hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o have_v not_o eternal_a life_n i_o hate_v my_o brother_n therefore_o i_o be_o a_o murderer_n and_o have_v not_o eternal_a life_n these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o conclusion_n quite_o contradictory_n to_o the_o vain_a principle_n that_o do_v dwell_v in_o the_o secure_a sinner_n which_o be_v set_v home_o by_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o make_v he_o fear_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o spirit_n bring_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o assurance_n of_o hope_n by_o some_o such_o practical_a syllogism_n as_o these_o he_o that_o love_v the_o brethren_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n i_o love_v the_o brethren_n therefore_o i_o be_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n or_o he_o that_o repent_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v i_o repent_v and_o believe_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v and_o inspire_v holy_a man_n to_o leave_v upon_o record_n to_o we_o the_o proposition_n in_o these_o two_o syllogism_n the_o same_o spirit_n also_o work_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v those_o scripture_n proposition_n to_o be_v divine_a infallible_a truth_n he_o also_o work_v in_o we_o every_o gracious_a habit_n and_o excit_v those_o gracious_a act_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n and_o mark_n of_o our_o conversion_n justification_n and_o title_n to_o glory_n he_o also_o help_v to_o feel_v and_o discover_v those_o act_n in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n to_o find_v their_o sincerity_n which_o be_v his_o concurrence_n with_o conscience_n in_o make_v the_o assumption_n and_o last_o he_o help_v sanctify_v reason_n from_o the_o premise_n to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o assurance_n but_o something_o separable_a from_o it_o sometime_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o premise_n and_o conclusion_n be_v strong_a sometime_o weak_a hence_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n sometime_o upon_o this_o assurance_n &_o peace_n of_o conscience_n we_o be_v marvellous_o enlarge_v with_o consolation_n call_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o nor_o obj._n some_o may_v say_v be_v there_o no_o other_o way_n of_o work_a assurance_n but_o this_o do_v not_o god_n sometime_o testify_v without_o any_o such_o discourse_n and_o ratiocination_n have_v he_o confine_v himself_o to_o syllogism_n do_v he_o not_o sometime_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o we_o by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n without_o the_o help_n or_o use_v of_o any_o argumentation_n answ_n i_o have_v be_v always_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n partly_o because_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o encourage_v we_o to_o look_v for_o assurance_n in_o any_o other_o way_n and_o partly_o because_o to_o grant_v a_o immediate_a testimony_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o open_v such_o a_o gap_n to_o euthusiasme_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a well_o to_o shut_v and_o i_o be_o somewhat_o embolden_v in_o that_o sentiment_n by_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o a_o sober_a judicious_a divine_a mr._n tho._n blake_n who_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o covenant_n thus_o express_v himself_o they_o that_o go_v about_o to_o assert_v a_o immediate_a testimony_n in_o any_o will_v never_o secure_v the_o soul_n from_o delusion_n satan_n will_v soon_o find_v a_o artifice_n to_o counterfeit_v this_o testimony_n and_o bear_v witness_n in_o the_o spirit_n stead_n and_o when_o we_o think_v that_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o assure_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n to_o deceive_v but_o in_o regard_n many_o of_o eminent_a piety_n and_o learning_n do_v assert_v a_o immediate_a testimony_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v a_o little_a what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o how_o they_o do_v bind_v it_o and_o then_o to_o show_v what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o it_o by_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o proper_a whisper_n or_o voice_n such_o as_o young_a convert_v mistake_v such_o scripture_n phrase_n as_o say_v unto_o my_o soul_n thou_o be_v my_o salvation_n be_v apt_a to_o wait_v for_o but_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n impress_v upon_o a_o man_n sudden_o and_o he_o know_v not_o how_o quiet_v all_o his_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o make_v he_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a if_o you_o ask_v they_o how_o a_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n dare_v adventure_n to_o take_v any_o such_o comfort_n how_o he_o know_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n a_o certain_a inbred_a light_n to_o make_v it_o discern_v light_n and_o colour_n without_o a_o sound_n and_o air_n within_o the_o ear_n to_o make_v it_o discern_v the_o sound_n without_o so_o there_o be_v in_o a_o godly_a man_n grace_n a_o new_a nature_n and_o habitual_a instinct_n of_o heaven_n whereby_o it_o discern_v the_o consolation_n of_o god_n spirit_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n some_o secret_a and_o inexpressible_a lineament_n of_o the_o father_n countenance_n in_o the_o child_n that_o the_o renew_a soul_n at_o the_o very_a first_o blush_n know_v and_o own_v it_o moreover_o they_o tell_v we_o 1._o that_o although_o the_o spirit_n thus_o testify_v without_o application_n of_o any_o particular_a word_n yet_o he_o never_o testify_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n he_o never_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o 2._o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o ordinary_o thus_o testify_v but_o after_o or_o in_o attendance_n on_o some_o ordinance_n or_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n or_o after_o some_o very_a great_a abasement_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a soul-humiliation_n or_o after_o some_o very_a hard_a adventure_n for_o god_n or_o after_o some_o great_a combat_n and_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n 3._o that_o such_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v beget_v but_o a_o actual_a assurance_n during_o the_o present_a exigence_n or_o in_o order_n to_o some_o present_a design_n that_o god_n be_v work_v thereby_o now_o to_o give_v my_o sense_n of_o this_o opinion_n 1._o the_o author_n of_o it_o seem_v so_o to_o bound_v it_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v uncharitableness_n to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v any_o ill_a or_o pernicious_a design_n in_o it_o 2._o the_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v be_v do_v by_o impression_n be_v not_o without_o ratiocination_n only_o the_o ratiocination_n be_v not_o so_o distinct_a and_o explicit_a as_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o his_o assurance_n by_o that_o difficult_a work_n of_o examination_n philosopher_n say_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o beast_n through_o instinct_n and_o impulse_n be_v not_o do_v without_o something_o analogous_a to_o ratiocination_n they_o common_o give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o such_o syllogism_n as_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o beast_n as_o namely_o lamb_n when_o they_o come_v to_o their_o dam_n and_o fly_v away_o from_o the_o wolf_n so_o i_o conceive_v that_o in_o all_o the_o impression_n make_v on_o the_o soul_n whether_o they_o be_v by_o way_n of_o comfort_n or_o incitation_n to_o duty_n there_o be_v some_o character_n either_o in_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o either_o in_o their_o holiness_n or_o greatness_n or_o vehemence_n or_o unusualness_n by_o which_o a_o christian_a know_v they_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o so_o according_o rest_v in_o they_o the_o which_o character_n do_v he_o not_o find_v he_o will_v either_o not_o regard_v they_o or_o reject_v they_o with_o abhorrence_n 3._o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o one_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o his_o hope_n of_o heaven_n on_o any_o such_o impression_n nor_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o such_o impression_n alter_v his_o opinion_n in_o reference_n to_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o adventure_v upon_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o questionable_a unto_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o take_v it_o he_o will_v give_v the_o devil_n great_a advantage_n against_o he_o and_o subject_n himself_o to_o infinite_a delusion_n as_o will_v soon_o be_v manifest_a to_o he_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o read_v over_o the_o discourse_n of_o dr._n casaubon_n and_o dr._n moor_n concern_v enthusiasm_n mr._n john_n fox_n our_o holy_a and_o learned_a martyrologist_n have_v many_o impression_n some_o of_o which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o his_o son_n in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n but_o do_v they_o not_o sometime_o fail_v he_o and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v neither_o divine_a nor_o true_a let_v any_o one_o judge_n
uncertainty_n concern_v ourselves_o do_v we_o not_o sleight_v some_o ordinance_n or_o omit_v some_o duty_n or_o give_v way_n to_o some_o lust_n 3._o though_o one_o may_v be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v want_v this_o assurance_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v under_o the_o want_n of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n uncertainty_n of_o our_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o light_a a_o evil_a as_o that_o a_o christian_n can_v carry_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o burden_n nay_o but_o he_o follow_v christ_n with_o unutterable_a sigh_n and_o groan_n he_o travel_v from_o ordinance_n to_o ordinance_n till_o his_o evidence_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o his_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n be_v make_v out_o if_o a_o child_n shall_v have_v some_o doubt_v throw_v into_o his_o mind_n concern_v his_o father_n love_n to_o he_o will_v he_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o it_o be_v remove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o believer_n be_v himself_o under_o prevail_a doubt_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v god_n promise_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n have_v he_o beside_o his_o covenant_n give_v we_o his_o sacrament_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o more_o abundant_a consolation_n and_o after_o all_o this_o shall_v we_o quiet_o sit_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o if_o nothing_o ail_v we_o how_o then_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o especial_o those_o who_o have_v sometime_o have_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v on_o they_o and_o have_v after_o lose_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v recover_v it_o thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v psal_n 30._o v._n 7._o trouble_a with_o a_o witness_n for_o it_o be_v his_o daily_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n yea_o it_o be_v as_o death_n to_o he_o for_o this_o he_o make_v his_o tear_n day_n and_o night_n he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o he_o and_o his_o upbraid_n by_o his_o enemy_n with_o this_o be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o bone_n psal_n 42.3_o 4_o 10._o as_o for_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n we_o do_v find_v chap._n 5._o v._n 6._o that_o when_o her_o belove_a have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v her_o soul_n fail_v when_o she_o speak_v she_o seek_v but_o she_o can_v not_o find_v he_o she_o call_v but_o he_o make_v no_o answer_n hereupon_o she_o go_v to_o the_o watchman_n to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n charge_v they_o if_o they_o find_v she_o belove_v to_o tell_v he_o she_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n v._o 7.8_o he_o never_o due_o estimate_v the_o friendship_n of_o christ_n who_o can_v bear_v his_o strangeness_n without_o great_a sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n of_o heart_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n assurance_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o say_v his_o way_n of_o work_v be_v very_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o assurance_n itself_o be_v better_o feel_v then_o express_v compare_v therefore_o as_o some_o conceive_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o the_o manna_n that_o be_v hide_v and_o to_o the_o white_a stono_fw-mi and_o the_o new_a name_n write_v in_o the_o stone_n which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v inexpressible_a compare_v therefore_o john_n 3._o to_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v the_o sound_n whereof_o we_o hear_v but_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whether_o it_o go_v his_o work_n in_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v be_v much_o more_o inexpressible_a there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o act_n in_o the_o soul_n 1._o direct_v act_n such_o as_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o christ_n or_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n 2._o reflex_n act_n such_o as_o be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o man_n return_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v though_o not_o believe_v yet_o know_v that_o he_o believe_v believe_v sincere_o such_o reflex_n act_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a royal_a operation_n '_o the_o most_o refine_a spiritual_a working_n sufficient_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o such_o working_n of_o the_o soul_n usual_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o transient_a radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la be_v the_o rule_n in_o optic_n and_o which_o leave_v we_o at_o a_o great_a loss_n those_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v borrow_v our_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o vex_v with_o variety_n of_o descant_n and_o interpretation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o will_v quite_o tire_v out_o the_o patience_n of_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n if_o i_o shall_v but_o recite_v the_o variety_n of_o comment_n on_o that_o place_n 1_o john_n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n the_o water_n the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o that_o indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o plain_a rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o first_o grotius_n will_v have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o he_o bring_v for_o proof_n a_o place_n or_o two_o in_o scripture_n in_o which_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o use_v because_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n well_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n to_o build_v his_o conceit_n on_o we_o may_v easy_o rid_v our_o hand_n of_o he_o for_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o joint_a witness_n it_o witness_v together_o with_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v as_o some_o think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o then_o grant_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v signify_v a_o joint-witnessing_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o other_o partner_n be_v that_o be_v join_v with_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o action_n as_o we_o translate_v it_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o the_o rhemist_n translate_v not_o with_o our_o spirit_n but_o to_o our_o spirit_n which_o translation_n be_v put_v into_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o english_a bible_n now_o read_v and_o be_v in_o the_o text_n of_o those_o former_o use_v and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n whether_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o the_o joint-witness_a but_o only_o the_o recipient_a of_o this_o witness_n and_o the_o joint-witness_a the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o voice_n cause_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o some_o do_v therefore_o want_v assurance_n because_o they_o look_v for_o it_o in_o a_o undue_a and_o unwarrantable_a manner_n expect_v some_o vocal_a testimony_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v the_o matter_n as_o i_o be_o able_a and_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o look_v in_o what_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n do_v work_v fear_n in_o the_o same_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v work_v hope_n and_o assurance_n now_o the_o spirit_n bring_v unconvert_v person_n under_o fear_n and_o trouble_v concern_v their_o estate_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o demerit_n of_o sin_n and_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n john_n 16.8_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v errorem_fw-la prâ—…conceptum_fw-la profligare_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o fallacy_n in_o which_o something_o only_a seem_o and_o not_o real_o contradictory_n to_o the_o question_n be_v prove_v be_v call_v ab_fw-la ignoratione_n elenebi_fw-la the_o secure_a unconsider_v sinner_n live_v in_o sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o very_a harmless_a innocent_a thing_n he_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o to_o awaken_v he_o out_o of_o his_o security_n and_o to_o put_v he_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o inquire_v after_o a_o saviour_n do_v join_v with_o his_o conscience_n bring_v he_o under_o a_o threefold_a conviction_n of_o law_n of_o fact_n of_o state_n by_o some_o such_o syllogism_n every_o liar_n shall_v have_v his_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o be_o a_o liar_n therefore_o i_o shall_v have_v my_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n or_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o i_o believe_v not_o therefore_o i_o be_o condemn_v already_o or_o he_o that_o
glory_v in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v on_o i_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o indeed_o so_o vast_a a_o disproportion_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o carnal_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n that_o shall_v a_o christian_a always_o have_v assurance_n of_o his_o title_n to_o the_o former_a it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o wonder_v at_o if_o he_o despise_v the_o late_a but_o herein_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v see_v that_o he_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o strict_a despise_a way_n of_o holiness_n with_o a_o resolution_n if_o he_o perish_v there_o to_o perish_v that_o he_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n even_o when_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o portion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v herein_o be_v see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o he_o keep_v man_n captive_a while_o he_o have_v honour_n and_o pleasure_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o but_o that_o he_o can_v make_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o their_o sin_n when_o god_n judgement_n have_v lay_v hold_v of_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n god_n speak_v of_o such_o not_o without_o some_o admiration_n amos_n 4.6_o i_o have_v smite_v you_o thus_o and_o thus_o yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o set_v a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n on_o ahaz_n because_o be_v sin_v yet_o more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n 2_o chron._n 28.22_o likewise_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v then_o most_o manifest_a when_o he_o make_v any_o to_o hold_v their_o sincerity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o tentation_n and_o opposition_n every_o christian_a be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n but_o in_o none_o do_v his_o eternal_a power_n so_o evident_o appear_v as_o in_o such_o god_n do_v even_o boast_v of_o such_o job_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o satan_n have_v thou_o not_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o still_o he_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n although_o thou_o move_v i_o against_o he_o to_o destroy_v he_o without_o cause_n and_o as_o his_o power_n appear_v in_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o low_a condition_n so_o do_v his_o patience_n in_o bear_v with_o all_o their_o froward_a and_o passionate_a thought_n and_o speech_n during_o desertion_n and_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o bring_v they_o from_o under_o it_o isa_n 41.17_o when_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a seek_v water_n and_o there_o be_v none_o and_o their_o tongue_n fail_v for_o thirst_n i_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v they_o i_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o i_o will_v open_v river_n in_o high_a place_n and_o fountain_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o valley_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o know_v and_o consider_v and_o understand_v together_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v this_o and_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n have_v create_v it_o corrollary_n see_v god_n may_v have_v all_o these_o gracious_a and_o holy_a end_n in_o withdraw_a from_o we_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o will_v not_o become_v we_o to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o or_o to_o entertain_v any_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a or_o as_o if_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v cease_v for_o ever_o such_o thought_n will_v be_v rise_v for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o david_n psal_n 77._o but_o we_o must_v chide_v ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o he_o do_v for_o 10._o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n but_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a as_o also_o he_o do_v in_o another_o psalm_n 22._o after_o he_o hide_v complain_v ver_fw-la 1._o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o he_o proceed_v but_o thou_o be_v holy_a o_o thou_o that_o inhabite_v the_o praise_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n we_o must_v hold_v and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v beat_v from_o that_o god_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a if_o we_o hold_v this_o fast_n we_o shall_v do_v as_o christian_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o how_o at_o present_a to_o reconcile_v god_n providence_n with_o his_o attribute_n yet_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o that_o can_v wait_v be_v bless_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o confidence_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v question_n second_o part_n of_o the_o four_o question_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v still_o behind_o what_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n that_o do_v procure_v the_o want_n of_o assurance_n answ_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_a observation_n and_o experience_n which_o be_v so_o many_o and_o various_a that_o i_o reckon_v it_o next_o to_o impossible_a to_o put_v they_o into_o order_n as_o for_o the_o more_o common_a sinful_a let_n and_o impediment_n of_o assurance_n they_o have_v be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o handle_v by_o so_o many_o already_o in_o print_n that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o by_o promise_n to_o say_v something_o about_o they_o i_o may_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n or_o content_v myself_o to_o paraphrase_n on_o some_o scripture_n in_o job_n the_o psalm_n and_o isaiah_n relate_v to_o this_o head_n but_o the_o law_n of_o method_n call_v i_o to_o say_v something_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o question_n also_o i_o shall_v so_o do_v but_o yet_o brief_o 1._o the_o smallness_n and_o littleness_n of_o some_o man_n grace_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v want_v assurance_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o see_v it_o not_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v but_o small_a and_o cover_v over_o with_o many_o sinful_a infirmity_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o i_o must_v not_o so_o far_o contradict_v experience_n as_o to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v never_o make_v the_o time_n of_o conversion_n when_o grace_n be_v comparative_o but_o small_a a_o time_n of_o seal_v he_o do_v so_o usual_o in_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o then_o man_n come_v out_o of_o gross_a darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n and_o turn_v from_o serve_v dumb_a idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n their_o change_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o easy_a observation_n than_o it_o be_v now_o when_o person_n have_v suck_v in_o christian_a religion_n with_o their_o mother_n milk_n turn_v only_o from_o a_o careless_a to_o a_o more_o diligent_a way_n of_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o beside_o religion_n have_v then_o nothing_o to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n affection_n but_o only_o its_o own_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n but_o now_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v unto_o it_o nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_v mother_n we_o can_v have_v so_o little_a ground_n of_o suspect_v our_o unsincerity_n as_o may_v they_o who_o do_v no_o soon_o make_v confession_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o become_v the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n yea_o even_o in_o these_o day_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o after_o great_a legal_a humiliation_n to_o let_v in_o some_o hope_n while_o grace_n be_v but_o low_a lest_o his_o creature_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o sorrow_n however_o usual_o a_o little_a faith_n as_o to_o any_o settle_a last_a comfort_n be_v as_o no_o faith_n and_o time_n with_o weak_a christian_n be_v more_o profitable_o spend_v in_o multiply_v those_o act_n which_o may_v strengthen_v the_o habit_n then_o in_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v already_o sincere_a habit_n can_v of_o themselves_o be_v feel_v but_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o their_o action_n and_o weak_a habit_n put_v forth_o such_o faint_a action_n and_o with_o so_o much_o interruption_n that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o common_a or_o special_a grace_n object_n but_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o irradiate_a the_o very_a lest_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o make_v it_o visible_a and_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n answ_n no_o question_n the_o spirit_n can_v so_o do_v but_o we_o now_o inquire_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o usual_o do_v and_o this_o may_v safe_o be_v say_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o usual_o witness_v to_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o least_o measure_n
of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n then_o will_v i_o teach_v transgressor_n thy_o way_n and_o sinner_n shall_v be_v convert_v unto_o thou_o by_o his_o free_a spirit_n the_o psalmist_n here_o mean_v his_o spirit_n to_o set_v he_o free_a from_o the_o slavish_a fear_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n which_o usual_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o our_o life_n and_o yet_o horrible_o afraid_a to_o die_v but_o wherefore_o do_v he_o desire_v this_o free_a spirit_n not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o god_n service_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v free_a to_o his_o service_n that_o be_v not_o in_o bondage_n through_o fear_n he_o may_v win_v other_o to_o the_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o encourage_v other_o to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o their_o day_n he_o that_o use_v not_o his_o comfort_n to_o this_o end_n do_v but_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n 2._o a_o good_a way_n to_o gain_v assurance_n be_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v already_o when_o nathaneel_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v meet_o because_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o his_o be_v under_o the_o tree_n christ_n be_v so_o please_v that_o he_o promise_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v great_a thing_n than_o that_o joh._n 1.50_o so_o when_o we_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o first_o dawning_n of_o light_n god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o that_o thankfulness_n that_o he_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o grow_v clear_a and_o clear_a to_o the_o noon_n day_n phil._n 4.6_o 7._o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n to_o he_o that_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v not_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v how_o can_v we_o more_o provoke_v god_n then_o if_o we_o overlook_a and_o despise_v all_o our_o mercy_n because_o we_o want_v some_o one_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o though_o no_o present_a meetness_n for_o it_o yet_o so_o be_v god_n provoke_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o by_o good_a man_n though_o haman_n be_v by_o the_o king_n advance_v above_o all_o the_o prince_n yet_o all_o avail_v he_o nothing_o so_o long_o as_o he_o see_v mordecai_n the_o jew_n sit_v at_o the_o king_n gate_n hest_n 4.13_o and_o even_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a utter_v word_v not_o much_o unlike_a gen._n 15._o god_n bid_v he_o not_o fear_v for_o he_o be_v his_o shield_n and_o exceed_v great_a reward_n but_o what_o do_v he_o reply_v v._o 2_o 3._o what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o see_v i_o go_v childless_a and_o the_o steward_n of_o my_o house_n be_v this_o eliezer_n of_o damascus_n and_o behold_v to_o i_o thou_o have_v give_v no_o seed_n and_o lo_o one_o bear_v in_o my_o house_n be_v my_o heir_n what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o as_o if_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o reward_v his_o servant_n obedience_n with_o but_o child_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v better_o to_o they_o then_o many_o heir_n obj._n if_o god_n shall_v hide_v himself_o from_o i_o in_o temporal_n i_o can_v that_o hide_v notwithstanding_o be_v thankful_a for_o spiritual_n but_o what_o have_v i_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o so_o long_o as_o i_o know_v not_o that_o god_n love_v i_o with_o a_o special_a peculiar_a love_n a._n be_v it_o nothing_o that_o thou_o be_v out_o of_o hell_n that_o thou_o be_v keep_v from_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n that_o thou_o be_v keep_v from_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o thyself_o nothing_o that_o thou_o be_v bear_v in_o emmanuels_n land_n that_o thou_o hear_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n sure_a and_o well_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v minister_n and_o christian_a friend_n to_o help_v thou_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o this_o covenant_n nothing_o that_o the_o spirit_n have_v bring_v thou_o under_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o incline_v thy_o heart_n to_o seek_v out_o after_o the_o gospel_n cure_v sure_o if_o thou_o can_v see_v nothing_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o but_o assurance_n if_o thou_o shall_v have_v assurance_n itself_o thou_o will_v scarce_o be_v thankful_a for_o that_o but_o quarrel_n at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a enough_o or_o because_o other_o have_v more_o of_o it_o then_o thyself_o 3._o he_o that_o want_v assurance_n must_v believe_v till_o he_o feel_v that_o he_o believe_v and_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o love_n till_o he_o find_v that_o his_o love_n be_v sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a direct_v act_n will_v be_v multiply_v when_o we_o have_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o reflex_n act_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n give_v by_o all_o and_o seem_v to_o be_v firm_o ground_v on_o that_o famous_a place_n isa_n 50.10_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_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 on_o his_o god_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n be_v in_o as_o comfortless_a a_o condition_n as_o a_o child_n of_o god_n can_v be_v in_o what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o light_n even_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o stay_v on_o god_n that_o be_v he_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o that_o come_v to_o god_n through_o he_o yea_o and_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v if_o he_o come_v not_o to_o cast_v he_o out_o and_o by_o express_a commandment_n have_v make_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o consideration_n the_o spirit_n assist_v to_o cast_v himself_o on_o he_o and_o lie_v hold_v of_o he_o so_o long_o till_o he_o find_v he_o have_v he_o those_o who_o make_v the_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v we_o in_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o only_a and_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o reliance_n on_o god_n do_v by_o consequence_n make_v all_o preach_v in_o vain_a and_o bring_v unto_o we_o a_o new_a gospel_n for_o suppose_v i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v till_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n be_v he_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o will_v not_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o must_v die_v in_o his_o unbelief_n for_o how_o shall_v he_o come_v to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n shall_v i_o tell_v he_o because_o he_o be_v elect_v that_o can_v be_v know_v to_o he_o nor_o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v to_o he_o will_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o infer_v his_o be_v in_o covenant_n for_o the_o elect_a till_o renew_v by_o grace_n be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o my_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o convince_v such_o a_o man_n that_o 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