to_o be_v weary_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v it_o give_v a_o weak_a and_o languish_a representation_n it_o be_v true_a of_o intellectual_a beam_n too_o radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la o_o how_o quick_o be_v man_n weary_a of_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o melancholy_a interruption_n turbida_fw-la intervalla_fw-la you_o have_v need_n of_o good_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o entertain_v a_o serious_a thought_n outward_a object_n these_o divert_v the_o mind_n and_o take_v it_o off_o from_o its_o great_a work_n as_o a_o man_n that_o see_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n as_o st._n james_n speak_v go_v his_o way_n and_o present_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v the_o soul_n scarce_o know_v its_o own_o visage_n it_o look_v abroad_o and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o itself_o many_o a_o man_n soul_n have_v scarce_o look_v upon_o itself_o all_o his_o life-time_n iii_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o reflex_n act_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o differ_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v and_o another_o thing_n to_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v our_o divine_n go_v somewhat_o too_o far_o calvin_n perkins_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o put_v all_o justify_v faith_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n ames_n say_v it_o be_v when_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o papist_n who_o put_v it_o in_o a_o bar_n assent_v but_o i_o think_v they_o shall_v rather_o be_v more_o wary_a there_o leave_v they_o give_v the_o enemy_n too_o much_o advantage_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o be_v man_n eminent_o pious_a it_o be_v as_o they_o find_v it_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o all_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a in_o christ_n assurance_n be_v the_o top_n and_o triumph_v of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v our_o victory_n by_o which_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o assurance_n that_o be_v our_o triumph_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n it_o be_v flos_fw-la fidei_fw-la the_o very_a lustre_n and_o eminency_n of_o faith_n i'faith_o that_o be_v the_o root_n assurance_n be_v the_o top-branch_n the_o flourish_a of_o faith_n faith_n with_o a_o gloss_n upon_o it_o justify_v faith_n that_o do_v not_o only_o dwell_v in_o the_o understanding_n in_o nudo_fw-la assensu_fw-la but_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v too_o which_o must_v embrace_v a_o promise_n indeed_o it_o call_v for_o a_o act_n result_v from_o the_o whole_a soul_n which_o must_v receive_v christ_n offer_v unto_o it_o but_o now_o assurance_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o there_o you_o have_v the_o difference_n between_o faith_n of_o adherence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n only_o it_o arise_v e_fw-la sensu_fw-la quodam_fw-la spirituali_fw-la whereby_o we_o know_v and_o perceive_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o when_o i_o say_v every_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n i_o do_v say_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v assure_v of_o it_o no_o every_o one_o be_v to_o labour_v for_o it_o to_o give_v diligence_n as_o our_o apostle_n speak_v but_o every_o one_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v it_o assurance_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o save_v though_o he_o have_v not_o assurance_n he_o can_v have_v little_a sweetness_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o little_a joy_n and_o peace_n but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o safe_a though_o in_o a_o sad_a condition_n it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la not_o to_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o believer_n 1._o for_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o direct_a act_n and_o not_o to_o the_o reflex_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v believe_v now_o there_o be_v many_o a_o weak_a christian_n that_o have_v faith_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o faith_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n lie_v hide_v for_o a_o while_n but_o it_o have_v a_o vigorous_a and_o operative_a spirit_n and_o will_v work_v out_o in_o time_n and_o spread_v itself_o into_o goodly_a branch_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v true_a bring_v salvation_n but_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v assurance_n 2._o many_o true_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n all_o their_o light_n be_v eclipse_v their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v put_v out_o nay_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n as_o that_o they_o very_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o be_v in_o a_o true_a state_n of_o grace_n their_o condition_n be_v cloudy_a and_o dark_a and_o very_o uncomfortable_a for_o the_o present_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v safe_a they_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o yet_o far_o enough_o from_o assurance_n a_o excellent_a place_n in_o isaiah_n for_o this_o isa_n 50.10_o who_o be_v among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n some_o may_v true_o fear_v god_n and_o yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n not_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o assurance_n no_o beam_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n yet_o let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n he_o may_v do_v this_o though_o he_o have_v no_o light_n he_o may_v multiply_v direct_a act_n though_o he_o have_v no_o reflex_n act_n and_o here_o he_o may_v lay_v all_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o salvation_n lean_a upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o sweet_a recumbancy_n rest_v himself_o upon_o his_o god_n and_o this_o consideration_n may_v strengthen_v many_o 〈◊〉_d bruise_v reed_n and_o revive_v many_o a_o droop_a spirit_n who_o for_o the_o present_n do_v not_o know_v that_o â—hey_n believe_v their_o case_n may_v be_v good_a for_o all_o this_o â—hou_fw-mi may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n though_o thou_o be_v â—ut_v a_o weak_a believer_n nay_o though_o thou_o think_v â—â—y_a self_n no_o believer_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o that_o â—â—y_n shall_v rest_v in_o this_o condition_n no_o this_o be_v â—gainst_a the_o text_n all_o must_v give_v diligence_n to_o make_v â—â—eir_n call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o a_o christiâ—â—_n can_v have_v little_a or_o no_o quiet_a till_o he_o attain_v to_o â—â—surance_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n of_o assurance_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n prove_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n 1._o ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la many_o christian_a have_v be_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n scarce_o any_o eminent_a christian_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n but_o have_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o his_o own_o particular_a experience_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a as_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o choice_a one_o have_v have_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a light_n spring_v in_o upon_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_v their_o eternal_a condition_n to_o they_o but_o they_o say_v it_o be_v by_o way_n oâ—_n extraordinary_a revelation_n a_o special_a priviledgâ—_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o few_o of_o god_n choice_a worthy_n by_o a_o rare_a indulgence_n but_o this_o be_v spokeâ—_n gratis_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o present_a experienâ—â—_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n 1_o john_n 5_o 1â—_n the_o very_a drift_n of_o st._n john_n epistle_n be_v that_o christians_n may_v have_v assurance_n and_o beside_o thoâ—_n medium_n by_o which_o christian_n attain_v to_o assurance_n be_v common_a to_o all_o all_o of_o theâ—â—_n have_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o all_o haâ—â—_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a teâ—â—_n money_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n though_o some_o haâ—â—_n it_o in_o a_o weak_a measure_n and_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o pâ—â—rophory_n all_o come_v not_o to_o this_o full_a assurance_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n by_o which_o 〈◊〉_d attain_v to_o it_o which_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n they_o be_v via_fw-la regâ—â—_n and_o yet_o via_fw-la trita_fw-la too_o add_v to_o this_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n st._n peter_n exhort_v all_o to_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a which_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o if_o it_o come_v only_o by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o diligence_n 2._o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o
you_o will_v see_v that_o it_o do_v much_o tend_v to_o assurance_n and_o have_v some_o vicinity_n with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o double_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o most_o acute_a ames_n observe_v 1._o the_o actus_fw-la primus_fw-la by_o which_o i_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o justify_v of_o my_o person_n which_o be_v proper_o justify_v faith_n 2._o actus_fw-la ex_fw-la fide_fw-la emanans_fw-la by_o which_o i_o believe_v that_o my_o sin_n be_v remit_v which_o do_v necessary_o presuppose_v the_o former_a act_n for_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v remit_v which_o do_v necessary_o presuppose_v the_o former_a act_n for_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o thy_o sin_n be_v remit_v then_o any_o other_o till_o thou_o have_v first_o receive_v christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o general_n for_o this_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o yet_o tremble_v but_o the_o christian_a peculiarize_n it_o and_o draw_v sweetness_n out_o of_o it_o i_o believe_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o of_o this_o latter_a it_o be_v mean_v that_o fidelis_fw-la certus_fw-la esse_fw-la potest_fw-la certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la de_fw-la remissione_n peccatorum_fw-la rom._n 5.1_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sweet_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o holy_a security_n of_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n be_v nothing_o but_o apex_n fidei_fw-la the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o aquinas_n quicunque_fw-la habet_fw-la scientiam_fw-la vel_fw-la fidem_fw-la certus_fw-la est_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la ratione_fw-la fidei_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la home_n sit_fw-la certus_fw-la dei_fw-la his_fw-la quorum_fw-la habet_fw-la fidem_fw-la faith_n do_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n raise_v and_o advance_v itself_o to_o assurance_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o apply_v and_o appropriate_a virtue_n which_o be_v in_o it_o it_o be_v faith_n idiom_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n by_o a_o sweet_a monopoly_n it_o engross_v all_o to_o its_o self_n and_o yet_o leave_v enough_o for_o other_o now_o a_o man_n that_o strong_o grasp_v a_o jewel_n in_o his_o hand_n know_v that_o he_o have_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o it_o receive_v he_o so_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n in_o a_o believer_n do_v mere_o flow_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v be_v two_o distinct_a act_n yet_o this_o you_o must_v know_v and_o observe_v that_o the_o strength_n and_o clearness_n of_o a_o direct_a act_n will_v necessary_o infer_v a_o reflex_n act_n those_o truth_n which_o i_o do_v clear_o and_o evident_o know_v i_o also_o know_v that_o i_o know_v they_o and_o that_o which_o i_o strong_o believe_v i_o know_v that_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n come_v from_o the_o imbecility_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o papist_n that_o place_n faith_n only_o in_o a_o mere_a assent_n may_v well_o deny_v assurance_n for_o they_o take_v away_o that_o clasp_a and_o close_v power_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v unite_v its_o self_n with_o its_o object_n 3._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n now_o a_o believer_n can_v have_v but_o weak_a and_o unstable_a comfort_n without_o assurance_n what_o if_o all_o the_o cluster_n of_o canaan_n be_v lay_v on_o a_o heap_n what_o if_o all_o the_o cordial_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v strain_v into_o one_o cup_n be_v the_o soul_n any_o thing_n the_o better_a if_o it_o must_v only_o tantalise_v see_v they_o and_o want_v they_o what_o sweetness_n can_v a_o christian_n draw_v from_o a_o promise_n till_o he_o know_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o he_o will_v this_o enrich_v a_o man_n to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v pearl_n and_o diamond_n in_o the_o world_n will_v this_o satisfy_v a_o faint_a israelite_n to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o canaan_n a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n although_o it_o may_v be_v he_o shall_v never_o come_v near_o it_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a sting_n and_o vexation_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o think_v i_o know_v there_o be_v pure_a fountain_n and_o pleasant_a stream_n but_o yet_o i_o may_v die_v with_o thirst_n there_o be_v spiritual_a dainty_n and_o precious_a delicacy_n but_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a to_o have_v one_o taste_n of_o they_o many_o a_o promise_n look_v with_o a_o pleasant_a and_o propitious_a eye_n but_o it_o be_v not_o fix_v upon_o my_o soul_n so_o that_o take_v away_o a_o christian_n interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o a_o promise_n and_o what_o become_v of_o his_o consolation_n god_n have_v give_v his_o word_n his_o oath_n his_o seal_n his_o earnest_n and_o all_o to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o a_o poor_a christian_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a consolation_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o be_v to_o annihilate_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o frustrate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o evacuate_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o make_v he_o lose_v his_o earnest_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a condition_n 4._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a hope_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o moralist_n hope_v and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o theological_a grace_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v scarce_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o require_v these_o three_o ingredient_n into_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n that_o it_o must_v be_v 1._o bonum_fw-la 2._o futurum_fw-la 3._o incertum_fw-la but_o christian_a hope_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a it_o look_v upon_o good_a as_o to_o come_v and_o as_o certain_a to_o come_v indeed_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clem._n alexand._n elegant_o blood_n run_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o faith_n if_o hope_n expire_v faith_n will_v present_o bleed_v to_o death_n that_o good_a which_o faith_n see_v hope_n wait_v for_o faith_n eye_n it_o as_o present_v but_o yet_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o hope_n tarry_v for_o it_o till_o it_o come_v christian_n hope_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o wait_a and_o expectation_n of_o a_o certain_a good_a you_o have_v a_o pregnant_a text_n for_o this_o in_o heb._n 6.19_o which_o hope_v we_o have_v as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a hope_n be_v but_o a_o poor_a anchor_n if_o it_o shall_v leave_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o courtesy_n of_o a_o wave_n to_o the_o clemency_n of_o a_o rock_n to_o the_o dispose_n of_o a_o storm_n hope_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a anchor_n if_o it_o shall_v let_v the_o soul_n be_v lose_v with_o uncertainty_n if_o it_o shall_v leave_v it_o in_o danger_n of_o shipwreck_n ay_o but_o this_o anchor_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o pierce_v within_o the_o vail_n it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v fast_o hold_v it_o will_v fix_v upon_o heaven_n itself_o upon_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la see_v another_o rom._n 5.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o that_o be_v a_o poor_a glory_n to_o triumph_v in_o uncertainty_n to_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n little_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o exaltation_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v provide_v for_o eternity_n i_o can_v tell_v you_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o be_v damn_v be_v enough_o to_o extinguish_v joy_n so_o that_o till_o the_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n safe_a for_o all_o eternity_n and_o till_o it_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o this_o safe_a condition_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v joyful_a as_o that_o it_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o be_v quiet_a a_o probable_a hope_n will_v bear_v up_o and_o support_v the_o soul_n a_o door_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n but_o it_o will_v not_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n the_o least_o dawn_a of_o hope_n in_o the_o initial_o of_o grace_n do_v mighty_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v the_o soul_n o_o how_o pleasant_a be_v the_o eyelid_n of_o the_o morning_n how_o welcome_n be_v the_o daybreak_n after_o a_o dark_a and_o disconsolate_a night_n nay_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o be_v save_v be_v that_o which_o first_o draw_v we_o all_o to_o look_v after_o heaven_n the_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v balm_n in_o gilead_n but_o the_o weary_a soul_n will_v never_o rest_v here_o the_o dove_n will_v never_o take_v this_o for_o a_o ark_n
extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o nor_o any_o promise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n you_o will_v say_v this_o take_v much_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christian_a society_n if_o we_o can_v tell_v who_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n fellow-brethren_n and_o fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n 1._o though_o we_o can_v tell_v absolute_o and_o infallible_o yet_o we_o may_v know_v very_o probable_o we_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o peculiar_a people_n a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n and_o we_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o be_v the_o likely_a in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n so_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v they_o 2._o we_o must_v commend_v much_o of_o this_o to_o god_n providence_n who_o very_o seldom_o suffer_v hypocrite_n to_o go_v undetect_v he_o that_o be_v the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o he_o hate_v a_o rot_a heart_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v it_o odious_a 3._o it_o be_v fit_v that_o this_o and_o many_o other_o privilege_n shall_v be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n that_o so_o we_o may_v long_o after_o that_o the_o more_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a communion_n the_o perfect_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n nothing_o shall_v enter_v there_o that_o make_v a_o lie_n nothing_o of_o hypocrisy_n but_o glorious_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n sun_v themselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n shall_v keep_v company_n together_o to_o all_o eternity_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d christian_n be_v chief_o to_o look_v to_o their_o own_o call_v and_o election_n they_o be_v indeed_o bind_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o their_o life_n with_o such_o rule_n as_o christianity_n allow_v but_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o dwell_v at_o home_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o breast_n to_o make_v their_o own_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o another_o man_n condition_n so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v of_o their_o own_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v dispatch_v those_o two_o particular_n which_o lay_v more_o collateral_a in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v not_o direct_o intend_v in_o they_o we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o very_a mind_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o text_n which_o branch_n itself_o into_o these_o four_o proposition_n that_o will_v full_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o assurance_n though_o we_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o text_n it_o stream_n into_o these_o four_o particular_n observe_v 1._o a_o christian_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n observe_v 2._o assurance_n of_o salvation_n require_v all_o diligence_n observe_v 3._o assurance_n of_o salvation_n deserve_v all_o diligence_n both_o imply_v in_o give_v diligence_n observe_v 4._o the_o way_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a be_v first_o to_o make_v our_o call_v sure_a and_o now_o you_o may_v look_v upon_o the_o text_n as_o on_o a_o pleasant_a vine_n situate_v in_o a_o fruitful_a place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n in_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o son_n of_o oil_n or_o fatness_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v you_o may_v sit_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o its_o fruit_n will_v be_v sweet_a unto_o you_o for_o you_o see_v how_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o spacious_a and_o goodly_a branch_n such_o as_o be_v all_o lade_v with_o fair_a and_o swell_a cluster_n cluster_n of_o canaan_n that_o be_v ripen_v with_o those_o heavenly_a sunbeam_n that_o shine_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o rich_o fill_v with_o all_o spiritual_a sweetness_n and_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n will_v cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o all_o eternity_n as_o for_o we_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o prune_v off_o all_o such_o sprouting_n and_o luxuriancy_n of_o style_n as_o may_v any_o way_n steal_v from_o the_o sap_n and_o strength_n of_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o hebrew_n call_v those_o sprouting_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n little_a epicure_n always_o feast_v upon_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o put_v the_o root_n to_o continual_a expense_n we_o will_v prune_v off_o all_o these_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cluster_n lie_v lurk_v under_o the_o leaf_n truth_n be_v not_o so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n we_o will_v if_o we_o can_v spy_v they_o out_o the_o vintage_n will_v be_v long_o we_o shall_v gather_v but_o a_o cluster_n at_o a_o time_n and_o press_v it_o in_o the_o application_n a_o christian_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n for_o saint_n peter_n will_v never_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v diligence_n for_o a_o impossibility_n for_o that_o which_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v we_o will_v move_v in_o this_o order_n and_o show_v observe_v 1._o what_o assurance_n be_v 2._o argument_n for_o assurance_n 3._o the_o manner_n how_o christian_n be_v assure_v 4._o the_o special_a time_n of_o assurance_n 5._o make_v application_n i._o and_o here_o first_o what_o assurance_n be_v it_o be_v a_o reflex_n act_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a clear_o see_v that_o he_o be_v for_o the_o present_a in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o a_o heir_n apparent_a to_o glory_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n by_o which_o he_o know_v his_o call_v and_o election_n it_o be_v a_o reflex_n act_n and_o so_o 1._o assurance_n be_v situate_v in_o the_o soul_n most_o noble_a most_o closet_v most_o private_a and_o most_o spiritual_a operation_n 1._o reflex_n act_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o royal_a operation_n the_o most_o rational_a and_o judicious_a act_n of_o a_o most_o intelligent_a spirit_n reason_n be_v now_o in_o its_o exaltation_n it_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o exercise_n a_o judge-like_a power_n all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v appear_v before_o its_o tribunal_n and_o give_v up_o a_o strict_a account_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o pythagorean_n be_v wont_a to_o pose_v and_o catechise_v themselves_o your_o inferior_a sensitive_a creature_n can_v go_v pore_v on_o upon_o a_o present_a object_n and_o blunder_v on_o in_o a_o diract_n way_n but_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o any_o reflex_n act_n although_o some_o talk_n of_o reflexiveness_n in_o sense_n too_o as_o to_o see_v that_o they_o see_v or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fancy_n of_o their_o own_o sensitive_a creature_n can_v never_o reach_v so_o high_a as_o a_o reflect_v act_n and_o indeed_o sensual_a man_n know_v not_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o but_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n can_v retire_v into_o itself_o and_o take_v a_o view_n and_o survey_v of_o its_o own_o act_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a operation_n the_o soul_n withdraw_v and_o bid_v the_o body_n farewell_o and_o even_o here_o become_v a_o anima_fw-la separata_fw-la it_o retire_v into_o its_o closet_n and_o bolt_n itself_o up_o where_o none_o can_v peep_v in_o none_o can_v eavesdrop_v it_o 3._o the_o most_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a work_n of_o all_o this_o be_v most_o abstract_a from_o matter_n the_o soul_n here_o do_v not_o commerce_n with_o outward_a drossy_a object_n but_o look_v upon_o itself_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o its_o own_o face_n this_o be_v the_o most_o spiritual_a employment_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o do_v most_o strong_o argue_v its_o immortality_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o divinity_n how_o do_v the_o prime_a and_o fountain_n be_v spend_v all_o eternity_n but_o in_o look_v upon_o his_o own_o transcendent_a and_o glorious_a essence_n in_o view_v the_o bright_a constellation_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o see_v some_o shadowy_a and_o languish_a representation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o vita_fw-la est_fw-la in_o se_fw-la reflexio_fw-la as_o the_o grave_a moralist_n seneca_n speak_v the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o reflex_n act_n so_o i_o king_n 8.47_o when_o they_o shall_v turn_v to_o their_o own_o heart_n etc._n etc._n ii_o but_o yet_o this_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o transient_a it_o be_v fleet_a and_o desultory_n it_o quick_o vanish_v which_o show_v a_o great_a disorder_n and_o irregularity_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o most_o proper_a operation_n that_o border_n upon_o divinity_n man_n be_v least_o vere_a in_o it_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o condition_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o exact_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o way_n radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la as_o the_o optic_n speak_v the_o beam_n begin_v
irrecoverable_o thou_o expect_v not_o less_o than_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n but_o can_v find_v nothing_o but_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o gnaw_a worm_n how_o golden_a be_v thy_o dream_n of_o happiness_n do_v thou_o not_o fancy_v the_o light_n and_o beam_n of_o heaven_n ripen_v the_o fruit_n of_o canaan_n for_o thou_o do_v not_o â—hou_n think_v thyself_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n pisgah_n refresh_v with_o soft_a and_o delicate_a breathe_n â—aking_v a_o full_a prospect_n of_o the_o beautiful_a land_n of_o promise_n nay_o do_v not_o thou_o think_v that_o some_o of_o the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o land_n flow_v into_o â—hy_a mouth_n that_o thou_o wet_a pluck_v off_o green_a apple_n from_o the_o tree_n nay_o that_o thou_o have_v the_o â—ery_n taste_v and_o relish_v of_o the_o olive_n and_o fig_n â—nd_v pomegranate_n and_o grape_n in_o thy_o mouth_n â—ut_fw-la behold_v thou_o wake_v and_o be_v in_o a_o wilderness_n among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n among_o fiery_a serpent_n in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o sweetness_n be_v thou_o take_v that_o for_o the_o whisper_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v but_o the_o hiss_a of_o â—he_n serpent_n thou_o think_v thyself_o in_o the_o veâ—â—_n suburb_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n in_o the_o temple_n 〈◊〉_d the_o sanctum_fw-la sancterum_fw-la when_o as_o thou_o be_v all_o this_o while_n but_o in_o a_o egypt_n in_o a_o babylon_n in_o a_o prison_n in_o a_o dangeon_n thou_o do_v exalt_v thyself_o like_o the_o eagle_n and_o build_v thy_o nest_n in_o the_o star_n but_o with_o what_o indignation_n be_v thou_o sweep_v from_o thence_o how_o thou_o be_v fall_v o_o lucifer_n son_n of_o the_o mâ—rning_n 3._o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o diligence_n be_v require_v and_o 1._o be_v diligent_a in_o self-reflexion_n a_o clean_a heart_n chew_n the_o cud_n &_o ruminate_v upon_o its_o own_o action_n give_v thy_o heart_n frequent_a visit_n and_o see_v whether_o it_o keep_v that_o print_n which_o the_o seal_a spirit_n stamp_v upon_o it_o read_v over_o thy_o evidence_n if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o blot_n wash_v it_o out_o try_v thy_o grace_n by_o a_o scripture_n sunbeam_n have_v thou_o within_o a_o continual_a feast_n why_o then_o do_v not_o thou_o invite_v thy_o thought_n thither_o that_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n why_o do_v noâ—_n thou_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o let_v they_o drink_v sweetness_n out_o of_o their_o own_o fountain_n let_v they_o bless_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v they_o and_o the_o breast_n that_o give_v they_o suck_v let_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o enter_v into_o theiâ—_n heart_n that_o have_v no_o quietness_n within_o unless_o like_o the_o leviathan_n they_o can_v sport_v themselves_o in_o a_o rage_a sâ—a_n that_o foam_v out_o mire_n and_o dirt_n but_o thoâ—_n can_v steep_v and_o bathe_v thy_o thought_n in_o a_o calâ—_n and_o compose_v spirit_n why_o do_v not_o thou_o listeâ—_n to_o thy_o own_o music_n why_o do_v not_o thou_o glance_v upon_o thy_o own_o beauty_n assurance_n consist_v in_o a_o reflex_n act_n and_o by_o such_o working_n it_o be_v maintain_v iisdem_fw-la alitur_fw-la quibus_fw-la gignitur_fw-la 2._o be_v diligent_a in_o prayer_n believe_v it_o assurance_n do_v not_o come_v with_o those_o weak_a wish_n and_o velleity_n that_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o o_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n of_o happiness_n o_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o o_o that_o we_o know_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o to_o eternity_n true_o these_o be_v but_o gape_v and_o yawn_a desire_n as_o if_o hide_a manna_n will_v drop_v into_o their_o mouth_n this_o great_a blessing_n require_v a_o wrestle_a prayer_n the_o white_a stone_n be_v give_v to_o none_o but_o a_o conqueror_n the_o spirit_n will_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o faint_a and_o languish_a velleity_n a_o echo_n will_v answer_v a_o whisperer_n a_o weak_a voice_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o rebound_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o vicinity_n and_o friendship_n nay_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v consanguinity_n between_o assurance_n and_o prayer_n prayer_n shall_v be_v plerophoria_fw-la quaedam_fw-la explicata_fw-la assurance_n do_v mighty_o enliven_v and_o animate_v prayer_n and_o prayer_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cherish_v and_o maintain_v assurance_n go_v then_o unto_o thy_o god_n and_o be_v importunate_a with_o he_o beg_v a_o smile_n a_o glance_n a_o beam_n of_o his_o face_n desire_v he_o to_o take_v all_o worldly_a thing_n again_o unless_o he_o will_v sweeten_v they_o with_o his_o love_n tell_v he_o thou_o can_v no_o long_o feed_v upon_o husk_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o give_v thou_o somewhat_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o live_v on_o 3._o be_v diligent_a and_o frequent_a in_o communion_n with_o thy_o god_n converse_v with_o god_n put_v a_o lustre_n and_o radiancy_n upon_o the_o soul_n descend_v to_o the_o creature_n put_v a_o veil_n upon_o that_o former_a brightness_n sweet_a and_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o thy_o god_n put_v thou_o into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o friendship_n bring_v assurance_n and_o confidence_n along_o with_o it_o will_v god_n do_v thou_o think_v admit_v thou_o into_o his_o most_o shine_a and_o beautiful_a presence_n will_v he_o thus_o display_v himself_o to_o thou_o and_o make_v know_v his_o most_o secret_a treasure_n of_o goodness_n and_o sweetness_n unto_o thy_o soul_n unless_o he_o love_v thou_o will_v thy_o saviour_n thus_o smile_v upon_o thou_o will_v he_o thus_o unbosom_v and_o unbowel_v himself_o to_o thou_o will_v he_o thus_o flourish_v in_o at_o the_o lattice_n unless_o he_o be_v thy_o spouse_n will_v he_o thus_o kiss_v thou_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n will_v he_o tell_v thou_o so_o much_o of_o his_o mind_n unless_o his_o heart_n be_v with_o thou_o will_v he_o accept_v of_o thy_o prayer_n and_o thy_o performance_n thy_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n if_o he_o mean_v to_o destroy_v thou_o do_v thou_o ever_o know_v he_o deal_v thus_o deceitful_o with_o any_o will_v he_o give_v thy_o soul_n such_o frequent_a visit_n such_o gentle_a breathe_n will_v he_o so_o often_o whisper_v to_o thou_o that_o which_o the_o world_n must_v not_o hear_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v thou_o think_v thyself_o in_o darkness_n when_o the_o sun_n look_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o doubt_v of_o quench_v thy_o thirst_n when_o the_o fountain_n bubble_n out_o and_o flow_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o doubt_v of_o liberty_n in_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n what_o be_v the_o dove_n in_o the_o ark_n and_o yet_o can_v it_o find_v no_o rest_n to_o the_o sole_n of_o her_o foot_n can_v thou_o question_v thy_o safety_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o christ_n no_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o put_v out_o thy_o joy_n it_o do_v first_o estrange_v and_o alienate_v thou_o from_o thy_o god_n and_o can_v thou_o but_o recover_v thy_o former_a nearness_n to_o he_o thou_o 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