               hand
               was
               heavy
               upon
               me
               ,
               my
               moisture
               is
               turned
               into
               the
            
             
             
               drought
               of
               summer
               :
            
             What
             then
             ?
             
               O
               then
            
             (
             saith
             
               David
               )
               I
               acknowledged
               my
               sin
               unto
               thee
               ,
               —
               I
               confessed
               my
               transgressions
               unto
               thee
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               and
               so
               thou
               forgavest
               the
               iniquity
               of
               my
               sin
               .
               David
            
             he
             folded
             up
             his
             sins
             at
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             therefore
             his
             bones
             were
             consumed
             ,
             and
             
               he
               roared
            
             continually
             ;
             when
             the
             Lord
             had
             him
             on
             the
             Rack
             ,
             he
             made
             him
             
               roar
               again
               ,
            
             and
             would
             never
             leave
             tormenting
             ,
             till
             
               David
            
             came
             to
             confessing
             ;
             but
             when
             he
             confessed
             this
             sin
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             sin
             ,
             then
             the
             Lord
             forgave
             him
             the
             iniquity
             of
             his
             sin
             .
             Thus
             
               Conscience
            
             brings
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             sinner
             on
             the
             Rack
             (
             as
             Traytors
             are
             used
             ,
             that
             will
             not
             confess
             otherwise
             )
             and
             makes
             him
             to
             confess
             his
             sins
             ,
             and
             then
             he
             cryes
             ,
             
               O
               the
               abominations
               I
               have
               committed
               which
               the
               Sun
               never
               saw
               ;
               in
               such
               a
               place
               ,
               at
               such
               a
               time
               ,
               O
               then
               I
               railed
               on
               Gods
               servants
               ,
               &
               blasphemed
               Gods
               Name
               ,
               I
               prophaned
               Gods
               Sabbaths
               ,
               and
               contemned
               his
               Ordinances
               :
            
             what
             then
             ?
             
               Conscience
            
             will
             make
             him
             confess
             more
             yet
             ,
             to
             the
             Rack
             again
             with
             him
             ;
             and
             then
             he
             cryes
             and
             roars
             for
             anguish
             of
             spirit
             ,
             then
             he
             confesses
             all
             ,
             and
             resolves
             to
             amend
             ,
             then
             he
             will
             pray
             ,
             and
             hear
             ,
             and
             sanctifie
             Gods
             Sabbaths
             ,
             and
             lead
             a
             new
             life
             .
             Thus
             
               Conscience
            
             receives
             some
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             begins
             to
             be
             quiet
             ;
             and
             now
             having
             got
             some
             quiet
             ,
             his
             cursed
             Companions
             set
             upon
             him
             again
             ,
             
               Refresh
            
             (
             say
             they
             )
             
               your
               soul
               with
               some
               of
               your
               ancient
               dalliance
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             To
             this
             and
             the
             like
             Temptations
             of
             Satan
             ,
             he
             
             listens
             again
             ,
             and
             then
             he
             begins
             to
             follow
             his
             old
             sins
             ,
             perhaps
             with
             more
             violence
             and
             eagerness
             then
             ever
             he
             did
             before
             ;
             and
             now
             is
             another
             twist
             broken
             likewise
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             If
             so
             ,
             then
             
               Conscience
            
             that
             was
             a
             
               Monitor
            
             and
             
               Accuser
               ,
            
             now
             turns
             
               Executioner
               .
            
             The
             first
             Proposition
             admonished
             ,
             the
             second
             accused
             ,
             if
             neither
             of
             these
             prevail
             ,
             then
             
               Conscience
            
             concludes
             ,
             
               Thou
               must
               to
               execution
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               perish
               everlastingly
               .
            
             And
             now
             
               Conscience
            
             cryes
             ,
             
               Monitions
               or
               Accusations
               could
               not
               prevail
               with
               this
               man
               ;
               Come
               ,
               come
               ye
               damned
               ghosts
               ,
               and
               take
               away
               this
               Drunkard
               ,
               this
               Blasphemer
               ,
               this
               Adulterer
               ,
               and
               throw
               him
               headlong
               into
               the
               pit
               of
               Hell
               ;
               he
               would
               not
               be
               amended
               ,
               let
               him
               be
               condemned
               ,
               he
               would
               not
               be
               humbled
               ,
               therefore
               let
               him
               be
               damned
               .
            
             The
             man
             hearing
             this
             ,
             then
             he
             is
             amazed
             ,
             and
             thinks
             himself
             past
             hope
             ,
             past
             help
             ,
             past
             cure
             :
             Did
             you
             ever
             see
             or
             hear
             a
             tormented
             Conscience
             in
             these
             pangs
             ?
             Now
             he
             calls
             ,
             then
             he
             cryes
             ,
             
               Lo
               where
               Devils
               stand
               ,
               the
               Heavens
               frown
               ,
               God
               is
               incensed
               ,
               Hell-mouth
               is
               open
               :
            
             And
             now
             a
             Minister
             is
             sent
             for
             ,
             who
             displays
             to
             this
             despairing
             soul
             ,
             the
             Mercy
             and
             Grace
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             ;
             
               O
            
             (
             replies
             he
             )
             
               this
               is
               my
               bane
               ,
               my
               damnation
               ,
               if
               I
               had
               never
               heard
               of
               Mercy
               ,
               if
               I
               had
               never
               lived
               under
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               the
               means
               of
               Salvation
               ,
               then
               had
               I
               been
               an
               happy
               man
               :
               Alas
               !
               it
               is
               Mercy
               I
               have
               neglected
               ,
               it
               is
               Salvation
               I
               have
               contemned
               ,
               how
               then
               should
               I
               be
               saved
               ?
               O
               the
               perswasions
               of
               the
               Lord
               that
               I
               have
               had
               !
               the
               Lord
               hath
               even
               wept
               over
               me
               ,
               as
               he
               did
               over
            
             Jerusalem
             ,
             
               O
               that
               thou
               hadst
               known
               the
               things
               belonging
               to
               thy
               peace
               !
               yet
               all
               these
               perswasions
               have
               I
               contemned
               ,
               and
               therefore
               certainly
               to
               Hell
               I
               must
               go
               .
            
             The
             Minister
             replyes
             ,
             Truth
             it
             is
             ,
             you
             have
             done
             thus
             ,
             but
             would
             you
             do
             so
             still
             ?
             is
             it
             good
             now
             to
             be
             drunk
             ,
             or
             to
             blaspheme
             ,
             or
             to
             rail
             on
             Gods
             Saints
             ,
             or
             contemn
             Gods
             Ordinances
             ?
             
               O
               no
               ,
               no
            
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             
               I
               now
               finde
               what
               the
               end
               of
               those
               wicked
               courses
               will
               be
               :
               Gods
               Word
               could
               not
               prevail
               with
               me
               ,
               the
               Minister
               could
               not
               perswade
               me
               ;
               O
               the
               good
               Sermons
               that
               I
               have
               heard
               ,
               the
               very
               flames
               of
               Hell
               have
               even
               flashed
               in
               my
               face
               ,
               the
               Minister
               hath
               spent
               his
               pains
               ,
               and
               would
               have
               spent
               his
               blood
               for
               the
               good
               of
               my
               poor
               soul
               !
               But
               alas
               ,
               I
               despised
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               mocked
               the
               Minister
               :
               Wo
               ,
               wo
               unto
               me
               for
               ever
               ;
               now
               my
               Conscience
               gnaws
               ,
               and
               tears
               ,
               and
               terrifies
               my
               soul
               here
               ,
               and
               I
               shall
               to
               Hell
               hereafter
               ,
               and
               perish
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
               .
            
             The
             Minister
             replyes
             again
             ,
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             you
             have
             done
             
             thus
             ,
             but
             would
             you
             do
             so
             now
             ?
             would
             you
             still
             blaspheme
             ,
             and
             curse
             ,
             and
             be
             drunk
             ,
             and
             riotous
             ?
             or
             rather
             would
             you
             not
             now
             part
             with
             all
             these
             ,
             and
             take
             mercy
             in
             stead
             of
             them
             ?
             Then
             the
             poor
             soul
             cryes
             out
             ,
             
               Now
               the
               Lord
               for
               his
               mercies
               sake
               remove
               these
               sins
               from
               me
               :
               O
               I
               had
               never
               so
               much
               delight
               in
               my
               sins
               heretofore
               ,
               as
               now
               I
               have
               wo
               ,
               misery
               and
               vexation
               for
               them
               ;
               but
               (
               alas
               )
               it
               is
               not
               in
               my
               power
               to
               help
               my
               soul
               ;
               if
               the
               Lord
               would
               do
               this
               ,
               let
               him
               do
               what
               he
               will
               with
               it
               .
            
             What
             (
             saith
             the
             Minister
             )
             you
             are
             then
             willing
             and
             content
             to
             part
             with
             your
             sins
             :
             
               O
               yes
               ,
            
             (
             saith
             the
             soul
             )
             
               I
               would
               rather
               offend
               all
               the
               world
               then
               God
               ;
               I
               had
               rather
               go
               to
               hell
               ,
               then
               to
               the
               committing
               of
               a
               sin
               ;
               if
               it
               would
               please
               God
               to
               help
               me
               ,
               I
               would
               forsake
               my
               sins
               with
               all
               my
               heart
               .
            
             Why
             ,
             now
             the
             poor
             soul
             is
             
               coming
            
             again
             ,
             and
             God
             is
             
               drawing
            
             him
             again
             from
             his
             corruptions
             and
             sinful
             distempers
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             when
             the
             soul
             is
             thus
             loosened
             ,
             the
             Lord
             then
             fully
             
             plucks
             it
             by
             the
             
               cord
               of
               his
               Spirit
               :
            
             with
             an
             Almighty
             hand
             he
             cuts
             the
             soul
             off
             from
             sin
             ,
             and
             takes
             it
             into
             his
             own
             hand
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             govern
             him
             ,
             and
             dispose
             of
             him
             according
             to
             his
             own
             good
             will
             and
             pleasure
             .
             Thus
             much
             of
             preparation
             for
             the
             substance
             of
             it
             on
             Gods
             part
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               SECT.
               1.
               
               
                 The
                 substantial
                 parts
                 of
                 Preparation
                 on
                 Mans
                 part
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 disposition
                 of
                 the
                 Soul
                 by
                 Gods
                 work
                 .
              
            
             
               NOw
               are
               we
               to
               observe
               the
               disposition
               of
               the
               soul
               on
               mans
               part
               ,
               which
               God
               works
               on
               the
               hearts
               of
               whom
               he
               
                 draws
                 .
              
               It
               is
               known
               in
               two
               works
               :
            
             
               
                 
                   Contrition
                   ,
                
                 whereby
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 cut
                 off
                 from
                 sin
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Humiliation
                   ,
                
                 whereby
                 the
                 soul
                 is
                 cut
                 off
                 from
                 it self
                 .
              
            
             
               For
               so
               it
               is
               ,
               that
               either
               the
               soul
               seeth
               no
               need
               to
               depart
               from
               sin
               ,
               or
               else
               it
               thinks
               it
               can
               help
               it self
               out
               of
               sin
               ;
               the
               first
               is
               called
               
                 Security
                 ,
              
               when
               the
               soul
               being
               blinde
               ,
               takes
               rest
               ,
               and
               seeing
               no
               need
               to
               be
               better
               ,
               desires
               it
               not
               therefore
               :
               Against
               this
               the
               Lord
               sends
               
                 Contrition
                 ,
              
               causing
               men
               thereby
               to
               know
               the
               misery
               of
               sin
               ,
               and
               to
               see
               need
               of
               a
               change
               :
               The
               second
               is
               
                 Carnal
                 Confidence
                 ,
              
               
               when
               a
               sinner
               begins
               to
               seek
               succor
               ,
               and
               to
               scramble
               for
               his
               own
               comfort
               in
               his
               self-sufficiency
               ;
               against
               this
               the
               Lord
               works
               
                 Humiliation
                 ,
              
               causing
               the
               soul
               hereby
               to
               see
               the
               weakness
               and
               emptiness
               of
               its
               
                 Duties
                 ,
              
               and
               that
               there
               is
               enough
               in
               its
               best
               services
               to
               condemn
               him
               for
               ever
               .
               Before
               we
               speak
               of
               the
               
                 works
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               not
               amiss
               to
               begin
               with
               the
               
                 lets
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               first
               is
               
                 Security
                 :
              
               When
               the
               soul
               is
               taken
               up
               with
               a
               secure
               course
               ,
               and
               rests
               it self
               well
               apaid
               in
               his
               own
               practises
               ,
               and
               therefore
               it
               never
               seeth
               any
               need
               of
               a
               change
               ,
               nor
               ever
               goes
               out
               for
               a
               change
               :
               Now
               while
               a
               man
               lives
               thus
               ,
               and
               blesseth
               himself
               in
               his
               sin
               ,
               it
               is
               impossible
               that
               ever
               he
               should
               receive
               faith
               ,
               or
               by
               the
               power
               of
               faith
               repair
               unto
               Christ
               :
               where
               faith
               comes
               ,
               it
               ever
               works
               a
               change
               ,
               
                 Old
                 things
                 are
                 done
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 all
                 things
                 are
                 become
                 new
                 ;
              
               the
               Lord
               therefore
               to
               remove
               this
               let
               ,
               he
               burthens
               the
               soul
               extremely
               ,
               and
               says
               ,
               
                 You
                 will
                 live
                 in
                 drunkenness
                 ,
                 in
                 covetousness
                 ;
                 you
                 will
                 have
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 then
                 take
                 your
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 get
                 you
                 down
                 to
                 hell
                 with
                 them
                 .
              
               At
               this
               voyce
               the
               Sinner
               begins
               to
               see
               where
               he
               is
               :
               
                 Is
                 this
                 true
                 ?
              
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 most
                 miserable
                 creature
                 under
                 heaven
                 ;
              
               therefore
               as
               they
               said
               ,
               
                 Men
                 and
              
               
               
                 brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 do
                 ?
                 We
                 have
                 been
                 thus
                 and
                 thus
                 ,
                 but
                 if
                 we
                 rest
                 here
                 ,
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 our
                 ruine
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 O
                 what
                 shall
                 we
                 do
                 ?
              
               So
               the
               soul
               comes
               to
               a
               restless
               dislike
               of
               it self
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 must
                 either
                 be
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 am
                 but
                 a
                 damned
                 man
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               When
               the
               soul
               is
               thus
               resolved
               that
               it
               must
               of
               necessity
               change
               ,
               when
               it
               seeth
               his
               wound
               and
               his
               sin
               ready
               before
               him
               to
               condemn
               him
               ,
               and
               it
               hath
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               a
               little
               peep-hole
               into
               hell
               ;
               the
               soul
               in
               this
               distress
               sends
               over
               to
               
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 and
                 Hearing
                 ,
                 and
                 holy
                 services
                 ,
              
               and
               thinks
               by
               his
               wits
               and
               
                 Duties
                 ,
              
               or
               some
               such
               like
               matters
               ,
               to
               succor
               it self
               ;
               and
               it
               begins
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 My
                 hearing
                 and
                 my
                 prayer
                 ,
                 will
                 not
                 these
                 save
                 me
                 ?
              
               Thus
               the
               soul
               in
               conclusion
               rests
               on
               
                 Duties
                 :
              
               I
               will
               not
               say
               but
               these
               
                 Duties
              
               are
               all
               good
               ,
               honorable
               and
               comfortable
               ,
               yet
               they
               are
               not
               Gods
               ,
               but
               the
               
                 Ordinances
              
               of
               God
               .
               It
               is
               the
               nature
               of
               a
               sinful
               heart
               ,
               to
               make
               the
               
                 means
                 ,
              
               as
               meritorious
               to
               Salvation
               :
               A
               man
               that
               seeth
               his
               Drunkenness
               and
               his
               base
               contempt
               of
               God
               ,
               O
               then
               he
               voweth
               and
               promiseth
               to
               take
               up
               a
               new
               course
               ,
               and
               he
               begins
               to
               approve
               himself
               in
               reformation
               of
               his
               ways
               ,
               then
               he
               cryes
               ,
               
                 Now
                 I
                 will
                 have
                 no
                 more
                 drunkenness
                 ,
                 now
                 no
                 more
                 scoffing
                 and
                 scorning
                 at
                 those
                 that
                 go
                 to
                 hear
                 the
                 Word
                 :
                 and
                 then
                 he
                 thinks
                 ,
                 What
                 can
                 I
                 do
              
               
               
                 more
                 ?
                 to
                 heaven
                 I
                 must
                 go
                 .
              
               All
               this
               is
               but
               a
               
                 mans
                 self
                 :
              
               Why
               so
               ?
               Christ
               (
               who
               is
               the
               Substance
               of
               all
               )
               and
               the
               pith
               of
               a
               Promise
               is
               forgotten
               ;
               a
               Christ
               in
               hearing
               ,
               a
               Christ
               in
               praying
               is
               not
               regarded
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               poor
               soul
               famisheth
               with
               hunger
               .
               Mistake
               not
               ,
               I
               pray
               you
               ,
               these
               
                 Duties
              
               must
               be
               had
               and
               used
               ,
               but
               still
               a
               man
               must
               not
               stay
               here
               :
               Prayer
               saith
               ,
               
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 Salvation
                 in
                 me
                 ;
              
               and
               the
               Sacraments
               and
               Fasting
               say
               ,
               
                 There
                 is
                 no
                 Salvation
                 in
                 us
                 :
              
               all
               these
               are
               subservient
               helps
               ,
               no
               absolute
               causes
               of
               Salvation
               .
               A
               man
               will
               use
               his
               bucket
               ,
               but
               he
               expects
               water
               from
               the
               well
               ;
               these
               
                 Means
              
               are
               the
               
                 buckets
                 ,
              
               but
               all
               our
               comfort
               ,
               and
               all
               our
               life
               and
               grace
               is
               onely
               in
               Christ
               :
               if
               you
               say
               ,
               your
               
                 bucket
              
               shall
               help
               you
               ,
               you
               may
               starve
               for
               Christ
               ,
               if
               you
               let
               it
               not
               down
               into
               the
               well
               for
               water
               :
               So
               though
               you
               boast
               of
               
                 Praying
                 ,
                 and
                 Hearing
                 ,
                 and
                 Fasting
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 your
                 Alms
                 ,
                 and
                 building
                 of
                 Hospitals
                 ,
              
               and
               of
               your
               good
               deeds
               ,
               if
               none
               of
               these
               bring
               you
               to
               a
               Christ
               ,
               or
               settle
               you
               on
               a
               Christ
               ,
               you
               shall
               dye
               for
               Christ
               ,
               though
               your
               works
               were
               as
               the
               works
               of
               an
               Angel
               .
               As
               it
               is
               with
               a
               graft
               therefore
               ,
               first
               it
               must
               be
               cut
               off
               from
               the
               old
               stock
               ;
               secondly
               ,
               it
               must
               be
               pared
               ,
               and
               made
               fit
               for
               implantation
               into
               another
               :
               so
               the
               soul
               by
               
                 Contrition
              
               being
               cut
               off
               from
               sin
               ,
               then
               
                 Humiliation
              
               pares
               it
               (
               pares
               away
               all
               a
               mans
               priviledges
               )
               and
               makes
               it
               fit
               for
               the
               ingraffing
               into
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
               Thus
               much
               of
               the
               
                 lets
                 ,
              
               and
               of
               the
               works
               of
               
                 Contrition
              
               and
               
                 Humiliation
              
               in
               general
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               2.
               
               
                 A
                 sight
                 of
                 Sin
                 .
              
            
             
               BUt
               for
               a
               further
               discovery
               of
               these
               two
               necessary
               things
               ,
               we
               shall
               now
               enter
               into
               particulars
               ,
               and
               begin
               first
               with
               
                 Contrition
                 ;
              
               which
               contains
               these
               steps
               :
            
             
               
                 A
                 sight
                 of
                 sin
                 .
              
               
                 Sense
                 of
                 Divine
                 wrath
                 .
              
               
                 Sorrow
                 for
                 sin
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               first
               step
               is
               
                 A
                 sight
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
              
               and
               sin
               must
               be
               seen
               
                 
                   
                     Clearly
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Convictingly
                     .
                  
                
              
            
             
               First
               ,
               
                 Clearly
                 :
              
               It
               is
               not
               a
               general
               sight
               ,
               and
               confused
               sight
               of
               
               Sin
               that
               will
               serve
               the
               turn
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 my
                 infirmity
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 cannot
                 amend
                 it
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 sinners
                 :
              
               no
               ,
               this
               is
               the
               ground
               why
               we
               mistake
               our
               evils
               ,
               and
               reform
               not
               our
               ways
               ;
               a
               man
               must
               search
               narrowly
               ,
               and
               prove
               his
               ways
               ,
               as
               the
               Goldsmith
               doth
               his
               gold
               in
               the
               fire
               :
               
                 I
                 considered
                 my
                 ways
                 ,
              
               (
               saith
               
                 David
                 )
              
               
               
                 and
                 turned
                 my
                 feet
                 unto
                 thy
                 testimonies
                 ;
              
               in
               the
               Original
               ,
               
                 I
                 turned
                 my
                 sins
                 upside
                 down
                 ,
              
               he
               looked
               all
               over
               his
               ways
               .
               And
               this
               
                 clear
              
               sight
               of
               Sin
               appears
               in
               two
               particulars
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               A
               man
               must
               see
               his
               Sin
               nakedly
               in
               its
               own
               proper
               colours
               ,
               we
               must
               not
               look
               on
               Sin
               through
               the
               
                 Mediums
              
               of
               profits
               ,
               and
               pleasures
               ,
               and
               contentments
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               for
               so
               we
               mistake
               Sin
               :
               but
               the
               soul
               of
               a
               true
               Christian
               that
               would
               see
               Sin
               
                 clearly
                 ,
              
               he
               must
               strip
               it
               of
               all
               content
               and
               quiet
               that
               ever
               the
               heart
               received
               in
               it
               ;
               as
               the
               Adulterer
               must
               not
               look
               upon
               Sin
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               sweetness
               of
               it
               ,
               nor
               the
               Covetous
               man
               on
               his
               Sin
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               profit
               of
               it
               :
               you
               that
               are
               such
               ,
               the
               time
               will
               come
               when
               you
               must
               dye
               ,
               and
               then
               consider
               what
               good
               these
               sinful
               courses
               will
               do
               you
               :
               How
               will
               you
               judge
               of
               Sin
               then
               ,
               when
               it
               shall
               leave
               a
               blot
               on
               your
               Souls
               ,
               and
               a
               guilt
               on
               your
               Consciences
               ?
            
             
               2.
               
               A
               man
               must
               look
               on
               Sin
               in
               the
               venom
               of
               it
               ;
               and
               that
               you
               may
               do
               partly
               ,
               if
               you
               compare
               it
               with
               other
               things
               ,
               and
               partly
               ,
               if
               you
               look
               at
               it
               in
               regard
               of
               it self
               .
               1.
               
               Compare
               Sin
               with
               those
               things
               that
               are
               most
               fearful
               and
               horrible
               ;
               as
               suppose
               any
               soul
               here
               present
               were
               to
               behold
               the
               damned
               in
               Hell
               ,
               if
               the
               Lord
               should
               give
               any
               one
               of
               you
               a
               little
               peep-hole
               into
               Hell
               ,
               that
               you
               saw
               the
               horror
               of
               the
               damned
               ,
               then
               propound
               this
               to
               your
               heart
               ,
               What
               are
               those
               pains
               which
               the
               damned
               endure
               ,
               and
               your
               heart
               will
               shake
               and
               quake
               at
               it
               ;
               yet
               the
               least
               Sin
               that
               ever
               you
               did
               commit
               ,
               is
               a
               greater
               evil
               (
               in
               its
               own
               nature
               )
               then
               the
               greatest
               pains
               of
               the
               damned
               in
               Hell
               .
               2.
               
               Look
               at
               Sin
               simply
               as
               it
               is
               in
               it self
               ,
               what
               is
               it
               ,
               but
               
                 a
                 profest
                 opposing
                 of
                 God
                 himself
                 ?
              
               A
               sinful
               creature
               joyns
               side
               with
               the
               Devil
               ,
               and
               comes
               in
               battel
               Array
               against
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               flies
               in
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Lord
               God
               of
               Hosts
               .
               I
               pray
               you
               in
               cold
               blood
               consider
               this
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Good
                 Lord
                 ,
                 what
                 a
                 sinful
                 wretch
                 am
                 I
                 ?
                 that
                 a
                 poor
                 damned
                 wretch
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 should
                 stand
                 in
                 defiance
                 against
                 God!
                 that
                 I
                 should
                 submit
                 my self
                 to
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 and
                 oppose
                 the
                 Lord
                 God
                 of
                 Hosts
                 !
              
            
             
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 Convictingly
                 ,
              
               that
               Sin
               may
               be
               so
               to
               us
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               in
               it self
               ;
               and
               that
               discovers
               it self
               in
               these
               two
               particulars
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               When
               we
               have
               a
               particular
               apprehension
               in
               our
               own
               person
               ,
               that
               whatsoever
               Sin
               is
               in
               general
               ,
               we
               confess
               it
               the
               same
               in
               our
               own
               souls
               :
               It
               is
               the
               cursed
               distemper
               of
               our
               hearts
               ,
               howsoever
               we
               hold
               the
               Truth
               in
               general
               ,
               yet
               when
               we
               come
               to
               our
               own
               Sins
               ,
               to
               deny
               the
               particulars
               .
               The
               Adulterer
               confesseth
               the
               danger
               and
               filthiness
               of
               that
               Sin
               in
               gross
               ,
               but
               he
               will
               not
               apply
               it
               to
               himself
               :
               The
               Rule
               therefore
               is
               ,
               
                 Arrest
                 thy
                 soul
                 (
                 whosoever
                 thou
                 art
                 )
                 of
                 those
                 sins
                 particularly
                 whereof
                 thou
                 standest
                 guilty
                 ;
              
               To
               this
               purpose
               ,
               say
               ,
               
                 Is
                 Murther
                 ,
                 and
                 Pride
                 ,
                 and
                 Drunkenness
                 ,
                 and
                 Vncleanness
                 such
                 horrible
                 sins
                 ?
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 it
                 was
                 my
                 Heart
                 that
                 was
                 proud
                 ,
                 and
                 vain
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 my
                 Tongue
                 that
                 did
                 speak
                 filthily
                 ,
                 and
                 blasphemously
                 ;
                 my
                 Hand
                 that
                 wrought
                 wickedness
                 ;
                 my
                 Eye
                 that
                 was
                 wanton
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 Heart
                 that
                 was
                 unclean
                 and
                 filthy
                 ;
                 Lord
                 ,
                 here
                 they
                 are
                 :
              
               Thus
               bring
               thy
               Heart
               before
               God
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               When
               the
               soul
               sits
               down
               with
               the
               audience
               of
               Truth
               ,
               and
               seeks
               no
               shift
               to
               oppose
               Truth
               revealed
               :
               when
               the
               Lord
               comes
               to
               make
               racks
               in
               the
               hearts
               of
               such
               as
               he
               means
               to
               do
               good
               to
               ,
               the
               Text
               saith
               ,
               
                 He
                 will
                 reprove
                 the
                 world
                 of
                 sin
                 ;
              
               that
               is
               ,
               
                 He
                 will
              
               
               
                 convince
                 the
                 world
                 of
                 wickedness
                 :
              
               he
               will
               set
               the
               soul
               in
               such
               a
               stand
               ,
               that
               it
               shall
               have
               nothing
               to
               say
               for
               it self
               ,
               he
               cannot
               shift
               it
               off
               .
               The
               Minister
               saith
               ,
               God
               hates
               such
               and
               such
               a
               sinner
               ;
               
                 And
                 the
                 Lord
                 hates
                 me
                 too
              
               (
               saith
               the
               soul
               )
               
                 for
                 I
                 am
                 guilty
                 of
                 that
                 sin
                 .
              
               Thus
               many
               time
               ,
               when
               a
               sinner
               comes
               into
               the
               Congregation
               (
               if
               the
               Lord
               please
               to
               work
               on
               him
               )
               the
               minde
               is
               illightned
               ,
               and
               the
               Minister
               meets
               with
               his
               corruptions
               ,
               as
               if
               he
               were
               in
               his
               bosom
               ,
               and
               he
               answers
               all
               his
               cavils
               ,
               and
               takes
               away
               all
               his
               objections
               :
               with
               that
               the
               soul
               begins
               to
               be
               in
               a
               maze
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 If
                 this
                 be
                 so
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 know
                 )
                 and
                 if
                 all
                 be
                 true
                 that
                 the
                 Minister
                 saith
                 ,
                 then
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 merciful
                 unto
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 most
                 miserable
                 sinner
                 that
                 ever
                 was
                 born
                 .
              
            
             
               You
               that
               know
               not
               your
               sins
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               see
               them
               
                 Convictingly
                 ,
              
               
               get
               you
               home
               to
               the
               Law
               ,
               and
               look
               into
               the
               glass
               thereof
               ,
               and
               then
               bundle
               up
               all
               your
               sins
               thus
               :
               
                 So
                 many
                 sins
                 against
                 God
                 himself
                 in
                 the
                 first
                 Commandment
                 ,
                 against
                 his
                 Worship
                 in
                 the
                 second
                 ,
                 against
                 his
                 Name
                 in
                 the
                 third
                 ,
                 against
                 his
                 Sabbath
                 in
                 the
                 fourth
                 :
                 Nay
                 ,
                 all
                 our
                 Thoughts
                 ,
                 Words
                 and
                 Actions
                 ,
                 all
                 of
                 them
                 have
                 been
                 sins
                 ,
                 able
                 to
                 sink
                 our
                 souls
                 to
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
              
               
               
                 Hell
                 .
              
               And
               secondly
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               see
               them
               
                 clearly
                 ,
              
               consider
               of
               their
               effect
               ,
               both
               in
               their
               
                 Doom
                 ,
              
               and
               in
               the
               
                 Execution
                 :
              
               Onely
               to
               instance
               in
               their
               
                 Doom
                 ;
              
               Me
               thinks
               I
               see
               the
               Lord
               of
               heaven
               and
               earth
               ,
               and
               the
               Attributes
               of
               God
               appearing
               before
               him
               ,
               
                 The
                 Mercy
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 Goodness
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Wisdom
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 Power
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 Patience
                 and
                 Long-suffering
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               they
               come
               all
               to
               a
               sinner
               ,
               an
               hypocrite
               ,
               or
               to
               a
               carnal
               professor
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Mercy
              
               hath
               relieved
               you
               ,
               
                 Goodness
              
               hath
               succored
               you
               ,
               
                 Wisdom
              
               hath
               instructed
               you
               ,
               
                 Power
              
               hath
               defended
               you
               ,
               
                 Patience
              
               hath
               born
               with
               you
               ,
               
                 Long-suffering
              
               hath
               indured
               you
               ;
               now
               all
               these
               comfortable
               Attributes
               will
               bid
               you
               
                 adieu
                 ,
              
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Farewel
                 damned
                 souls
                 ,
                 you
                 must
                 go
                 hence
                 to
                 Hell
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 your
                 fellowship
                 with
                 damned
                 ghosts
                 :
                 Mercy
                 shall
                 never
                 more
                 relieve
                 you
                 ,
                 Goodness
                 shall
                 never
                 more
                 succor
                 you
                 ,
                 Wisdom
                 shall
                 no
                 more
                 instruct
                 you
                 ,
                 Power
                 shall
                 never
                 more
                 defend
                 you
                 ,
                 Patience
                 shall
                 never
                 more
                 bear
                 with
                 you
                 ,
                 Long-suffering
                 shall
                 never
                 more
                 indure
                 you
                 :
              
               and
               then
               shall
               you
               to
               endless
               ,
               easeless
               and
               remediless
               torments
               ,
               where
               you
               will
               ever
               remember
               your
               sins
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 My
                 Covetousness
                 and
                 Pride
                 was
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 I
                 may
                 thank
                 my
                 sins
                 for
                 this
                 .
              
               Think
               of
               these
               things
               (
               I
               beseech
               you
               )
               seriously
               ,
               and
               see
               your
               sins
               here
               ,
               to
               prevent
               this
               sight
               hereafter
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               3.
               
               
                 Sense
                 of
                 Divine
                 Wrath.
                 
              
            
             
               THe
               sinner
               by
               this
               time
               having
               his
               eyes
               so
               far
               opened
               ,
               that
               he
               beholds
               his
               Sins
               ;
               he
               begins
               then
               to
               consider
               ,
               That
               God
               hath
               him
               in
               chase
               :
               And
               this
               
                 sense
                 of
                 Divine
                 Wrath
              
               discovers
               it self
               in
               these
               two
               particulars
               :
            
             
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                
                 It
                 works
                 a
                 fear
                 of
                 some
                 evil
                 to
                 come
                 .
              
               
                 
                   2.
                   
                
                 It
                 possesseth
                 the
                 soul
                 with
                 a
                 feeling
                 of
                 this
                 evil
                 .
              
            
             
               First
               ,
               the
               soul
               considers
               ,
               That
               the
               punishment
               which
               God
               hath
               threatned
               shall
               be
               executed
               on
               him
               sooner
               or
               later
               :
               he
               cryes
               therefore
               ,
               
                 What
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 damn
                 me
                 ?
                 God
                 may
                 do
                 it
                 :
                 And
                 what
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 execute
                 his
                 vengeance
                 upon
                 me
                 ?
              
               Thus
               the
               soul
               fears
               ,
               that
               the
               evil
               discovered
               will
               fall
               upon
               him
               :
               This
               is
               the
               reason
               of
               those
               phrases
               of
               Scripture
               ,
               
                 We
                 have
                 not
                 received
              
               
               
               
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 bondage
                 to
                 fear
                 again
                 ;
              
               the
               Spirit
               shews
               our
               
                 bondage
                 ,
              
               and
               thence
               comes
               this
               fear
               :
               Again
               ,
               
                 God
                 hath
                 not
                 given
                 us
                 the
                 spirit
              
               
               
                 of
                 fear
                 ;
              
               that
               is
               ,
               the
               spirit
               of
               
                 bondage
              
               that
               works
               
                 fear
                 .
              
               It
               is
               with
               a
               soul
               in
               this
               
                 fear
                 ,
              
               as
               it
               was
               with
               
                 Belshazzar
                 ,
              
               when
               he
               commanded
               the
               Cups
               to
               be
               brought
               out
               of
               the
               House
               of
               the
               Lord
               ;
               
                 An
                 hand-writing
                 came
                 against
                 him
                 on
                 the
                 wall
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 he
                 saw
                 it
                 ,
                 his
                 thoughts
                 troubled
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 face
                 began
              
               
               
                 to
                 gather
                 paleness
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 knees
                 knocked
                 against
                 one
                 another
                 ;
              
               as
               if
               he
               should
               say
               ,
               
                 Surely
                 there
                 is
                 some
                 strange
                 evil
                 appointed
                 for
                 me
                 ;
              
               and
               with
               that
               his
               heart
               began
               to
               tremble
               and
               shake
               :
               just
               so
               it
               is
               with
               this
               
                 fear
                 ,
              
               he
               that
               runs
               ryot
               in
               the
               way
               of
               wickedness
               ,
               and
               thinks
               to
               despise
               Gods
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               to
               hate
               the
               Lord
               Almighty
               ,
               and
               to
               resist
               the
               work
               of
               his
               Grace
               :
               now
               it
               may
               be
               there
               comes
               
                 this
                 fear
                 and
                 hand-writing
                 against
                 him
                 ,
              
               and
               then
               he
               cryes
               ,
               
                 These
                 are
                 my
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 are
                 the
                 Plagues
                 and
                 Judgements
                 threatned
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 why
                 may
                 not
                 I
                 be
                 damned
                 ?
                 why
                 may
                 not
                 I
                 be
                 plagued
                 ?
              
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               the
               Lord
               pursues
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               discharges
               that
               evil
               upon
               him
               which
               was
               formerly
               feared
               ;
               and
               now
               his
               Conscience
               is
               all
               on
               a
               flame
               ,
               and
               he
               saith
               to
               himself
               ,
               
                 O
                 I
                 have
                 sinned
                 ,
                 and
                 offended
                 a
                 just
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 I
                 must
                 be
                 damned
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 Hell
                 I
                 must
                 go
                 :
              
               Now
               the
               soul
               shakes
               ,
               and
               is
               driven
               beyond
               it self
               ,
               and
               would
               utterly
               faint
               ,
               but
               that
               the
               Lord
               upholds
               it
               with
               one
               hand
               ,
               as
               he
               beats
               it
               down
               with
               the
               other
               ;
               he
               thinks
               every
               thing
               is
               against
               him
               ,
               he
               thinks
               the
               fire
               burns
               to
               consume
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               ayr
               will
               poyson
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               Hell-mouth
               gapes
               under
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               Gods
               wrath
               hangs
               over
               him
               ,
               and
               if
               now
               the
               Lord
               should
               but
               take
               away
               his
               life
               ,
               that
               he
               should
               tumble
               down
               headlong
               into
               the
               bottomless
               Hell
               :
               Should
               any
               man
               ,
               or
               Minister
               ,
               perswade
               the
               soul
               in
               this
               case
               to
               go
               to
               Heaven
               for
               Mercy
               ,
               it
               replies
               in
               this
               maner
               ,
               
                 Shall
                 I
                 repair
                 to
                 God
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 's
                 my
                 trouble
                 !
                 Is
                 not
                 he
                 that
                 great
                 God
                 ,
                 whose
                 Justice
                 ,
                 and
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 Patience
                 I
                 have
                 abused
                 ?
                 And
                 is
                 not
                 he
                 the
                 great
                 God
                 of
                 Heaven
                 and
                 Earth
                 ,
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 incensed
                 against
                 me
                 ?
                 Oh
                 ,
                 with
                 what
                 a
                 face
                 can
                 I
                 appear
                 before
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 what
                 heart
                 can
                 I
                 look
                 for
                 any
                 mercy
                 from
                 him
                 ?
                 I
                 have
                 wronged
                 his
                 Justice
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 his
                 Justice
                 pardon
                 me
                 ?
                 I
                 have
                 abused
                 his
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 his
                 Mercy
                 pity
                 me
                 ?
                 What
                 ,
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 am
                 ?
                 If
                 I
                 had
                 never
                 enjoyed
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 mercy
                 ,
                 I
                 might
                 have
                 had
                 some
                 plea
                 for
                 my self
                 ,
                 but
                 Oh
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 refused
              
               
               
                 that
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 trampled
                 the
                 Blood
                 of
                 Christ
                 under
                 my
                 feet
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 I
                 look
                 for
                 any
                 mercy
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 I
                 see
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 incensed
                 against
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 's
                 all
                 I
                 look
                 for
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               4.
               
               
                 Sorrow
                 for
                 Sin
                 .
              
            
             
               THe
               next
               step
               is
               
                 Sorrow
                 for
                 Sin
                 ;
              
               concerning
               which
               ,
               are
               two
               questions
               :
               1.
               
               Whether
               it
               be
               a
               work
               of
               saving
               grace
               ?
               2.
               
               Whether
               God
               work
               it
               in
               all
               alike
               ?
            
             
               To
               the
               first
               ,
               I
               answer
               ,
               There
               is
               a
               double
               
                 Sorrow
                 ,
              
               one
               in
               
                 Preparation
                 ,
              
               the
               other
               in
               
                 Sanctification
                 :
              
               They
               differ
               thus
               ;
               
                 Sorrow
                 in
                 Preparation
                 ,
              
               is
               when
               the
               word
               of
               God
               leaves
               an
               impression
               upon
               the
               heart
               of
               a
               man
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               heart
               of
               it self
               is
               as
               it
               were
               a
               Patient
               ,
               and
               onely
               bears
               the
               blow
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ;
               and
               hence
               come
               all
               those
               phrases
               of
               Scripture
               ,
               as
               
                 wounded
                 ,
                 pierced
                 ,
                 pricked
                 ,
              
               in
               the
               passive
               voyce
               :
               So
               that
               this
               
                 Sorrow
              
               is
               rather
               a
               
                 Sorrow
              
               wrought
               on
               me
               ,
               then
               any
               work
               coming
               from
               any
               Spiritual
               ability
               in
               me
               :
               But
               
                 Sorrow
              
               in
               Sanctification
               flows
               from
               a
               Spiritual
               principle
               of
               Grace
               ,
               and
               from
               that
               power
               which
               the
               heart
               hath
               formerly
               received
               from
               Gods
               Spirit
               ;
               so
               that
               in
               this
               a
               man
               is
               a
               free
               worker
               :
               Now
               both
               these
               are
               
                 saving
                 Sorrows
                 ,
              
               but
               they
               differ
               marvellously
               ;
               many
               think
               ,
               that
               every
               saving
               work
               ,
               is
               a
               sanctifying
               work
               ,
               which
               is
               false
               ,
               
                 Those
                 whom
                 he
                 calleth
              
               (
               saith
               the
               
               Apostle
               )
               
                 them
                 he
                 also
                 justifies
                 ,
                 and
                 whom
                 he
                 justifies
                 ,
                 he
                 glorifies
                 :
              
               You
               may
               observe
               ,
               That
               
                 Glorification
              
               in
               this
               place
               implyes
               Sanctification
               here
               ,
               and
               glory
               hereafter
               ;
               now
               before
               
                 Glorification
                 ,
              
               you
               see
               there
               is
               
                 Justification
                 and
                 Vocation
                 ,
              
               and
               both
               these
               are
               saving
               .
            
             
               To
               the
               second
               ,
               I
               answer
               ,
               Howsoever
               this
               work
               is
               the
               same
               in
               all
               for
               substance
               ,
               yet
               in
               a
               different
               maner
               it
               is
               wrought
               in
               most
               :
               Two
               men
               are
               pricked
               ,
               the
               one
               with
               a
               pin
               ,
               the
               other
               with
               a
               spear
               ;
               two
               men
               are
               cut
               ,
               the
               one
               with
               a
               pen-knife
               ,
               the
               other
               with
               a
               sword
               :
               so
               the
               Lord
               deals
               kindely
               and
               gently
               with
               one
               soul
               ,
               and
               roughly
               with
               another
               :
               There
               is
               the
               melting
               of
               a
               thing
               ,
               and
               the
               breaking
               of
               it
               with
               hammers
               ;
               so
               there
               is
               a
               difference
               in
               persons
               :
               for
               instance
               ,
               if
               the
               person
               be
               a
               scandalous
               liver
               ,
               and
               an
               opposer
               of
               God
               and
               his
               Grace
               :
               Secondly
               ,
               if
               a
               man
               have
               
               harbored
               a
               filthy
               heart
               ,
               and
               continues
               long
               in
               Sin
               .
               Thirdly
               ,
               if
               a
               man
               have
               been
               confident
               in
               a
               formal
               civil
               course
               .
               Fourthly
               ,
               if
               God
               purpose
               by
               some
               man
               to
               do
               some
               extraordinary
               great
               work
               :
               In
               all
               these
               four
               cases
               he
               lays
               an
               heavy
               blow
               on
               the
               heart
               ,
               the
               Lord
               will
               bruise
               them
               ,
               and
               rend
               the
               kall
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               and
               make
               them
               seek
               to
               a
               faithful
               Minister
               for
               direction
               ,
               and
               to
               a
               poor
               Christian
               for
               counsel
               ,
               whom
               before
               they
               despised
               .
               But
               if
               the
               soul
               be
               trained
               up
               among
               godly
               Parents
               ,
               and
               live
               under
               a
               soul-saving
               Ministery
               ,
               the
               Lord
               may
               reform
               this
               man
               ,
               and
               cut
               him
               off
               from
               his
               corruptions
               kindely
               ,
               and
               break
               his
               heart
               secretly
               ,
               in
               the
               apprehension
               of
               his
               Sins
               ,
               and
               yet
               the
               world
               never
               see
               it
               .
               In
               both
               these
               we
               have
               an
               example
               in
               
                 Lydia
              
               and
               the
               
                 Jaylor
                 :
                 Lydia
              
               was
               a
               sinful
               woman
               ,
               and
               God
               opened
               her
               eyes
               ,
               and
               melted
               her
               heart
               kindely
               ,
               and
               brought
               her
               to
               a
               taste
               of
               his
               goodness
               here
               ,
               and
               glory
               hereafter
               :
               But
               the
               
                 Jaylor
              
               was
               an
               outragious
               ,
               rebellious
               wretch
               ,
               for
               when
               the
               Apostles
               were
               committed
               to
               prison
               ,
               he
               laid
               them
               up
               in
               stocks
               ,
               and
               whipped
               them
               sore
               ;
               now
               there
               was
               much
               work
               to
               bring
               this
               man
               home
               :
               when
               the
               Apostles
               were
               singing
               Psalms
               ,
               there
               came
               an
               Earthquake
               ,
               which
               made
               the
               prison
               doors
               flie
               open
               ,
               and
               the
               prisoners
               fetters
               to
               fall
               off
               ,
               but
               yet
               the
               Jaylors
               heart
               would
               not
               shake
               :
               at
               last
               the
               Lord
               did
               shake
               his
               heart
               too
               ,
               and
               he
               came
               trembling
               ,
               and
               was
               ready
               to
               lay
               violent
               hands
               upon
               himself
               ,
               because
               he
               thought
               the
               prisoners
               had
               been
               fled
               ;
               but
               the
               Apostles
               cryed
               to
               him
               ,
               
                 Do
                 thy self
                 no
              
               
               
                 harm
                 ,
                 for
                 we
                 are
                 all
                 here
                 :
              
               with
               that
               he
               fell
               down
               before
               them
               ,
               and
               said
               ,
               
                 Men
                 and
                 brethren
                 ,
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 do
                 to
                 be
                 saved
                 ?
              
               For
               Conclusion
               ,
               give
               me
               a
               Christian
               that
               God
               doth
               please
               to
               work
               upon
               in
               this
               extraordinary
               maner
               ,
               and
               to
               break
               his
               heart
               soundly
               ,
               and
               to
               throw
               him
               down
               to
               purpose
               ,
               though
               it
               cost
               him
               full
               dear
               ,
               this
               man
               walks
               ordinarily
               with
               more
               care
               and
               conscience
               ,
               and
               hath
               more
               comfort
               coming
               to
               himself
               ,
               and
               gives
               more
               glory
               unto
               God
               .
            
             
               Is
               it
               so
               ,
               that
               the
               soul
               of
               a
               man
               is
               thus
               pierced
               to
               the
               quick
               ,
               and
               
               run
               through
               by
               the
               wrath
               of
               the
               Almighty
               ?
               then
               let
               this
               teach
               all
               how
               to
               carry
               themselves
               towards
               such
               as
               God
               hath
               thus
               dealt
               withal
               :
               Are
               they
               pierced
               men
               ?
               O
               pity
               them
               !
               let
               our
               souls
               ,
               O
               let
               the
               bowels
               of
               commiseration
               and
               compassion
               be
               let
               out
               towards
               them
               !
               let
               us
               never
               cease
               to
               do
               good
               to
               them
               ,
               to
               the
               very
               uttermost
               of
               our
               powers
               !
               And
               to
               the
               performance
               of
               this
               ,
               
               Reason
               and
               Religion
               ,
               and
               pity
               (
               me-thinks
               )
               should
               move
               us
               :
               Hear
               the
               cry
               ,
               
                 Oh
              
               (
               saith
               the
               poor
               soul
               )
               
                 will
                 these
                 and
                 these
                 sins
                 never
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ?
                 Will
                 this
                 proud
                 heart
                 never
                 be
                 humbled
                 ?
              
               Thus
               the
               soul
               sighs
               and
               mourns
               ,
               and
               says
               ,
               
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 see
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 feel
                 the
                 burthen
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 I
                 have
                 not
                 an
                 heart
                 to
                 be
                 humbled
                 for
                 it
                 ,
                 nor
                 to
                 be
                 freed
                 from
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 when
                 will
                 it
                 once
                 be
                 ?
              
               Did
               you
               but
               know
               this
               ,
               it
               would
               make
               your
               hearts
               bleed
               to
               hear
               him
               :
               Oh!
               the
               sword
               of
               the
               Almighty
               hath
               pierced
               through
               his
               heart
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               breathing
               out
               his
               
                 sorrow
                 ,
              
               as
               though
               he
               were
               going
               down
               to
               hell
               ,
               and
               he
               saith
               ,
               
                 If
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 mercy
                 ,
                 any
                 love
                 ,
                 any
                 fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 have
                 mercy
                 upon
                 me
                 a
                 poor
                 creature
                 ,
                 that
                 am
                 under
                 the
                 burthen
                 of
                 the
                 Almighty
                 !
              
               O
               pray
               ,
               and
               pity
               these
               wounds
               and
               vexations
               of
               Spirit
               ,
               which
               no
               man
               findes
               nor
               feels
               ,
               but
               he
               that
               hath
               been
               thus
               wounded
               .
               It
               is
               a
               sign
               of
               a
               soul
               wholly
               devoted
               to
               destruction
               ,
               that
               hath
               a
               desperate
               disdain
               against
               poor
               wounded
               creatures
               :
               Is
               it
               possible
               there
               should
               harbor
               such
               a
               Spirit
               in
               any
               man
               ?
               if
               the
               Devil
               himself
               were
               incarnate
               ,
               I
               cannot
               conceive
               what
               he
               could
               do
               worse
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               If
               ever
               thou
               wouldst
               be
               comforted
               ,
               and
               receive
               mercy
               from
               God
               ,
               labor
               never
               to
               be
               quiet
               ,
               till
               thou
               dost
               bring
               thy
               heart
               
               to
               a
               right
               pitch
               of
               
                 sorrow
                 ;
              
               thou
               hast
               a
               little
               
                 slight
                 sorrow
                 ,
              
               but
               Oh!
               labor
               to
               have
               thy
               heart
               truly
               touched
               ,
               that
               at
               last
               it
               may
               break
               in
               regard
               of
               thy
               many
               distempers
               ;
               remember
               ,
               the
               longer
               seed-time
               ,
               the
               greater
               harvest
               :
               
                 Blessed
                 are
                 they
                 that
                 mourn
                 ,
                 for
              
               
               
                 they
                 shall
                 be
                 comforted
                 ;
              
               but
               
                 wo
                 to
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 at
                 ease
                 in
                 Zion
                 :
              
               Thou
               hadst
               better
               now
               be
               wounded
               ,
               then
               everlastingly
               tormented
               ;
               and
               therefore
               if
               thou
               desirest
               to
               see
               Gods
               face
               with
               comfort
               ,
               if
               thou
               wouldst
               hear
               Christ
               say
               ,
               
                 Come
                 ,
                 thou
                 poor
                 heavy-hearted
                 sinner
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 ease
                 thee
                 ,
              
               Labor
               to
               lay
               load
               on
               thy
               heart
               ,
               with
               
                 sorrow
              
               for
               thy
               sin
               ;
               O
               what
               a
               comfort
               shall
               a
               poor
               broken
               heart
               finde
               in
               that
               day
               !
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               5.
               
               
                 The
                 extent
                 of
                 this
                 Sorrow
                 .
              
            
             
               HItherto
               of
               
                 Contrition
                 ;
              
               the
               next
               work
               is
               
                 Humiliation
                 ,
              
               which
               differs
               from
               the
               other
               ,
               not
               in
               substance
               ,
               but
               circumstance
               :
               
               For
               
                 Humiliation
              
               (
               as
               I
               take
               it
               )
               is
               onely
               the
               extent
               of
               
                 Sorrow
                 for
                 Sin
                 ,
              
               of
               which
               we
               have
               spoken
               ;
               and
               it
               contains
               these
               two
               Duties
               :
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   Submission
                   ,
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Contentedness
                   ,
                
              
               to
               be
               at
               the
               Lords
               disposal
               .
            
             
               The
               first
               part
               of
               
                 Humiliation
                 ,
              
               is
               
                 Submission
                 ,
              
               which
               is
               wrought
               thus
               :
               The
               sinner
               having
               now
               had
               a
               
                 Sight
                 of
                 his
                 Sins
                 ,
              
               and
               a
               
                 Sorrow
              
               in
               some
               measure
               for
               Sin
               ,
               he
               seeks
               far
               and
               wide
               ,
               improves
               all
               means
               ,
               and
               takes
               up
               all
               
                 Duties
                 ,
              
               that
               (
               if
               it
               were
               possible
               )
               he
               might
               heal
               his
               wounded
               soul
               :
               Thus
               seeking
               ,
               and
               seeking
               ,
               but
               finding
               no
               succor
               in
               what
               he
               hath
               or
               doth
               ,
               he
               is
               forced
               at
               last
               (
               in
               his
               despairing
               condition
               )
               to
               make
               tryal
               of
               the
               Lord
               :
               It
               is
               true
               ,
               for
               the
               present
               he
               apprehends
               God
               to
               be
               just
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               incensed
               against
               him
               ,
               he
               hath
               no
               experience
               of
               Gods
               favor
               for
               the
               while
               no
               certainty
               how
               he
               shall
               speed
               ,
               if
               he
               go
               to
               the
               Lord
               ;
               yet
               because
               he
               sees
               he
               cannot
               be
               worse
               then
               he
               is
               ,
               and
               that
               none
               can
               help
               him
               but
               God
               ,
               if
               it
               would
               please
               him
               :
               therefore
               he
               falls
               at
               the
               footstool
               of
               Mercy
               ,
               and
               he
               lies
               grovelling
               at
               the
               gate
               of
               Grace
               ,
               and
               
                 submits
              
               himself
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               do
               with
               him
               as
               pleaseth
               himself
               ,
               or
               
                 as
                 it
                 seemeth
                 good
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 .
              
            
             
               This
               was
               the
               
                 Ninevites
              
               case
               ,
               when
               
                 Jonah
              
               had
               denounced
               that
               heavy
               Judgement
               ,
               and
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               thrown
               wilde
               fire
               about
               the
               streets
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Within
                 forty
                 days
                 Niniveh
                 shall
                 be
                 destroyed
                 :
              
               See
               what
               they
               resolved
               upon
               ,
               
                 They
                 fasted
                 ,
                 and
                 prayed
                 ,
                 and
                 put
                 on
              
               
               
                 sackcloth
                 and
                 ashes
                 ;
                 who
                 can
                 tell
              
               (
               said
               they
               )
               
                 but
                 God
                 may
                 turn
                 ,
                 and
                 repent
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 fierce
                 wrath
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 perish
                 not
                 ?
              
               as
               if
               they
               had
               said
               ,
               We
               know
               not
               what
               God
               will
               do
               ,
               but
               this
               we
               know
               ,
               that
               we
               cannot
               oppose
               his
               Judgements
               ,
               nor
               succor
               our selves
               :
               Thus
               it
               is
               with
               a
               sinner
               ,
               when
               he
               seeth
               hell
               fire
               to
               flash
               in
               his
               face
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               cannot
               succor
               himself
               ,
               then
               he
               saith
               ,
               
                 This
                 I
                 know
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 means
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 cannot
                 save
                 me
                 ,
                 yet
                 who
                 can
                 tell
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 may
                 have
                 mercy
                 on
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 cure
                 his
                 tdistressed
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 heal
                 all
                 these
                 wounds
                 that
                 sin
                 hath
                 made
                 in
                 my
                 soul
                 ?
              
               This
               is
               the
               lively
               picture
               of
               the
               soul
               in
               this
               case
               .
            
             
               Or
               for
               a
               further
               light
               ,
               this
               
                 Subjection
              
               discovers
               it self
               in
               four
               particulars
               :
            
             
               First
               ,
               he
               seeth
               and
               confesseth
               that
               the
               Lord
               (
               for
               ought
               he
               knows
               )
               will
               proceed
               in
               Justice
               against
               him
               ,
               and
               execute
               upon
               him
               those
               Plagues
               that
               God
               hath
               threatned
               ,
               and
               his
               Sins
               have
               deserved
               ;
               
               he
               seeth
               that
               Justice
               is
               not
               yet
               satisfied
               ,
               and
               those
               reckonings
               between
               God
               and
               him
               are
               not
               yet
               made
               up
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               cannot
               apprehend
               ,
               but
               that
               God
               will
               take
               vengeance
               on
               him
               :
               What
               else
               ?
               when
               he
               hath
               done
               all
               he
               can
               ,
               he
               is
               unprofitable
               still
               ;
               Justice
               remains
               unsatisfied
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 hast
                 sinned
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 wronged
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 thou
                 shalt
                 dye
                 .
              
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               he
               conceives
               ,
               that
               what
               God
               will
               do
               ,
               that
               he
               will
               do
               ,
               and
               he
               cannot
               avoid
               it
               ;
               if
               the
               Lord
               will
               come
               ,
               and
               require
               the
               glory
               of
               his
               Justice
               against
               him
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               way
               to
               avoid
               it
               ,
               nor
               to
               bear
               it
               :
               and
               this
               crusheth
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               makes
               the
               soul
               to
               be
               beyond
               all
               shifts
               and
               evasions
               ,
               whereby
               it
               may
               seem
               to
               avoid
               the
               dint
               of
               the
               Lords
               blow
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               he
               casts
               away
               his
               weapons
               ,
               and
               falls
               down
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               resigns
               himself
               into
               the
               soveraign
               power
               and
               command
               of
               God
               .
               Thus
               
                 David
                 ,
              
               when
               the
               Lord
               cast
               him
               out
               of
               his
               Kingdom
               ,
               he
               said
               to
               
                 Zadock
                 ,
                 Carry
                 back
                 the
                 Ark
                 of
                 God
                 into
                 the
                 City
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 shall
                 finde
                 favor
                 in
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 he
              
               
               
                 will
                 bring
                 me
                 back
                 again
                 ,
                 and
                 shew
                 me
                 both
                 it
                 and
                 his
                 Habitation
                 :
                 But
                 if
                 he
                 thus
                 say
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 delight
                 in
                 thee
                 ;
                 behold
                 ,
                 here
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 do
                 with
                 me
                 as
                 seemeth
                 good
                 in
                 his
                 eyes
                 .
              
               This
               is
               the
               frame
               of
               a
               poor
               soul
               ;
               when
               a
               poor
               sinner
               will
               stand
               upon
               his
               priviledges
               ,
               the
               Lord
               saith
               ,
               
                 Bear
                 my
                 Justice
                 ,
                 and
                 defend
                 thy self
                 by
                 all
                 thou
                 hast
                 or
                 canst
                 do
                 :
              
               and
               the
               soul
               answereth
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 thy
                 Servant
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 do
                 what
                 is
                 good
                 in
                 thine
                 eyes
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 succor
                 my self
                 .
              
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               soul
               freely
               acknowledgeth
               ,
               That
               it
               is
               in
               Gods
               power
               to
               do
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               dispose
               of
               him
               as
               he
               will
               ;
               and
               therefore
               he
               lies
               and
               licks
               the
               dust
               ,
               and
               cryes
               ,
               
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 mercy
                 ,
                 Lord
                 :
              
               he
               thinks
               not
               to
               purchase
               Mercy
               at
               the
               Lords
               hands
               ,
               but
               onely
               saith
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 in
                 Gods
                 good
                 pleasure
                 to
                 do
                 with
                 him
                 as
                 he
                 will
                 ,
                 onely
                 he
                 looks
                 for
                 favor
                 ,
                 and
                 cryes
                 ,
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 mercy
                 to
                 this
                 poor
                 distressed
                 soul
                 of
                 mine
                 :
              
               O
               (
               replies
               the
               Lord
               )
               dost
               thou
               need
               mercy
               ?
               Cannot
               thy
               
                 Hearing
                 ,
                 and
                 Praying
                 ,
                 and
                 Fasting
                 ,
              
               carry
               thee
               to
               heaven
               without
               hazard
               ?
               Gird
               up
               now
               thy
               loyns
               ,
               and
               make
               thy
               ferventest
               Prayers
               ,
               and
               let
               them
               meet
               my
               Justice
               ,
               and
               see
               if
               they
               can
               bear
               my
               Wrath
               ,
               or
               purchase
               any
               Mercy
               :
               
                 No
                 ,
                 no
              
               (
               saith
               the
               sinner
               )
               
                 I
                 know
                 it
                 by
                 lamentable
                 experience
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 my
                 prayers
                 and
                 performances
                 will
                 never
                 procure
                 peace
                 to
                 my
                 soul
                 .
                 nor
                 give
                 my
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 thy
                 Justice
                 ,
                 I
                 onely
                 pray
                 for
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 desire
              
               
               
                 onely
                 to
                 hear
                 some
                 News
                 of
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 to
                 relieve
                 this
                 miserable
                 wretched
                 soul
                 of
                 mine
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 onely
                 Mercy
                 that
                 must
                 help
                 me
                 ,
                 O
                 Mercy
                 (
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 possible
                 )
                 to
                 this
                 poor
                 distressed
                 soul
                 of
                 mine
                 ▪
              
               Me
               thinks
               the
               picture
               of
               those
               poor
               famished
               Lepers
               ,
               may
               ●itly
               resemble
               this
               poor
               sinner
               ,
               when
               the
               Famine
               was
               great
               in
               
                 Samaria
                 ;
                 There
                 were
                 four
                 leprous
                 men
                 sate
                 in
                 the
                 gate
                 of
                 the
                 City
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 said
                 ,
                 Why
                 sit
                 we
                 here
                 until
                 we
                 dye
                 ?
                 if
                 we
                 enter
                 into
                 the
              
               
               
                 City
                 ,
                 the
                 famine
                 is
                 there
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 we
                 sit
                 here
                 ,
                 we
                 dye
                 also
                 ;
                 now
                 therefore
                 let
                 us
                 fall
                 into
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 our
                 enemies
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 save
                 us
                 alive
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 live
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 kill
                 us
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 but
                 dye
                 :
              
               They
               had
               but
               one
               means
               to
               succor
               themselves
               withal
               ,
               and
               that
               was
               to
               go
               into
               the
               Camp
               of
               the
               enemies
               ,
               and
               there
               ,
               as
               it
               hapned
               ,
               they
               were
               relieved
               .
               Thus
               is
               the
               lively
               picture
               of
               a
               poor
               sinner
               in
               this
               despairing
               condition
               ,
               when
               he
               seeth
               the
               wrath
               of
               God
               pursuing
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               Lord
               hath
               beset
               him
               on
               every
               side
               ;
               at
               last
               he
               resolves
               thus
               with
               himself
               ,
               
                 If
                 I
                 go
                 and
                 rest
                 on
                 my
                 priviledges
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 nothing
                 but
                 emptiness
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 I
                 rest
                 in
                 my
                 natural
                 condition
                 ,
                 I
                 perish
                 there
                 also
                 :
                 let
                 me
                 therefore
                 fall
                 into
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 Hosts
                 .
                 I
                 confess
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 provoked
                 by
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 see
                 he
                 is
                 mine
                 enemy
                 ;
                 I
                 am
                 now
                 a
                 damned
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 cast
                 me
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 presence
                 ,
                 I
                 can
                 be
                 but
                 damned
                 .
              
               And
               then
               he
               comes
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               he
               falls
               down
               before
               the
               footstool
               of
               a
               consuming
               God
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               as
               
                 Job
              
               did
               ,
               
                 What
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 unto
                 thee
                 ,
                 O
                 thou
                 Preserver
                 of
                 men
                 ?
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 reason
                 to
                 plead
                 for
                 my self
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 power
                 to
                 succor
                 my self
                 ,
                 my
                 accusations
                 are
                 my
                 best
                 excuse
                 ,
                 all
                 the
                 priviledges
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 cannot
                 justific
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 my
                 Duties
                 cannot
                 save
                 me
                 ;
                 if
                 there
                 be
                 any
                 mercy
                 left
                 ,
                 O
                 succor
                 a
                 poor
                 distressed
                 sinner
                 in
                 the
                 very
                 gall
                 of
                 bitterness
                 .
              
               This
               is
               the
               behavior
               of
               the
               soul
               in
               this
               work
               of
               
                 Subjection
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               second
               part
               of
               
                 Humiliation
                 ,
              
               is
               ,
               
                 Contentedness
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 Lords
                 disposal
                 ;
              
               and
               this
               point
               is
               of
               an
               higher
               pitch
               then
               the
               former
               :
               For
               example
               ,
               Take
               a
               debtor
               who
               hath
               used
               all
               means
               to
               avoid
               the
               creditor
               ,
               in
               the
               end
               he
               seeth
               he
               cannot
               avoid
               the
               Suit
               ,
               and
               to
               bear
               it
               he
               is
               not
               able
               ,
               therefore
               the
               onely
               way
               is
               to
               come
               in
               ,
               and
               to
               yield
               himself
               into
               his
               creditors
               hands
               ;
               but
               suppose
               the
               creditor
               should
               exact
               the
               utmost
               ,
               and
               throw
               him
               into
               prison
               ,
               
                 to
                 be
                 content
              
               now
               to
               undergo
               the
               hardest
               dealing
               ,
               it
               is
               an
               hard
               matter
               ,
               and
               a
               further
               degree
               .
               So
               when
               the
               soul
               hath
               
               offered
               himself
               ,
               and
               he
               seeth
               that
               Gods
               Writs
               are
               out
               against
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               not
               able
               (
               whensoever
               the
               Judgement
               comes
               )
               to
               avoid
               it
               ,
               nor
               to
               bear
               it
               ,
               therefore
               he
               
                 submits
              
               himself
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 whether
                 shall
                 I
                 go
                 ?
                 thy
                 anger
                 is
                 heavy
                 and
                 unavoidable
                 ;
              
               nay
               ,
               whatsoever
               God
               requires
               ,
               the
               soul
               lays
               his
               hand
               on
               his
               mouth
               ,
               and
               goes
               away
               
                 contented
                 ,
              
               and
               well
               satisfied
               ,
               and
               hath
               nothing
               at
               all
               to
               say
               against
               the
               Lord
               .
               This
               is
               the
               nature
               of
               
                 Contentedness
                 .
              
            
             
               Or
               for
               a
               further
               light
               ,
               this
               
                 Contentedness
              
               discovers
               it self
               in
               these
               three
               following
               particulars
               :
            
             
               First
               ,
               the
               Soul
               reflects
               on
               Gods
               
                 Mercy
                 ,
              
               which
               though
               he
               begg'd
               when
               he
               
                 submitted
                 ,
              
               yet
               now
               he
               seeth
               so
               much
               corruption
               and
               unworthiness
               in
               himself
               ,
               that
               he
               acknowledgeth
               himself
               unfit
               for
               Mercy
               :
               
                 O
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 mercy
                 Lord
                 !
              
               What
               (
               saith
               the
               Lord
               )
               I
               had
               thought
               your
               own
               Duties
               would
               have
               purchased
               mercy
               :
               
                 O
                 no
              
               (
               saith
               the
               Soul
               )
               
                 it
                 is
                 onely
                 Mercy
                 that
                 must
                 relieve
                 ,
                 and
                 succor
                 me
                 ;
                 but
                 such
                 is
                 my
                 vileness
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 fit
                 for
                 the
                 least
                 mercy
                 and
                 favor
                 ;
                 and
                 such
                 is
                 the
                 wickedness
                 of
                 this
                 wretched
                 heart
                 of
                 mine
                 ,
                 that
                 whatsoever
                 are
                 the
                 greatest
                 plagues
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 worthy
                 of
                 them
                 all
                 ,
                 though
                 never
                 so
                 insupportable
                 :
                 All
                 the
                 Judgements
                 that
                 God
                 hath
                 threatned
                 ,
                 and
                 prepared
                 for
                 the
                 Devil
                 and
                 his
                 Angels
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 due
                 to
                 my
                 wretched
                 soul
                 .
                 O
              
               (
               saith
               the
               Soul
               )
               
                 had
                 the
                 Devils
                 the
                 like
                 hopes
                 ,
                 and
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 patience
                 that
                 I
                 have
                 enjoyed
                 ,
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 know
                 they
                 would
                 have
                 been
                 better
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 :
              
               It
               is
               that
               which
               shames
               the
               Soul
               in
               all
               his
               sorrows
               ,
               and
               makes
               him
               say
               ,
               
                 Had
                 they
                 the
                 like
                 Mercy
                 ?
                 O
                 those
                 sweet
                 Comforts
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 precious
                 Promises
                 that
                 I
                 have
                 had
                 !
                 How
                 many
                 heavy
                 journeys
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 made
                 to
                 me
                 ?
                 How
                 often
                 hath
                 he
                 knock'd
                 at
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 said
                 ,
                 Come
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 ye
                 rebellious
                 children
                 ;
                 turn
                 ye
                 ,
                 turn
                 ye
                 ,
                 why
                 will
                 ye
                 dye
                 ?
                 O
                 that
                 Mercy
                 that
                 hath
                 followed
                 me
                 from
                 my
                 house
                 to
                 my
                 walk
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 thence
                 to
                 my
                 closet
                 ;
                 here
                 Mercy
                 hath
                 conferred
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 there
                 Mercy
                 hath
                 wooed
                 me
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 in
                 my
                 night-thoughts
                 when
                 I
                 awaked
                 ,
                 Mercy
                 kneeled
                 down
                 before
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 besought
                 me
                 to
                 renounce
                 my
                 bad
                 courses
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 refused
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 needs
                 have
                 mine
                 own
                 will
                 ;
                 had
                 the
                 Devil
                 but
                 such
                 hopes
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 offers
                 of
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 tremble
                 now
                 for
                 want
                 of
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 they
                 would
                 (
                 for
                 ought
                 I
                 know
                 )
                 have
                 given
                 entertainment
                 to
                 it
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 ,
                 do
                 I
                 seek
                 for
                 Mercy
                 ?
                 shall
                 I
                 talk
                 of
                 Mercy
                 ?
                 What
                 ,
                 I
                 Mercy
                 ?
                 the
                 least
                 of
                 Gods
                 Mercies
                 are
              
               
               
                 too
                 good
                 for
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 heaviest
                 of
                 Gods
                 Plagues
                 are
                 too
                 little
                 for
                 me
                 ;
                 I
                 suppose
                 (
                 for
                 so
                 is
                 my
                 opinion
                 )
                 that
                 God
                 cannot
                 do
                 more
                 against
                 me
                 then
                 I
                 have
                 justly
                 deserved
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 sure
                 ,
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 lay
                 more
                 upon
                 me
                 then
                 I
                 am
                 justly
                 worthy
                 of
                 :
              
               Nay
               ,
               sure
               it
               is
               ,
               the
               Soul
               cannot
               bear
               nor
               suffer
               so
               much
               as
               he
               hath
               deserved
               ,
               if
               God
               should
               proceed
               in
               rigor
               with
               him
               ;
               therefore
               it
               reasons
               thus
               :
               
                 I
                 onely
                 for
                 one
                 sin
                 deserve
                 eternal
                 condemnation
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 wages
                 of
                 all
                 sin
                 is
                 death
                 ,
                 being
                 committed
                 against
                 Divine
                 Justice
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 an
                 Infinite
                 Majesty
                 ;
                 and
                 then
                 what
                 do
                 all
                 these
                 my
                 sins
                 deserve
                 ,
                 committed
                 and
                 continued
                 in
                 ,
                 against
                 all
                 checks
                 of
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 and
                 Corrections
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 Gods
                 Word
                 ?
                 Hell
                 is
                 too
                 good
                 ,
                 and
                 ten
                 thousand
                 hells
                 too
                 little
                 to
                 torment
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 am
                 :
                 What
                 ,
                 I
                 mercy
                 ?
                 I
                 am
                 ashamed
                 to
                 expect
                 it
                 ;
                 With
                 what
                 heart
                 (
                 I
                 pray
                 you
                 )
                 can
                 I
                 beg
                 this
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 trodden
                 under
                 my
                 feet
                 ?
                 The
                 Lord
                 hath
                 often
                 wooed
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 his
                 wounds
                 were
                 bleeding
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 side
                 gored
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 hideous
                 cryes
                 coming
                 into
                 mine
                 ears
                 ,
                 My
                 God
                 ,
                 my
                 God
                 ,
                 why
                 hast
                 thou
                 forsaken
                 me
                 ?
                 then
                 ,
                 even
                 then
                 this
                 Christ
                 have
                 I
                 slighted
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 nothing
                 of
                 his
                 Blood
                 ;
                 and
                 can
                 this
                 blood
                 of
                 Christ
                 do
                 me
                 now
                 any
                 service
                 ?
                 Indeed
                 I
                 crave
                 grace
                 ,
                 but
                 how
                 do
                 I
                 think
                 to
                 receive
                 any
                 ?
                 All
                 the
                 Pillars
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 can
                 testifie
                 ,
                 how
                 often
                 Grace
                 and
                 Mercy
                 have
                 been
                 offered
                 and
                 offered
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 have
                 ever
                 refused
                 ;
                 How
                 then
                 can
                 I
                 beg
                 any
                 grace
                 ?
                 O
                 this
                 stubbornness
                 and
                 villany
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 wretchedness
                 of
                 mine
                 !
                 What
                 ,
                 I
                 mercy
                 ?
                 it
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 I
                 can
                 expect
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 worthy
                 of
                 any
                 ;
                 Oh
                 no
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 onely
                 worthy
                 to
                 be
                 cast
                 out
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               the
               Soul
               reflects
               on
               
                 Justice
                 ,
              
               and
               now
               it
               acknowledgeth
               the
               Equity
               of
               Gods
               dealings
               ,
               be
               they
               never
               so
               harsh
               ;
               he
               confesseth
               that
               he
               is
               as
               clay
               in
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               Potter
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               may
               deal
               with
               him
               as
               he
               will
               :
               yea
               ,
               the
               Soul
               is
               driven
               to
               an
               amazement
               at
               the
               Lords
               patience
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               hath
               been
               pleased
               to
               reprieve
               him
               so
               long
               ,
               that
               God
               hath
               not
               cast
               him
               out
               of
               his
               presence
               ,
               and
               sent
               him
               down
               to
               hell
               long
               ago
               :
               It
               is
               the
               frame
               of
               the
               Spirit
               which
               the
               poor
               lamenting
               Church
               had
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 the
                 Lords
                 mercy
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 not
                 confounded
                 ,
                 because
                 his
                 compassions
              
               
               
                 fail
                 not
                 .
              
               When
               the
               Lord
               hath
               humbled
               the
               heart
               of
               a
               Drunkard
               or
               Adulterer
               ,
               he
               begins
               thus
               to
               think
               with
               himself
               ,
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 saw
                 all
                 the
                 evils
                 I
                 committed
                 ;
              
               and
               what
               then
               ?
               O
               then
               the
               Soul
               admires
               that
               ever
               Gods
               Justice
               was
               able
               to
               bear
               with
               such
               a
               monster
               ,
               
               and
               that
               God
               did
               not
               confound
               him
               in
               his
               drunkenness
               or
               burning
               lusts
               ,
               and
               cast
               him
               down
               into
               hell
               .
               
                 Oh
              
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 it
                 is
                 because
                 his
                 mercies
                 fail
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 my
                 life
                 and
                 all
                 have
                 not
                 failed
                 long
                 ago
                 .
              
               Hence
               it
               is
               that
               the
               Soul
               will
               not
               maintain
               any
               kinde
               of
               murmuring
               ,
               or
               heart-rising
               against
               the
               Lords
               dealings
               ;
               or
               if
               Nature
               and
               Corruption
               will
               be
               striving
               sometimes
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Why
                 are
                 not
                 my
                 prayers
                 answered
                 ?
                 I
                 know
                 such
                 a
                 soul
                 humbled
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 see
                 such
                 a
                 foul
                 comforted
                 ,
                 and
                 why
                 not
                 I
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 he
                 ?
              
               then
               the
               Soul
               stifles
               ,
               and
               crusheth
               ,
               and
               choaks
               these
               wretched
               distempers
               ,
               and
               doth
               also
               abase
               it self
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 What
                 if
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 my
                 prayers
                 ?
                 What
                 if
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 pacifie
                 my
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 doth
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 me
                 any
                 wrong
                 ?
                 Vile
                 Hell-hound
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 my
                 sin
                 and
                 my
                 shame
                 ;
                 Wrath
                 is
                 my
                 portion
                 ,
                 and
                 Hell
                 is
                 my
                 place
                 ,
                 thither
                 may
                 I
                 go
                 when
                 I
                 will
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 mercy
                 that
                 God
                 thus
                 deals
                 with
                 me
                 .
              
               And
               now
               the
               Soul
               clears
               God
               in
               his
               Justice
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 just
                 with
                 God
                 that
                 all
                 the
                 prayers
                 which
                 comes
                 from
                 this
                 filthy
                 heart
                 of
                 mine
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 abhorred
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 all
                 my
                 labors
                 in
                 holy
                 Duties
                 should
                 never
                 be
                 blessed
                 ;
                 It
                 is
                 I
                 that
                 have
                 sinned
                 against
                 checks
                 of
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 against
                 Knowledge
                 ,
                 against
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 just
                 that
                 I
                 should
                 carry
                 this
                 horror
                 of
                 heart
                 with
                 me
                 to
                 the
                 Grave
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 I
                 that
                 have
                 abused
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 it
                 is
                 just
                 that
                 I
                 should
                 go
                 with
                 a
                 tormenting
                 Conscience
                 down
                 into
                 hell
                 :
                 And
                 O
                 that
                 (
                 if
                 I
                 be
                 in
                 hell
                 )
                 I
                 might
                 have
                 a
                 spirit
                 to
                 glorifie
                 and
                 justifie
                 thy
                 Name
                 there
                 ;
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 Now
                 I
                 am
                 come
                 down
                 to
                 hell
                 amongst
                 you
                 damned
                 creatures
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 righteous
                 and
                 blessed
                 for
                 ever
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 doings
                 and
                 dealings
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 justly
                 condemned
                 .
              
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               hence
               the
               Soul
               comes
               to
               be
               quiet
               and
               frameable
               under
               the
               heavy
               hand
               of
               God
               in
               that
               helpless
               condition
               wherein
               he
               is
               ,
               it
               takes
               the
               blow
               ,
               and
               lies
               under
               the
               burthen
               ,
               and
               goes
               away
               quietly
               and
               patiently
               :
               O
               this
               is
               an
               heart
               worth
               gold
               !
               
                 O
              
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 it
                 is
                 fit
                 that
                 God
                 should
                 glorifie
                 himself
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 be
                 damned
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 deserve
                 the
                 worst
                 :
                 Whatsoever
                 I
                 have
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 reward
                 of
                 my
                 own
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 my
                 own
                 ways
                 :
                 if
                 I
                 be
                 damned
                 ,
                 I
                 may
                 thank
                 my
                 pride
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 stubbornness
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 peevishness
                 of
                 spirit
                 :
                 What
                 ,
                 shall
                 I
                 repine
                 against
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 because
                 his
                 wrath
                 and
                 his
                 displeasure
                 lies
                 heavy
                 upon
                 me
                 ?
                 Oh
                 no!
                 let
                 me
                 repine
                 against
                 my
                 sin
                 ,
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 all
                 ;
                 let
                 me
                 grudge
                 against
                 my
                 base
                 heart
                 that
                 hath
                 nourished
                 these
                 Adders
                 in
                 my
                 bosom
                 ,
                 but
                 let
              
               
               
                 me
                 bless
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 speak
                 one
                 word
                 against
                 him
                 .
              
               Thus
               
                 David
                 ,
                 I
                 held
                 my
                 tongue
              
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 and
                 spake
                 nothing
                 ,
                 because
              
               
               
                 thou
                 Lord
                 hast
                 done
                 it
                 :
              
               So
               the
               Soul
               ,
               when
               the
               Sentence
               of
               condemnation
               is
               even
               seizing
               upon
               him
               ,
               and
               God
               seems
               to
               cast
               him
               out
               of
               his
               favor
               ,
               then
               he
               cryes
               ,
               
                 I
                 confess
                 God
                 is
                 just
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 I
                 bless
                 his
                 Name
                 ,
                 and
                 yield
                 unto
                 him
                 ;
                 but
                 sin
                 ,
                 sin
                 is
                 the
                 worker
                 of
                 all
                 this
                 misery
                 on
                 me
                 .
                 Jeremiah
              
               pleading
               the
               case
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               now
               going
               to
               Captivity
               ,
               
                 Wo
                 is
                 me
                 for
                 my
                 hurt
              
               (
               saith
               
               he
               )
               
                 my
                 wound
                 is
                 grievous
                 ;
                 but
                 I
                 said
                 ,
                 Truly
                 this
                 is
                 my
                 grief
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 must
                 bear
                 it
                 .
              
               Such
               is
               the
               frame
               of
               an
               heart
               truly
               humbled
               ,
               it
               is
               content
               to
               take
               all
               to
               it self
               ,
               and
               so
               to
               be
               quiet
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 This
                 is
                 my
                 wound
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 must
                 bear
                 it
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 my
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 suffer
                 it
                 .
              
               Thus
               you
               see
               what
               is
               the
               behavior
               of
               the
               Soul
               in
               this
               
                 Contentedness
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 Lords
                 disposal
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 Object
                 .
              
               But
               some
               may
               object
               ,
               
                 Must
                 the
                 soul
                 ,
                 or
                 ought
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 be
                 thus
              
               content
               
                 to
                 be
                 left
                 in
                 this
                 damnable
                 condition
                 ?
              
            
             
               
                 Ans.
              
               For
               answer
               ,
               This
               
                 Contentedness
              
               implyes
               two
               things
               :
               First
               ,
               a
               carnal
               security
               ,
               and
               a
               regardlesness
               of
               a
               mans
               estate
               ,
               and
               and
               this
               is
               a
               most
               cursed
               sin
               .
               Secondly
               ,
               a
               calmness
               of
               Soul
               ,
               not
               murmuring
               against
               the
               Lords
               dispensation
               towards
               him
               ;
               and
               this
               
                 Contentedness
              
               is
               ever
               accompanyed
               with
               the
               
                 Sight
                 of
                 a
                 mans
                 sin
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Suing
                 for
                 Mercy
                 :
              
               It
               ever
               improves
               all
               means
               and
               helps
               that
               may
               bring
               him
               nearer
               to
               God
               ;
               but
               if
               Mercy
               shall
               deny
               it
               ,
               the
               Soul
               is
               satisfied
               ,
               and
               rests
               well
               apaid
               .
               And
               this
               ,
               
                 Contentedness
              
               (
               opposed
               against
               quarrelling
               with
               the
               Almighty
               )
               every
               humbled
               Soul
               doth
               attain
               to
               ,
               although
               in
               every
               one
               it
               is
               not
               so
               plainly
               seen
               .
               To
               give
               it
               in
               a
               Comparison
               :
               A
               Thief
               taken
               for
               Robbery
               ,
               on
               whom
               the
               Sentence
               of
               Death
               hath
               passed
               ,
               he
               should
               not
               neglect
               the
               
                 means
              
               to
               get
               a
               Pardon
               ;
               and
               yet
               if
               he
               cannot
               procure
               it
               ,
               he
               must
               not
               murmure
               against
               the
               Judge
               for
               condemning
               him
               to
               death
               ,
               because
               he
               hath
               done
               nothing
               but
               Law
               :
               So
               we
               should
               not
               be
               careless
               in
               using
               all
               
                 means
              
               for
               our
               good
               ,
               but
               still
               seek
               to
               God
               for
               
                 Mercy
                 :
              
               yet
               thus
               we
               must
               be
               ,
               and
               thus
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               contented
               with
               whatsoever
               
                 Mercy
              
               shall
               deny
               ,
               because
               we
               are
               not
               worthy
               of
               any
               favor
               .
               The
               Soul
               in
               a
               depth
               of
               Humiliation
               ,
               it
               first
               stoops
               to
               the
               condition
               that
               the
               Lord
               will
               appoint
               ,
               he
               dares
               not
               fly
               away
               from
               God
               ,
               nor
               repine
               against
               the
               Lord
               ,
               but
               he
               lies
               down
               meekly
               .
               2.
               
               As
               he
               is
               content
               with
               the
               hardest
               measure
               ,
               so
               he
               is
               content
               with
               the
               longest
               time
               ,
               he
               will
               stay
               for
               mercy
               
               be
               it
               never
               so
               long
               :
               
                 I
                 will
                 wait
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
              
               (
               saith
               
                 Isaiah
                 )
                 that
                 hath
                 hid
                 his
                 face
                 from
                 Jacob
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 look
                 for
                 him
                 :
              
               so
               the
               humbled
               sinner
               ,
               
                 Although
                 the
                 Lord
                 hide
                 his
                 face
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 away
                 his
                 loving
                 countenance
                 from
                 me
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 will
                 look
                 towards
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 so
                 long
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 an
                 eye
                 to
                 see
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 hand
                 to
                 lift
                 up
                 ;
                 the
                 Lord
                 may
                 take
                 his
                 own
                 time
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 maners
                 for
                 me
                 to
                 wait
                 :
              
               nay
               ,
               the
               poor
               broken
               heart
               resolves
               thus
               ,
               
                 If
                 I
                 lie
                 and
                 lick
                 ,
                 the
                 dust
                 all
                 my
                 days
                 ,
                 and
                 cry
                 for
                 mercy
                 all
                 my
                 life
                 long
                 ,
                 if
                 my
                 last
                 words
                 might
                 be
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 mercy
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 well
                 I
                 might
                 get
                 mercy
                 at
                 my
                 last
                 gasp
                 .
              
               Thirdly
               ,
               as
               he
               is
               content
               to
               stay
               the
               longest
               time
               ,
               so
               is
               he
               content
               with
               the
               least
               pittance
               of
               mercy
               ;
               
                 Let
                 my
                 condition
                 be
                 never
                 so
                 hard
              
               (
               saith
               the
               soul
               )
               
                 do
                 Lord
                 what
                 thou
                 wilt
                 for
                 me
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 fire
                 of
                 thy
                 wrath
                 consume
                 me
                 here
                 ,
                 onely
                 recover
                 me
                 hereafter
                 ;
                 if
                 I
                 finde
                 mercy
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 I
                 am
                 content
                 ,
                 and
                 whatsoever
                 thou
                 givest
                 I
                 bless
                 thy
                 name
                 for
                 it
                 ;
              
               he
               quarrels
               not
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Why
                 are
                 not
                 my
                 graces
                 increased
                 ,
                 and
                 why
                 am
                 I
                 not
                 thus
                 and
                 thus
                 comforted
                 ?
              
               No
               ,
               he
               looks
               for
               mercy
               ,
               and
               if
               he
               have
               but
               a
               crum
               of
               mercy
               he
               is
               comforted
               and
               quieted
               for
               ever
               :
               And
               now
               (
               you
               may
               suppose
               )
               the
               heart
               is
               brought
               very
               low
               .
            
             
               Hence
               we
               collect
               ,
               1.
               
               That
               they
               which
               have
               the
               greatest
               parts
               ,
               
               and
               gifts
               ,
               and
               ability
               ,
               and
               honor
               ,
               are
               (
               for
               the
               most
               part
               )
               hardly
               brought
               home
               to
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ;
               they
               that
               are
               most
               hardly
               humbled
               ,
               are
               most
               hardly
               converted
               :
               what
               is
               
                 Humiliation
                 ,
              
               but
               the
               
                 emptying
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 from
                 whatsoever
                 makes
                 it
                 swell
                 ?
              
               the
               heart
               must
               not
               joy
               in
               any
               thing
               ,
               nor
               rest
               upon
               any
               thing
               ,
               but
               onely
               yield
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               be
               at
               
                 his
                 disposing
                 and
                 carving
                 :
              
               now
               these
               parts
               ,
               and
               gifts
               ,
               and
               abilities
               ,
               and
               means
               ,
               are
               great
               props
               and
               pillars
               for
               the
               heart
               of
               a
               carnal
               man
               to
               rest
               upon
               ,
               and
               to
               quiet
               it self
               withal
               ;
               whence
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 Not
                 many
                 wise
                 men
                 after
              
               
               
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 not
                 many
                 mighty
                 men
                 ,
                 not
                 many
                 noble
                 men
                 are
                 called
                 :
              
               Indeed
               (
               blessed
               be
               God
               )
               some
               are
               ,
               but
               not
               many
               ,
               few
               (
               that
               have
               so
               much
               of
               themselves
               )
               are
               brought
               to
               renounce
               themselves
               ;
               and
               no
               wonder
               for
               a
               rich
               man
               to
               become
               poor
               ,
               and
               a
               noble
               man
               to
               be
               abased
               ,
               and
               a
               wife
               man
               to
               be
               nothing
               in
               himself
               ,
               this
               will
               cost
               hot
               water
               ;
               and
               yet
               this
               must
               be
               in
               all
               that
               belong
               to
               the
               Lord
               :
               not
               that
               God
               will
               take
               away
               all
               these
               outward
               things
               and
               parts
               ,
               but
               that
               they
               must
               loosen
               their
               affection
               from
               these
               ,
               if
               they
               will
               have
               Christ
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               That
               an
               humble
               heart
               makes
               all
               a
               mans
               life
               quiet
               ,
               and
               
               marvellously
               sweetneth
               whatsoever
               estate
               he
               is
               in
               ;
               indeed
               sometimes
               he
               may
               be
               tossed
               and
               troubled
               ,
               yet
               he
               is
               not
               distracted
               ,
               because
               he
               is
               contented
               ;
               as
               it
               is
               with
               a
               Ship
               on
               the
               Sea
               ,
               when
               the
               billows
               begin
               to
               roar
               ,
               and
               the
               waves
               are
               violent
               ,
               if
               the
               Anchor
               be
               fastened
               deep
               ,
               it
               stays
               the
               Ship
               :
               so
               this
               work
               of
               
                 Humiliation
              
               is
               the
               Anchor
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               the
               deeper
               it
               is
               fastened
               ,
               the
               more
               quiet
               is
               the
               heart
               :
               when
               
                 Job
              
               in
               time
               of
               his
               extremity
               gave
               way
               to
               his
               proud
               heart
               ,
               he
               quarrell'd
               with
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               his
               friends
               ,
               and
               all
               ;
               but
               when
               the
               Lord
               had
               humbled
               him
               ,
               then
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 vile
                 ,
                 and
                 base
                 ;
                 once
                 have
                 I
                 spoken
                 ,
                 yea
                 twice
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 no
                 more
                 .
              
               
            
             
               And
               this
               
                 Humiliation
              
               quiets
               a
               man
               both
               in
               
                 
                   Fiercest
                   Temptations
                   .
                
                 
                   Heaviest
                   Oppositions
                   .
                
              
            
             
               1.
               
               
                 In
                 fiercest
                 Temptations
                 ;
              
               when
               Satan
               begins
               to
               besiege
               the
               heart
               of
               a
               poor
               sinner
               ,
               and
               lays
               battery
               against
               him
               ,
               see
               how
               the
               humbled
               heart
               runs
               him
               out
               of
               breath
               at
               his
               own
               weapons
               :
               Dost
               thou
               think
               (
               says
               Satan
               )
               to
               get
               mercy
               from
               the
               Lord
               ,
               when
               thy
               own
               conscience
               dogs
               thee
               ?
               nay
               ,
               go
               to
               the
               place
               where
               thou
               livest
               ,
               &
               to
               the
               chamber
               where
               thou
               liest
               ,
               and
               consider
               thy
               fearful
               abominations
               ,
               sure
               God
               will
               not
               respect
               the
               prayers
               of
               any
               such
               vile
               sinners
               .
               
                 True
              
               (
               saith
               the
               poor
               soul
               )
               
                 I
                 have
                 often
                 denyed
                 the
                 Lord
                 when
                 he
                 called
                 upon
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 he
                 may
                 justly
                 deny
                 me
                 all
                 the
                 prayers
                 I
                 make
                 ;
                 yet
                 thus
                 he
                 hath
                 commanded
                 ,
                 that
                 seek
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 mercy
                 I
                 must
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 cast
                 me
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 reject
                 my
                 prayers
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 contented
                 therewith
                 ;
                 What
                 then
                 Satan
                 ?
              
               What
               then
               ,
               saith
               the
               Devil
               ?
               I
               thought
               this
               would
               have
               made
               thee
               to
               dispair
               ;
               but
               this
               is
               not
               all
               ,
               for
               God
               will
               give
               thee
               over
               ,
               and
               leave
               thee
               to
               thy self
               ,
               to
               thy
               lusts
               and
               corruptions
               ,
               and
               thy
               latter
               end
               shall
               be
               worse
               then
               thy
               beginning
               ;
               thou
               mayest
               call
               and
               cry
               ,
               and
               when
               thou
               hast
               done
               be
               overthrown
               ;
               God
               will
               leave
               thee
               to
               thy self
               ,
               and
               suffer
               thy
               corruptions
               to
               prevail
               against
               thee
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               fall
               fearfully
               ,
               to
               the
               wounding
               of
               thy
               conscience
               ,
               to
               the
               grieving
               of
               Gods
               people
               ,
               to
               the
               scandal
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               to
               the
               reproach
               of
               thy
               own
               person
               .
               To
               this
               answers
               the
               humbled
               soul
               ,
               
                 If
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 give
                 me
                 up
                 to
                 my
                 base
                 lusts
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 given
                 my self
                 so
                 much
                 liberty
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 leave
                 me
                 to
                 my
                 sins
                 ,
                 because
                 I
                 have
                 left
                 his
                 gracious
                 commands
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 I
                 shall
                 fall
                 one
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 disgraced
                 and
                 dishonored
                 ,
                 yet
                 let
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 honored
                 ,
                 and
                 let
                 not
                 God
                 lose
                 the
                 praise
                 of
                 his
              
               
               
                 Power
                 and
                 Justice
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 contented
                 therewith
                 ;
                 what
                 then
                 Satan
                 ?
              
               What
               then
               ,
               saith
               the
               Devil
               ?
               I
               sure
               thought
               now
               thou
               wouldst
               have
               despaired
               ;
               but
               this
               is
               not
               all
               ,
               for
               when
               God
               hath
               left
               thee
               to
               thy
               sins
               ,
               then
               will
               he
               break
               out
               in
               vengeance
               against
               thee
               ,
               and
               make
               thee
               an
               example
               of
               his
               heavy
               vengeance
               to
               all
               ages
               to
               come
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               is
               best
               for
               thee
               to
               prevent
               this
               untimely
               Judgement
               by
               some
               untimely
               death
               .
               To
               this
               replies
               the
               Soul
               ,
               
                 Whatsoever
                 God
                 can
                 do
                 or
                 will
                 do
                 ,
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 ,
                 yet
                 so
                 great
                 are
                 my
                 sins
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 cannot
                 ,
                 or
                 (
                 at
                 least
                 )
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 so
                 much
                 against
                 me
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 justly
                 deserved
                 :
                 Come
                 what
                 will
                 come
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 contented
                 still
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 the
                 Lords
                 disposal
                 ;
                 what
                 then
                 Satan
                 ?
              
               and
               thus
               he
               runs
               Satan
               out
               of
               breath
               .
            
             
               The
               want
               of
               this
               
                 Humiliation
              
               many
               times
               brings
               a
               man
               to
               desperate
               stands
               ,
               and
               sometimes
               to
               untimely
               deaths
               :
               Alas
               ,
               why
               will
               you
               not
               bear
               the
               wrath
               of
               the
               Lord
               ?
               it
               is
               true
               indeed
               ,
               your
               sins
               are
               great
               ,
               and
               the
               wrath
               of
               God
               is
               heavy
               ,
               yet
               God
               will
               do
               you
               good
               by
               it
               ,
               and
               therefore
               be
               quiet
               .
               In
               time
               of
               war
               ,
               when
               the
               great
               Canons
               fly
               off
               ,
               the
               onely
               way
               to
               avoid
               them
               ,
               is
               to
               lie
               down
               in
               a
               furrow
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               bullets
               fly
               over
               :
               So
               in
               all
               Temptations
               of
               Satan
               ,
               lie
               low
               ,
               and
               be
               
                 contented
                 to
                 be
                 at
                 Gods
                 disposing
                 ,
              
               and
               all
               these
               fiery
               Temptations
               shall
               not
               be
               able
               to
               hurt
               you
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 In
                 heaviest
                 oppositions
                 :
              
               when
               Satan
               is
               gone
               ,
               then
               come
               Troubles
               and
               Oppositions
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               in
               all
               which
               
                 Humiliation
              
               will
               quiet
               the
               Soul
               .
               A
               man
               is
               sometimes
               Sea-sick
               ,
               not
               because
               of
               the
               Tempest
               ,
               but
               because
               of
               his
               full
               stomack
               ,
               and
               therefore
               when
               he
               hath
               emptied
               his
               stomack
               he
               is
               well
               again
               :
               So
               it
               is
               with
               his
               
                 Humiliation
              
               of
               heart
               ,
               if
               the
               heart
               were
               emptied
               truly
               ,
               though
               a
               man
               were
               in
               a
               sea
               of
               oppositions
               ,
               if
               he
               have
               no
               more
               trouble
               in
               his
               stomack
               ,
               and
               in
               his
               proud
               heart
               ,
               then
               in
               the
               oppositions
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               he
               might
               be
               very
               well
               quieted
               .
               Cast
               disgrace
               upon
               the
               humble
               heart
               causlesly
               ,
               and
               he
               cures
               it
               thus
               ,
               He
               thinks
               worse
               of
               himself
               then
               any
               man
               else
               can
               do
               ,
               and
               if
               they
               would
               make
               him
               vile
               and
               loathsom
               ,
               he
               is
               more
               vile
               in
               his
               own
               eyes
               then
               they
               can
               make
               him
               :
               O
               that
               I
               could
               bring
               your
               hearts
               to
               be
               in
               love
               with
               this
               blessed
               grace
               of
               God!
               
            
             
               Is
               there
               any
               Soul
               here
               that
               hath
               been
               vexed
               with
               the
               Temptations
               of
               Satan
               ,
               oppositions
               of
               men
               ,
               or
               with
               his
               own
               distempers
               ?
               and
               would
               he
               now
               arm
               and
               fence
               himself
               ,
               that
               nothing
               should
               
               disquiet
               him
               ,
               or
               trouble
               him
               ,
               but
               in
               all
               ,
               to
               be
               above
               all
               ,
               and
               to
               rejoyce
               in
               all
               ?
               O
               then
               be
               
                 humbled
                 ,
              
               and
               then
               be
               above
               all
               the
               Devils
               in
               hell
               :
               Certainly
               they
               shall
               not
               so
               disquiet
               you
               ,
               as
               to
               cause
               you
               to
               be
               misled
               ,
               or
               uncomforted
               ,
               if
               you
               would
               but
               be
               humbled
               .
            
             
               What
               remains
               then
               ?
               Be
               exhorted
               (
               as
               you
               desire
               mercy
               and
               favor
               at
               Gods
               hands
               )
               to
               this
               
                 Humiliation
                 .
              
               And
               for
               Motives
               ,
               
               consider
               the
               good
               things
               that
               God
               hath
               promised
               ,
               and
               which
               he
               will
               bestow
               upon
               all
               that
               are
               truly
               humbled
               :
               I
               shall
               reduce
               all
               to
               these
               three
               following
               Benefits
               :
            
             
               First
               ,
               by
               
                 Humiliation
              
               we
               are
               made
               capable
               of
               all
               those
               treasures
               
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               Grace
               and
               Mercy
               that
               are
               in
               Christ
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Humiliation
               gives
               a
               man
               the
               comfort
               of
               all
               that
               
               good
               in
               Christ
               :
               Many
               have
               a
               right
               to
               Christ
               ,
               and
               are
               dear
               to
               God
               ,
               yet
               they
               want
               much
               sweet
               refreshing
               ,
               because
               they
               want
               this
               
                 Humiliation
              
               in
               some
               measure
               .
               To
               be
               truly
               humbled
               ,
               is
               the
               next
               way
               to
               be
               truly
               comforted
               :
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 will
                 look
                 to
                 him
                 that
              
               
               
                 hath
                 an
                 humble
                 contrite
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 trembles
                 at
                 his
                 word
                 :
              
               The
               Lord
               will
               not
               onely
               know
               him
               (
               he
               knows
               the
               wicked
               too
               in
               a
               general
               maner
               )
               but
               he
               will
               give
               him
               such
               a
               gracious
               
                 look
                 ,
              
               as
               shall
               make
               his
               heart
               dance
               in
               his
               breast
               .
               Thou
               poor
               humbled
               Soul
               ,
               the
               Lord
               will
               give
               thee
               a
               glimpse
               of
               his
               favor
               ,
               when
               thou
               art
               tired
               in
               thy
               trouble
               ;
               when
               thou
               
                 lookest
                 up
              
               to
               heaven
               ,
               the
               Lord
               will
               
                 look
                 down
              
               upon
               thee
               ,
               and
               will
               refresh
               thee
               with
               Mercy
               ;
               God
               hath
               prepared
               a
               sweet
               morfel
               for
               his
               childe
               ,
               
                 he
                 will
                 revive
                 the
                 humble
                 :
              
               O
               be
               humbled
               then
               ,
               every
               one
               of
               you
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               
                 who
                 comes
                 with
                 healing
                 under
                 his
                 wings
                 ,
              
               will
               comfort
               you
               ,
               and
               you
               shall
               see
               the
               Salvation
               of
               our
               God
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               Humiliation
               ushers
               glory
               .
               
                 Whosoever
                 humbles
                 himself
                 as
                 a
                 little
                 childe
                 ;
                 shall
                 be
                 greatest
                 in
                 the
                 kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 ;
              
               
               He
               shall
               be
               in
               the
               highest
               degree
               of
               grace
               here
               ,
               and
               of
               glory
               hereafter
               :
               for
               as
               thy
               
                 Humiliation
                 ,
              
               so
               shall
               be
               thy
               
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 Sanctification
                 ,
                 and
                 Obedience
                 ,
                 and
                 Glory
                 .
              
            
             
               And
               now
               (
               me-thinks
               )
               your
               hearts
               begin
               to
               stir
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 engaged
                 himself
                 to
                 this
                 ?
                 O
                 then
                 (
                 Lord
                 )
                 make
                 me
                 humble
                 .
              
               Now
               the
               Lord
               make
               me
               ,
               and
               thee
               ,
               and
               all
               of
               us
               humble
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               have
               this
               mercy
               .
               See
               how
               
                 Everlasting
                 happiness
                 and
                 blessedness
              
               looks
               and
               waits
               for
               every
               humbled
               Soul
               ;
               
                 Come
              
               (
               saith
               
                 Happiness
                 )
                 thou
                 that
                 hast
                 been
                 vile
                 ,
                 and
                 base
                 ,
                 and
                 mean
                 in
              
               
               
                 thy
                 own
                 eyes
                 ;
                 Come
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 greatest
                 in
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 heaven
                 .
              
               Brethren
               ,
               though
               I
               cannot
               prevail
               with
               your
               hearts
               ,
               yet
               let
               
                 Happiness
                 ,
              
               that
               kneels
               down
               ,
               and
               prays
               you
               to
               take
               mercy
               ;
               let
               that
               (
               I
               say
               )
               prevail
               with
               you
               :
               If
               any
               man
               be
               so
               regardless
               of
               his
               own
               good
               ,
               I
               have
               something
               to
               say
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               may
               make
               his
               heart
               shake
               within
               him
               .
               But
               Oh!
               —
               Who
               would
               not
               have
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               to
               dwell
               with
               him
               ?
               who
               would
               not
               have
               the
               Lord
               Christ
               ,
               by
               the
               glory
               of
               his
               Grace
               ,
               to
               honor
               and
               refresh
               him
               ?
               Me
               thinks
               your
               hearts
               should
               yearn
               for
               it
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 O
                 Lord
                 break
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 humble
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 Mercy
                 may
                 be
                 my
                 portion
                 for
                 ever
                 ;
              
               nay
               ,
               me thinks
               every
               man
               should
               say
               as
               St.
               
                 Paul
              
               did
               ,
               
                 I
                 would
                 to
                 God
                 that
                 not
                 onely
                 I
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 my
                 children
                 and
                 servants
                 were
                 not
                 onely
                 thus
                 as
                 I
                 am
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 (
                 if
                 it
                 were
                 Gods
                 will
                 )
                 much
                 more
                 humbled
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 might
                 be
                 much
                 more
                 comforted
                 and
                 refreshed
                 .
              
               Then
               might
               you
               say
               with
               comfort
               on
               your
               deaths-bed
               ,
               
                 Though
                 I
                 go
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 leave
                 wife
                 and
                 children
                 behinde
                 me
                 ,
                 poor
                 and
                 mean
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 leave
                 Christ
                 with
                 them
                 :
              
               when
               you
               are
               gone
               ,
               this
               will
               be
               better
               for
               them
               ,
               then
               all
               the
               beaten
               gold
               or
               honors
               in
               the
               world
               .
               What
               can
               I
               say
               ?
               but
               since
               the
               Lord
               offers
               so
               kindely
               ,
               now
               
                 Kiss
              
               
               
                 the
                 Son
                 ,
              
               be
               humble
               ,
               yield
               to
               all
               Gods
               Commands
               ,
               take
               home
               all
               Truths
               ,
               and
               be
               at
               Gods
               disposing
               :
               Let
               all
               the
               evil
               that
               is
               threatned
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               good
               that
               is
               offered
               prevail
               with
               your
               hearts
               ,
               or
               if
               means
               cannot
               ,
               yet
               the
               Lord
               prevail
               with
               you
               ;
               the
               Lord
               empty
               you
               ,
               that
               Christ
               may
               fill
               you
               ;
               the
               Lord
               humble
               you
               ,
               that
               you
               may
               enjoy
               happiness
               and
               peace
               ,
               and
               be
               lifted
               up
               to
               the
               highest
               pinacle
               of
               Glory
               ,
               there
               to
               raign
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
               The
               Call
               on
               Gods
               part
               ,
               for
               the
               Soul
               to
               close
               with
               ,
               and
               to
               relye
               on
               Christ
               .
            
          
           
             HItherto
             of
             our
             first
             general
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             The
             
               Preparation
               of
               the
               Soul
               for
               Christ
               :
            
             The
             next
             is
             ,
             The
             
               Implantation
               of
               the
               Soul
               into
               Christ
               ;
            
             and
             that
             hath
             two
             parts
             :
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
              
               The
               putting
               of
               the
               Soul
               into
               Christ
               .
            
             
               
                 2.
                 
              
               The
               growing
               of
               the
               Soul
               with
               Christ
               .
            
          
           
             As
             a
             graft
             is
             first
             put
             into
             the
             stock
             ,
             and
             then
             it
             grows
             together
             
             with
             the
             stock
             :
             These
             two
             things
             are
             answerable
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             when
             it
             is
             brought
             into
             this
             ,
             then
             a
             sinner
             comes
             to
             be
             partaker
             of
             all
             spiritual
             benefits
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             part
             is
             ,
             The
             putting
             in
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             when
             the
             Soul
             is
             brought
             out
             of
             the
             world
             of
             sin
             ,
             to
             lie
             upon
             ,
             and
             to
             close
             with
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             and
             this
             hath
             two
             particular
             passages
             :
             
               
                 The
                 Call
                 on
                 Gods
                 part
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Answer
                 on
                 mans
                 part
                 .
              
            
          
           
             The
             
               Call
               on
               Gods
               part
            
             is
             this
             ,
             When
             the
             Lord
             by
             the
             
               Call
            
             of
             his
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             work
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             doth
             so
             clearly
             reveal
             the
             fulness
             of
             Mercy
             ,
             that
             the
             Soul
             humbled
             
               returns
               Answer
               .
            
          
           
             In
             which
             observe
             the
             
               
                 Means
              
               
                 Cause
              
            
             whereby
             God
             doth
             
               Call
               .
            
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             
               Means
            
             is
             onely
             the
             Ministery
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             the
             sum
             whereof
             is
             this
             ,
             That
             
               There
               is
               fulness
               of
               Mercy
               ,
               and
               Grace
               ,
               and
               Salvation
               brought
               unto
               us
               through
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
            
             Hence
             the
             phrase
             of
             Scripture
             calls
             this
             
               Gospel
               ,
            
             or
             this
             mercy
             ,
             
               A
               treasury
               ;
               All
               the
               treasures
               of
               wisdom
               and
               holiness
               are
               in
               Christ
               :
            
             
             not
             One
             treasure
             ,
             but
             All
             treasures
             ;
             not
             Some
             treasures
             ,
             but
             All
             treasures
             :
             where
             the
             Gospel
             comes
             ,
             there
             is
             joy
             for
             the
             sorrowful
             ,
             peace
             for
             the
             troubled
             ,
             strength
             for
             the
             weak
             ,
             relief
             seasonable
             
             and
             suitable
             to
             all
             wants
             ,
             miseries
             and
             necessities
             ,
             both
             present
             and
             future
             .
          
           
             If
             then
             sorrow
             assail
             thee
             (
             when
             thou
             art
             come
             thus
             far
             )
             look
             not
             on
             thy
             sins
             ,
             to
             pore
             upon
             them
             ;
             neither
             look
             into
             thy
             own
             
             sufficiency
             ,
             to
             procure
             any
             good
             there
             .
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             thou
             must
             
               see
               thy
               sins
               ,
               and
               sorrow
            
             for
             them
             ,
             but
             this
             is
             for
             the
             lower
             Form
             ,
             and
             thou
             must
             get
             this
             lesson
             before-hand
             ;
             and
             when
             thou
             hast
             gotten
             this
             lesson
             of
             
               Contrition
               and
               Humiliation
               ,
            
             look
             then
             onely
             to
             
               Gods
               Mercy
               ,
            
             and
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             Grace
             in
             Christ
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             the
             
               Cause
               :
            
             The
             Lord
             doth
             not
             onely
             appoint
             the
             
               Means
               ,
            
             but
             by
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             he
             doth
             bring
             all
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             grace
             into
             the
             soul
             truly
             humbled
             :
             if
             you
             ask
             ,
             How
             ?
             First
             ,
             with
             strength
             of
             evidence
             ;
             the
             Spirit
             presents
             to
             the
             broken-hearted
             sinner
             ,
             the
             right
             of
             the
             freeness
             of
             Gods
             grace
             to
             the
             soul
             :
             And
             secondly
             ,
             the
             Spirit
             doth
             forcibly
             soak
             in
             the
             rellish
             of
             that
             grace
             ,
             and
             by
             an
             over-piercing
             work
             ,
             doth
             leave
             some
             dint
             of
             supernatural
             and
             spiritual
             vertue
             on
             the
             heart
             .
          
           
           
             Now
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Spirit
             always
             go
             together
             ,
             not
             that
             God
             is
             tyed
             to
             any
             means
             ,
             but
             that
             he
             tyeth
             himself
             to
             the
             means
             :
             Hence
             the
             Gospel
             is
             called
             ,
             
               The
               power
               of
               God
               to
               Salvation
               ,
            
             because
             the
             power
             of
             God
             ordinarily
             ,
             
             and
             in
             common
             course
             appears
             therein
             :
             The
             waters
             of
             life
             and
             salvation
             run
             onely
             in
             the
             channel
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             there
             are
             golden
             mines
             of
             grace
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             onely
             to
             be
             found
             in
             the
             Climates
             of
             the
             Gospel
             :
             nay
             ,
             observe
             this
             ,
             when
             all
             arguments
             prevail
             not
             with
             corruption
             ,
             to
             perswade
             the
             heart
             to
             go
             to
             God
             ,
             one
             Text
             of
             Scripture
             will
             stand
             a
             man
             in
             stead
             above
             all
             humane
             learning
             and
             inventions
             ,
             because
             the
             Spirit
             goes
             forth
             in
             this
             and
             none
             else
             .
          
           
             This
             may
             teach
             us
             the
             worth
             of
             the
             Gospel
             above
             all
             other
             
             things
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             accompanied
             with
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             brings
             salvation
             with
             it
             .
             What
             if
             a
             man
             had
             all
             the
             wealth
             and
             policy
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             wanted
             this
             ?
             he
             were
             a
             fool
             :
             What
             if
             one
             were
             able
             to
             dive
             deep
             into
             the
             secrets
             of
             Nature
             ,
             to
             know
             the
             motions
             of
             the
             Stars
             ,
             to
             speak
             with
             the
             tongues
             of
             men
             and
             Angels
             ,
             and
             yet
             know
             nothing
             belonging
             to
             his
             peace
             ,
             what
             avails
             it
             ?
             Why
             do
             we
             value
             a
             Mine
             ,
             but
             because
             of
             the
             gold
             in
             it
             ?
             or
             a
             Cabinet
             ,
             but
             because
             of
             the
             Pearl
             in
             it
             ?
             O
             this
             is
             that
             
               pearl
               we
               sell
               all
               for
               .
            
          
           
             Wouldst
             thou
             know
             whether
             thou
             art
             carnal
             or
             spiritual
             ?
             observe
             
             then
             ,
             if
             thou
             hast
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             it
             ever
             came
             with
             the
             Gospel
             :
             See
             then
             how
             the
             soul
             stands
             affected
             with
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             so
             it
             stands
             affected
             to
             the
             Spirit
             .
             
               Is
               it
               so
            
             (
             may
             every
             soul
             reason
             with
             it self
             )
             
               that
               I
               will
               not
               suffer
               the
               word
               to
               prevail
               with
               me
               ?
               then
               shall
               I
               miss
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               then
               will
               Christ
               none
               of
               me
               .
            
             O
             remember
             ,
             the
             time
             will
             come
             when
             you
             must
             dye
             as
             well
             as
             your
             neighbors
             ,
             and
             then
             you
             will
             say
             ,
             
               Lord
               Jesus
               forgive
               my
               sins
               ;
               Lord
               Jesus
               receive
               my
               soul
               :
            
             But
             Christ
             will
             answer
             ,
             
               Away
               ,
               be
               gone
               ,
               you
               are
               none
               of
               mine
               ,
               I
               know
               you
               not
               .
            
             Any
             man
             ,
             whether
             noble
             or
             ignoble
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             what
             he
             will
             be
             ,
             if
             he
             hath
             not
             the
             Spirit
             he
             is
             none
             of
             Christs
             :
             
               His
               you
               are
               to
               whom
               you
               obey
               ;
            
             but
             Pride
             and
             Covetousness
             you
             obey
             :
             Pride
             therefore
             will
             say
             ,
             
               This
            
             
             
               heart
               is
               mine
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               I
               have
               domineered
               over
               it
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               torment
               it
               :
            
             Corruptions
             will
             say
             ,
             
               We
               have
               owned
               this
               soul
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               damn
               it
               .
            
             You
             therefore
             that
             have
             made
             a
             tush
             at
             the
             Word
             ,
             
               This
               wind
               shakes
               no
               corn
               ,
               and
               these
               words
               break
               no
               bones
               ,
            
             little
             do
             
             you
             think
             that
             you
             have
             opposed
             the
             Spirit
             :
             What
             ,
             resist
             the
             Spirit
             ?
             me-thinks
             it
             is
             enough
             to
             sink
             any
             soul
             under
             heaven
             :
             Hereafter
             therefore
             think
             this
             with
             thy self
             ,
             
               Were
               he
               but
               a
               man
               that
               speaks
               ,
               yet
               would
               I
               not
               despise
               him
               ;
               but
               that
               is
               not
               all
               ,
               there
               goeth
               Gods
               Spirit
               with
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               shall
               I
               despise
               it
               ?
               There
               is
               but
               one
               step
               between
               this
               and
               that
               unpardonable
               sin
               against
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ,
               onely
               adding
               Malice
               to
               my
               Rage
               :
               I
               oppose
               the
               Father
               ,
               perhaps
               the
               Son
               mediates
               for
               me
               ;
               I
               despise
               the
               Son
               ,
               perhaps
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               pleads
               for
               me
               ;
               but
               if
               I
               oppose
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               none
               can
               succor
               me
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI
             .
          
           
             
               SECT.
               1.
               
               
                 The
                 Answer
                 on
                 mans
                 part
                 for
                 the
                 Soul
                 to
                 close
                 with
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 relye
                 on
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               HItherto
               of
               the
               
                 Call
                 on
                 Gods
                 part
                 ;
              
               now
               we
               are
               come
               to
               the
               
                 Answer
                 on
                 mans
                 part
                 .
              
               No
               sooner
               hath
               the
               
                 Gospel
              
               and
               
                 Gods
                 Spirit
              
               clearly
               revealed
               the
               fulness
               of
               Gods
               mercy
               in
               Christ
               ,
               but
               then
               the
               whole
               soul
               (
               both
               the
               
                 Minde
              
               that
               discovers
               mercy
               ,
               and
               
                 Hope
              
               that
               expects
               it
               ,
               and
               
                 Desire
              
               that
               pursues
               it
               ,
               and
               
                 Love
              
               that
               entertains
               it
               ,
               and
               
                 the
                 Will
              
               that
               rests
               on
               it
               )
               gives
               answer
               to
               the
               Call
               of
               God
               therein
               .
               
                 Mercy
              
               is
               a
               proper
               object
               of
               all
               these
               ,
               of
               the
               
                 Minde
              
               to
               be
               illightned
               ,
               of
               
                 Hope
              
               to
               be
               sustained
               ,
               of
               
                 Desire
              
               to
               be
               supported
               ,
               of
               
                 Love
              
               to
               be
               cheared
               :
               Nay
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               full
               satisfactory
               sufficiency
               of
               all
               good
               in
               Christ
               ,
               that
               so
               the
               will
               of
               man
               may
               take
               full
               
                 repose
                 and
                 rest
                 in
                 him
                 ;
              
               therefore
               the
               Lord
               saith
               ,
               
                 Come
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 are
                 weary
                 and
                 heavy
                 laden
                 ;
              
               Come
               
               
                 Minde
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Hope
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Desire
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Love
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Will
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Heart
                 :
              
               they
               all
               answer
               ,
               
                 We
                 come
                 :
              
               The
               
                 Minde
              
               saith
               ,
               
                 Let
                 me
                 know
                 this
                 Mercy
                 above
                 all
                 ,
                 and
                 desire
                 to
                 know
                 nothing
                 but
                 Christ
                 and
                 him
                 crucified
                 :
                 Let
                 me
                 expect
                 this
                 Mercy
              
               (
               saith
               
                 Hope
                 )
                 that
                 belongs
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 befal
                 me
                 :
                 Desire
              
               saith
               ,
               
                 Let
                 me
                 long
                 after
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 —
              
               saith
               
                 Love
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 embrace
                 and
                 welcome
                 it
                 :
                 O
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               
                 Heart
                 ,
                 let
                 me
                 lay
                 hold
                 on
                 the
                 handle
                 of
                 Salvation
                 ;
                 here
                 we
                 will
                 live
                 ,
                 and
                 here
                 we
                 will
                 dye
                 at
                 the
                 footstool
                 of
                 Gods
                 Mercy
                 .
              
               Thus
               all
               go
               ,
               
                 Minde
                 ,
                 Hope
                 ,
                 Desire
                 ,
                 Love
                 ,
                 Joy
                 ,
                 the
                 Will
                 ,
              
               and
               all
               lay
               hold
               upon
               the
               Promise
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Let
                 us
                 make
                 the
                 Promise
                 a
                 prey
                 ,
                 let
                 us
              
               
               
                 prey
                 upon
                 mercy
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 wilde
                 Beasts
                 do
                 upon
                 their
                 provision
                 .
              
               Thus
               the
               faculties
               of
               the
               soul
               hunt
               and
               pursue
               this
               
                 mercy
                 ,
              
               and
               lay
               hold
               thereupon
               ,
               and
               satisfie
               themselves
               herein
               .
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               2.
               
               
                 A
                 sight
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 mercy
                 in
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               BUt
               for
               a
               further
               discovery
               of
               these
               works
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               we
               shall
               now
               enter
               into
               particulars
               :
               And
               for
               their
               order
               ,
               First
               ,
               the
               Lord
               lets
               a
               light
               into
               
                 the
                 minde
                 ,
              
               for
               what
               the
               eye
               never
               seeth
               ,
               the
               
                 heart
              
               never
               
                 desireth
                 ,
                 hope
              
               never
               expecteth
               ,
               the
               soul
               never
               imbraceth
               :
               If
               the
               soul
               then
               seems
               to
               hang
               afar
               off
               ,
               and
               dares
               not
               believe
               that
               Christ
               will
               have
               mercy
               on
               him
               ,
               in
               this
               case
               the
               Spirit
               lets
               in
               
                 a
                 light
              
               into
               his
               heart
               ,
               and
               discovers
               unto
               him
               ,
               that
               God
               will
               deal
               graciously
               with
               him
               .
               It
               is
               with
               a
               sinner
               ,
               as
               with
               a
               man
               that
               sits
               in
               darkness
               ,
               haply
               he
               seeth
               a
               light
               in
               the
               street
               out
               of
               a
               window
               ,
               but
               he
               sits
               still
               in
               darkness
               ,
               and
               is
               in
               the
               dungeon
               all
               the
               while
               ,
               and
               he
               thinks
               ,
               
                 How
                 good
                 were
                 it
                 ,
                 if
                 a
                 man
                 might
                 enjoy
                 that
                 light
                 ?
              
               So
               ,
               many
               a
               poor
               humble-hearted
               broken
               sinner
               seeth
               ,
               and
               hath
               an
               inckling
               of
               Gods
               mercies
               ,
               he
               heareth
               the
               Saints
               speak
               of
               Gods
               love
               ,
               and
               his
               goodness
               ,
               and
               compassion
               ;
               
                 Ah
              
               (
               thinks
               he
               )
               
                 how
                 happy
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 blessed
                 are
                 they
                 ,
                 what
                 an
                 excellent
                 condition
                 are
                 they
                 in
                 ?
                 but
                 I
                 am
                 in
                 darkness
                 still
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 had
                 a
                 drop
                 of
                 mercy
                 vouchsafed
                 unto
                 me
                 :
              
               At
               last
               ,
               the
               Lord
               sets
               a
               light
               in
               his
               house
               ,
               and
               puts
               the
               candle
               into
               his
               own
               hand
               ,
               and
               makes
               him
               see
               by
               particular
               evidence
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 be
                 saved
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               maner
               how
               
                 the
                 Spirit
              
               works
               this
               ,
               is
               discovered
               in
               three
               passages
               :
            
             
               First
               ,
               the
               Spirit
               of
               the
               Lord
               meeting
               with
               an
               humble
               ,
               broken
               ,
               lowly
               ,
               self-denying
               sinner
               (
               he
               that
               is
               a
               proud
               stout-hearted
               wretch
               knows
               nothing
               of
               this
               matter
               )
               it
               opens
               the
               eye
               ,
               and
               now
               the
               humbled
               sinner
               begins
               to
               see
               (
               like
               the
               man
               in
               the
               Gospel
               )
               some
               light
               and
               glimmering
               about
               his
               understanding
               ,
               that
               he
               can
               look
               into
               ,
               and
               discern
               the
               spiritual
               things
               of
               God
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Then
               the
               Lord
               says
               before
               him
               all
               the
               riches
               of
               the
               treasure
               of
               his
               grace
               ;
               no
               sooner
               hath
               he
               given
               him
               an
               eye
               ,
               but
               then
               he
               
               lays
               colours
               before
               him
               
                 (
                 the
                 unsearchable
                 riches
                 of
                 Christ
                 )
              
               that
               he
               may
               see
               and
               look
               ,
               and
               fall
               in
               love
               with
               those
               sweet
               treasures
               ;
               
               and
               then
               saith
               the
               soul
               ,
               
                 O
                 that
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 pardon
                 were
                 mine
                 !
                 O
                 that
                 my
                 sins
                 were
                 done
                 away
                 !
              
               the
               Lord
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 refresh
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 heavy
                 laden
                 ;
              
               then
               saith
               the
               soul
               ,
               
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 had
                 that
                 refreshing
                 !
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 rest
                 ,
              
               saith
               God
               ;
               
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 had
                 rest
                 too
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 soul
                 !
              
               And
               now
               the
               soul
               begins
               to
               look
               after
               the
               mercy
               and
               compassion
               which
               is
               laid
               afore
               it
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               Spirit
               of
               the
               Lord
               doth
               witness
               or
               certifie
               throughly
               and
               effectually
               to
               the
               soul
               ,
               that
               this
               mercy
               in
               Christ
               belongs
               unto
               him
               ;
               and
               without
               this
               ,
               the
               soul
               of
               an
               humble
               broken-hearted
               sinner
               hath
               no
               ground
               to
               go
               unto
               Christ
               :
               what
               good
               doth
               it
               an
               hungry
               stomack
               to
               hear
               that
               there
               is
               a
               great
               deal
               of
               cheer
               and
               dainties
               provided
               for
               such
               and
               such
               men
               ,
               and
               he
               have
               no
               part
               therein
               ?
               Take
               a
               Beggar
               that
               hath
               a
               thousand
               pounds
               told
               before
               him
               (
               he
               may
               apprehend
               the
               sum
               of
               so
               much
               gold
               and
               so
               much
               silver
               )
               
                 but
                 what
                 is
                 all
                 that
                 to
                 me
              
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 if
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 I
                 dye
                 and
                 starve
                 ?
              
               It
               falls
               out
               in
               this
               case
               with
               a
               broken-hearted
               sinner
               ,
               as
               with
               a
               prodigal
               childe
               :
               The
               Prodigal
               he
               hath
               spent
               his
               means
               ,
               and
               abused
               his
               Father
               ,
               and
               now
               is
               there
               a
               Famine
               in
               the
               Land
               ,
               and
               poverty
               is
               befallen
               him
               ;
               he
               knows
               indeed
               there
               is
               meat
               and
               cloaths
               enough
               in
               his
               Fathers
               House
               ,
               but
               (
               alas
               )
               what
               can
               he
               expect
               thence
               but
               his
               Fathers
               heavy
               displeasure
               ?
               if
               a
               man
               should
               say
               ,
               Go
               to
               your
               Father
               ,
               he
               will
               give
               you
               a
               portion
               again
               ;
               would
               he
               (
               think
               you
               )
               believe
               this
               ?
               
                 No
              
               (
               would
               he
               say
               )
               
                 it
                 is
                 my
                 Father
                 I
                 have
                 offended
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 now
                 receive
                 me
                 ?
              
               yet
               should
               a
               man
               come
               and
               tell
               him
               ,
               that
               he
               heard
               his
               Father
               say
               so
               ,
               and
               then
               shew
               him
               a
               Certificate
               under
               his
               Fathers
               hand
               that
               it
               was
               so
               ,
               this
               would
               sure
               draw
               him
               into
               some
               hope
               that
               his
               Father
               meant
               well
               towards
               him
               :
               So
               it
               is
               with
               a
               sinner
               when
               he
               is
               apprehensive
               of
               all
               his
               rebellions
               ;
               if
               a
               man
               should
               tell
               such
               a
               soul
               ,
               Go
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               he
               will
               give
               you
               abundance
               of
               mercy
               and
               compassion
               ;
               the
               soul
               cannot
               believe
               it
               ,
               but
               thinks
               ,
               
                 What
                 ,
                 I
                 mercy
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 :
                 Blessed
                 are
                 they
                 that
                 walk
                 humbly
                 before
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 conform
                 their
                 lives
                 to
                 his
                 word
                 ,
                 let
                 them
                 take
                 it
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 me
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 mercy
                 I
                 have
                 opposed
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 grace
                 I
                 have
                 rejected
                 ;
                 no
                 mercy
                 ,
                 no
                 grace
                 for
                 me
                 :
              
               But
               now
               if
               God
               send
               a
               Messenger
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               or
               if
               it
               come
               under
               the
               hand
               of
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               that
               he
               will
               accept
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               pass
               by
               all
               his
               sins
               ,
               this
               makes
               the
               soul
               grow
               into
               some
               
               hopes
               ,
               and
               upon
               this
               ground
               it
               goes
               unto
               the
               Lord
               :
               But
               here
               observe
               me
               ,
               that
               none
               either
               in
               heaven
               or
               in
               earth
               ,
               but
               onely
               Gods
               Spirit
               can
               make
               this
               Certificate
               ;
               when
               it
               is
               night
               ,
               all
               the
               candles
               in
               the
               world
               cannot
               take
               away
               the
               darkness
               ;
               so
               all
               the
               means
               of
               grace
               and
               salvation
               ,
               all
               the
               candle-light
               of
               the
               Ministry
               ,
               they
               are
               all
               good
               helps
               ,
               but
               the
               darkness
               of
               the
               night
               will
               not
               be
               gone
               ,
               before
               
                 the
                 Sun
                 of
                 Righteousness
              
               arise
               in
               our
               hearts
               .
               Hence
               it
               is
               that
               it
               proves
               so
               difficult
               a
               matter
               to
               comfort
               a
               distressed
               soul
               ;
               
                 I
                 shall
                 one
                 day
                 perish
                 ,
              
               saith
               
                 David
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 one
                 day
                 go
                 down
                 to
                 hell
                 :
              
               saith
               the
               soul
               ,
               Let
               all
               the
               Ministers
               under
               heaven
               cry
               ,
               
                 Comfort
                 ye
                 ,
                 comfort
                 ye
                 :
              
               still
               he
               replyes
               ,
               
                 I
                 mercy
                 ?
                 and
                 I
                 comfort
                 ?
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 pardon
                 me
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 mercy
                 I
                 have
                 despised
                 and
                 trampled
                 under
                 my
                 feet
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 mercy
                 ?
                 no
                 ,
                 no
                 :
              
               Thus
               we
               Ministers
               observe
               by
               experience
               ,
               Some
               that
               in
               their
               own
               apprehensions
               are
               gone
               to
               the
               bottom
               of
               hell
               ,
               we
               make
               known
               to
               them
               Reasons
               ,
               and
               Arguments
               ,
               and
               Promises
               ,
               but
               nothing
               takes
               place
               ;
               what
               's
               the
               Reason
               ?
               O
               none
               but
               Gods
               Spirit
               can
               do
               it
               ,
               he
               must
               either
               come
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Comfort
                 ye
                 ,
                 comfort
                 ye
                 my
                 people
                 ,
                 or
                 it
                 will
                 never
                 prevail
                 :
              
               let
               me
               speak
               therefore
               to
               you
               that
               are
               Ministers
               ,
               you
               do
               well
               to
               labor
               to
               give
               comfort
               to
               a
               poor
               fainting
               soul
               ,
               but
               always
               say
               ,
               
                 Comfort
                 Lord
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 say
                 unto
                 this
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 art
                 his
                 salvation
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               3.
               
               
                 Hope
                 in
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               THe
               minde
               being
               thus
               illightned
               ,
               the
               Lord
               calls
               on
               the
               affections
               ;
               
                 Come
                 desire
                 ,
                 Come
                 love
                 :
              
               but
               the
               first
               voice
               is
               to
               
                 Hope
                 ,
              
               now
               
                 Hope
              
               is
               a
               faculty
               of
               the
               soul
               that
               looks
               out
               for
               mercy
               ,
               and
               waits
               for
               the
               same
               ;
               So
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 Phil.
              
               1.
               20.
               
               
                 According
                 to
                 my
                 earnest
                 expectation
                 :
              
               It
               is
               a
               similitude
               taken
               from
               a
               man
               that
               looks
               after
               another
               ,
               and
               lifts
               up
               himself
               as
               high
               
               as
               he
               may
               to
               see
               if
               any
               be
               coming
               after
               him
               ;
               so
               here
               the
               soul
               stands
               as
               it
               were
               a
               tip
               toe
               ,
               expecting
               when
               the
               Lord
               comes
               ;
               he
               hath
               heard
               the
               Lord
               say
               ,
               
                 Mercy
                 is
                 coming
                 towards
                 thee
                 ,
                 mercy
                 is
                 provided
                 for
                 thee
                 :
              
               now
               this
               affection
               is
               set
               out
               to
               meet
               mercy
               afar
               off
               ,
               it
               is
               the
               looking
               out
               of
               the
               soul
               :
               
                 O
                 when
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 Lord
                 ?
              
               
               
                 Thou
                 sayest
                 mercy
                 is
                 prepared
                 ,
                 thou
                 sayest
                 mercy
                 is
                 approaching
                 ;
              
               the
               soul
               standeth
               a
               tip-toe
               ,
               
                 O
                 when
                 will
                 it
                 come
                 Lord
                 !
              
               here
               is
               the
               voyce
               of
               
                 Hope
                 ;
                 This
                 sinful
                 soul
                 of
                 mine
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 through
                 Gods
                 mercy
                 be
                 sanctified
                 ;
                 this
                 troubled
                 perplexed
                 soul
                 of
                 mine
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 through
                 Gods
                 mercy
                 be
                 pacified
                 ;
                 this
                 evil
                 and
                 corruption
                 which
                 harbors
                 in
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 taken
                 possession
                 of
                 me
                 ,
                 it
                 may
                 through
                 Gods
                 mercy
                 be
                 removed
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ?
              
            
             
               The
               maner
               how
               Gods
               Spirit
               works
               this
               ,
               is
               discerned
               in
               three
               particulars
               :
               1.
               
               The
               Lord
               doth
               sweetly
               stay
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               fully
               perswade
               the
               soul
               ,
               that
               a
               mans
               sins
               are
               pardonable
               ,
               and
               that
               all
               his
               sins
               may
               be
               pardoned
               ,
               and
               that
               all
               the
               good
               things
               he
               wanteth
               ,
               they
               may
               be
               bestowed
               ;
               this
               is
               a
               great
               sustainer
               of
               the
               soul
               :
               when
               a
               poor
               sinner
               seeth
               his
               sins
               in
               their
               number
               ,
               nature
               ;
               when
               he
               seeth
               no
               rest
               in
               the
               creature
               ,
               nor
               in
               himself
               ,
               though
               all
               means
               ,
               all
               help
               ,
               all
               men
               ,
               all
               Angels
               ,
               should
               joyn
               together
               ,
               yet
               they
               cannot
               pardon
               one
               sin
               of
               his
               ;
               then
               the
               Lord
               lifteth
               up
               his
               voyce
               ,
               and
               saith
               from
               Heaven
               ,
               
                 Thy
                 sins
                 are
                 pardonable
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               Lord
               doth
               sweetly
               perswade
               the
               soul
               that
               all
               his
               sins
               shall
               be
               pardoned
               ;
               the
               Lord
               makes
               this
               appear
               ,
               and
               perswades
               his
               heart
               that
               he
               intendeth
               mercy
               ,
               that
               Christ
               hath
               procured
               pardon
               for
               the
               soul
               of
               a
               broken-hearted
               sinner
               in
               special
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               cannot
               but
               come
               unto
               it
               ;
               by
               this
               means
               
                 Hope
              
               comes
               to
               be
               assured
               ,
               and
               certainly
               perswaded
               to
               look
               out
               ,
               knowing
               the
               Promise
               shall
               be
               at
               the
               last
               accomplished
               :
               the
               former
               onely
               sustained
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               provoked
               it
               to
               look
               for
               mercy
               ,
               but
               this
               comforts
               the
               soul
               ,
               that
               undoubtedly
               it
               shall
               have
               mercy
               :
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 came
                 to
                 seek
                 and
                 to
                 save
                 that
                 which
                 was
                 lost
                 :
              
               now
               saith
               the
               broken
               and
               humble
               sinner
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 lost
                 ;
                 Did
                 Christ
                 come
                 to
                 save
                 sinners
                 ?
                 Christ
                 must
                 fail
                 of
                 his
                 end
                 ,
                 or
                 I
                 of
                 my
                 comfort
                 :
              
               God
               saith
               ,
               
                 Come
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 all
                 you
                 that
                 are
                 weary
                 and
                 heavy
                 laden
                 :
                 I
                 am
                 weary
                 ,
                 and
                 unless
                 the
                 Lord
                 intend
                 good
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 why
                 should
                 he
                 invite
                 me
                 and
                 bid
                 me
                 come
                 ?
                 surely
                 he
                 means
                 to
                 shew
                 me
                 mercy
                 ,
                 nay
                 he
                 promiseth
                 to
                 relieve
                 me
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 come
                 therefore
                 he
                 will
                 do
                 good
                 unto
                 me
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               Lord
               lets
               in
               some
               relish
               and
               taste
               of
               the
               sweetness
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               some
               scent
               and
               savor
               of
               it
               ,
               so
               that
               the
               soul
               is
               deeply
               affected
               with
               it
               ,
               and
               carryed
               mightily
               unto
               it
               ,
               that
               it
               cannot
               be
               severed
               ;
               it
               is
               the
               letting
               in
               the
               riches
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               that
               turneth
               
               the
               expectation
               of
               the
               soul
               another
               way
               ,
               yea
               it
               turneth
               the
               whole
               stream
               of
               the
               soul
               thitherward
               .
            
             
               This
               Reproves
               ,
               1.
               
               Those
               that
               cast
               off
               all
               
                 Hope
                 .
              
               2.
               
               Those
               that
               
               without
               ground
               will
               do
               nothing
               but
               
                 Hope
                 .
              
               1.
               
               If
               the
               Lord
               stir
               up
               the
               heart
               of
               his
               to
               
                 hope
              
               for
               his
               Mercy
               ,
               then
               take
               heed
               of
               that
               fearful
               sin
               of
               
                 Despair
                 .
              
               Despair
               we
               must
               in
               our selves
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               good
               ;
               but
               this
               
                 Despair
              
               we
               speak
               of
               ,
               is
               hainous
               in
               the
               eyes
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               hurtful
               to
               thee
               .
               1.
               
               Injurious
               to
               God
               ,
               thou
               goest
               to
               the
               deep
               dungeon
               of
               thy
               Corruption
               ,
               and
               there
               thou
               sayest
               ,
               
                 These
                 sins
                 can
                 never
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 still
                 proud
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 stubborn
                 ,
                 this
                 distress
                 God
                 seeth
                 not
                 ,
                 God
                 succors
                 not
                 ,
                 his
                 hand
                 cannot
                 reach
                 ,
                 his
                 Mercy
                 cannot
                 save
                 .
              
               Now
               mark
               what
               the
               Prophet
               saith
               to
               such
               a
               perplexed
               soul
               ,
               
                 Why
                 sayest
                 thou
                 thy
                 way
                 is
                 hid
                 from
                 the
              
               
               
                 Lord
                 ?
              
               the
               Lord
               saith
               ,
               
                 Why
                 sayest
                 thou
                 ?
                 is
                 any
                 thing
                 too
                 hard
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
              
               O
               you
               wrong
               God
               exceedingly
               ,
               you
               think
               it
               a
               matter
               of
               humility
               ,
               when
               you
               account
               so
               vilely
               of
               your selves
               :
               
                 Can
                 God
                 pardon
                 sin
                 to
                 such
                 unworthy
                 creatures
                 ?
                 It
                 is
                 true
              
               (
               saith
               the
               soul
               )
               Manasses
               
                 was
                 pardoned
                 ,
              
               Paul
               
                 was
                 converted
                 ,
                 Gods
                 Saints
                 have
                 been
                 received
                 to
                 mercy
                 ,
                 But
                 can
                 my
                 sins
                 be
                 pardoned
                 ?
                 can
                 my
                 soul
                 be
                 quickned
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 my
                 sins
                 are
                 greater
                 then
                 can
                 be
                 forgiven
                 .
              
               Why
               then
               ,
               poor
               soul
               ,
               Satan
               is
               stronger
               to
               overthrow
               thee
               ,
               then
               God
               to
               save
               thee
               ;
               and
               thus
               you
               make
               God
               to
               be
               no
               God
               ,
               nay
               you
               make
               him
               to
               be
               weaker
               then
               Sin
               ,
               then
               Hell
               ,
               then
               the
               Devil
               .
               2.
               
               This
               sin
               is
               dangerous
               to
               thy
               own
               soul
               ,
               it
               is
               that
               which
               taketh
               up
               the
               bridge
               ,
               and
               cutteth
               off
               all
               passages
               ,
               nay
               it
               plucks
               up
               a
               mans
               Endeavors
               (
               as
               it
               were
               )
               quite
               by
               the
               roots
               :
               
                 Alas
              
               (
               saith
               he
               )
               
                 what
                 skilleth
                 for
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 pray
                 ?
                 what
                 profits
                 it
                 a
                 man
                 to
                 read
                 ?
                 what
                 benefit
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 ?
                 The
                 stone
                 is
                 rolled
                 upon
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 Condemnation
                 sealed
                 for
                 ever
                 :
                 I
                 will
                 never
                 look
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 Grace
                 ,
                 Salvation
                 any
                 more
                 ;
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 grace
                 is
                 past
                 ,
                 the
                 day
                 is
                 gone
                 .
              
               And
               thus
               the
               soul
               sinketh
               in
               it self
               ,
               
                 Will
                 the
                 Lord
                 cast
                 me
                 off
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 he
                 shew
                 no
                 favor
                 ?
              
               
               
                 I
                 said
              
               (
               saith
               
                 David
                 )
                 this
                 is
                 my
                 infirmity
                 :
              
               the
               word
               in
               the
               Original
               is
               ,
               
                 This
                 is
                 my
                 sickness
                 ;
              
               as
               who
               should
               say
               ,
               
                 What
                 ,
                 is
                 mercy
                 gone
                 for
                 ever
                 ?
                 this
                 will
                 be
                 my
                 death
                 ,
                 then
                 is
                 life
                 gone
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               This
               Reproves
               and
               Condemns
               that
               great
               sin
               of
               
                 Presumption
                 ,
              
               a
               sin
               more
               frequent
               ,
               and
               (
               if
               possibly
               may
               be
               )
               more
               dangerous
               ;
               as
               they
               said
               ,
               
                 Saul
                 had
                 slain
                 his
                 thousands
                 ,
                 and
                 David
                 his
                 ten
                 thousands
                 :
              
               So
               hath
               
                 Despair
              
               slain
               his
               thousands
               ,
               but
               
                 Presumption
              
               
               his
               ten
               thousands
               .
               It
               is
               the
               counsel
               of
               
                 Peter
                 ,
              
               That
               
                 every
                 man
                 should
                 be
                 ready
                 to
                 give
                 an
                 account
                 of
                 his
                 faith
                 and
                 hope
                 that
              
               
               
                 is
                 in
                 him
                 .
              
               Let
               us
               see
               the
               Reasons
               that
               perswade
               you
               to
               these
               groundless
               foolish
               
                 Hopes
                 ?
              
               you
               say
               ,
               You
               
                 hope
              
               to
               be
               saved
               ,
               and
               you
               
                 hope
              
               to
               go
               to
               heaven
               ,
               and
               you
               
                 hope
              
               to
               see
               Gods
               face
               with
               comfort
               ;
               and
               have
               you
               no
               grounds
               ?
               it
               is
               a
               foolish
               
                 hope
                 ,
              
               an
               unreasonable
               
                 hope
                 .
              
            
             
               But
               comfort
               ye
               ,
               comfort
               ye
               ,
               poor
               drooping
               spirits
               ;
               
                 They
                 that
              
               
               
                 wait
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 shall
                 renew
                 their
                 strength
                 :
              
               you
               say
               ,
               
                 You
                 cannot
                 do
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 cannot
                 do
                 that
                 ;
              
               I
               say
               ,
               
                 If
                 you
                 can
                 but
                 hope
                 ,
                 and
                 wait
                 for
                 the
                 Mercy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 you
                 are
                 rich
                 Christians
                 .
              
               If
               a
               man
               have
               many
               Reversions
               ,
               they
               that
               judge
               of
               his
               Estate
               ,
               will
               not
               judge
               him
               for
               his
               present
               Estate
               ,
               but
               for
               the
               Reversions
               he
               shall
               have
               :
               Haply
               thou
               hast
               not
               for
               the
               present
               the
               sense
               and
               feeling
               of
               Gods
               love
               and
               assurance
               ;
               away
               with
               that
               
                 feeling
                 ,
              
               do
               not
               dote
               upon
               it
               ,
               thou
               hast
               Reversions
               of
               old
               Leases
               ,
               ancient
               Mercies
               ,
               old
               Compassions
               ,
               such
               as
               have
               been
               reserved
               from
               the
               beginning
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               know
               thou
               hast
               a
               fair
               Inheritance
               .
            
             
               You
               will
               say
               ,
               Were
               my
               
                 hopes
              
               of
               the
               right
               stamp
               ,
               then
               might
               
               I
               comfort
               my self
               ;
               but
               there
               are
               many
               false
               ,
               flashy
               
                 hopes
                 ,
              
               and
               how
               should
               I
               know
               that
               my
               
                 hope
              
               is
               sound
               and
               good
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               you
               may
               know
               it
               by
               these
               particulars
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               A
               grounded
               
                 hope
              
               hath
               a
               peculiar
               certainty
               in
               it
               ,
               it
               doth
               bring
               home
               unto
               the
               soul
               in
               special
               maner
               ,
               the
               goodness
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               riches
               of
               his
               love
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
               It
               stands
               not
               on
               
                 Is's
              
               and
               
                 And's
              
               ,
               but
               saith
               ,
               
                 It
                 must
                 undoubtedly
                 ,
                 it
                 must
                 certainly
                 be
                 mine
                 ;
              
               and
               good
               Reason
               ,
               for
               this
               
                 hope
              
               hath
               a
               Word
               to
               hang
               and
               hold
               upon
               :
               What
               is
               that
               ?
               
                 I
                 will
                 wait
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 I
                 hope
              
               
               
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 ;
              
               it
               is
               a
               
                 Scripture-hope
                 ,
              
               a
               
                 Word
                 hope
                 :
              
               the
               Word
               saith
               ,
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 came
                 to
                 save
                 those
                 that
                 were
                 lost
                 ;
              
               why
               ,
               
                 I
                 finde
                 my self
              
               
               
                 to
                 be
                 lost
                 ,
              
               saith
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               
                 therefore
                 I
                 hope
                 :
              
               The
               Lord
               will
               seek
               me
               ,
               though
               I
               cannot
               seek
               him
               ;
               I
               
                 hope
              
               the
               Lord
               will
               finde
               me
               ,
               though
               I
               cannot
               finde
               my self
               ;
               I
               
                 hope
              
               the
               Lord
               will
               save
               me
               ,
               though
               I
               cannot
               save
               my self
               .
               So
               the
               Word
               saith
               ,
               
                 He
                 appointeth
                 them
                 that
                 mourn
                 in
                 Sion
                 ,
                 to
                 give
                 unto
                 them
                 beauty
                 for
                 ashes
                 :
              
               will
               you
               have
               a
               Legacy
               of
               Joy
               ,
               Mercy
               and
               Pity
               ?
               here
               it
               is
               ,
               the
               Lord
               Christ
               left
               it
               you
               ,
               
                 I
                 bequeath
                 and
                 leave
                 this
                 to
                 all
                 broken-hearted
                 sinners
                 ,
                 to
                 all
                 you
                 humble
                 mourning
                 sinners
                 ,
                 this
                 is
                 your
                 Legacy
                 ,
                 sue
                 for
                 it
                 in
                 the
                 Court
                 ,
                 and
                 you
                 shall
                 have
                 it
                 for
                 ever
                 .
              
            
             
             
               2.
               
               A
               grounded
               hope
               is
               ever
               of
               great
               power
               and
               strength
               to
               hold
               the
               soul
               to
               the
               truth
               of
               the
               Promise
               ;
               hence
               take
               a
               poor
               sinner
               when
               he
               is
               at
               the
               weakest
               ,
               under
               water
               ,
               when
               all
               Temptations
               ,
               Oppositions
               ,
               Corruptions
               grow
               strong
               against
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 shall
                 one
                 day
                 perish
                 by
                 the
                 hand
                 of
              
               Saul
               ,
               
                 this
                 proud
                 ,
                 foolish
                 ,
                 filthy
                 heart
                 of
                 mine
                 will
                 be
                 my
                 bane
                 ,
                 I
                 shall
                 never
                 get
                 power
                 ,
                 strength
                 and
                 grace
                 against
                 these
                 sins
                 .
              
               Here
               is
               the
               lowest
               
                 under
              
               of
               a
               poor
               soul
               .
               If
               a
               man
               should
               now
               reply
               ,
               
                 Then
                 cast
                 off
                 all
                 hope
                 and
                 confidence
                 ,
                 reject
                 the
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 to
                 your
                 sins
                 :
              
               Mark
               how
               
                 Hope
              
               steppeth
               in
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Nay
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 I
                 am
                 and
                 do
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 my
                 condition
                 is
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 use
                 the
                 means
                 ;
                 I
                 am
                 sure
                 all
                 my
                 help
                 is
                 in
                 Christ
                 ,
                 all
                 my
                 hope
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 I
                 must
                 perish
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 perish
                 seeking
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 waiting
                 upon
                 him
                 .
              
               Why
               ,
               this
               is
               
                 Hope
                 ,
              
               and
               I
               warrant
               ,
               that
               soul
               shall
               never
               go
               to
               hell
               ;
               
                 I
                 will
                 wait
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 yea
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 hid
                 himself
                 from
              
               
               
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Jacob
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               last
               Use
               is
               of
               Exhortation
               :
               I
               desire
               you
               ,
               I
               intreat
               you
               
               (
               I
               will
               not
               say
               ,
               I
               command
               you
               ,
               though
               this
               may
               be
               enjoyned
               )
               if
               you
               have
               any
               
                 hope
              
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               if
               you
               have
               any
               treasure
               in
               Christ
               ,
               labor
               to
               quicken
               this
               affection
               above
               all
               :
               The
               means
               are
               these
               —
            
             
               1.
               
               Labor
               to
               be
               much
               acquainted
               with
               the
               precious
               Promises
               of
               God
               ,
               to
               have
               them
               at
               hand
               ,
               and
               upon
               all
               occasions
               :
               These
               
               are
               thy
               comforts
               ,
               and
               will
               support
               thy
               soul
               ,
               as
               the
               body
               without
               comfort
               is
               unfit
               for
               any
               thing
               ;
               so
               it
               is
               here
               ,
               unless
               a
               man
               hath
               that
               provision
               of
               Gods
               Promises
               ,
               and
               have
               them
               at
               hand
               daily
               ,
               and
               have
               them
               dished
               out
               ,
               and
               fitted
               for
               him
               ,
               his
               heart
               will
               fail
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Maintain
               in
               thy
               heart
               a
               deep
               and
               serious
               acknowledgement
               of
               that
               supreme
               Authority
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               do
               what
               he
               will
               ,
               and
               
               how
               he
               will
               ,
               according
               to
               his
               pleasure
               .
               Alas
               ,
               we
               think
               too
               often
               to
               bring
               God
               to
               our
               bow
               ,
               
                 We
                 have
                 hoped
                 thus
                 long
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 hath
                 not
                 answered
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 we
                 wait
                 still
                 ?
              
               Wait
               !
               Ah
               wait
               ,
               and
               bless
               God
               that
               you
               may
               wait
               :
               If
               you
               may
               lie
               at
               Gods
               feet
               ,
               and
               put
               your
               mouthes
               in
               the
               dust
               ,
               and
               at
               the
               end
               of
               your
               days
               have
               one
               crum
               of
               Mercy
               ,
               it
               is
               enough
               ;
               therefore
               check
               those
               distempers
               ,
               
                 Shall
                 I
                 wait
                 still
                 ?
              
               It
               is
               a
               most
               admirable
               strange
               thing
               ,
               that
               a
               poor
               worm
               ,
               worthy
               of
               hell
               ,
               should
               take
               up
               state
               ,
               and
               stand
               upon
               terms
               with
               God
               :
               
                 He
                 will
                 not
                 wait
                 upon
                 God
                 ;
              
               Who
               must
               wait
               
               then
               ?
               must
               God
               wait
               ,
               or
               man
               wait
               ?
               It
               was
               the
               Apostles
               question
               ,
               
                 Wilt
                 thou
                 now
                 restore
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 Israel
                 ?
              
               to
               whom
               our
               Savior
               answered
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 you
                 to
                 know
                 the
                 times
                 and
                 seasons
                 ;
              
               as
               who
               should
               say
               ,
               
                 Hands
                 off
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               for
               you
               to
               wait
               ,
               and
               to
               expect
               mercy
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               for
               you
               to
               know
               :
               If
               you
               begin
               to
               wrangle
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 How
                 long
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ?
                 When
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ?
                 And
                 why
                 not
                 now
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ?
                 Why
                 not
                 I
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ?
              
               now
               check
               thy
               own
               heart
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 me
                 to
                 know
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 for
                 me
                 to
                 be
                 humble
                 ,
                 abased
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 wait
                 for
                 mercy
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               4.
               
               
                 A
                 desire
                 after
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               VVHen
               the
               soul
               is
               humbled
               ,
               and
               the
               eye
               opened
               ,
               then
               he
               begins
               thus
               to
               reason
               ,
               
                 O
                 happy
                 I
                 that
                 see
                 mercy
                 ,
                 but
                 miserable
                 I
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 come
                 to
                 see
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 never
                 have
                 a
                 share
                 in
                 it
                 !
                 O
                 why
                 not
                 I
                 (
                 Lord
                 ?
                 )
                 why
                 not
                 my
                 sins
                 pardoned
                 ?
                 and
                 why
                 not
                 my
                 eorruptions
                 subdued
                 ?
                 my
                 soul
                 now
                 thirsteth
                 after
                 thee
                 as
                 a
                 thirsty
                 Land
                 ,
                 my
                 affections
                 now
                 hunger
                 after
                 righteousness
                 both
                 infused
                 and
                 imputed
                 ;
              
               Now
               this
               
                 desire
              
               is
               begotten
               thus
               :
            
             
               When
               the
               
                 soul
              
               is
               come
               so
               far
               ,
               that
               after
               a
               through
               
                 conviction
              
               of
               sin
               ,
               and
               sound
               
                 humiliation
              
               under
               Gods
               mighty
               hand
               ,
               it
               hath
               a
               timely
               and
               seasonable
               revelation
               of
               the
               glorious
               mysteries
               of
               Christ
               ,
               of
               his
               excellencies
               ,
               invitations
               ,
               truth
               ,
               tender-heartedness
               ,
               &c.
               of
               the
               heavenly
               splendor
               ,
               and
               riches
               ,
               of
               
                 the
                 pearl
                 of
                 great
                 price
                 ;
              
               then
               doth
               the
               soul
               conceive
               by
               the
               help
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               this
               
                 desire
              
               and
               vehement
               longing
               :
               And
               (
               least
               any
               couzen
               themselves
               by
               any
               misconceits
               about
               it
               ,
               as
               the
               notorious
               sinner
               ,
               the
               meer
               civil
               man
               ,
               and
               the
               formal
               Professor
               )
               it
               is
               then
               known
               to
               be
               saving
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               When
               it
               is
               joyned
               with
               an
               hearty
               willingness
               and
               unfeigned
               resolution
               ,
               
                 to
                 sell
                 all
                 ,
                 to
                 part
                 with
                 all
                 sin
                 ,
              
               to
               bid
               adieu
               for
               ever
               to
               our
               darling-delight
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               an
               effect
               of
               self-love
               ,
               not
               an
               ordinary
               wish
               of
               natural
               appetite
               (
               like
               
                 Balaams
                 ,
                 Numb.
              
               23.
               10.
               
               )
               of
               
               those
               who
               
                 desire
              
               to
               be
               happy
               ,
               but
               are
               unwilling
               to
               be
               holy
               ;
               who
               would
               gladly
               be
               saved
               ,
               but
               are
               loth
               to
               be
               sanctified
               ;
               no
               ,
               if
               thou
               
                 desirest
              
               earnestly
               ,
               thou
               wilt
               work
               accordingly
               ;
               for
               as
               the
               
                 desire
              
               is
               ,
               so
               will
               the
               
                 endeavor
              
               be
               .
            
             
             
               2.
               
               When
               it
               is
               earnest
               ,
               eager
               ,
               vehement
               ,
               extreamly
               thirsting
               after
               Christ
               ,
               as
               the
               parched
               earth
               for
               refreshing
               showers
               ,
               or
               the
               hunted
               Hart
               for
               the
               Water-brooks
               .
               We
               read
               of
               a
               Scotish
               Penitent
               ,
               who
               a
               little
               before
               his
               confession
               ,
               
                 freely
                 confessed
                 his
                 fault
                 ,
              
               
               
                 to
                 the
                 shame
              
               (
               as
               he
               said
               )
               
                 of
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 shame
                 of
                 the
                 Devil
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 he
                 acknowledged
                 it
                 to
                 be
                 so
                 heynous
                 ,
                 and
                 horrible
                 ,
                 that
                 had
                 he
                 a
                 thousand
                 lives
                 ,
                 and
                 could
                 he
                 dye
                 Ten
                 thousand
                 deaths
                 ,
                 he
                 could
                 not
                 make
                 satisfaction
                 :
                 Notwithstanding
              
               (
               said
               he
               )
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 left
                 me
                 this
                 comfort
                 in
                 thy
                 word
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 hast
                 said
                 ,
                 Come
                 unto
                 me
                 all
                 ye
                 that
                 are
                 weary
                 and
                 heavy
                 laden
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 refresh
                 you
                 :
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 weary
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 heavy
              
               
               
                 laden
                 with
                 my
                 sins
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 innumerable
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 ready
                 to
                 sink
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 even
                 into
                 hell
                 ,
                 unless
                 thou
                 in
                 thy
                 mercy
                 put
                 to
                 thine
                 hand
                 and
                 deliver
                 me
                 :
                 Lord
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 promised
                 by
                 thine
                 own
                 word
                 out
                 of
                 thy
                 own
                 mouth
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 wilt
                 refresh
                 the
                 weary
                 soul
                 :
              
               And
               with
               that
               he
               thrust
               out
               one
               of
               his
               hands
               ,
               and
               reaching
               as
               high
               as
               he
               could
               towards
               Heaven
               ,
               with
               a
               louder
               voyce
               and
               a
               streined
               ,
               he
               cryed
               ,
               
                 I
                 challenge
                 thee
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 by
                 that
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 that
                 promise
                 which
                 thou
                 hast
                 made
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 perform
                 and
                 make
                 it
                 good
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 call
                 for
                 ease
                 and
                 mercy
                 at
                 thy
                 hands
                 ,
              
               &c.
               
               Proportionably
               ,
               when
               heavy-heartedness
               for
               sin
               hath
               so
               dryed
               up
               the
               bones
               ,
               and
               the
               angry
               countenance
               of
               God
               so
               parched
               the
               heart
               ,
               that
               the
               poor
               soul
               begins
               now
               to
               gasp
               for
               grace
               ,
               as
               
                 the
                 thirsty
                 Land
                 for
                 drops
                 of
                 rain
                 ;
              
               then
               the
               poor
               sinner
               (
               though
               dust
               and
               ashes
               )
               with
               an
               holy
               humility
               thus
               speaks
               unto
               Christ
               ,
               
                 O
                 merciful
                 Lord
                 God
                 ,
                 Thou
                 art
              
               Alpha
               
                 and
              
               Omega
               ,
               
                 the
                 beginning
                 and
                 the
                 end
                 ;
                 Thou
                 sayest
                 it
                 is
                 done
                 ,
                 of
                 things
                 that
                 are
                 yet
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 so
                 faithful
                 and
                 true
                 are
                 thy
                 Decrees
                 and
                 Promises
                 ;
                 That
                 thou
                 hast
                 promised
                 by
                 thine
                 own
                 word
                 out
                 of
                 thy
                 own
                 mouth
                 ,
                 that
                 unto
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 a
                 thirst
                 ,
                 thou
                 wilt
                 give
                 him
                 of
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 the
                 water
                 of
                 life
                 freely
                 .
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 thirst
                 ,
                 I
                 faint
                 ,
                 I
                 languish
                 ,
                 I
                 long
                 for
                 one
                 drop
                 of
                 mercy
                 :
                 As
              
               
               
                 the
                 Hart
                 panteth
                 for
                 the
                 water-brooks
                 ,
                 so
                 panteth
                 my
                 soul
                 after
                 thee
                 ,
                 O
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 after
                 the
                 yearning
                 bowels
                 of
                 thy
                 wonted
                 compassions
                 :
                 Had
                 I
                 now
                 in
                 possession
                 the
                 glory
                 ,
                 the
                 wealth
                 ,
                 and
                 pleasures
                 of
                 the
                 whole
                 world
                 ;
                 nay
                 ,
                 had
                 I
                 Ten
                 thousand
                 lives
                 ,
                 joyfully
                 would
                 I
                 lay
                 them
                 all
                 down
                 and
                 part
                 with
                 them
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 this
                 poor
                 trembling
                 soul
                 of
                 mine
                 received
                 into
                 the
                 bleeding
                 arms
                 of
                 my
                 blessed
                 Redeemer
                 .
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 my
                 spirit
                 within
                 me
                 is
                 melted
                 into
                 tears
                 of
                 blood
                 ,
                 my
                 heart
                 is
                 shivered
                 into
                 pieces
                 ;
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 very
              
               
               
                 place
                 of
                 Dragons
                 and
                 shadow
                 of
                 death
                 ,
                 do
                 I
                 lift
                 up
                 my
                 thoughts
                 heavy
                 and
                 sad
                 before
                 thee
                 ,
                 the
                 remembrance
                 of
                 my
                 former
                 vanities
                 and
                 pollutions
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 very
                 vomit
                 to
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 sorely
                 wounded
                 with
                 the
                 grievous
                 representation
                 thereof
                 :
                 The
                 very
                 flames
                 of
                 Hell
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 the
                 fury
                 of
                 thy
                 just
                 wrath
                 ,
                 the
                 scorchings
                 of
                 my
                 own
                 conscience
                 ,
                 have
                 so
                 wasted
                 and
                 parched
                 mine
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 my
                 thirst
                 is
                 insatiable
                 ,
                 my
                 bowels
                 are
                 hot
                 within
                 me
                 ,
                 my
                 desire
                 after
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 pardon
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 is
                 greedy
                 as
                 the
                 grave
                 ;
                 the
                 coals
                 thereof
                 are
                 coals
                 of
                 fire
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 a
                 most
                 vehement
                 flame
                 :
                 And
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 in
                 thy
                 blessed
                 Book
                 thou
                 callest
                 and
                 cryest
                 ,
                 Ho
                 ,
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 thirsteth
                 ,
                 come
                 ye
                 to
                 the
                 waters
                 .
                 In
                 that
                 great
                 day
                 of
                 the
              
               
               
                 feast
                 ,
                 thou
                 stoodest
                 and
                 cryed'st
                 with
                 thine
                 own
                 mouth
                 ,
                 If
                 any
                 man
              
               
               
                 thirst
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 come
                 unto
                 me
                 and
                 drink
                 ;
                 and
                 these
                 are
                 thine
                 own
                 words
                 ,
                 Those
                 who
                 hunger
                 and
                 thirst
                 after
                 righteousness
                 shall
                 be
              
               
               
                 filled
                 .
                 I
                 challenge
                 thee
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 in
                 this
                 my
                 extreamest
                 thirst
                 after
                 thine
                 own
                 blessed
                 self
                 ,
                 and
                 spiritual
                 life
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 by
                 that
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 that
                 Promise
                 which
                 thou
                 hast
                 made
                 ,
                 that
                 thou
                 perform
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 it
                 good
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 that
                 lie
                 grovelling
                 in
                 the
                 dust
                 ,
                 and
                 trembling
                 at
                 thy
                 feet
                 :
                 Oh!
                 open
                 now
                 that
                 promised
                 well
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 must
                 drink
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 dye
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               means
               to
               obtain
               this
               
                 desire
                 ,
              
               are
               these
               three
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               Be
               acquainted
               throughly
               with
               thine
               own
               necessities
               and
               
               wants
               ,
               with
               that
               nothingness
               and
               emptiness
               that
               is
               in
               thy self
               ;
               a
               groundless
               presumption
               makes
               a
               man
               careless
               ;
               see
               into
               thine
               own
               necessities
               ,
               confess
               the
               want
               of
               this
               
                 desire
              
               after
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Labor
               to
               spread
               forth
               the
               excellency
               of
               all
               the
               beauty
               and
               surpassing
               glory
               ,
               that
               is
               in
               the
               Promises
               of
               God
               :
               Couldst
               thou
               
               but
               view
               them
               in
               their
               proper
               colours
               ,
               they
               would
               even
               ravish
               thee
               ,
               and
               quicken
               thy
               
                 desires
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               After
               all
               this
               ,
               know
               it
               is
               not
               in
               thy
               power
               to
               bring
               thy
               heart
               to
               
                 desire
              
               Christ
               ,
               thou
               canst
               not
               hammer
               out
               a
               
                 desire
              
               upon
               
               thine
               own
               Anvil
               ,
               dig
               thy
               own
               pit
               ,
               and
               hew
               thy
               own
               rock
               as
               long
               as
               thou
               wilt
               ;
               nay
               ,
               let
               all
               the
               Angels
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               Ministers
               on
               Earth
               provoke
               thee
               ,
               yet
               if
               the
               hand
               of
               the
               Lord
               be
               wanting
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               not
               lift
               up
               thine
               heart
               ,
               nor
               step
               one
               step
               towards
               Heaven
               ;
               then
               go
               to
               him
               who
               is
               able
               to
               work
               this
               
                 desire
              
               in
               thy
               soul
               .
               It
               is
               the
               complaint
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               O
               they
               are
               troubled
               ,
               because
               they
               cannot
               fetch
               a
               good
               
                 desire
              
               from
               their
               own
               
               souls
               ,
               and
               one
               falls
               ,
               another
               sinks
               ,
               a
               third
               shakes
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               overwhelmed
               with
               discouragement
               :
               
                 What
                 a
                 wretched
                 heart
                 have
                 I
                 ?
              
               (
               faith
               one
               )
               
                 I
                 grace
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ,
                 the
                 world
                 I
                 can
                 desire
                 ,
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 my
                 childe
                 I
                 long
                 for
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 say
                 with
              
               (
               Rachel
               )
               
                 Let
                 me
                 have
                 honor
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 dye
                 :
                 but
                 I
                 cannot
                 long
                 for
                 the
                 unconceivable
                 riches
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ;
                 and
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 shew
                 any
                 mercy
                 upon
                 me
                 ?
              
               Is
               it
               thus
               ?
               remember
               now
               ,
               
                 desires
              
               grow
               not
               in
               thy
               garden
               ,
               they
               spring
               not
               from
               the
               root
               of
               thy
               abilities
               :
               O
               seek
               unto
               God
               ,
               and
               confess
               ,
               
                 In
                 truth
                 Lord
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 thou
                 from
                 whom
                 come
                 all
                 our
                 desires
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 thou
                 must
                 work
                 them
                 in
                 us
                 as
                 thou
                 hast
                 promised
                 them
                 to
                 us
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 quicken
                 thou
                 this
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 inlarge
                 this
                 heart
                 of
                 mine
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 onely
                 art
                 the
                 God
                 of
                 this
                 desire
                 .
              
               Thus
               hale
               down
               a
               
                 desire
              
               from
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               from
               the
               Promise
               ,
               for
               there
               onely
               must
               thou
               have
               it
               :
               
                 The
                 smoaking
                 flax
                 God
                 will
                 not
                 quench
                 :
              
               flax
               
               will
               not
               smoak
               ,
               but
               a
               spark
               must
               come
               into
               it
               ,
               and
               that
               will
               make
               it
               catch
               fire
               and
               smoak
               ;
               thus
               lay
               your
               hearts
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Good
                 Lord
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 onely
                 flax
                 ,
                 here
                 is
                 onely
                 a
                 stubborn
                 heart
                 ,
                 but
                 strike
                 thou
                 by
                 thy
                 Promise
                 one
                 spark
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 have
                 a
                 smoaking
                 desire
                 after
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 after
                 grace
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               5.
               
               
                 A
                 Love
                 of
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               VVE
               have
               run
               through
               two
               affections
               ,
               
                 Hope
              
               &
               
                 Desire
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               next
               is
               
                 Love
                 :
              
               A
               possible
               good
               stirs
               up
               
                 Hope
                 ,
              
               a
               necessary
               excellency
               in
               that
               good
               ,
               setleth
               
                 Desire
                 ,
              
               and
               a
               rellish
               in
               that
               good
               setled
               ,
               kindles
               
                 Love
                 .
              
               Thus
               is
               the
               order
               of
               Gods
               work
               :
               If
               the
               good
               be
               absent
               ,
               the
               understanding
               saith
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 desired
                 ,
                 O
                 that
                 I
                 had
                 it
                 !
              
               then
               it
               sends
               out
               
                 Hope
                 ,
              
               and
               that
               waits
               for
               that
               good
               ,
               and
               stays
               till
               it
               can
               see
               it
               ;
               and
               yet
               if
               that
               good
               cannot
               come
               ,
               then
               
                 Desire
              
               hath
               another
               proper
               work
               ,
               and
               it
               goes
               up
               and
               down
               wandring
               ,
               and
               seeketh
               and
               sueth
               for
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
               After
               this
               ,
               if
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               be
               pleased
               to
               come
               himself
               into
               the
               view
               of
               the
               heart
               ,
               which
               longeth
               thus
               after
               him
               ,
               then
               
                 Love
              
               leads
               him
               into
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               tells
               the
               
                 Will
              
               of
               him
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Lo
                 here
                 is
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 the
              
               Messiah
               ,
               
                 that
                 hath
                 ordered
                 these
                 great
                 things
                 for
                 his
                 Saints
                 and
                 people
                 .
              
            
             
             
               The
               Motive
               or
               ground
               of
               this
               
                 Love
                 ,
              
               is
               Gods
               Spirit
               in
               the
               Promise
               ,
               letting
               in
               some
               intimation
               of
               Gods
               
                 love
              
               into
               the
               soul
               ;
               thus
               
                 Psal.
              
               42.
               8.
               
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 will
                 command
                 his
                 loving
                 kindeness
                 in
              
               
               
                 the
                 day
                 time
                 :
              
               This
               is
               a
               phrase
               taken
               from
               Kings
               and
               Princes
               ,
               and
               great
               Commanders
               in
               the
               field
               ,
               whose
               words
               of
               Command
               stand
               for
               Laws
               ;
               so
               the
               Lord
               sends
               out
               his
               
                 loving
                 kindeness
                 ,
              
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Go
                 out
                 ,
                 my
                 everlasting
                 love
                 and
                 kindeness
                 ,
                 take
                 a
                 Commission
                 from
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 go
                 that
                 humble
                 ,
                 thirsty
                 and
                 hunger-bitten
                 sinner
                 ,
                 and
                 go
                 and
                 prosper
                 ,
                 and
                 prevail
                 ,
                 and
                 settle
                 my
                 love
                 effectually
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 fasten
                 my
                 mercy
                 upon
                 him
                 ;
                 I
                 command
                 my
                 loving
                 kindeness
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 .
              
               Thus
               the
               Lord
               doth
               put
               a
               Commission
               into
               the
               hands
               of
               his
               
                 loving
                 kindeness
                 ,
              
               that
               it
               shall
               do
               good
               to
               the
               poor
               soul
               ,
               yea
               though
               it
               withdraw
               it self
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 What
                 ,
                 I
                 mercy
                 ?
                 will
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 accept
                 of
                 me
                 ?
                 No
                 ,
                 no
                 ;
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hope
                 of
                 mercy
                 for
                 me
                 :
                 indeed
                 if
                 I
                 could
                 pray
                 thus
                 ,
                 hear
                 thus
                 ,
                 and
                 perform
                 Duties
                 with
                 that
                 enlargement
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 those
                 parts
                 and
                 abilities
                 ,
                 then
                 there
                 were
                 some
                 comfort
                 ,
                 but
                 now
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 hope
                 of
                 mercy
                 for
                 me
                 .
              
               We
               demand
               ,
               Is
               this
               your
               case
               ?
               is
               it
               thus
               and
               thus
               ?
               are
               you
               thus
               humbled
               ?
               and
               have
               you
               thus
               longed
               for
               the
               riches
               of
               his
               Mercy
               in
               Christ
               ?
               Lo
               then
               ,
               the
               Lord
               hath
               put
               a
               Commission
               into
               the
               hands
               of
               his
               
                 loving
                 kindeness
                 ,
              
               saying
               ,
               
                 Go
                 to
                 that
                 poor
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 break
                 open
                 the
                 doors
                 upon
                 that
                 weary
                 weltering
                 heart
                 ,
                 and
                 break
                 off
                 all
                 those
                 bolts
                 ,
                 and
                 rend
                 off
                 that
                 veil
                 of
                 ignorance
                 and
                 carnal
                 Reason
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 those
                 Arguments
                 :
                 Go
              
               (
               I
               say
               )
               
                 to
                 that
                 soul
                 ,
                 and
                 chear
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 warm
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 tell
                 it
                 from
                 me
                 ,
                 That
                 his
                 sins
                 are
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 soul
                 shall
                 be
                 saved
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 sighs
                 and
                 prayers
                 are
                 heard
                 in
                 heaven
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 charge
                 you
                 do
                 the
                 work
                 before
                 you
                 come
                 again
                 .
              
            
             
               Here
               is
               the
               ground
               of
               
                 Love
                 ,
              
               Gods
               
                 love
              
               affecting
               the
               heart
               and
               setled
               upon
               it
               ,
               it
               breeds
               a
               
                 love
              
               to
               God
               again
               ;
               
                 We
                 love
                 him
                 ,
                 because
              
               
               
                 he
                 loved
                 us
                 first
                 :
              
               The
               burning-glass
               must
               receive
               heat
               of
               the
               beams
               of
               the
               Sun
               ,
               before
               it
               burn
               any
               thing
               ;
               so
               there
               must
               be
               a
               beam
               of
               Gods
               
                 love
              
               to
               fall
               upon
               the
               soul
               ,
               before
               it
               can
               
                 love
              
               God
               again
               :
               
                 I
                 drew
                 them
                 with
                 the
                 cords
                 of
                 a
                 man
                 ,
                 even
                 with
                 the
                 bands
                 of
                 love
                 ;
              
               
               God
               lets
               in
               the
               cords
               of
               
                 love
              
               into
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               that
               draws
               
                 love
              
               again
               to
               God
               :
               
                 He
                 brought
                 me
                 into
                 the
                 banqueting-house
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 banner
                 over
                 me
                 was
                 love
                 ;
                 stay
                 me
                 with
                 flaggons
                 ,
                 comfort
                 me
              
               
               
                 with
                 apples
                 ,
                 for
                 I
                 am
                 sick
                 of
                 love
                 .
              
               When
               the
               banner
               of
               Christs
               
                 love
              
               is
               spread
               over
               the
               soul
               ,
               the
               soul
               comes
               to
               be
               sick
               in
               
                 love
              
               with
               Christ
               .
            
             
             
               Now
               this
               
                 love
              
               of
               God
               doth
               beget
               our
               
                 love
              
               in
               three
               particulars
               :
            
             
               First
               ,
               there
               is
               a
               sweetness
               and
               a
               rellish
               which
               Gods
               
                 love
              
               lets
               into
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               warms
               the
               heart
               with
               ;
               you
               shall
               see
               how
               the
               fire
               is
               kindled
               by
               and
               by
               :
               As
               when
               a
               man
               is
               fainting
               ,
               we
               give
               him
               
                 Aqua-vitae
                 ;
              
               so
               a
               fainting
               sinner
               is
               cold
               at
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               therefore
               the
               Lord
               lets
               in
               a
               drop
               of
               his
               
                 loving
                 kindeness
                 ,
              
               and
               this
               warms
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               the
               soul
               is
               even
               filled
               with
               the
               happiness
               of
               the
               mercy
               of
               God
               ;
               
                 Let
                 him
                 kiss
                 me
                 with
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
              
               (
               saith
               the
               Spouse
               in
               the
               
                 Canticles
                 )
                 for
                 his
                 love
                 is
                 better
                 then
                 wine
                 :
              
               
               The
               kisses
               of
               his
               mouth
               ,
               are
               the
               comforts
               of
               his
               Word
               and
               Spirit
               ;
               the
               soul
               saith
               ,
               
                 O
                 let
                 the
                 Lord
                 refresh
                 me
                 with
                 the
                 kisses
                 of
                 his
                 mouth
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 Lord
                 speak
                 comfort
                 to
                 my
                 heart
                 ,
              
               and
               this
               is
               better
               then
               wine
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               as
               that
               sweetness
               warms
               the
               heart
               ,
               so
               the
               freeness
               of
               the
               
                 love
              
               of
               God
               let
               in
               and
               intimated
               ,
               begins
               even
               to
               kindle
               this
               
                 love
              
               in
               the
               soul
               ,
               that
               it
               sparkles
               again
               :
               God
               setteth
               out
               his
               
                 love
              
               towards
               us
               ,
               
                 seeing
                 that
                 while
                 we
                 were
                 yet
                 sinners
                 ,
                 Christ
                 dyed
                 for
                 us
                 .
              
               This
               commends
               the
               
                 love
              
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               Lord
               sends
               to
               
               poor
               and
               miserable
               ,
               sinful
               broken-hearted
               sinners
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Commend
                 my
                 mercy
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 one
                 ,
                 and
                 tell
                 him
                 ,
                 That
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 an
                 enemy
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 friend
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 rebellious
                 against
                 me
                 ,
                 yet
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 God
                 and
                 Father
                 to
                 him
                 :
              
               When
               the
               poor
               sinner
               considers
               this
               with
               himself
               ,
               he
               saith
               ,
               
                 Is
                 the
                 Lord
                 so
                 merciful
                 to
                 me
                 ?
                 I
                 that
                 loved
                 my
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 continued
                 in
                 them
                 ,
                 had
                 it
                 not
                 been
                 just
                 that
                 I
                 should
                 have
                 perished
                 in
                 them
                 ?
                 but
                 will
                 the
                 Lord
                 not
                 onely
                 spare
                 his
                 enemy
                 ,
                 but
                 give
                 his
                 Son
                 for
                 him
                 ?
                 O
                 let
                 my
                 soul
                 for
                 ever
                 rejoyce
                 in
                 this
                 unconceiveable
                 goodness
                 of
                 God!
              
               Be
               thy
               heart
               never
               so
               hard
               ,
               if
               it
               have
               but
               the
               sense
               of
               this
               ,
               it
               cannot
               but
               stir
               thee
               to
               Humiliation
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               greatness
               of
               the
               freeness
               of
               this
               mercy
               of
               God
               ,
               being
               setled
               upon
               the
               heart
               ,
               enflames
               it
               ,
               the
               
                 sweetness
              
               warms
               the
               heart
               ,
               this
               
                 freeness
              
               kindles
               the
               fire
               ,
               and
               when
               the
               greatness
               of
               the
               sweetness
               comes
               to
               be
               valued
               ,
               this
               sets
               the
               heart
               all
               on
               a
               flame
               ;
               the
               Apostle
               desires
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 Ephesians
                 being
                 rooted
                 and
                 grounded
              
               
               
                 in
                 love
                 ,
                 might
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 comprehend
                 with
                 all
                 Saints
                 ,
                 what
                 is
                 the
                 breadth
                 and
                 height
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 Christ
                 ;
              
               as
               if
               he
               had
               said
               ,
               The
               unmeasureablenes
               of
               Gods
               mercy
               will
               blow
               up
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               enflame
               the
               heart
               with
               admirable
               love
               of
               God
               again
               ,
               and
               
               will
               make
               the
               soul
               say
               ,
               
                 What
                 ,
                 I
                 that
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 against
                 this
                 good
                 God
                 ?
                 O
                 it
                 breaks
                 my
                 heart
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 it
                 !
                 there
                 was
                 no
                 Name
                 under
                 heaven
                 that
                 I
                 did
                 blaspheme
                 and
                 tear
                 in
                 pieces
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 this
                 Name
                 ;
                 no
                 Command
                 under
                 heaven
                 I
                 so
                 much
                 despised
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Command
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 of
                 Christ
                 ;
                 no
                 Spirit
                 that
                 I
                 grieved
                 ,
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 the
                 good
                 Spirit
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 had
                 the
                 Lord
                 onely
                 given
                 me
                 a
                 look
                 ,
                 or
                 spoken
                 a
                 word
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 an
                 infinite
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 send
                 a
                 Son
                 to
                 save
                 me
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 incomparable
                 :
                 I
                 could
                 not
                 conceive
                 to
                 do
                 so
                 much
                 evil
                 against
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 done
                 good
                 to
                 me
                 :
                 O
                 the
                 breadth
                 of
                 that
                 Mercy
                 beyond
                 all
                 limits
                 !
                 O
                 the
                 length
                 of
                 that
                 Mercy
                 beyond
                 all
                 time
                 !
                 O
                 the
                 depth
                 of
                 that
                 Mercy
                 below
                 a
                 mans
                 misery
                 !
                 O
                 the
                 height
                 of
                 that
                 Mercy
                 above
                 the
                 height
                 of
                 my
                 understanding
                 !
                 If
                 my
                 hands
                 were
                 all
                 love
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 could
                 work
                 nothing
                 but
                 love
                 ,
                 &
                 if
                 mine
                 eyes
                 were
                 able
                 to
                 see
                 nothing
                 but
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 minde
                 to
                 think
                 of
                 nothing
                 but
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 I
                 had
                 a
                 thousand
                 bodies
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 all
                 too
                 little
                 to
                 love
                 that
                 God
                 that
                 hath
                 thus
                 unmeasureably
                 loved
                 me
                 a
                 poor
                 sinful
                 Hell-hound
                 :
                 I
                 will
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 dearly
              
               (
               saith
               
                 David
                 )
                 O
                 Lord
                 my
                 strength
                 .
                 Have
              
               
               
                 I
                 gotten
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 to
                 be
                 my
                 comfort
                 ,
                 my
                 buckler
                 and
                 my
                 shield
                 ?
                 if
                 I
                 have
                 any
                 good
                 ,
                 he
                 begins
                 it
                 ;
                 if
                 I
                 have
                 any
                 comfort
                 ,
                 he
                 blesseth
                 it
                 :
                 Therefore
                 I
                 will
                 love
                 thee
                 dearly
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 my
                 strength
                 ,
                 O
                 how
                 should
                 I
                 but
                 love
                 thee
                 !
              
            
             
               Me
               thinks
               there
               is
               a
               poor
               sincere
               soul
               that
               saith
               ,
               
                 My
                 understanding
                 are
                 not
                 so
                 deep
                 as
                 others
                 ,
                 my
                 tongue
                 runs
                 not
                 so
                 glib
                 as
              
               
               
                 such
                 and
                 such
                 ;
                 I
                 cannot
                 talk
                 so
                 freely
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 salvation
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 meaner
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 cannot
                 inlarge
                 my self
                 in
                 holy
                 Duties
                 and
                 holy
                 Services
                 ;
                 I
                 cannot
                 dispute
                 for
                 a
                 Savior
                 ,
                 or
                 perform
                 such
                 Duties
                 as
                 others
                 can
                 do
                 :
              
               yet
               ,
               sweet
               soul
               ,
               canst
               thou
               love
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               and
               rejoyce
               in
               him
               ?
               
                 O
                 yes
                 !
                 I
                 bless
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 I
                 have
                 ,
                 all
                 my
                 friends
                 ,
                 and
                 parts
                 ,
                 and
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 abilities
                 ,
                 are
                 but
                 as
                 dung
                 and
                 dross
                 in
                 comparison
                 of
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 ;
                 it
                 were
                 the
                 comfort
                 of
                 my
                 soul
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 might
                 be
                 ever
                 with
                 him
                 .
              
               Say
               you
               so
               ?
               Go
               thy
               way
               ,
               and
               the
               God
               of
               heaven
               go
               with
               thee
               :
               This
               is
               a
               work
               of
               God
               that
               will
               never
               leave
               thee
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               badge
               and
               proper
               livery
               that
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               gives
               onely
               to
               his
               Saints
               ;
               never
               a
               meer
               Professor
               under
               heaven
               ever
               wore
               it
               ,
               never
               any
               Hypocrite
               under
               heaven
               to
               whom
               God
               did
               intend
               it
               ,
               but
               onely
               to
               those
               whom
               he
               hath
               effectually
               called
               ,
               and
               whom
               he
               will
               save
               ;
               therefore
               though
               thou
               wantst
               all
               ,
               thou
               hast
               this
               
               to
               comfort
               thee
               in
               the
               want
               of
               all
               ;
               and
               thou
               mayest
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 can
                 say
                 little
                 for
                 Christ
                 ,
                 my
                 tongue
                 faulters
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 memory
                 is
                 weak
                 ,
                 yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 knows
                 I
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               This
               is
               enough
               ,
               
                 David
              
               desired
               no
               more
               ,
               but
               what
               God
               was
               wont
               to
               do
               to
               his
               children
               that
               loved
               his
               name
               ,
               
                 Do
                 to
                 me
              
               (
               saith
               the
               text
               )
               
                 as
                 thou
                 usest
                 to
                 do
              
               
               
                 unto
                 those
                 that
                 love
                 thy
                 name
                 ;
                 I
                 know
                 thou
                 lovest
                 them
                 that
                 love
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 wilt
                 save
                 and
                 glorifie
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 end
                 ,
                 I
                 desire
                 no
                 more
                 but
                 this
                 ,
                 do
                 as
                 thou
                 usest
                 to
                 do
                 to
                 those
                 that
                 love
                 thy
                 name
                 .
              
               And
               doth
               
                 David
                 ,
              
               a
               King
               ,
               desire
               no
               more
               ?
               sure
               then
               if
               thou
               (
               poor
               soul
               )
               hast
               so
               much
               as
               he
               had
               ,
               it
               is
               enough
               ,
               be
               quiet
               with
               thy
               childes
               part
               ,
               
                 Thy
                 lot
                 is
                 faln
                 into
                 a
                 marvellous
                 fair
                 ground
                 .
              
            
             
               Some
               may
               say
               ,
               this
               is
               all
               the
               difficult
               ,
               How
               may
               I
               know
               whether
               
               my
               
                 love
              
               be
               a
               true
               love
               ,
               or
               a
               false
               
                 love
                 ?
              
               How
               may
               I
               know
               ,
               that
               my
               
                 love
              
               is
               of
               the
               right
               stamp
               .
            
             
               Let
               every
               man
               put
               his
               
                 love
              
               upon
               the
               trial
               ,
               and
               examine
               thus
               ,
               
               
                 Whether
                 doest
                 thou
                 welcome
                 Christ
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 worth
                 of
                 them
                 ?
              
               if
               thou
               doest
               ,
               it
               will
               appear
               in
               these
               particulars
               :
               1.
               
               Observe
               the
               root
               and
               rise
               from
               whence
               thy
               love
               came
               ,
               canst
               thou
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 hath
                 loved
                 me
                 ?
                 then
                 thy
                 love
                 is
                 of
                 the
                 right
                 mettle
                 ,
                 and
                 know
                 it
                 for
                 ever
                 ,
                 that
                 that
                 God
                 which
                 cannot
                 but
                 love
                 himself
                 ,
                 he
                 cannot
                 but
                 like
                 that
                 love
                 which
                 came
                 from
                 himself
                 :
                 is
                 thy
                 soul
                 affected
                 and
                 enlarged
                 in
                 love
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 hast
                 felt
                 and
                 retained
                 the
                 relish
                 and
                 sweetness
                 of
                 his
                 grace
                 ?
              
               canst
               thou
               say
               ,
               
                 The
                 Lord
                 hath
                 let
                 in
                 a
                 glimpse
                 of
                 his
                 favor
                 ?
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 said
                 in
                 his
                 truth
                 ,
                 he
                 looks
                 to
                 him
                 that
                 trembles
                 at
                 his
                 word
                 ,
                 the
                 Minister
                 said
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Spirit
                 saith
                 it
                 ,
                 that
                 my
                 mercy
                 is
                 registred
                 in
                 heaven
                 :
                 Oh
                 how
                 should
                 I
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 !
                 my
                 sins
                 are
                 many
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 bewailed
                 ,
                 my
                 sighs
                 and
                 sobs
                 I
                 have
                 put
                 up
                 to
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 at
                 the
                 last
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 given
                 me
                 a
                 gracious
                 answer
                 :
                 Oh
                 how
                 should
                 I
                 love
                 the
                 Lord
                 my
                 strength
                 dearly
                 ?
              
               If
               it
               be
               thus
               with
               thee
               ,
               thy
               
                 love
              
               is
               sound
               ,
               and
               will
               never
               fail
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               If
               thou
               entertain
               thy
               Savior
               ,
               as
               it
               beseems
               him
               ,
               thou
               must
               entertain
               him
               as
               a
               King
               ,
               and
               that
               is
               thus
               ;
               give
               up
               all
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               entertain
               none
               with
               him
               upon
               terms
               of
               honor
               ,
               but
               such
               as
               retain
               to
               him
               ,
               or
               be
               attendants
               upon
               him
               ;
               love
               all
               in
               Christ
               ,
               and
               for
               Christ
               ,
               but
               express
               thy
               love
               and
               joy
               to
               Christ
               above
               all
               :
               He
               is
               as
               a
               King
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               rest
               are
               but
               as
               retainers
               ;
               he
               that
               loves
               any
               thing
               equal
               with
               a
               Christ
               ,
               it
               is
               certain
               he
               did
               never
               love
               
               Christ
               ;
               to
               set
               up
               any
               thing
               
                 cheek
                 by
                 jole
              
               with
               Christ
               ,
               it
               is
               all
               one
               as
               if
               a
               man
               did
               put
               a
               slave
               into
               the
               same
               Chamber
               with
               the
               King
               ,
               which
               is
               upon
               the
               point
               to
               drive
               him
               away
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               The
               soul
               that
               rightly
               entertains
               Christ
               ,
               and
               studies
               wholly
               to
               give
               him
               contentment
               ,
               he
               is
               marvellous
               wary
               and
               watchful
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               not
               sad
               that
               good
               Spirit
               of
               God
               to
               grieve
               him
               ,
               and
               cause
               him
               to
               go
               away
               as
               displeased
               :
               See
               this
               
                 Cant.
              
               3.
               4
               ,
               5.
               the
               Spouse
               sought
               long
               for
               her
               beloved
               ,
               and
               at
               last
               brought
               him
               
               home
               ,
               and
               when
               she
               had
               welcomed
               him
               ,
               she
               gives
               a
               charge
               to
               all
               the
               house
               ,
               
                 not
                 to
                 stir
                 nor
                 awaken
                 her
                 love
                 ,
                 till
                 he
                 please
                 .
              
               When
               a
               Prince
               comes
               unto
               the
               house
               of
               a
               great
               man
               ,
               what
               charge
               is
               there
               given
               to
               make
               no
               noise
               in
               the
               night
               ,
               lest
               such
               and
               such
               a
               man
               be
               awakened
               before
               his
               time
               ?
               the
               soul
               when
               it
               hath
               received
               the
               Spirit
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               doth
               thus
               ;
               he
               gives
               a
               peremptory
               charge
               to
               keep
               watch
               and
               ward
               ,
               and
               gives
               a
               charge
               to
               
                 hope
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 desire
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 love
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 joy
                 ,
              
               and
               the
               
                 minde
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 all
                 ,
              
               not
               to
               grieve
               and
               molest
               the
               good
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               
                 Let
                 there
                 be
                 no
                 motion
                 but
                 to
                 entertain
                 it
                 ,
                 no
                 advise
                 but
                 to
                 receive
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 nothing
                 that
                 may
                 work
                 the
                 least
                 kinde
                 of
                 dislike
                 unto
                 it
                 .
              
            
             
               4.
               
               He
               that
               truly
               entertains
               Christ
               ,
               rejoyceth
               in
               the
               good
               and
               glory
               of
               Christ
               :
               When
               
                 Mephibosheth
              
               had
               been
               wrongfully
               accused
               to
               
                 David
                 ,
              
               and
               when
               
                 David
              
               who
               had
               taken
               away
               all
               the
               inheritance
               from
               him
               ,
               was
               returned
               in
               safety
               ;
               Then
               said
               
                 David
              
               to
               comfort
               him
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 and
                 Ziba
                 divide
                 the
                 land
                 :
              
               nay
               ,
               said
               
                 Mephibosheth
                 ,
              
               
               
                 Let
                 him
                 take
                 all
                 ,
                 forasmuch
                 as
                 my
                 Lord
                 the
                 King
                 is
                 come
                 again
                 in
                 peace
                 ,
                 it
                 matters
                 not
                 for
                 inheritance
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 my self
                 and
                 my
                 life
                 ,
                 I
                 pass
                 not
                 ,
                 sith
                 the
                 King
                 is
                 returned
                 in
                 peace
                 ;
                 it
                 is
                 enough
                 that
                 I
                 enjoy
                 thy
                 presence
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 better
                 to
                 me
                 then
                 goods
                 ,
                 life
                 or
                 liberty
                 :
              
               So
               it
               is
               with
               a
               kinde
               loving
               heart
               ,
               which
               cannot
               endure
               to
               see
               Christs
               honor
               and
               glory
               layed
               in
               the
               dust
               ,
               but
               if
               his
               praise
               be
               advanced
               ,
               then
               is
               he
               glad
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 enough
              
               (
               saith
               the
               soul
               )
               
                 that
                 Christ
                 is
                 mine
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 his
                 honor
                 and
                 glory
                 is
                 magnified
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 becomes
                 of
                 me
                 it
                 matters
                 not
                 ;
                 let
                 the
                 world
                 take
                 all
                 ,
                 if
                 I
                 may
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 him
                 praised
                 and
                 magnified
                 :
              
               Let
               this
               try
               any
               mans
               spirit
               under
               heaven
               ,
               and
               labor
               to
               bring
               the
               soul
               to
               this
               pitch
               :
               A
               Minister
               in
               his
               place
               ,
               and
               a
               Master
               in
               his
               place
               ,
               and
               every
               Christian
               in
               his
               place
               ;
               let
               it
               be
               our
               care
               to
               honor
               God
               ,
               not
               our selves
               ;
               and
               let
               it
               be
               our
               comfort
               ,
               if
               God
               may
               be
               better
               honored
               by
               others
               ,
               then
               by
               our selves
               :
               This
               is
               our
               
               baseness
               of
               spirit
               ,
               we
               can
               be
               content
               to
               lift
               up
               Christ
               upon
               our
               shoulders
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               lift
               up
               our selves
               by
               it
               ;
               but
               we
               should
               be
               content
               to
               lie
               in
               the
               dust
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               may
               be
               praised
               ;
               and
               if
               any
               of
               Gods
               people
               thrive
               and
               prosper
               more
               then
               thou
               ,
               let
               that
               be
               thy
               joy
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               He
               that
               welcomes
               Christ
               truly
               ,
               covets
               a
               neerer
               union
               with
               Christ
               :
               
                 Love
              
               is
               of
               a
               linking
               and
               gluing
               nature
               ,
               and
               will
               carry
               the
               soul
               with
               some
               kinde
               of
               strength
               and
               earnestness
               ,
               to
               enjoy
               full
               possession
               and
               fellowship
               of
               the
               thing
               that
               is
               loved
               ;
               it
               cannot
               have
               enough
               of
               it
               :
               
                 Nothing
              
               (
               saith
               the
               soul
               )
               
                 but
                 Christ
                 ,
                 still
                 I
                 desire
                 more
                 of
                 that
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 holiness
                 ,
                 and
                 grace
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 in
                 Christ
                 Jesus
                 :
              
               As
               it
               is
               with
               parties
               that
               have
               lived
               long
               together
               in
               one
               house
               ,
               and
               their
               affections
               are
               linkt
               together
               in
               way
               of
               marriage
               ,
               they
               will
               ever
               desire
               to
               be
               talking
               together
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               drawing
               on
               the
               marriage
               ;
               so
               the
               soul
               that
               loves
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               and
               hath
               his
               holy
               affection
               kindled
               ,
               and
               his
               spirit
               enlarged
               therein
               ;
               when
               the
               Lord
               hath
               let
               in
               some
               glimpse
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               he
               thinks
               the
               hour
               sweet
               when
               he
               prayed
               to
               the
               Lord
               Christ
               ,
               he
               thinks
               the
               Lords-day
               sweet
               ,
               wherein
               God
               revealed
               ,
               by
               the
               power
               of
               his
               holy
               Ordinances
               ,
               any
               of
               that
               rich
               grace
               and
               mercy
               of
               his
               :
               it
               is
               admirable
               to
               see
               how
               the
               heart
               will
               be
               delighted
               to
               recover
               the
               time
               and
               place
               ,
               and
               means
               ,
               when
               and
               where
               the
               Lord
               did
               reveal
               it
               ;
               
                 Oh
                 this
                 is
                 good
              
               (
               saith
               the
               soul
               )
               
                 Oh
                 that
                 I
                 might
                 ever
                 be
                 thus
                 cleared
                 and
                 refreshed
                 !
              
               Or
               as
               the
               spouse
               contracted
               ,
               thinks
               every
               day
               a
               year
               ,
               till
               she
               enjoy
               her
               beloved
               ,
               and
               take
               satisfaction
               to
               her
               soul
               in
               him
               :
               So
               the
               soul
               that
               hath
               been
               truly
               humbled
               ,
               and
               enlightened
               ,
               and
               is
               now
               contracted
               to
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               
                 Oh
                 when
                 will
                 that
                 day
                 be
              
               (
               saith
               it
               )
               
                 that
                 I
                 shall
                 ever
                 be
                 with
                 my
                 Jesus
                 !
              
               he
               takes
               hold
               of
               every
               word
               he
               hears
               ,
               every
               promise
               that
               reveals
               any
               thing
               of
               Christ
               ,
               
                 But
                 oh
                 !
                 when
                 will
                 that
                 day
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 I
                 shall
              
               
               
                 ever
                 be
                 with
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 full
                 of
                 his
                 fulness
                 for
                 ever
                 ?
              
            
             
               And
               now
               let
               me
               prevail
               with
               your
               hearts
               ,
               and
               work
               your
               souls
               to
               this
               duty
               ,
               
                 Love
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 all
                 ye
                 his
                 Saints
                 ;
              
               whom
               will
               
               you
               love
               ,
               if
               you
               love
               not
               him
               ?
               Oh
               you
               poor
               ones
               ,
               
                 love
                 you
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               for
               you
               have
               need
               ;
               and
               all
               you
               rich
               ones
               ,
               
                 love
                 you
                 the
              
               
               
                 Lord
                 ,
              
               for
               you
               have
               cause
               ;
               and
               you
               little
               ones
               too
               (
               if
               there
               be
               any
               such
               in
               the
               Congregation
               )
               he
               knocks
               at
               every
               mans
               heart
               ,
               and
               perswades
               every
               mans
               soul
               ,
               
                 Love
                 ye
                 the
                 Lord
                 .
              
            
             
               The
               means
               are
               these
               ,
               1.
               
               Labor
               to
               give
               attendance
               daily
               to
               
               
               the
               promise
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               Christ
               ;
               drive
               away
               all
               other
               suitors
               from
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               let
               nothing
               come
               between
               the
               promise
               and
               it
               ;
               forbid
               all
               other
               bands
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               let
               the
               promise
               confer
               daily
               with
               thy
               heart
               ,
               and
               be
               expressing
               and
               telling
               of
               that
               good
               that
               is
               in
               Christ
               ,
               to
               thy
               own
               soul
               .
               If
               all
               things
               be
               agreed
               between
               parties
               to
               be
               married
               ,
               and
               there
               wants
               nothing
               but
               mutual
               affection
               ;
               the
               only
               way
               to
               fix
               their
               affections
               upon
               one
               another
               ,
               is
               to
               keep
               company
               together
               ,
               so
               as
               they
               meet
               wisely
               and
               holily
               :
               So
               let
               the
               soul
               daily
               keep
               company
               with
               the
               promise
               ,
               and
               this
               is
               the
               first
               way
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Labor
               to
               be
               throughly
               acquainted
               with
               the
               beauty
               and
               sweetness
               of
               Christ
               in
               the
               promise
               :
               Now
               there
               are
               three
               things
               
               in
               the
               promise
               we
               must
               eye
               and
               apprehend
               ,
               that
               our
               hearts
               may
               be
               kindled
               with
               love
               in
               the
               Lord
               :
               1.
               
               The
               worth
               of
               the
               party
               in
               himself
               ,
               Christ
               is
               worthy
               of
               it
               .
               2.
               
               The
               desert
               of
               the
               party
               ,
               in
               regard
               Christ
               deserves
               it
               .
               3.
               
               The
               readiness
               of
               the
               party
               in
               himself
               to
               seek
               our
               good
               ,
               Christ
               seeks
               it
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Christ
               is
               worthy
               in
               himself
               :
               if
               we
               had
               a
               thousand
               hearts
               to
               bestow
               upon
               him
               ,
               we
               were
               never
               able
               to
               love
               him
               sufficiently
               ;
               as
               
                 Nehemiah
              
               said
               ,
               
                 The
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 above
                 all
                 praise
                 ;
              
               will
               you
               let
               out
               your
               love
               and
               affections
               ?
               you
               may
               lay
               them
               out
               here
               with
               good
               advantage
               :
               what
               would
               you
               love
               ?
               wouldst
               thou
               have
               beauty
               ?
               then
               thy
               Savior
               is
               beautiful
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 art
                 fairer
                 then
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 men
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               45.
               2.
               
               Wouldst
               thou
               have
               strength
               ?
               then
               is
               thy
               Savior
               strong
               ,
               
                 Gird
                 thy
                 sword
                 upon
                 thy
                 thigh
                 ,
                 O
                 most
              
               
               
                 mighty
                 ,
              
               Psal.
               45.
               3.
               
               Wouldst
               thou
               have
               riches
               ?
               thy
               Savior
               is
               
               more
               rich
               (
               if
               it
               be
               possible
               )
               then
               he
               is
               strong
               ,
               
                 He
                 is
                 heir
                 of
                 all
                 things
                 ,
              
               Heb.
               1.
               2.
               
               Wouldst
               thou
               have
               wisdom
               ?
               then
               thy
               Savior
               
               is
               wise
               ,
               yea
               wisdom
               it self
               ,
               
                 In
                 him
                 are
                 hid
                 all
                 the
                 treasures
                 of
                 wisdom
                 and
                 knowledge
                 ,
              
               Col.
               2.
               3.
               
               Wouldst
               thou
               have
               life
               eternal
               ?
               
               Christ
               is
               the
               Author
               of
               life
               and
               happiness
               to
               all
               that
               have
               him
               ;
               and
               he
               hath
               not
               onely
               these
               in
               himself
               ,
               but
               he
               will
               infeoff
               thee
               in
               them
               ,
               if
               thou
               wilt
               but
               match
               with
               him
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Christ
               deserves
               our
               love
               ,
               in
               regard
               of
               benefits
               to
               us
               ;
               be
               man
               never
               so
               worthy
               in
               himself
               ,
               yet
               if
               he
               have
               wronged
               ,
               or
               exprest
               the
               part
               of
               an
               Enemy
               ,
               a
               woman
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 have
                 him
                 though
                 he
                 had
                 all
                 the
                 world
                 ,
              
               this
               takes
               off
               the
               affections
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               so
               with
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               :
               as
               he
               is
               worthy
               of
               all
               love
               in
               himself
               ,
               so
               he
               hath
               dealt
               mercifully
               and
               graciously
               with
               you
               :
               In
               your
               sickness
               ,
               who
               helped
               you
               ?
               in
               wants
               ,
               who
               supplied
               you
               ?
               in
               anguish
               
               of
               heart
               ,
               who
               relieved
               you
               ?
               it
               was
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
               Oh
               therefore
               love
               him
               ,
               deal
               equally
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               as
               he
               deserves
               ,
               so
               enlarge
               your
               hearts
               to
               him
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Christ
               seeks
               our
               
                 love
                 :
              
               Here
               is
               the
               admiration
               of
               mercy
               ,
               That
               our
               Savior
               ,
               who
               hath
               been
               rejected
               by
               a
               company
               of
               sinful
               creatures
               ,
               should
               seek
               their
               
                 love
                 :
              
               for
               shame
               refuse
               him
               not
               ,
               but
               let
               him
               have
               love
               ere
               he
               go
               :
               Had
               the
               Lord
               received
               us
               ,
               when
               we
               had
               come
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               humbled
               our
               hearts
               before
               him
               ;
               Had
               he
               heard
               ,
               when
               we
               had
               spent
               our
               days
               ,
               and
               all
               our
               strength
               in
               begging
               and
               craving
               ,
               it
               had
               been
               an
               infinite
               mercy
               :
               But
               when
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               shall
               seek
               to
               us
               by
               his
               Messengers
               (
               it
               is
               all
               the
               work
               we
               have
               to
               do
               ,
               to
               woo
               you
               ,
               and
               speak
               a
               good
               word
               for
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ;
               yea
               ,
               and
               if
               we
               speak
               for
               our selves
               ,
               it
               is
               pity
               but
               our
               tongue
               should
               cleave
               to
               the
               roof
               of
               our
               mouth
               )
               when
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               shall
               come
               and
               wait
               upon
               us
               ,
               and
               seek
               our
               love
               ,
               O
               this
               is
               the
               wonder
               of
               mercies
               !
               think
               of
               this
               ,
               O
               ye
               Saints
               !
               The
               Lord
               now
               by
               us
               offers
               love
               to
               all
               you
               that
               are
               weary
               and
               have
               need
               ,
               What
               answer
               shall
               I
               return
               to
               him
               in
               the
               evening
               ?
               shall
               I
               say
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 tendred
                 thy
                 mercy
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 was
                 refused
                 :
              
               Brethren
               ,
               it
               would
               grieve
               my
               heart
               to
               return
               this
               answer
               :
               O
               rather
               let
               every
               soul
               of
               you
               say
               ,
               
                 Can
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 love
                 me
                 ?
                 In
                 truth
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 out
                 of
                 love
                 with
                 my self
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 abused
                 thy
                 Majesty
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 loved
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 followed
                 base
                 lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 can
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 love
                 such
                 a
                 wretch
                 as
                 I
                 am
                 ?
              
               yet
               saith
               the
               Lord
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 heal
                 their
                 back-slidings
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 love
                 them
                 freely
                 .
              
               
               He
               looks
               for
               no
               portion
               ,
               he
               will
               take
               thee
               and
               all
               thy
               wants
               ;
               get
               you
               home
               then
               ,
               and
               every
               one
               in
               secret
               ,
               labor
               to
               deal
               truly
               with
               your
               own
               hearts
               ;
               make
               up
               a
               match
               in
               this
               maner
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Is
                 it
                 possible
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 should
                 look
                 so
                 low
                 ?
              
               that
               a
               great
               Prince
               should
               send
               to
               a
               poor
               Peasant
               ,
               that
               Majesty
               should
               stoop
               to
               means
               ?
               Heaven
               to
               Earth
               ,
               God
               to
               man
               ?
               
                 Hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 offered
                 mercy
                 to
                 me
                 ?
                 and
                 doth
                 he
                 require
                 nothing
                 of
                 me
                 but
                 to
                 love
                 him
                 again
                 ?
              
               call
               upon
               your
               hearts
               ,
               I
               charge
               you
               ,
               and
               say
               thus
               ,
               
                 Lord
                 ,
                 if
                 all
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 mine
                 eyes
                 were
                 love
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 speeches
                 of
                 my
                 tongue
                 were
                 love
                 ,
                 it
                 were
                 all
                 too
                 little
                 to
                 love
                 thee
                 :
                 O
                 let
                 me
                 love
                 thee
                 dearly
                 !
              
               If
               you
               will
               not
               say
               thus
               ,
               then
               say
               hereafter
               ,
               You
               had
               a
               fair
               offer
               ,
               and
               that
               a
               poor
               Minister
               of
               God
               did
               wish
               you
               well
               .
               Alas
               ,
               be
               not
               coy
               and
               squemish
               ,
               the
               Lord
               may
               have
               better
               then
               you
               ;
               lie
               down
               therefore
               ,
               and
               admire
               at
               the
               mercy
               of
               the
               
               Lord
               ,
               that
               should
               take
               a
               company
               of
               dead
               dogs
               ,
               and
               now
               at
               the
               last
               ,
               say
               as
               the
               Prophet
               did
               ,
               
                 Lift
                 up
                 your
                 heads
                 ,
                 O
                 ye
                 gates
                 !
              
               
               
                 and
                 be
                 ye
                 lift
                 up
                 ye
                 everlasting
                 doors
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Glory
                 shall
                 come
                 in
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               SECT.
               6.
               
               
                 A
                 relying
                 on
                 Christ
                 .
              
            
             
               VVE
               are
               now
               come
               to
               the
               work
               of
               the
               
                 Will
                 ,
              
               which
               is
               the
               great
               wheel
               and
               Commander
               of
               the
               soul
               .
               The
               former
               affections
               were
               but
               as
               hand-maids
               to
               usher
               in
               Christ
               and
               the
               Promises
               ;
               the
               
                 minde
              
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 seen
                 Christ
                 :
                 Hope
              
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 waited
                 :
                 Desire
              
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 longed
                 :
                 Love
              
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 am
                 kindled
                 :
              
               then
               saith
               the
               
                 Will
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 have
                 Christ
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 be
                 so
                 :
              
               and
               this
               makes
               up
               the
               match
               ,
               the
               spawn
               and
               seeds
               of
               faith
               went
               before
               ,
               now
               faith
               is
               come
               to
               some
               perfection
               ,
               now
               the
               soul
               reposeth
               it self
               upon
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               .
            
             
               And
               this
               reposing
               or
               resting
               it self
               ,
               discovers
               a
               fivefold
               act
               :
            
             
               First
               ,
               it
               implyes
               
                 A
                 going
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 soul
                 to
                 Christ
                 :
              
               When
               the
               soul
               seeth
               this
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               is
               his
               ayd
               ,
               and
               must
               ease
               him
               and
               pardon
               his
               sins
               ,
               then
               
                 let
                 us
                 go
                 to
                 that
                 Christ
                 ,
                 saith
                 he
                 ,
              
               it
               is
               the
               Lords
               call
               ,
               
                 Come
                 to
                 me
                 all
                 ye
                 that
                 are
                 weary
                 :
              
               now
               this
               voyce
               coming
               home
               to
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               the
               prevailing
               sweetness
               of
               the
               call
               over-powering
               the
               heart
               ,
               the
               soul
               goes
               out
               ,
               and
               falls
               ,
               and
               flings
               it self
               upon
               the
               riches
               of
               Gods
               grace
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               
                 It
                 lays
                 fast
                 hold
                 upon
                 Christ
                 :
              
               when
               the
               Lord
               saith
               ,
               
                 Come
                 my
                 Love
                 ,
                 my
                 Dove
                 ,
                 O
                 come
                 away
                 !
                 Behold
                 ,
                 I
                 come
              
               (
               saith
               
               she
               )
               and
               when
               she
               is
               come
               ,
               she
               
                 fasteneth
                 upon
                 Christ
                 ,
              
               saying
               ,
               
                 My
                 beloved
                 is
                 mine
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 am
                 his
                 :
              
               Faith
               lays
               hold
               on
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               will
               not
               let
               Mercy
               go
               ,
               but
               cleaves
               unto
               it
               ,
               though
               it
               conflict
               with
               the
               Lord
               ;
               
                 Should
                 he
                 slay
                 me
              
               (
               saith
               
                 Job
                 )
                 yet
                 will
                 I
                 trust
                 in
                 him
                 :
              
               
               The
               case
               is
               like
               
                 Benhadads
                 ,
              
               who
               being
               overcome
               by
               
                 Ahab
                 ,
              
               his
               Servants
               thus
               advise
               him
               :
               
                 We
                 have
                 heard
                 that
                 the
                 Kings
                 of
                 Israel
              
               
               
                 are
                 merciful
                 Kings
                 ,
                 we
                 pray
                 thee
                 let
                 us
                 put
                 ropes
                 about
                 our
                 necks
                 ,
              
               
               
                 and
                 sackcloth
                 on
                 our
                 loyns
                 ,
                 and
                 go
                 out
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 peradventure
                 he
                 will
                 save
                 thy
                 life
                 :
              
               Thus
               the
               Servants
               go
               ,
               and
               coming
               to
               
                 Ahab
                 ,
              
               they
               deliver
               the
               Message
               ;
               
                 Thy
                 Servant
                 Benhadad
                 saith
                 ,
                 I
                 pray
                 thee
                 let
                 me
                 live
                 :
              
               and
               he
               said
               ,
               
                 Is
                 he
                 yet
                 alive
                 ?
                 he
                 is
                 my
                 brother
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 men
                 diligently
                 observed
                 whether
                 any
                 thing
                 would
                 come
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 hastily
                 catch
                 at
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 said
                 ,
                 Thy
                 brother
                 Benhadad
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 went
                 away
                 rejoycing
                 :
              
               This
               is
               the
               lively
               Picture
               of
               a
               broken-hearted
               sinner
               ,
               after
               he
               hath
               taken
               up
               arms
               against
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               Lord
               hath
               let
               in
               Justice
               ,
               and
               he
               seeth
               (
               or
               hath
               seen
               )
               the
               anger
               of
               God
               bent
               against
               him
               ;
               then
               the
               soul
               reasons
               thus
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 though
                 I
                 am
                 a
                 rebellious
                 sinner
                 ,
                 that
                 none
                 but
                 sinners
                 are
                 pardoned
                 ,
                 and
                 God
                 is
                 a
                 gracious
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 unto
                 him
                 let
                 me
                 go
                 :
              
               with
               this
               he
               falls
               down
               at
               the
               footstool
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               cryes
               ,
               
                 O
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 do
                 !
                 what
                 shall
                 I
                 say
                 unto
                 thee
                 ?
                 O
                 thou
                 preserver
                 of
                 men
                 !
                 O
                 let
                 me
                 live
                 ,
                 I
                 pray
                 thee
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 sight
                 of
                 my
                 Lord
                 !
              
               The
               soul
               thus
               humbled
               ,
               the
               Lord
               then
               lets
               in
               his
               sweet
               voyce
               of
               mercy
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Thou
                 art
                 my
                 Son
                 ,
                 my
                 Love
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 sins
                 are
                 pardoned
                 :
              
               These
               words
               no
               sooner
               uttered
               ,
               but
               he
               catcheth
               thereat
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Mercy
                 Lord
                 ?
                 and
                 a
                 Son
                 Lord
                 ?
                 and
                 love
                 Lord
                 ?
                 and
                 a
                 pardon
                 Lord
                 ?
              
               The
               heart
               holds
               it self
               here
               ,
               and
               will
               never
               away
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               
                 it
                 flings
                 the
                 weight
                 of
                 all
                 its
                 occasions
                 and
                 troubles
                 (
                 guilt
                 and
                 corruptions
                 )
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 :
                 He
                 that
                 walks
                 in
                 darkness
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 no
                 light
                 ,
                 let
                 him
                 trust
                 in
                 the
                 name
              
               
               
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 stay
                 upon
                 his
                 God
                 ;
              
               that
               is
               ,
               if
               a
               man
               be
               in
               extremity
               ,
               hopeless
               in
               misery
               ,
               and
               walks
               in
               desperate
               discouragements
               ,
               yea
               and
               hath
               no
               light
               of
               comfort
               ,
               
                 Let
                 him
                 trust
                 in
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 stay
                 upon
                 his
                 God
                 :
              
               As
               when
               a
               man
               cannot
               go
               of
               himself
               ,
               he
               lays
               all
               the
               weight
               of
               his
               body
               upon
               another
               ,
               so
               the
               soul
               goes
               to
               a
               Christ
               ,
               and
               lays
               all
               the
               weight
               of
               it self
               upon
               Christ
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 comfort
                 ,
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 all
                 my
                 discomforts
                 I
                 lay
                 upon
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 relye
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 comfort
                 and
                 consolation
                 :
                 Who
                 is
                 this
                 ,
              
               saith
               
                 Solomon
                 ,
              
               
               
                 that
                 cometh
                 up
                 from
                 the
                 wilderness
                 ,
                 leaning
                 upon
                 her
                 beloved
                 ,
              
               Cant.
               8.
               5.
               
               The
               party
               coming
               is
               the
               Church
               ,
               the
               wilderness
               is
               the
               troubles
               and
               vexations
               the
               Church
               meets
               withal
               ,
               and
               the
               beloved
               is
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ;
               now
               the
               Church
               leans
               her self
               all
               upon
               her
               Husband
               ,
               she
               walked
               along
               with
               him
               ,
               but
               he
               bare
               all
               the
               burthen
               :
               
                 Cast
                 all
                 your
                 care
                 upon
                 him
              
               (
               saith
               
                 Peter
                 )
                 for
                 he
              
               
               
               
                 careth
                 for
                 you
                 ,
              
               1
               Pet.
               5.
               7.
               the
               Original
               is
               ,
               
                 Hurl
                 your
                 care
                 upon
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
              
               The
               Lord
               will
               not
               thank
               you
               for
               carrying
               your
               cares
               and
               troubles
               about
               you
               ,
               he
               requires
               that
               you
               
                 Hurl
                 them
                 upon
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 he
                 careth
                 for
                 you
                 .
              
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               it
               draws
               vertue
               ,
               and
               derives
               power
               from
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               for
               succor
               and
               supplies
               ,
               and
               here
               is
               the
               especial
               life
               of
               Faith
               ,
               it
               goes
               for
               mercy
               ,
               and
               grace
               ,
               and
               comfort
               in
               Christ
               ,
               he
               knows
               't
               is
               to
               be
               had
               from
               him
               ,
               and
               therefore
               he
               fetcheth
               all
               from
               him
               ;
               
                 With
                 joy
                 shall
                 ye
                 draw
                 water
                 out
                 of
                 the
              
               
               
                 wells
                 of
                 salvation
                 ,
              
               Isa.
               12.
               3.
               
               The
               fountain
               of
               Salvation
               is
               Christ
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               waters
               of
               life
               ,
               of
               grace
               and
               mercy
               ,
               are
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               :
               Now
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               let
               down
               the
               bucket
               into
               the
               well
               ,
               but
               it
               must
               be
               drawn
               out
               also
               ;
               it
               is
               not
               enough
               to
               come
               to
               Christ
               ,
               but
               we
               must
               draw
               the
               water
               of
               grace
               from
               Christ
               to
               our selves
               ;
               
                 They
                 shall
                 suck
                 and
                 be
                 satisfied
              
               (
               saith
               
                 Isaiah
                 )
                 with
                 the
                 breasts
                 of
                 her
                 consolations
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 may
                 milk
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 delighted
                 with
              
               
               
                 the
                 abundance
                 of
                 her
                 glory
                 :
              
               The
               Church
               is
               compared
               to
               a
               childe
               ,
               and
               the
               breasts
               are
               the
               Promises
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ;
               now
               the
               Elect
               must
               suck
               out
               ,
               and
               be
               satisfied
               with
               it
               ;
               the
               word
               in
               the
               Original
               is
               ,
               
                 Exact
                 upon
                 the
                 Promise
                 ,
                 and
                 oppress
                 the
                 Promise
                 :
              
               as
               the
               Oppressor
               grindes
               the
               face
               of
               a
               poor
               man
               ,
               so
               with
               an
               holy
               kinde
               of
               oppression
               ,
               you
               should
               exact
               from
               the
               Promise
               ,
               and
               get
               what
               good
               you
               may
               from
               it
               .
            
             
               Fifthly
               ,
               
                 Faith
                 leaves
                 the
                 soul
                 with
                 the
                 Promise
                 ;
              
               yea
               ,
               notwithstanding
               all
               delays
               ,
               denyals
               ,
               discouragements
               from
               God
               ,
               faith
               brings
               on
               the
               heart
               still
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               sure
               to
               lie
               at
               the
               gate
               ,
               and
               keep
               the
               soul
               with
               the
               promise
               ,
               whatever
               befalls
               it
               .
               Excellent
               is
               that
               passage
               ,
               
                 Gen.
              
               32.
               26.
               when
               the
               Lord
               and
               
                 Jacob
              
               were
               wrestling
               ,
               
                 Let
                 me
                 go
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 leave
                 thee
                 to
                 thy self
                 ,
              
               
               
                 I
                 care
                 not
                 what
                 becomes
                 of
                 thee
                 ;
              
               No
               ,
               
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 let
                 thee
                 go
                 ,
                 until
                 thou
                 hast
                 blessed
                 me
                 ,
              
               saith
               
                 Jacob
                 :
              
               So
               the
               faithful
               soul
               lays
               hold
               upon
               the
               Lord
               for
               Mercy
               ,
               Pardon
               ,
               Power
               and
               Grace
               ,
               and
               though
               the
               Lord
               seem
               to
               give
               him
               up
               to
               the
               torment
               of
               Sin
               and
               Corruption
               ,
               yet
               the
               soul
               saith
               ,
               
                 Though
                 my
                 soul
                 go
                 down
                 to
                 hell
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 hold
                 here
                 for
                 Mercy
                 ,
                 till
                 the
                 Lord
                 comfort
                 and
                 pardon
                 ,
                 and
                 subdue
                 graciously
                 these
                 cursed
                 corruptions
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 master
                 my self
                 .
              
               As
               it
               is
               with
               a
               Sun-dyal
               ,
               the
               needle
               is
               ever
               moving
               ,
               and
               a
               man
               may
               jog
               it
               this
               way
               and
               that
               way
               ,
               yet
               it
               will
               never
               stand
               still
               ,
               till
               it
               come
               to
               the
               North-point
               :
               So
               when
               the
               Lord
               leaves
               
               off
               a
               believing
               heart
               with
               frowns
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               expression
               of
               displeasure
               ,
               and
               the
               soul
               turns
               to
               the
               Lord
               Christ
               ,
               and
               will
               never
               leave
               till
               it
               go
               God-ward
               ,
               and
               Christ-ward
               ,
               and
               Graceward
               ,
               and
               saith
               ,
               
                 Let
                 the
                 Lord
                 do
                 what
                 he
                 please
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 go
                 no
                 further
                 ,
                 till
                 he
                 be
                 pleased
                 to
                 shew
                 Mercy
                 .
              
               Thus
               the
               soul
               once
               come
               to
               Christ
               ,
               it
               will
               never
               away
               ,
               but
               ever
               cleaves
               to
               the
               Promise
               ,
               and
               is
               towards
               God
               and
               Christ
               ,
               whatsoever
               befalls
               it
               .
            
             
               But
               (
               poor
               soul
               )
               art
               thou
               yet
               shut
               up
               in
               Unbelief
               ?
               do
               then
               as
               the
               Prisoners
               in
               
                 New-gate
                 ,
              
               what
               lamentable
               cryes
               do
               they
               utter
               
               to
               every
               Passenger
               by
               ?
               So
               do
               thou
               ,
               look
               out
               from
               the
               gates
               of
               Hell
               ,
               and
               from
               under
               the
               bars
               of
               Infidelity
               ,
               and
               cry
               ,
               that
               God
               would
               look
               on
               thee
               in
               mercy
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 Spare
                 ,
                 Lord
                 ,
                 a
                 poor
                 unbelieving
                 wretch
                 ,
                 lockt
                 up
                 under
                 the
                 bars
                 of
                 Vnbelief
                 ,
                 good
                 Lord
                 succor
                 ,
                 and
                 deliver
                 in
                 thy
                 due
                 time
                 .
                 David
              
               could
               say
               ,
               
                 Let
                 the
              
               
               
                 sighing
                 of
                 prisoners
                 come
                 up
                 before
                 thee
                 ;
              
               that
               indeed
               was
               meant
               of
               bodily
               imprisonment
               ,
               yet
               the
               argument
               prevails
               much
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               Spiritual
               :
               
                 Good
                 Lord
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 sighing
                 of
                 prisoners
                 come
                 up
                 before
                 thee
                 ;
                 let
                 the
                 sighing
                 of
                 poor
                 distrustful
                 souls
                 come
                 up
                 before
                 thy
                 Majesty
                 :
                 O
                 send
                 help
                 from
                 heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 deliver
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 thy
                 servant
                 from
                 these
                 wretched
                 distempers
                 of
                 heart
                 .
              
               Is
               there
               no
               cause
               thus
               to
               pray
               ?
               
                 He
                 that
                 believeth
                 not
              
               (
               saith
               our
               Savior
               )
               
               
                 is
                 condemned
                 already
                 :
              
               He
               is
               cast
               in
               heaven
               and
               earth
               ,
               by
               the
               Law
               and
               Gospel
               ,
               there
               is
               no
               relief
               for
               him
               abiding
               in
               this
               condition
               ;
               lay
               this
               under
               thy
               pillow
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 How
                 can
                 I
                 sleep
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 a
                 condemned
                 man
                 ?
                 What
                 if
                 God
                 should
                 take
                 away
                 my
                 life
                 this
                 night
                 ?
                 Alas
                 !
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 illightned
                 ,
                 or
                 wounded
                 for
                 sin
                 ;
                 I
                 can
                 commit
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 play
                 with
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 wounded
                 for
                 sin
                 ;
                 I
                 never
                 knew
                 what
                 it
                 was
                 to
                 be
                 zealous
                 in
                 a
                 good
                 cause
                 ;
                 O
                 I
                 confess
                 I
                 have
                 no
                 faith
                 at
                 all
                 !
              
               Beloved
               !
               would
               you
               yield
               this
               ,
               then
               were
               there
               some
               hopes
               that
               you
               might
               get
               out
               of
               this
               condition
               and
               state
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               sense
               of
               its
               want
               ,
               to
               go
               to
               the
               Lord
               by
               prayer
               ,
               and
               to
               ask
               hearty
               counsel
               of
               some
               faithful
               Minister
               ,
               are
               the
               first
               steps
               to
               obtain
               it
               .
               And
               to
               help
               a
               poor
               wretch
               in
               this
               case
               ,
               O
               you
               that
               are
               gracious
               ,
               go
               your
               ways
               home
               ,
               and
               pray
               for
               him
               :
               Brethren
               ,
               let
               us
               leave
               preaching
               and
               hearing
               ,
               and
               all
               of
               us
               fall
               to
               praying
               and
               mourning
               :
               In
               truth
               ,
               I
               condemn
               my
               own
               soul
               ,
               because
               I
               have
               not
               an
               heart
               to
               mourn
               for
               him
               ;
               we
               reprove
               his
               sin
               ,
               and
               condemn
               him
               of
               his
               sin
               ;
               and
               we
               must
               do
               so
               :
               but
               where
               are
               the
               
               heart-blood
               petitions
               that
               we
               put
               up
               for
               such
               a
               one
               ?
               Where
               are
               
                 the
                 tears
                 that
                 we
                 make
                 for
                 the
                 slain
                 of
                 our
                 people
                 ?
              
               You
               tender-hearted
               Mothers
               and
               you
               tender-hearted
               Wives
               ,
               if
               your
               children
               or
               husbands
               be
               in
               this
               woful
               case
               .
               O
               mourn
               for
               them
               ,
               let
               your
               hearts
               break
               over
               them
               ,
               and
               say
               ,
               
                 O
                 wo
                 is
                 me
                 for
                 my
                 children
                 ,
                 O
                 wo
                 is
                 me
                 for
                 that
                 poor
                 husband
                 of
                 mine
                 !
              
            
             
               Or
               secondly
               ,
               hast
               thou
               gotten
               faith
               ?
               then
               labor
               to
               husband
               this
               grace
               well
               ,
               and
               to
               improve
               it
               for
               thy
               best
               good
               .
               It
               is
               a
               marvellous
               
               shame
               ,
               to
               see
               those
               that
               are
               born
               to
               fair
               means
               (
               I
               mean
               the
               poor
               Saints
               of
               God
               )
               that
               have
               a
               Right
               and
               Title
               to
               Grace
               and
               Christ
               ,
               and
               yet
               to
               live
               at
               such
               an
               under-rate
               :
               I
               would
               have
               you
               to
               live
               above
               the
               world
               ,
               for
               the
               Lord
               doth
               not
               grudge
               his
               people
               of
               comfort
               ,
               but
               would
               have
               them
               live
               chearfully
               ,
               and
               have
               strong
               consolations
               ,
               and
               mighty
               assurance
               of
               Gods
               love
               :
               Is
               there
               not
               cause
               ?
               why
               ,
               faith
               (
               if
               it
               be
               right
               )
               will
               make
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               most
               easie
               ,
               most
               comfortable
               .
               Unfaithful
               souls
               sink
               in
               their
               sorrows
               upon
               every
               occasion
               ;
               but
               faith
               gives
               ease
               to
               a
               man
               in
               all
               his
               conversation
               :
               1.
               
               Because
               faith
               hath
               a
               skill
               ,
               and
               a
               kinde
               of
               flight
               to
               put
               over
               all
               cares
               to
               another
               :
               We
               take
               up
               the
               Cross
               ,
               but
               faith
               hurls
               all
               the
               care
               on
               Christ
               ;
               an
               easie
               matter
               it
               is
               to
               lie
               under
               the
               burthen
               ,
               when
               another
               bears
               all
               the
               weight
               of
               it
               .
               Look
               how
               it
               is
               with
               two
               Ferry-men
               ,
               the
               one
               hales
               his
               Boat
               about
               the
               shore
               ,
               and
               cannot
               get
               off
               ,
               but
               tugs
               and
               pulls
               ,
               and
               never
               puts
               her
               forth
               to
               the
               Tide
               ;
               the
               other
               puts
               his
               Boat
               upon
               the
               stream
               ,
               and
               sets
               up
               his
               sail
               ,
               and
               then
               he
               may
               sit
               still
               in
               his
               Boat
               ,
               and
               the
               wind
               will
               carry
               him
               whither
               he
               is
               to
               go
               :
               Just
               thus
               it
               is
               with
               a
               faithful
               soul
               ,
               and
               an
               unbeliever
               ;
               all
               the
               care
               of
               the
               faithful
               soul
               ,
               is
               to
               put
               himself
               upon
               the
               stream
               of
               Gods
               Provividence
               ,
               and
               to
               set
               up
               the
               sail
               of
               Faith
               ,
               and
               to
               take
               the
               gale
               of
               Gods
               Mercy
               and
               Providence
               ,
               and
               so
               he
               goes
               on
               chearfully
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               not
               he
               that
               carries
               him
               ,
               but
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               :
               whereas
               every
               unfaithful
               soul
               tugs
               and
               pulls
               at
               the
               business
               ,
               and
               can
               finde
               neither
               ease
               nor
               success
               ;
               Alas
               !
               he
               thinks
               by
               his
               own
               wits
               and
               power
               to
               do
               what
               he
               would
               .
               2.
               
               Because
               faith
               sweetens
               all
               other
               afflictions
               ,
               even
               those
               that
               are
               most
               hard
               and
               full
               of
               tediousness
               ;
               and
               howsoever
               it
               apprehends
               all
               troubles
               and
               afflictions
               ,
               yet
               withal
               it
               apprehends
               the
               faithfulness
               of
               God
               ,
               ordering
               all
               for
               our
               good
               :
               and
               that
               's
               the
               reason
               why
               all
               our
               troubles
               are
               digested
               comfortably
               ,
               without
               any
               harshness
               at
               all
               :
               When
               the
               
               Patient
               takes
               better
               Pills
               ,
               if
               they
               be
               well
               sugered
               they
               go
               down
               the
               easier
               ,
               and
               the
               bitterness
               never
               troubles
               him
               :
               So
               it
               is
               with
               Faith
               ,
               it
               takes
               away
               the
               harshness
               of
               all
               inconveniencies
               ,
               which
               are
               bitter
               Pills
               in
               themselves
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               sweetned
               and
               sugered
               over
               by
               the
               faithfulness
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               the
               good
               of
               the
               soul
               ;
               and
               therefore
               it
               goes
               on
               cheerfully
               .
            
             
               You
               will
               say
               ,
               if
               faith
               bring
               such
               ease
               ,
               how
               may
               a
               man
               that
               hath
               faith
               ,
               improve
               it
               to
               have
               such
               comfort
               by
               it
               ?
               I
               answer
               ,
               the
               rules
               are
               four
               :
            
             
               1.
               
               Labor
               to
               gain
               some
               evidence
               to
               thy
               own
               soul
               ,
               that
               thou
               
               hast
               a
               title
               to
               the
               promise
               :
               The
               reason
               why
               poor
               Christians
               go
               drooping
               ,
               and
               are
               overwhelmed
               with
               their
               sins
               and
               miseries
               ,
               is
               because
               they
               see
               not
               their
               title
               to
               mercy
               ,
               nor
               their
               evidence
               of
               Gods
               love
               ,
               
                 To
                 the
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 Testimonies
                 :
              
               Take
               one
               evidence
               
               from
               the
               word
               ,
               't
               is
               as
               good
               as
               a
               thousand
               ,
               if
               thou
               hast
               but
               one
               promise
               for
               thee
               ,
               thou
               hast
               all
               in
               truth
               ,
               though
               all
               be
               not
               so
               fully
               and
               cleerly
               perceived
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Labor
               to
               set
               an
               high
               price
               on
               the
               promises
               of
               God
               :
               One
               
               promise
               ,
               and
               the
               sweetness
               of
               Gods
               mercy
               in
               Christ
               ,
               is
               better
               then
               all
               the
               honors
               or
               riches
               in
               the
               world
               ;
               Prize
               these
               at
               this
               rate
               ,
               and
               thou
               canst
               not
               choose
               but
               finde
               ease
               ,
               and
               be
               contented
               therewith
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Labor
               to
               keep
               thy
               promises
               ever
               at
               hand
               :
               what
               is
               it
               to
               me
               
               if
               I
               have
               a
               thing
               in
               the
               house
               ,
               if
               I
               have
               it
               not
               at
               my
               need
               ?
               If
               a
               man
               ready
               to
               sound
               and
               dye
               ,
               say
               ,
               
                 I
                 have
                 as
                 good
                 cordial
                 water
                 as
                 any
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 but
                 I
                 know
                 not
                 where
                 it
                 is
                 ;
              
               he
               may
               sound
               and
               dye
               before
               he
               can
               finde
               it
               :
               So
               when
               misery
               comes
               ,
               and
               thy
               heart
               is
               surcharged
               ,
               
                 O
                 then
                 some
                 promise
                 ,
                 some
                 comfort
                 to
                 bear
                 up
                 a
                 poor
                 fainting
                 ,
                 drooping
                 soul
                 ,
                 my
                 troubles
                 are
                 many
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 cannot
                 bear
                 them
                 :
              
               Why
               ,
               now
               Christ
               and
               a
               promise
               would
               have
               done
               it
               ;
               but
               thou
               hast
               thrown
               them
               in
               a
               corner
               ,
               and
               they
               are
               not
               to
               be
               found
               :
               Now
               for
               the
               Lords
               sake
               let
               me
               intreat
               thee
               be
               wise
               ,
               for
               thy
               poor
               soul
               ;
               there
               is
               many
               a
               fainting
               and
               aguish
               fit
               and
               qualm
               comes
               over
               the
               heart
               of
               many
               a
               poor
               Christian
               ;
               persecutions
               without
               ,
               and
               sorrows
               and
               corruptions
               within
               ,
               therefore
               keep
               thy
               cordials
               about
               thee
               ,
               and
               be
               sure
               that
               thou
               hast
               them
               within
               reach
               ,
               take
               one
               ,
               and
               bring
               another
               ,
               and
               be
               refreshed
               by
               another
               ,
               and
               go
               singing
               to
               thy
               grave
               ,
               and
               to
               heaven
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               Labor
               to
               drink
               in
               hearty
               draught
               of
               the
               promise
               ;
               bestow
               
               thy self
               upon
               the
               promise
               every
               hour
               ,
               whensoever
               thou
               dost
               finde
               the
               fit
               :
               coming
               ;
               and
               this
               is
               the
               way
               to
               finde
               comfort
               ,
               
                 Eat
                 O
              
               
               
                 friends
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 ye
                 abundantly
                 O
                 welbeloved
                 :
              
               The
               Original
               is
               ,
               
                 in
                 drinking
                 drink
                 ;
              
               ye
               cannot
               be
               drunken
               with
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               as
               you
               may
               with
               wine
               ,
               
                 drink
                 abundantly
                 ,
              
               were
               dainties
               prepared
               :
               If
               an
               hunger-starved
               man
               comes
               in
               ,
               and
               takes
               onely
               a
               bit
               and
               away
               ,
               he
               must
               needs
               go
               away
               an
               hungred
               :
               Think
               of
               it
               sadly
               ,
               you
               faithful
               Saints
               of
               God
               ;
               you
               may
               come
               now
               and
               then
               ,
               and
               take
               a
               snatch
               of
               the
               promise
               ,
               and
               then
               comes
               fear
               ,
               and
               temptation
               ,
               and
               persecution
               ,
               and
               all
               quiet
               is
               gone
               again
               ,
               it
               is
               your
               own
               fault
               brethren
               ,
               you
               come
               thirsty
               ,
               and
               go
               away
               thirsty
               ,
               you
               come
               discomforted
               ,
               and
               so
               you
               go
               away
               .
               Many
               times
               it
               thus
               befals
               us
               Ministers
               ;
               when
               we
               preach
               of
               consolation
               ,
               and
               when
               we
               pray
               ,
               and
               confer
               ▪
               we
               think
               we
               are
               beyond
               all
               trouble
               ;
               but
               by
               and
               by
               we
               are
               full
               of
               fears
               ,
               and
               troubles
               ,
               and
               sorrows
               ,
               because
               we
               take
               not
               full
               contentment
               in
               the
               promise
               ,
               we
               drink
               not
               a
               deep
               draught
               of
               it
               :
               of
               this
               take
               heed
               too
               ;
               1.
               
               Of
               Cavilling
               and
               Quarelling
               with
               carnal
               reason
               .
               2.
               
               Of
               attending
               to
               the
               parlies
               of
               Satans
               temptations
               ;
               if
               we
               listen
               to
               this
               chat
               ,
               he
               will
               make
               us
               forget
               all
               our
               comfort
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             
               The
               growing
               of
               the
               soul
               with
               Christ
               .
            
          
           
             HItherto
             of
             the
             first
             part
             of
             the
             souls
             
               implantation
               ;
            
             to
             wit
             ,
             
               of
               the
               putting
               of
               the
               soul
               into
               Christ
               :
            
             We
             are
             now
             come
             to
             the
             second
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             
               The
               growing
               of
               the
               soul
               with
               Christ
               .
            
             These
             two
             take
             up
             the
             nature
             of
             ingrafting
             a
             sinner
             into
             the
             stock
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
             Now
             this
             growing
             together
             is
             accomplished
             by
             two
             means
             :
          
           
             
               
                 1.
                 
              
               By
               an
               union
               of
               the
               soul
               with
               Christ
               .
            
             
               
                 2.
                 
              
               By
               a
               conveyance
               of
               sap
               or
               sweetness
               (
               all
               the
               treasures
               of
               grace
               and
               happiness
               )
               that
               is
               in
               Christ
               to
               the
               soul
               .
            
          
           
             First
             ,
             Every
             believer
             is
             joyned
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             and
             so
             joyned
             or
             knit
             ,
             that
             he
             becomes
             one
             spirit
             .
             1.
             
             He
             is
             joyned
             ;
             as
             a
             friend
             to
             a
             friend
             ;
             as
             a
             father
             to
             a
             childe
             ;
             as
             an
             husband
             to
             a
             wife
             ;
             as
             a
             graft
             to
             a
             tree
             ;
             as
             the
             soul
             to
             a
             body
             :
             So
             is
             Christ
             to
             a
             believer
             ,
             
             
               I
               live
               ,
               not
               I
               ,
               but
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               liveth
               in
               me
               :
            
             Hence
             the
             body
             
             of
             the
             faithful
             is
             called
             
               Christ
               ,
            
             1
             Cor.
             12.
             12.
             2.
             
             So
             joyned
             ,
             that
             the
             believer
             comes
             to
             be
             
               one
               spirit
            
             with
             Christ
             ;
             this
             mystery
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             beyond
             the
             reach
             of
             that
             little
             light
             I
             injoy
             :
             Onely
             I
             shall
             communicate
             what
             I
             conceive
             ,
             in
             these
             three
             following
             Conclusions
             :
             1.
             
             That
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             (
             the
             third
             person
             in
             the
             Trinity
             )
             doth
             really
             accompany
             the
             whole
             Word
             ,
             but
             more
             especially
             the
             precious
             promises
             of
             the
             Gospel
             :
             2.
             
             The
             Spirit
             (
             accompanying
             the
             promise
             of
             grace
             and
             salvation
             )
             it
             doth
             therein
             ,
             and
             thereby
             leave
             a
             supernatural
             dint
             and
             power
             ,
             a
             spiritual
             ,
             and
             over-powering
             vertue
             upon
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             thereby
             carries
             it
             ,
             and
             brings
             it
             unto
             Christ
             :
             it
             is
             not
             so
             much
             any
             thing
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             as
             a
             spiritual
             assisting
             ,
             and
             moving
             ,
             and
             working
             upon
             the
             soul
             ,
             by
             vertue
             whereof
             it
             is
             moved
             and
             carried
             to
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
             3.
             
             The
             Spirit
             of
             grace
             in
             the
             promise
             working
             thus
             upon
             the
             heart
             ,
             it
             causeth
             the
             heart
             to
             close
             with
             the
             promise
             ,
             and
             with
             it self
             in
             the
             promise
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             to
             be
             
               one
               spirit
               .
            
             As
             it
             is
             with
             the
             Moon
             (
             the
             Philosopher
             observes
             ,
             That
             the
             ebbing
             and
             flowing
             of
             the
             Sea
             ,
             is
             by
             vertue
             of
             the
             Moon
             )
             she
             flings
             her
             beams
             into
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             not
             being
             able
             to
             exhale
             as
             the
             Sun
             doth
             ,
             she
             leaves
             them
             there
             ,
             and
             goes
             away
             ,
             and
             that
             draws
             them
             ,
             and
             when
             they
             grow
             wet
             ,
             they
             return
             back
             again
             ;
             Now
             the
             sea
             ebbs
             and
             flows
             ,
             not
             from
             any
             principle
             in
             it self
             ,
             but
             by
             vertue
             of
             the
             Moon
             :
             so
             the
             heart
             of
             a
             poor
             creature
             is
             like
             the
             water
             ,
             unable
             to
             move
             towards
             heaven
             ,
             but
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             doth
             bring
             in
             its
             beams
             ,
             and
             leaves
             a
             supernatural
             vertue
             by
             them
             upon
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             thereby
             draws
             it
             to
             it self
             .
          
           
             Hence
             an
             Use
             of
             Instruction
             :
             This
             may
             shew
             us
             that
             the
             sins
             
             of
             the
             faithful
             ,
             are
             grievous
             to
             the
             blessed
             Spirit
             ;
             not
             onely
             because
             of
             mercies
             ,
             bonds
             and
             engagements
             which
             the
             believer
             hath
             received
             ;
             but
             because
             a
             man
             is
             come
             so
             neer
             to
             Christ
             and
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             be
             
               one
               Spirit
            
             with
             Christ
             :
             Should
             a
             wife
             not
             onely
             entertain
             a
             whoremonger
             into
             the
             house
             ,
             but
             also
             lodge
             him
             in
             the
             same
             bed
             with
             her
             husband
             ,
             this
             were
             not
             to
             be
             endured
             ;
             and
             wilt
             thou
             receive
             a
             company
             of
             base
             lusts
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             the
             very
             face
             and
             sight
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ?
             What
             ?
             lodge
             an
             unclean
             spirit
             ,
             with
             the
             clean
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             !
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             cannot
             endure
             this
             :
             
               Let
               no
               filthy
               communication
               come
               out
               of
               your
               mouth
               ,
            
             Ephes.
             4.
             29.
             
             
               What
               if
               there
               do
               ?
            
             (
             you
             may
             say
             )
             what
             ?
             a
             Christian
             
             
             and
             a
             Lyar
             ?
             a
             Christian
             and
             a
             Swearer
             ?
             
               O
               grieve
               not
               the
               holy
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               because
               by
               it
               you
               are
               sealed
               unto
               the
               day
               of
            
             
             
               Redemption
               :
            
             The
             good
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             hath
             sealed
             you
             unto
             Redemption
             ,
             and
             knit
             you
             unto
             himself
             ,
             and
             will
             you
             rend
             your selves
             from
             him
             and
             grieve
             him
             ?
             O
             grieve
             not
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             !
          
           
             2.
             
             For
             Examination
             ;
             If
             thy
             heart
             be
             therefore
             estranged
             from
             such
             as
             walk
             exactly
             before
             God
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             humble
             
             and
             faithful
             ;
             it
             is
             an
             ill
             sign
             ;
             when
             they
             are
             made
             
               one
               spirit
            
             with
             Christ
             ,
             wilt
             thou
             be
             of
             two
             spirits
             with
             them
             ?
             I
             confess
             a
             godly
             heart
             wil
             have
             his
             fits
             and
             excursions
             now
             and
             then
             ,
             but
             all
             this
             while
             this
             is
             poyson
             ,
             and
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             godly
             man
             sees
             this
             and
             is
             weary
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             is
             marvellously
             burthened
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             saith
             ,
             
               O
               vile
               wretch
               that
               I
               am
               ,
               what
               would
               I
               have
               !
               and
               what
               is
               he
               ,
               that
               I
               cannot
               love
               him
               ?
               Is
               it
               because
               the
               good
               Spirit
               of
               the
               Lord
               is
               there
               ?
               shall
               I
               resist
               the
               good
               spirit
               of
               the
               Lord
               ?
               and
               so
               commit
               the
               sin
               against
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ?
               away
               thou
               vile
               wretched
               heart
               ,
               I
               will
               love
               him
               :
            
             Thus
             the
             soul
             labors
             and
             strives
             for
             that
             exactness
             ,
             and
             would
             fain
             have
             that
             goodness
             which
             he
             sees
             in
             another
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             
               an
               Vnion
               with
               Christ
               ,
            
             so
             there
             is
             
               a
               conveyance
               of
               all
               spiritual
               grace
               from
               Christ
               ,
               to
               all
               those
               that
               believe
               in
               him
               :
            
             If
             you
             would
             know
             the
             Tenure
             of
             this
             Covenant
             ,
             and
             how
             Christ
             conveyeth
             these
             spiritual
             graces
             unto
             us
             ,
             it
             discovers
             it self
             in
             these
             Particulars
             :
             1.
             
             There
             is
             fully
             enough
             in
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             for
             every
             faithful
             soul
             .
             2.
             
             As
             there
             is
             enough
             in
             Christ
             ,
             so
             Christ
             doth
             supply
             or
             communicate
             whatsoever
             is
             most
             fit
             .
             3.
             
             As
             the
             Lord
             doth
             communicate
             what
             is
             
               fit
               ,
            
             so
             he
             doth
             preserve
             what
             he
             doth
             bestow
             and
             communicate
             .
             4.
             
             As
             the
             Lord
             doth
             preserve
             what
             he
             communicates
             ,
             so
             he
             quickens
             the
             grace
             that
             he
             now
             doth
             preserve
             .
             5.
             
             As
             the
             Lord
             quickens
             what
             he
             preserves
             ,
             so
             he
             never
             leaves
             till
             he
             perfects
             what
             he
             quickens
             .
             6.
             
             As
             the
             Lord
             perfects
             what
             he
             quickens
             ,
             so
             in
             the
             end
             he
             crowns
             all
             the
             grrace
             he
             hath
             perfected
             :
             And
             now
             may
             I
             read
             your
             Feoffment
             to
             you
             ,
             You
             poor
             Saints
             of
             God
             ,
             you
             live
             beggarly
             and
             basely
             here
             :
             Oh!
             if
             you
             have
             a
             Savior
             you
             are
             made
             for
             ever
             ;
             it
             is
             that
             which
             will
             maintain
             you
             ,
             not
             onely
             Christianly
             ,
             but
             Triumphantly
             ;
             what
             you
             want
             ,
             Christ
             hath
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             fit
             ,
             Christ
             will
             bestow
             ;
             if
             you
             cannot
             keep
             it
             ,
             he
             will
             preserve
             it
             for
             you
             ;
             if
             you
             be
             sluggish
             ,
             he
             will
             quicken
             it
             in
             you
             ;
             what
             would
             you
             have
             more
             ?
             he
             will
             perfect
             what
             he
             quickens
             ;
             and
             
             lastly
             ,
             he
             will
             crown
             that
             he
             perfects
             ,
             he
             will
             give
             you
             an
             immortal
             Crown
             of
             Glory
             for
             ever
             and
             ever
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             see
             whether
             the
             Saints
             of
             God
             should
             go
             to
             fetch
             
             succor
             and
             supply
             of
             whatsoever
             grace
             they
             want
             ,
             yea
             increase
             and
             perfection
             of
             what
             they
             have
             already
             ;
             Christ
             is
             made
             
               all
               in
               all
            
             to
             his
             Servants
             ;
             why
             then
             ,
             away
             to
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ;
             he
             calls
             and
             invites
             ,
             
               I
               counsel
               thee
               to
               buy
               of
               me
               eye-salve
               ;
            
             if
             thou
             be
             an
             accursed
             
             man
             ,
             buy
             of
             Christ
             Justification
             ;
             if
             thou
             be
             a
             polluted
             creature
             ,
             buy
             of
             Christ
             Sanctification
             :
             
               With
               thee
               is
               the
               well-spring
               of
               life
            
             
             (
             saith
             
               David
               )
               and
               in
               thy
               light
               we
               shall
               onely
               see
               light
               :
            
             it
             is
             not
             with
             us
             ,
             but
             with
             thee
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             in
             our
             heads
             ,
             or
             hearts
             ,
             or
             performances
             ,
             't
             is
             onely
             in
             Christ
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             onely
             from
             Christ
             to
             be
             fetched
             :
             I
             deny
             not
             but
             we
             should
             improve
             all
             means
             ,
             and
             use
             all
             helps
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             use
             of
             all
             ,
             seek
             onely
             to
             a
             Christ
             ,
             with
             him
             
               is
               the
               well
               of
               life
               ;
            
             away
             to
             Christ
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             righteousness
             ,
             &c.
             all
             is
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             there
             we
             must
             have
             them
             .
          
           
             You
             will
             say
             ,
             What
             are
             the
             
               means
            
             to
             obtain
             these
             graces
             from
             Christ
             ?
             I
             answer
             :
             First
             ,
             eye
             the
             Promise
             daily
             ,
             and
             keep
             it
             within
             view
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             yield
             thy self
             ,
             and
             give
             way
             to
             the
             stroak
             of
             the
             Promise
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             for
             instance
             ,
             Imagine
             thy
             heart
             begins
             to
             be
             pestered
             with
             vain
             thoughts
             ,
             or
             with
             a
             proud
             haughty
             spirit
             ,
             or
             some
             base
             lusts
             and
             privy
             haunts
             of
             heart
             ,
             how
             would
             you
             be
             rid
             of
             these
             ?
             you
             must
             not
             quarrel
             ,
             and
             contend
             ,
             and
             be
             discouraged
             ;
             No
             ,
             but
             eye
             the
             promise
             ,
             and
             hold
             fast
             thereupon
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               Thou
               hast
               promised
               all
               grace
               unto
               thy
               Servants
               ,
               take
               therefore
               this
               heart
               ,
               and
               this
               minde
               ,
               and
               these
               affections
               ,
               and
               let
               thy
               spirit
               frame
               them
               aright
               according
               to
               thine
               own
               good
               will
               ;
               by
               that
               spirit
               of
               wisdom
               (
               Lord
               )
               inform
               me
               ,
               by
               that
               spirit
               of
               Sanctification
               (
               Lord
               )
               cleanse
               me
               from
               all
               my
               corruptions
               ;
               by
               that
               spirit
               of
               grace
               (
               Lord
               )
               quicken
               and
               inable
               me
               to
               the
               discharge
               of
               every
               holy
               service
               :
            
             Thus
             carry
             thy self
             ,
             and
             convey
             thy
             soul
             by
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             finde
             thy
             heart
             strengthned
             and
             succoured
             by
             the
             vertue
             thereof
             upon
             all
             occasions
             .
          
           
             For
             conclusion
             (
             to
             dart
             this
             use
             deeper
             into
             your
             hearts
             )
             
               If
            
             
             
               every
               believer
               be
               joyned
               with
               Christ
               ,
               and
               from
               Christ
               there
               be
               a
               conveyance
               of
               all
               spiritual
               graces
               unto
               every
               believer
               ;
            
             then
             above
             all
             labor
             for
             a
             
               Christ
            
             in
             all
             things
             :
             Never
             let
             thy
             heart
             be
             quieted
             ,
             never
             let
             thy
             soul
             be
             contented
             until
             thou
             hast
             obtained
             
             
               Christ
               .
            
             Take
             a
             Malefactor
             on
             whom
             Sentence
             is
             passed
             ,
             and
             execution
             to
             be
             administred
             ,
             suggest
             to
             him
             how
             to
             be
             rich
             ,
             or
             how
             to
             be
             pardoned
             ,
             how
             to
             be
             honored
             ,
             or
             how
             to
             be
             pardoned
             ,
             he
             will
             tell
             you
             ,
             
               Riches
               are
               good
               ,
               and
               honors
               are
               good
               ,
               but
               O
               a
               pardon
               or
               nothing
               :
            
             Ah
             ,
             but
             then
             should
             you
             say
             ,
             he
             must
             leave
             all
             for
             a
             pardon
             ;
             he
             will
             answer
             again
             ,
             
               Take
               all
               ,
               and
               give
               me
               a
               pardon
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               live
               ,
               though
               in
               poverty
               ,
               that
               I
               may
               live
               ,
               though
               in
               misery
               :
            
             So
             it
             is
             with
             a
             poor
             believing
             soul
             ,
             Every
             man
             that
             hath
             committed
             sin
             ,
             must
             suffer
             for
             sin
             ,
             saith
             
               Justice
               ;
            
             the
             Sentence
             is
             passed
             ,
             
               Every
               man
               that
               believes
               not
               ,
               is
               condemned
            
             
             
               already
               ,
            
             saith
             our
             Savior
             ,
             What
             would
             you
             have
             now
             ?
             thou
             sayest
             ,
             
               thou
               wouldst
               have
               a
               pardon
               ,
            
             but
             wouldst
             thou
             not
             have
             riches
             ?
             Alas
             !
             
               What
               is
               that
               to
               me
            
             (
             saith
             the
             soul
             )
             
               to
               be
               rich
               and
               a
               reprobate
               ?
               honored
               and
               damned
               ?
               let
               me
               be
               pardoned
               ,
               though
               impoverished
               ;
               let
               me
               be
               justified
               ,
               though
               debased
               ,
               yea
               though
               I
               never
               see
               good
               day
               :
            
             Why
             then
             labor
             for
             
               a
               Christ
               ,
            
             for
             there
             is
             no
             other
             way
             under
             heaven
             ;
             get
             a
             broken-heart
             ,
             get
             a
             believing
             heart
             ;
             but
             O
             above
             all
             ,
             get
             a
             
               Christ
            
             to
             justifie
             thee
             ,
             get
             a
             
               Christ
            
             to
             save
             thee
             :
             If
             I
             could
             pray
             like
             an
             Angel
             ,
             could
             I
             hear
             and
             remember
             all
             the
             Sermon
             ,
             could
             I
             confer
             as
             yet
             never
             man
             spake
             ,
             what
             is
             that
             to
             me
             ,
             if
             I
             have
             not
             a
             
               Christ
               ?
            
             I
             may
             go
             down
             to
             Hell
             for
             all
             that
             I
             have
             or
             do
             ;
             yet
             take
             this
             along
             ,
             and
             understand
             me
             
             aright
             ,
             
               Christ
               is
               not
               onely
               a
               Savior
               of
               all
               his
               ,
               but
               he
               is
               the
               God
               of
               all
               grace
               ;
               as
               he
               is
               the
               God
               of
               all
               pardoning
               ,
               so
               he
               is
               the
               God
               of
               all
               purging
               and
               purifying
               unto
               the
               soul
               of
               each
               believer
               :
            
             grace
             therefore
             is
             good
             ,
             and
             duties
             are
             good
             ,
             seek
             for
             all
             ,
             we
             should
             do
             so
             ,
             perform
             all
             ,
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             so
             ;
             but
             Oh
             ,
             
               a
               Christ
               ,
               a
               Christ
               ,
               a
               Christ
               ,
               in
               all
               ,
               above
               all
               ,
               more
               then
               all
               .
            
             Thus
             I
             have
             shewed
             the
             way
             to
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             I
             have
             shewed
             you
             also
             how
             you
             may
             come
             to
             be
             implanted
             into
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ;
             and
             now
             I
             leave
             you
             in
             the
             Hands
             of
             a
             Savior
             ,
             in
             the
             Bowels
             of
             a
             Redeemer
             ,
             and
             I
             think
             I
             cannot
             leave
             you
             better
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
           Soli
           Deo
           Gloria
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A69449e-210
           
             Mr.
             
               Boltons
            
             funeral
             Sermon
             by
             Mr.
             
               Estwick
               .
            
          
           
             Psal.
             24.
             7.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Deut.
             5.
             29.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             14.
             
          
           
             Acts
             7.
             51.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             11.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Comfort
             .
          
           
             2
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Exhortation
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Instruction
             .
          
           
             2
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Reproof
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             20.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Exhortation
             .
          
           
             Iohn
             6.
             44.
             
          
           
             Acts
             16.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Isa.
             66.
             1.
             
          
           
             2
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Hosea
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             55.
             7.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             3.
             22.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             20.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             18.
             31.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             33.
             11.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             44.
             23.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             13.
             27.
             
          
           
             3
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Prov.
             29.
             1.
             
          
           
             Psa.
             32.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             4
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Acts
             2.
             37.
             
          
           
             Psa.
             119.
             50.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             16.
             8.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Advice
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Dan
             5.
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom
             8.
             30.
             
          
           
             Acts
             16.
             30.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             of
             Instruction
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             of
             Exhortation
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             5.
             4.
             
             Amos
             6.
             1.
             
          
           
             Ionah
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             2
             Sam.
             15.
             25
             ,
             26.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             7.
             3
             ,
             4
             
          
           
             Lam.
             3.
             22.
             
          
           
             Psal
             39.
             9.
             
          
           
             Ier.
             10.
             19.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             of
             Instruction
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.
             26.
             
          
           
             Iob
             40.
             4.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             of
             Exhortation
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Motive
               .
            
          
           
             2
             
               Motive
               .
            
          
           
             Isa
             62.
             8.
             
          
           
             3
             
               Motive
               .
            
             Matth.
             18
             4.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             2.
             12.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             61.
             
          
           
             Vse
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             1.
             16.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             of
             Information
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             of
             Examination
             .
          
           
             Rom
             6.
             16.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             3.
             9.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             20.
             
          
           
             1
             
               Vse
               .
            
             of
             Reproof
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             40.
             27.
             
          
           
             Psal
             77.
             7●
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             15.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             of
             Comfort
             .
             Isa.
             40.
             31.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             3.
             of
             Examination
             .
          
           
             Psa.
             130.
             5.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             18.
             11.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             8.
             17.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             4.
             of
             Exhortation
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             2
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Num.
             23.
             10.
             
          
           
             See
             the
             Preface
             written
             by
             
               G.
               Abbot
               ,
            
             D
             D.
             before
             the
             examination
             of
             
               George
               Sprot
               ,
               p.
            
             23.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             11.
             28.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             21.
             6.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             55.
             1.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             7.
             37.
             
          
           
             Matt.
             5.
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             2
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             3
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Mat.
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             42.
             8.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             4.
             19.
             
          
           
             Hosea
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             1.
             1.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             8.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             3.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             18.
             1.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             of
             Comfort
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             132.
             
          
           
             Object
             .
          
           
             Answ
             .
          
           
             Cant
             3.
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             2
             King.
             19.
             30.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             23.
             
          
           
             2
             
               Vse
               .
            
             of
             Exhortation
             .
          
           
             Psal
             31.
             
             ●●
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             2
             
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             Psal.
             45.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             45.
             3.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
             Hosea
             .
             14.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             24.
             7
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Iob
             13.
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             King.
             20.
             31
             ,
             32
             ,
             33.
             
          
           
             Isaiah
             50.
             10.
             
          
           
             Cant.
             8.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.
             7.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             12.
             3.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             66.
             11.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             32.
             26.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             of
             Instruction
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             79.
             11.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             of
             Instruction
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Rule
               .
            
          
           
             Esay
             8.
             20.
             
          
           
             2
             
               Rule
               .
            
          
           
             3
             
               Rule
               .
            
          
           
             Cant.
             5.
             1.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             10.
             1
             Cor.
             12.
             12.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             1.
             of
             Instruction
             .
          
           
             Ephes.
             4.
             29.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             30.
             
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             2.
             of
             Examination
             .
          
           
             
               Vse
            
             of
             Information
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             31.
             
          
           
             Conclusion
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Note
             .