unto_o i_o he_o have_v pull_v i_o in_o piece_n and_o set_v i_o as_o a_o mark_n for_o the_o arrow_n he_o have_v cause_v the_o arrow_n of_o his_o quiver_n to_o enter_v into_o my_o reins_o he_o have_v â—illed_v i_o with_o bitternâ—…s_n and_o make_v i_o drunken_a with_o wormwood_n he_o have_v break_v my_o tooth_n with_o gravel_n stone_n he_o have_v cover_v i_o with_o ash_n and_o this_o have_v be_v of_o so_o long_a continuance_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o have_v forget_v prosperity_n i_o can_v 17._o 17._o scarce_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o better_a day_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o i_o conclude_v that_o my_o strength_n and_o my_o hope_n be_v perish_v from_o the_o lord_n oh_o say_v the_o church_n this_o be_v 18._o 18._o my_o very_a case_n when_o i_o remember_v my_o affliction_n 19_o 19_o the_o wormwood_n and_o the_o gall_n i_o even_o say_v as_o thou_o do_v but_o i_o withal_o consider_v that_o though_o my_o case_n be_v bad_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v be_v worse_o sure_a god_n have_v show_v i_o some_o mercy_n in_o that_o i_o live_v it_o be_v of_o the_o mercy_n 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n 22._o 22._o etc._n etc._n therefore_o have_v i_o hope_v and_o therefore_o i_o 32._o 23._o etc._n etc._n to_o 32._o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o lord_n cause_n grief_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v compassion_n etc._n etc._n read_v that_o chapter_n ter_z all_o over_o i_o have_v give_v but_o a_o draught_n of_o it_o and_o therein_o see_v thy_o case_n and_o thy_o cure_n as_o to_o thy_o own_o experience_n urge_v his_o preservation_n of_o thou_o and_o support_v thus_o long_o and_o plead_v for_o its_o continuance_n obj._n but_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v hope_n proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v believe_v for_o i_o be_o yet_o you_o tell_v i_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n till_o by_o these_o trouble_v god_n convert_v i_o answ_n it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o hope_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o faith_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 3._o and_o till_o conversion_n we_o can_v rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v another_o hope_n that_o be_v not_o always_o gracious_a though_o possible_o sometime_o grace_n may_v be_v seminal_o in_o it_o and_o may_v first_o appear_v by_o it_o as_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o act_n of_o hope_n as_o this_o true_o i_o be_o a_o condemn_a creature_n but_o there_o be_v such_o and_o such_o free_a offer_n of_o christ_n and_o promise_n of_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n indefinite_o and_o why_o not_o to_o i_o yet_o i_o say_v this_o hope_n be_v not_o always_o gracious_a because_o it_o be_v common_a to_o presumptuous_a as_o well_o as_o repent_v sinner_n and_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n on_o which_o they_o presume_v this_o hope_n i_o shall_v for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v a_o moral_a or_o rational_a hope_n because_o it_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o scripture_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n as_o also_o because_o it_o be_v but_o a_o general_a probable_a hope_n that_o be_v accompany_v only_o with_o opinion_n and_o not_o faith_n though_o it_o may_v ground_n faith_n as_o to_o its_o act_n of_o reliance_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n please_v to_o infuse_v faith_n in_o such_o a_o rational_a way_n as_o divers_a time_n he_o do_v whereas_o the_o hope_n that_o flow_v from_o faith_n be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o infuse_a hope_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n as_o expect_v a_o certainty_n of_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n to_o i_o in_o particular_a arise_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o not_o in_o the_o habit_n or_o seed_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v infuse_v in_o the_o first_o vital_a act_n of_o reliance_n upon_o christ_n which_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o so_o justify_v arise_v i_o say_v from_o the_o particular_a evidence_n of_o my_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o so_o from_o a_o act_n of_o assurance_n and_o be_v high_a or_o low_a like_o it_o distinguish_v thus_o the_o one_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o negative_a hope_n the_o other_o a_o positive_a the_o one_o say_v i_o be_o not_o exclude_v the_o other_o say_v i_o be_o include_v it_o be_v language_n be_v why_o not_o i_o now_o it_o be_v the_o former_a hope_n that_o rational_a moral_a hope_n i_o advise_v thou_o to_o keep_v alive_a in_o thy_o soul_n let_v no_o power_n of_o corruption_n no_o strength_n of_o temptation_n no_o length_n or_o grievousnesse_n of_o thy_o soul_n trouble_v no_o false_a conclusion_n from_o god_n decree_n of_o reprobation_n etc._n etc._n drive_v thou_o out_o of_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n that_o though_o thy_o case_n be_v sad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a god_n have_v invite_v such_o as_o thou_o be_v have_v offer_v christ_n and_o grace_n free_o to_o thou_o among_o other_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v by_o no_o positive_a declare_v act_n of_o god_n exclude_v more_o than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v a_o great_a support_n that_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n get_v by_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o be_v for_o although_o grace_n do_v not_o always_o attend_v or_o accompany_v this_o hope_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v use_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o preparatory_a work_n to_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o grace_n nay_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o if_o the_o soul_n follow_v this_o moral_a hope_n with_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n and_o in_o they_o resolve_v to_o cast_v himself_o upon_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n why_o this_o hope_n may_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a ground_n if_o not_o the_o vehicle_n or_o chariot_n of_o the_o very_a first_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n wherefore_o 3_o let_v this_o hope_n produce_v wait_v think_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v present_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n because_o he_o do_v not_o present_o as_o to_o thy_o sense_n answer_v thy_o desire_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o impatience_n usual_o in_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o such_o soul_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o that_o fail_v for_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o intolerable_a wound_n prov._n 18._o 14._o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o a_o man_n in_o intolerable_a pain_n and_o anguish_n than_o delay_n hear_v i_o speedy_o say_v david_n else_o shall_v i_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n psalm_n 143._o 7._o and_o when_o god_n hide_v long_o he_o apprehend_v it_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o psalm_n 13._o 1._o but_o we_o must_v labour_v against_o this_o corruption_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o contentedness_n to_o wait_v for_o god_n salvation_n as_o long_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o exercise_v and_o discipline_n we_o in_o that_o condition_n the_o scripture_n abound_v in_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o example_n press_v home_o this_o duty_n upon_o we_o the_o place_n lam._n 3._o 26._o require_v not_o only_a hope_n but_o wait_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d siluit_fw-la a_o quiet_a silent_a wait_a free_a from_o clamorous_a complaint_n against_o god_n murmur_v at_o his_o delay_n and_o desperate_a expression_n of_o despondency_n of_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v a_o great_a encouragement_n hereunto_o if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o time_n of_o delay_n be_v god_n wait_a time_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v 30._o 18._o the_o lord_n therefore_o wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o indeed_o he_o have_v wait_v upon_o we_o many_o year_n before_o he_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_n of_o any_o his_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o do_v we_o now_o think_v it_o much_o to_o wait_v on_o he_o till_o he_o hear_v we_o beside_o 2._o save_v grace_n be_v a_o thing_n worth_a the_o wait_n for_o thou_o have_v hear_v often_o and_o pray_v often_o thou_o say_v and_o yet_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v obtain_v neither_o grace_n nor_o peace_n conversion_n nor_o comfort_n remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v jam._n 5._o 7._o though_o with_o relation_n to_o another_o fruit_n i._n e._n the_o fruit_n of_o external_a suffering_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n be_v no_o less_o herein_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lengthen_v out_o the_o patience_n into_o long_a suffering_n behold_v your_o husbandman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lengthen_v out_o his_o hope_n though_o the_o seed_n come_v not_o up_o after_o the_o first_o rain_n yet_o he_o expect_v another_o shower_n it_o be_v not_o ripe_a as_o soon_o as_o it_o grow_v up_o it_o may_v be_v a_o
to_o i_o in_o my_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o i_o want_v the_o lively_a and_o sensible_a application_n of_o the_o element_n to_o i_o which_o may_v possible_o if_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v prove_v effectual_a to_o give_v i_o this_o assurance_n what_o use_n can_v i_o make_v of_o such_o a_o past_a sacrament_n be_v it_o not_o better_o to_o re-new_a it_o answ_n thou_o may_v make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v of_o circumcision_n although_o many_o year_n after_o the_o jew_n child_n no_o more_o see_v their_o own_o circumcision_n understand_o than_o thou_o do_v thy_o baptism_n object_n yea_o but_o the_o mark_n of_o circumcision_n say_v anabaptist_n be_v visible_a afterward_o and_o so_o though_o they_o be_v circumcise_v in_o infancy_n yet_o they_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o otherwise_o then_o by_o bare_a relation_n but_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o baptize_v mere_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o friend_n or_o the_o register_n answ_n the_o jew_n when_o man_n may_v see_v that_o their_o foreskin_n have_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o sacramental_a way_n they_o know_v only_o by_o relation_n as_o we_o have_v our_o baptism_n for_o how_o do_v a_o jew_n know_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o jewish_a parent_n and_o not_o of_o ishmaels_n posterity_n or_o esau_n among_o who_o circumcision_n continue_v when_o the_o covenant_n be_v remove_v from_o they_o but_o by_o tradition_n but_o i_o will_v rell_v thou_o how_o thou_o shall_v improve_v even_o thy_o infant_n baptism_n whenever_o then_o thou_o see_v that_o sacrament_n administer_v upon_o other_o reflect_v upon_o thyself_o and_o draw_v a_o argument_n of_o assurance_n from_o it_o thus_o loe_o here_o my_o soul_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o element_n of_o water_n not_o only_o pour_v out_o but_o apply_v to_o yonder_o little_a one_o and_o have_v not_o god_n do_v as_o much_o for_o i_o and_o have_v he_o thus_o seal_v to_o i_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o shall_v i_o not_o believe_v it_o have_v not_o i_o perform_v by_o his_o grace_n my_o carnis_fw-la 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o anima_fw-la non_fw-la lavatione_fw-la sed_fw-la responsione_n sancitur_fw-la tert._n l._n the_o resurrectione_n carnis_fw-la part_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n serious_o desire_v and_o resolve_v to_o take_v he_o for_o my_o god_n and_o do_v my_o duty_n to_o he_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v i_o doubt_v his_o performance_n on_o his_o part_n do_v not_o god_n show_v his_o willingness_n to_o receive_v i_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o pardon_v my_o sin_n when_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o seal_v his_o covenant_n to_o i_o in_o my_o very_a infancy_n sure_o that_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n to_o i_o that_o god_n afford_v i_o that_o seal_n then_o whereas_o if_o i_o have_v live_v unbaptise_v to_o these_o year_n possible_o my_o scrupulous_a spirit_n will_v have_v keep_v i_o from_o it_o altogether_o as_o be_v unfit_a to_o receive_v it_o as_o now_o it_o publish_v see_v more_o of_o this_o in_o another_o treatise_n of_o the_o same_o author_n concern_v the_o practical_a use_n of_o infant_n baptism_n late_o publish_v do_v from_o the_o other_o sacrament_n now_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v prevent_v i_o with_o this_o mercy_n and_o claim_v i_o before_o i_o can_v claim_v he_o let_v i_o not_o think_v he_o will_v not_o hold_v his_o claim_n to_o i_o now_o i_o do_v claim_n and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o he_o and_o let_v i_o not_o doubt_v but_o if_o i_o follow_v after_o he_o i_o shall_v in_o time_n apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o i_o be_o apprehend_v in_o this_o visible_a way_n of_o claim_n by_o christ_n 2._o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n in_o which_o right_o receive_v assurance_n come_v on_o horseback_n to_o the_o soul_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v so_o many_o speak_a action_n and_o so_o many_o special_a application_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o minister_n stand_v in_o the_o stead_n and_o represent_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n may_v probable_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o convey_v this_o bless_a message_n to_o thy_o soul_n from_o jesus_n christ_n son_n or_o daughter_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o chap._n xvii_o contain_v some_o practical_a case_n concern_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o relation_n hereunto_o but_o here_o arise_v a_o objection_n object_n i_o be_o not_o a_o fit_a receiver_n without_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v improper_a to_o bid_v i_o seek_v that_o testimony_n this_o way_n whereas_o i_o can_v apply_v myself_o to_o this_o way_n till_o i_o have_v it_o in_o actual_a assurance_n answ_n hereto_o i_o answer_v negative_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o thy_o mistake_n be_v but_o mistake_v for_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o none_o be_v a_o fit_a receiver_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n but_o one_o that_o be_v certify_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o that_o puzzle_v and_o embroyl_n many_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o take_v between_o sin_v against_o god_n invitation_n in_o refuse_v to_o come_v and_o against_o the_o institution_n in_o come_v unworthy_o but_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n satisfactory_o in_o this_o case_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_a principle_n i_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n the_o actual_a assurance_n mention_v be_v not_o require_v under_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o fit_a receiver_n the_o grace_n to_o be_v examine_v among_o the_o protestant_n divine_v be_v usual_o these_o four_o knowledge_n faith_n charity_n and_o repentance_n under_o knowledge_n charity_n and_o repentance_n i_o believe_v no_o man_n comprehend_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v grace_n in_o their_o nature_n quite_o different_a from_o it_o though_o possible_o in_o some_o high_a act_n of_o they_o it_o be_v suppose_v i_o dare_v not_o think_v there_o can_v be_v none_o of_o these_o without_o assurance_n all_o the_o doubt_n be_v concern_v faith_n whether_o the_o faith_n require_v to_o the_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o faith_n of_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o conceive_v the_o faith_n require_v to_o my_o come_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o have_v accept_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n reveal_v through_o christ_n my_o have_v claim_v my_o share_n in_o the_o free_a offer_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o my_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o make_v that_o claim_n good_a unto_o i_o and_o if_o i_o can_v find_v these_o act_n have_v serious_o to_o my_o utmost_a knowledge_n and_o search_n be_v perform_v by_o i_o i_o need_v examine_v no_o further_o whether_o i_o have_v sufficient_a faith_n to_o fit_v i_o for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o my_o ground_n be_v 1._o because_o by_o these_o act_n there_o be_v a_o real_a application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o justification_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_v by_o come_v to_o christ_n believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o as_o be_v before_o show_v and_o of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v express_v by_o receive_v he_o and_o 12_o psalm_n 2._o 12_o john_n 1._o 12_o in_o these_o act_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o apply_v christ_n for_o justification_n be_v sufficient_o express_v now_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v christ_n for_o rest_v or_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o that_o assure_v testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v as_o the_o consequent_a of_o come_v to_o christ_n mat._n 11._o 28._o and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o be_v less_o than_o know_v we_o be_v so_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o consequent_a of_o receive_v christ_n joh._n 1._o 20_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o way_n to_o receive_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o know_v that_o i_o be_o a_o child_n of_o god_n but_o to_o apply_v myself_o to_o he_o that_o i_o may_v be_v so_o and_o as_o for_o trust_v or_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v true_o do_v without_o actual_a assurance_n be_v clear_a because_o trust_v in_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o this_o seal_n or_o assure_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o which_o go_v before_o
not_o as_o actual_o and_o assure_o so_o but_o as_o one_o that_o have_v offer_v himself_o to_o that_o relation_n and_o will_v own_v it_o to_o those_o that_o upon_o that_o offer_n claim_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n thence_o though_o they_o know_v not_o god_n to_o be_v their_o fateer_n yet_o they_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o upon_o his_o free_a offer_n as_o engage_v to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o so_o by_o frequent_a act_n of_o reliance_n grow_v up_o into_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v so_o when_o they_o find_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o reliance_n as_o evidence_n a_o real_a relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o i_o know_v many_o of_o god_n saint_n do_v and_o i_o think_v they_o shall_v call_v god_n father_n when_o they_o scarce_o know_v whether_o they_o may_v be_v so_o bold_a or_o no_o and_o speed_v that_o way_n 3._o that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o god_n elect_v want_v the_o assure_v testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n see_v god_n hold_v it_o forth_o to_o they_o in_o many_o a_o precious_a promise_n and_o if_o they_o dare_v not_o call_v god_n father_n it_o be_v because_o through_o cloud_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n they_o darken_v those_o evidence_n which_o may_v demonstrate_v their_o sonship_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n if_o discover_v be_v sure_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n thence_o their_o condition_n be_v express_v by_o darkness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o extinguish_n of_o light_n in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o eye_n but_o cloud_v it_o 4._o of_o those_o that_o have_v this_o assurance_n and_o enlargement_n thereupon_o very_o few_o or_o none_o keep_v it_o at_o all_o time_n alike_o and_o can_v alike_o improve_v it_o on_o every_o occasion_n great_a sin_n and_o great_a trouble_n etc._n etc._n may_v many_o time_n cloud_n and_o sometime_o as_o to_o the_o act_n blot_v out_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o adoption_n thus_o david_n want_v this_o spirit_n psal_n 51._o 11._o 12._o a_o child_n have_v offend_v may_v scarce_o dare_v call_v father_n while_o that_o guilt_n remain_v uncover_v 5._o even_o the_o high_a and_o heroical_a act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o god_n saint_n be_v not_o always_o free_a from_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubt_v else_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o assurance_n and_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n answ_n â—_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o particular_o 1._o to_o the_o first_o question_n 1._o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n have_v not_o present_o when_o call_v the_o particular_a assure_v testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n though_o even_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o because_o of_o some_o obstruction_n that_o either_o from_o satan_n or_o their_o own_o heart_n may_v be_v put_v in_o their_o way_n a_o man_n may_v be_v long_o a_o child_n of_o god_n before_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o there_o must_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o certitudo_fw-la objecti_fw-la before_o certitudo_fw-la subjecti_fw-la for_o i_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o thing_n before_o it_o be_v and_o how_o long_o this_o proposition_n i_o be_o justify_v may_v be_v true_a before_o this_o i_o know_v i_o be_o justify_v i_o can_v tell_v it_o may_v be_v divers_a year_n 2._o a_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v or_o to_o my_o utmost_a knowledge_n the_o scripture_n reveal_v may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o that_o particular_a actual_a assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a confidence_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o his_o father_n otherwise_o then_o by_o claim_n as_o before_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o have_v of_o eternal_a life_n to_o know_v that_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n actual_o but_o only_o to_o have_v those_o thing_n in_o he_o whence_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o enlighten_v spirit_n discover_v though_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v he_o that_o know_v not_o he_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v 3._o yet_o be_v every_o such_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n act_n the_o reality_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n produce_v in_o a_o saint_n those_o fruit_n even_o when_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o know_v they_o as_o appear_v in_o second_o trouble_n in_o god_n people_n after_o conversion_n faith_n produce_v those_o act_n not_o by_o its_o assure_v but_o unite_n act_n carry_v out_o after_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o the_o secret_a seed_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o a_o natural_a inclination_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o new_a nature_n though_o he_o be_v not_o so_o visible_o act_v by_o moral_a persuasion_n or_o force_v of_o argument_n from_o grace_n receive_v as_o those_o that_o see_v they_o have_v grace_n and_o be_v adopt_v usual_o be_v as_o in_o those_o creature_n that_o want_v reason_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o infant_n a_o natural_a love_n to_o parent_n though_o they_o can_v argue_v themselves_o by_o reason_n into_o the_o duty_n that_o evidence_n it_o from_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o that_o relation_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o evil_n of_o displease_v their_o parent_n although_o they_o feel_v no_o stripe_n and_o do_v not_o draw_v out_o that_o sorrow_n by_o argument_n from_o their_o father_n love_n 2._o to_o the_o second_o question_n i_o answer_v 1_o that_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_o thus_o in_o all_o that_o have_v be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n though_o elect_v upon_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a 2._o yet_o have_v such_o that_o have_v be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n more_o special_a promise_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o can_v they_o lay_v all_o hold_n on_o they_o will_v attain_v it_o but_o satan_n take_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o find_v they_o prepare_v for_o such_o impression_n of_o trouble_n by_o the_o former_a work_n keep_v the_o very_a stamp_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v as_o to_o their_o condition_n under_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n mat._n 11._o 28._o isa_n 57_o 15._o 3._o nay_o when_o they_o get_v comfort_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v common_o the_o strong_a and_o more_o full_a and_o firm_a understand_v this_o point_n thus_o then_o that_o usual_o and_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o elect_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n by_o the_o spirit_n he_o do_v send_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o its_o evidence_a act_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n though_o he_o may_v sometime_o vary_v from_o the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o its_o method_n before_o discover_v that_o except_o possible_o in_o some_o few_o singular_a case_n it_o be_v ordinary_o so_o chap._n iv_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o thesis_n or_o proposition_n now_o let_v we_o advance_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o thesis_n quest_n how_o appear_v it_o that_o god_n do_v so_o ordinary_o ans_fw-fr 1_o by_o his_o promise_n 2_o by_o his_o design_n in_o bring_v under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 3_o by_o the_o duty_n that_o he_o expect_v of_o his_o saint_n 4_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o people_n arg._n 1_o by_o his_o promise_n which_o engage_v he_o thereunto_o john_n 16_o 10_o 11_o 12_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o convince_v of_o sin_n say_v christ_n shall_v convince_v of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n of_o righteousness_n because_o i_o go_v to_o the_o father_n i._n e._n he_o shall_v convince_v poor_a burden_a soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a righteousness_n in_o i_o to_o cover_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o by_o my_o ascension_n which_o declare_v the_o full_a discharge_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o my_o elect_n i_o contract_v and_o because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n my_o admission_n to_o my_o father_n give_v full_a assurance_n that_o i_o be_o again_o receive_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o so_o there_o remain_v no_o cause_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o i_o or_o i_o that_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o i_o for_o righteousness_n of_o judgement_n i._n e._n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n as_o isai_n 43._o 1_o 3._o or_o of_o judgement_n because_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v judge_v i._n e._n a_o judgement_n of_o absolution_n of_o their_o person_n and_o cause_n which_o shall_v appear_v by_o the_o contrary_a sentence_n on_o their_o accuser_n it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o god_n have_v condemn_v he_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o keep_v you_o in_o
embrace_n welcome_a to_o you_o but_o his_o commandment_n troublesome_a and_o his_o yoke_n intolerable_a especial_o consider_v that_o he_o afford_v you_o those_o refreshment_n that_o they_o may_v oil_n the_o wheel_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o make_v they_o go_v the_o more_o nimble_o in_o his_o way_n be_v it_o not_o just_a with_o he_o to_o withdraw_v the_o encouragement_n and_o leave_v you_o notwithstanding_o to_o your_o task_n of_o duty_n to_o toil_n in_o the_o brick-kiln_n and_o work_v out_o your_o very_a heart_n in_o a_o uncomfortable_a drudgery_n without_o the_o least_o refreshment_n at_o all_o to_o quicken_v your_o spirit_n thereunto_o these_o be_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n will_v manifest_v himself_o so_o to_o his_o people_n as_o to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v with_o they_o john_n 14._o 21_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v to_o he_o so_o it_o may_v be_v will_n a_o soul_n say_v but_o how_o long_o will_v he_o stay_v when_o he_o come_v why_o the_o next_o word_n show_v we_o will_v make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o we_o will_v dwell_v with_o he_o for_o continuance_n that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n seem_v a_o strange_a expression_n when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n why_o because_o we_o have_v do_v but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o saint_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o for_o god_n than_o he_o shall_v chap._n xxx_o a_o exhortation_n to_o improve_v assurance_n receive_v by_o 1_o live_v upon_o 2_o plead_v our_o evidence_n ii_o labour_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o 2._o exhortat_fw-la 2._o assurance_n have_v to_o the_o utmost_a you_o need_v not_o forbear_v this_o duty_n because_o your_o title_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o disputable_a this_o make_v a_o man_n many_o time_n careless_a of_o bestow_v cost_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o land_n because_o there_o be_v a_o flaw_n in_o his_o evidence_n but_o here_o you_o need_v not_o withhold_v your_o hand_n for_o that_o because_o you_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v make_v they_o quest_n but_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o how_o i_o answer_v answ_n 1_o live_v on_o it_o at_o all_o time_n a_o christian_a have_v a_o threefold_a life_n here_o by_o faith_n the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n 1_o a_o life_n of_o justification_n and_o this_o life_n he_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o a_o applicatory_a rely_v act_n in_o its_o adhere_n depend_v act_n john_n 5_o 40._o rom_n 1._o 17._o 2_o a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n and_o this_o we_o live_v by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o faith_n radical_o &_o original_o because_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o on_o our_o part_n make_v application_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o instrument_n of_o union_n now_o from_o this_o union_n and_o engraft_v into_o christ_n for_o justification_n christ_n become_v to_o we_o a_o root_n of_o sanctification_n john_n 15._o 5._o but_o we_o live_v a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n quoad_fw-la actus_fw-la exercitos_fw-la in_o the_o fruit_n and_o stream_n of_o actual_a holiness_n not_o only_o from_o that_o act_n of_o applicatory_a reliance_n but_o also_o because_o these_o fruit_n be_v moral_a act_n and_o so_o must_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n by_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n and_o in_o their_o most_o noble_a act_n they_o be_v always_o so_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o evidence_n as_o be_v before_o show_v so_o gal._n 2._o 20._o 3_o a_o life_n of_o consolation_n john_n 14._o 1._o and_o this_o life_n we_o live_v by_o improve_n a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n only_o faith_n of_o reliance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v may_v give_v support_v but_o it_o can_v give_v comfort_n but_o faith_n of_o assurance_n give_v comfort_n in_o the_o sad_a case_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o improve_v your_o assurance_n then_o to_o a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n and_o consolation_n 1_o improve_v it_o to_o a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n believe_v up_o your_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v low_a believe_v down_o your_o corruption_n when_o they_o be_v high_a believe_v into_o your_o judgement_n light_a in_o darkness_n and_o doubt_n into_o your_o will_n strength_n and_o resolution_n in_o temptation_n and_o assault_n every_o grace_n that_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n promise_v by_o the_o father_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n you_o may_v challenge_v you_o may_v if_o you_o want_v any_o material_n for_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o your_o soul_n have_v recourse_n to_o your_o evidence_n and_o they_o warrant_v you_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o lord_n soil_n wherever_o you_o can_v find_v it_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n bold_o and_o say_v lord_n i_o be_o trouble_v with_o barrenness_n and_o deadness_n but_o i_o find_v in_o my_o evidence_n a_o promise_n that_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n isai_n 58._o 11._o that_o the_o desert_n shall_v blossom_v as_o a_o rose_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 35._o 1._o i_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n faintness_n and_o weariness_n upon_o my_o soul_n in_o holy_a duty_n but_o i_o find_v upon_o my_o deed_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v easy_a mat._n 11._o 30._o that_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n that_o they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o eagle_n wing_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o be_v faint_a isai_n 40._o ult_n that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a prov._n 10._o 29._o i_o be_o fickle_a and_o fleet_a in_o my_o resolution_n but_o my_o copy_n say_v be_v strong_a and_o god_n shall_v strengthen_v your_o heart_n psal_n 31._o 24._o that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v i_o with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n isai_n 41._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o his_o statute_n in_o my_o inward_a part_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jer._n 31._o 32_o 33._o and_o 32._o 40._o i_o be_o very_a subject_n to_o powerful_a and_o domineer_a lust_n and_o corruption_n but_o i_o find_v in_o my_o writing_n that_o my_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o rom_n 6._o 6_o 14._o that_o god_n will_v subdue_v my_o iniquity_n micah_n 7._o 19_o i_o want_v particular_a grace_n i_o can_v believe_v but_o my_o evidence_n run_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n hab._n 2._o 4._o that_o thy_o people_n shall_v say_v my_o god_n we_o know_v thou_o hos_n 8._o 2._o i_o want_v repentance_n but_o lord_n it_o be_v write_v thy_o saint_n shall_v look_v and_o mourn_v zech._n 12._o 10._o patience_n but_o i_o find_v that_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o patience_n rom._n 15._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o i_o be_o under_o affliction_n and_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o it_o be_v write_v that_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n shall_v be_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n isai_n 27._o 9_o that_o it_o shall_v make_v i_o partaker_n of_o thy_o holiness_n heb._n 12._o 10_o 11._o say_v lord_n i_o find_v those_o in_o my_o deed_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o i_o know_v they_o be_v grow_v on_o the_o soil_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o christ_n merit_n lord_n give_v they_o i_o 2._o improve_v it_o to_o a_o life_n of_o consolation_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n but_o thou_o have_v peculiar_a comfort_n to_o live_v upon_o for_o spiritual_n isai_n 40._o 1._o against_o sin_n isai_n 1._o 18._o mic._n 7._o 19_o hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o against_o suffering_n spiritual_a isaiah_n 50._o 10._o against_o temptation_n 1_o corinth_n 10._o 13_o in_o temporal_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a psal_n 84._o 11._o against_o poverty_n psal_n 34_o 9_o 10._o against_o sickness_n psal_n 91._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 41._o 3._o against_o reproach_n math._n 5._o 11_o 12._o against_o persecution_n math._n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o abundance_n more_o of_o all_o sort_n you_o may_v find_v in_o that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o mr._n leigh_n concern_v the_o promise_n there_o be_v some_o special_a comfort_n which_o be_v depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o have_v several_a of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o 8_o of_o the_o roman_n 1_o that_o however_o low_o your_o condition_n be_v for_o the_o present_a and_o how_o sad_a soever_o god_n dispensation_n of_o providence_n may_v seem_v towards_o you_o
especial_a influence_n i._n e._n by_o way_n of_o gift_n for_o in_o all_o this_o there_o may_v be_v no_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n many_o time_n to_o observe_v how_o in_o our_o common_a motion_n and_o action_n about_o ordinance_n there_o be_v many_o time_n a_o particular_a providence_n order_v and_o a_o particular_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a 2._o in_o all_o this_o i_o imply_v not_o any_o necessity_n of_o connexion_n nor_o tie_n between_o these_o act_n and_o grace_n nor_o therein_o do_v i_o any_o way_n symbolize_v with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o use_v nature_n well_o and_o do_v its_o utmost_a god_n be_v bind_v ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la to_o give_v grace_n for_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n in_o scripture_n that_o tie_v god_n to_o any_o mere_o natural_a or_o moral_a act_n of_o we_o but_o only_o to_o gracious_a act_n and_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o respect_v any_o operation_n of_o we_o suppose_v the_o first_o grace_n already_o give_v and_o when_o god_n therefore_o make_v promise_n to_o hear_v read_v pray_v either_o those_o act_n must_v be_v gracious_a or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v you_o such_o duty_n follow_v such_o mean_n and_o if_o ever_o i_o save_v you_o i_o will_v meet_v you_o only_o in_o that_o way_n i_o will_v give_v as_o many_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n power_n to_o believe_v etc._n etc._n through_o pray_v hear_v meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o promise_n be_v not_o fulfil_v to_o all_o that_o perfrom_o these_o action_n because_o though_o god_n have_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o give_v grace_n in_o such_o a_o way_n yet_o it_o run_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o will_v give_v grace_n to_o all_o that_o hear_v pray_v etc._n etc._n whereas_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o grace_n be_v universal_a he_o be_v rich_a to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o i._n e._n gracious_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n rom._n 10._o 12._o so_o 3._o 16._o beside_o these_o act_n be_v mere_a natural_a act_n splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o moral_a influence_n on_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v we_o note_v for_o our_o encouragement_n that_o although_o god_n in_o truth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o any_o man_n endeavour_n but_o be_v as_o free_a to_o give_v and_o deny_v grace_n as_o he_o be_v before_o any_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n seldom_o if_o ever_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o fail_v any_o in_o their_o expectation_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o mean_n what_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v they_o unto_o so_o that_o no_o man_n ever_o perish_v under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o mean_n but_o he_o may_v just_o stop_v his_o mouth_n before_o god_n and_o say_v i_o just_o perish_v notwithstanding_o my_o impotency_n to_o do_v my_o duty_n and_o god_n decree_n of_o not_o vouchsafe_v i_o sufficient_a grace_n for_o conversion_n because_o i_o have_v do_v less_o towards_o the_o attain_n it_o then_o i_o can_v for_o who_o know_v or_o how_o know_v i_o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v i_o sufficient_a grace_n have_v i_o do_v my_o utmost_a though_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v absolute_o free_a to_o deny_v i_o chap._n xxviii_o a_o few_o objection_n remove_v and_o thereby_o a_o close_o put_v to_o this_o treatise_n but_o i_o think_v i_o hear_v some_o one_o object_v object_n but_o why_o must_v i_o seek_v for_o such_o conviction_n and_o especial_o labour_v in_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n to_o come_v under_o the_o work_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n god_n can_v if_o he_o will_v save_v i_o in_o another_o way_n and_o that_o you_o seem_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o this_o point_n to_o grant_v when_o you_o call_v this_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o be_v tender_a of_o deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o extraordiry_n and_o different_a course_n answ_n 1._o god_n can_v if_o he_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o do_v all_o he_o can_v do_v god_n can_v of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n but_o he_o will_v not_o christ_n can_v have_v convert_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n when_o they_o ask_v it_o and_o have_v send_v dives_n from_o hell_n to_o convert_v his_o brethren_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o and_o be_v undisposed_a to_o profit_v by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v not_o but_o call_v the_o first_o tempter_n of_o 1._o mat._n 16._o 1._o god_n for_o desire_v a_o extraordinary_a sign_n when_o they_o have_v ordinary_a mean_n search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n john_n 5._o 39_o and_o tell_v the_o last_o that_o extraordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o work_v on_o man_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o back_v they_o more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v unlikely_a if_o god_n do_v not_o bless_v the_o ordinary_a way_n unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v the_o extraordinary_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n say_v abraham_n to_o dives_n in_o the_o parable_n if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v if_o 3_o luk._n 16._o 3_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 2._o what_o reason_n have_v thou_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a road_n way_n to_o meet_v thou_o in_o thy_o by-path_n have_v god_n make_v thou_o any_o promise_n more_o then_o to_o other_o have_v he_o except_v thou_o by_o name_n in_o those_o command_n in_o which_o he_o have_v require_v attendance_n on_o his_o ordinance_n have_v thou_o oblige_v he_o by_o any_o courtesy_n to_o take_v extraordinary_a pain_n with_o thou_o if_o thou_o can_v plead_v nothing_o more_o than_o another_o then_o think_v rather_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v thousand_o to_o perish_v without_o call_v they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n for_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinary_a why_o not_o i_o 3._o take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n god_n never_o condescend_v to_o do_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n for_o the_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o out_o of_o design_n break_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o ordinary_a that_o they_o may_v put_v he_o to_o the_o cost_n of_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v convert_v by_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n but_o if_o so_o yet_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o disperse_a condition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o mean_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o so_o total_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o do_v not_o out_o of_o design_n reject_v that_o which_o they_o be_v convince_v be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n to_o put_v god_n to_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o miracle_n but_o they_o real_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o true_a way_n and_o ordinance_n profane_a and_o truth_n error_n and_o last_o though_o sign_n may_v occasion_v their_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n yet_o without_o all_o doubt_n their_o save_a conversion_n in_o and_o by_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n this_o extraordinary_a sign_n shall_v set_v home_o the_o light_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o history_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o conversion_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o murder_n and_o pierce_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o they_o shall_v upon_o the_o fight_n of_o he_o mourn_v zech._n 12._o 10._o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v they_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o close_o with_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o then_o mourn_v that_o they_o have_v pierce_v he_o 4._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o thy_o principle_n of_o common_a prudence_n in_o other_o thing_n the_o market_n be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n to_o get_v food_n thou_o will_v not_o neglect_v that_o on_o this_o ground_n and_o so_o physic_n of_o health_n etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v not_o say_v i_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o market_n to_o buy_v or_o sell_v provision_n this_o week_n thou_o will_v not_o open_a shop_n etc._n etc._n because_o god_n can_v provide_v for_o thyself_o and_o thy_o family_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o no_o man_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a will_v except_o in_o a_o frenzy_n refuse_v to_o admit_v the_o physician_n because_o god_n can_v cure_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n yea_o and_o raise_v the_o very_a dead_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n adventure_v his_o soul_n upon_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v not_o hazard_v his_o body_n or_o estate_n 5._o when_o man_n will_v not_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n it_o be_v just_a
good_a reason_n for_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o strength_n nehem._n 8._o 10._o though_o god_n bear_v sometime_o with_o their_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o darkness_n 3_o thankfulness_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o thankfulness_n arise_v from_o temporal_a and_o common_a mercy_n and_o there_o be_v a_o thankfulness_n for_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a promise_n and_o free_a offer_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n before_o assurance_n but_o thankfulness_n be_v never_o so_o large_a so_o liberal_a as_o upon_o assurance_n then_o a_o man_n can_v give_v thanks_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o all_o thing_n 2_o thess_n 5._o 18._o then_o he_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n psal_n 116._o 2_o 12._o and_o then_o his_o language_n be_v full_a bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n psal_n 103._o 1_o 2_o 4_o sometime_o to_o deny_v all_o and_o suffer_v for_o he_o it_o be_v also_o true_a a_o man_n that_o see_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o he_o may_v go_v very_o far_o upon_o conscience_n of_o duty_n and_o upon_o a_o mere_a faith_n of_o reliance_n upon_o general_a promise_n and_o upon_o secret_a support_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o keep_v up_o hope_n in_o himself_o that_o such_o promise_n may_v be_v he_o &_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o choice_n which_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o take_v that_o as_o the_o safe_a way_n which_o carry_v he_o out_o to_o adventure_v himself_o that_o way_n rather_o than_o certain_o ruin_v himself_o by_o apostasy_n so_o be_v that_o holy_a man_n carry_v to_o the_o stake_n before_o he_o cry_v out_o he_o be_v come_v he_o monum_fw-la glover_n in_o act_n and_o monum_fw-la be_v come_v but_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o a_o soul_n will_v go_v so_o far_o mere_o upon_o a_o faith_n of_o reliance_n and_o therefore_o god_n ordinary_o give_v such_o person_n special_a assurance_n the_o spirit_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o comfort_n joy_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o will_v make_v they_o far_o more_o heroical_a in_o suffer_v act_v 7._o 55_o 56._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o gild_n of_o sin_n sadden_v a_o suffering_n to_o a_o man_n so_o do_v uncertainty_n of_o his_o estate_n for_o the_o future_a for_o who_o will_v adventure_v soul_n and_o body_n at_o once_o if_o he_o judge_v his_o condition_n in_o a_o rational_a account_n but_o a_o desperate_a man_n and_o if_o saint_n in_o darkness_n suffer_v much_o it_o be_v by_o extraordinary_a support_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o a_o man_n can_v look_v within_o the_o vail_n by_o assurance_n and_o challenge_v glory_n the_o suffering_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v rom._n 8._o 18._o 2_o cor._n 4._o ult_n arg._n 4_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n people_n constant_o manifest_v this_o one_o while_o we_o have_v david_n complain_v of_o break_a bone_n and_o a_o water_a couch_n etc._n etc._n another_o while_n he_o be_v all_o joy_n and_o praise_n those_o act_n 2_o who_o heart_n be_v prick_v so_o deep_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o see_v v._o 46._o they_o do_v break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n see_v what_o become_v of_o the_o jailor_n after_o his_o tremble_a fit_n act_v 16._o 34_o he_o rejoice_v believe_v with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o certain_o although_o god_n may_v save_v a_o soul_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n hood-winked_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o carrying_z on_o his_o people_n in_o constant_a act_n of_o reliance_n he_o give_v they_o a_o witness_v and_o assure_v spirit_n at_o the_o last_o chap._n v._o reason_n of_o god_n work_v in_o this_o way_n by_o his_o spirit_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o proposition_n quest_n why_o will_v god_n bestow_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n upon_o his_o elect_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n answ_n for_o these_o reason_n principal_o reas_n 1_o because_o religion_n else_o will_v be_v a_o uncomfortable_a profession_n and_o will_v have_v little_a allure_a in_o it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o be_v without_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o receive_v prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o their_o comfort_n and_o this_o mistake_n be_v much_o occasion_v in_o they_o by_o the_o sad_a and_o droop_a life_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o usual_o god_n bring_v joy_n out_o of_o sorrow_n and_o put_v on_o his_o saint_n the_o garment_n of_o joy_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n no_o man_n will_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v strew_v with_o so_o many_o thorn_n and_o difficulty_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o wallow_v in_o sinful_a and_o worldly_a pleasure_n as_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o outward_a thing_n be_v great_a stumble_a block_n so_o much_o more_o will_v burden_n of_o spirit_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v constant_o and_o unremovable_o lay_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o saint_n sure_o god_n that_o will_v have_v we_o tender_a of_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o carriage_n will_v not_o prostitute_v it_o by_o any_o carriage_n of_o his_o own_o reas_n 2_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n from_o faint_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n soul_n trouble_n be_v tedious_a trouble_n spend_v trouble_n those_o disease_n that_o affect_v the_o spirit_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n of_o strong_a cordial_n to_o keep_v up_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v under_o such_o disease_n soul_n trouble_v overwhelm_v the_o spirit_n psal_n 142._o 3._o and_o 143._o 4_o soul_n trouble_v sink_v and_o drown_v the_o spirit_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o now_o and_o then_o support_v his_o people_n with_o a_o cordial_n they_o will_v faint_v away_o quite_o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n cant._n 2._o 5._o psal_n 119._o 91._o my_o soul_n faint_v for_o thy_o salvation_n now_o the_o strong_a cordial_n god_n give_v his_o people_n at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v this_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o expect_a end_n that_o he_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o give_v they_o this_o assurance_n lest_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o isai_n 57_o 16._o or_o as_o other_o ne_fw-la spiritus_fw-la obruatur_fw-la lest_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v overwhelm_v this_o support_v the_o church_n in_o a_o wait_a frame_n lam._n 3._o 26_o 31_o 32._o reas_n 3_o that_o he_o may_v thereby_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n confute_v the_o hard_a thought_n they_o usual_o have_v of_o he_o in_o time_n of_o darkness_n man_n heart_n under_o soul_n trouble_n be_v a_o forge_n of_o all_o misapprehension_n and_o unjust_a censure_n concern_v god_n sometime_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n a_o cruel_a one_o sometime_o he_o have_v forsake_v they_o and_o forget_v they_o their_o hope_n be_v 27._o lam_n 3_o isai_n 49._o 14_o 40._o 27._o perish_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o judgement_n from_o their_o god_n sometime_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a and_o his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o now_o 77_o psalm_n 77_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n to_o shine_v on_o such_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v injure_v god_n in_o such_o mis-judgment_n of_o his_o proceed_n then_o they_o will_v confess_v such_o thought_n be_v their_o infirmity_n as_o psal_n 77._o 10._o the_o psalmist_n do_v and_o that_o his_o way_n be_v neither_o like_o their_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n like_o their_o thought_n isai_n 55._o 8._o as_o david_n confess_v by_o experience_n psal_n 103._o 11._o reas_n 4_o god_n will_v hereby_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o abundant_o recompense_v to_o his_o people_n all_o the_o pain_n care_n and_o trouble_v that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o to_o follow_v after_o he_o in_o a_o dark_a condition_n beloved_n assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n arise_v there_o from_o be_v part_n of_o our_o wage_n and_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o his_o people_n give_v they_o part_v of_o their_o money_n in_o hand_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o service_n he_o put_v they_o upon_o as_o he_o give_v the_o israelite_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o grape_n of_o canaan_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o
be_v not_o enough_o here_o for_o he_o to_o reply_v thou_o have_v a_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o thou_o have_v have_v great_a experience_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o there_o be_v much_o counterfeit_a gold_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_n ask_v he_o by_o what_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n he_o bid_v thou_o doubt_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o thy_o gold_n be_v false_a if_o he_o show_v not_o his_o warrant_n fall_v pell_o mell_o upon_o he_o spare_v he_o not_o for_o a_o illegal_a assault_n and_o battery_n 3_o wordless_a scruple_n must_v be_v silence_v especial_o if_o i_o either_o have_v or_o have_v have_v to_o my_o best_a and_o most_o deliberate_a judgement_n sufficient_a ground_n to_o convince_v i_o of_o the_o contrary_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o i_o have_v be_v former_o satisfy_v upon_o scripture_n ground_n i_o be_o to_o rest_v in_o that_o satisfaction_n if_o not_o yet_o if_o now_o such_o ground_n be_v present_v to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o at_o least_o to_o silence_v all_o scruple_n to_o the_o contrary_n otherwise_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n will_v be_v far_o less_o with_o i_o then_o that_o of_o my_o own_o groundless_a fancy_n or_o satan_n vexatious_a suggestion_n conscience_n be_v a_o officer_n of_o god_n his_o deputy-iudg_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v determine_v from_o and_o according_a to_o the_o most_o preponderate_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o law_n a_o judge_n be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o every_o litigious_a lawyer_n that_o puzle_v and_o perplex_v a_o cause_n far_o than_o he_o speak_v law_n to_o justify_v his_o allegation_n but_o if_o he_o can_v bring_v none_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n upon_o those_o rule_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v former_o judge_v in_o the_o like_a case_n or_o such_o as_o be_v now_o urge_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o defendant_n have_v nothing_o of_o moment_n object_v to_o the_o contrary_n i_o know_v satan_n can_v and_o do_v often_o tempt_v with_o a_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n as_o he_o do_v our_o saviour_n with_o it_o be_v write_v and_o so_o without_o all_o question_n do_v where_o he_o see_v the_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v take_v with_o chaff_n or_o baffle_v with_o mere_a scare-crow_n of_o groundless_a suggestion_n urge_v scripture_n in_o trouble_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o such_o case_n we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a palate_n exercise_v to_o taste_v word_n as_o elihu_n lay_v the_o comparison_n between_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n job_n 33._o 3._o but_o if_o all_o the_o scruple_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o trial_n not_o one_o to_o a_o thousand_o but_o will_v let_v fall_n its_o suit_n rather_o than_o discover_v its_o weakness_n by_o the_o impertinency_n of_o its_o allegation_n object_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o so_o plain_a word_n urge_v upon_o i_o to_o satisfy_v i_o yet_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v the_o word_n satisfy_v satan_n be_v a_o impudent_a accuser_n and_o my_o own_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n and_o it_o will_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o with_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o conclude_v snow_n black_a rather_o condemn_v the_o most_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n for_o a_o mistake_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o object_n then_o acknowledge_v a_o error_n in_o its_o own_o reason_n ans_fw-fr i_o grant_v it_o yet_o this_o i_o must_v do_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o ought_v or_o that_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o least_o why_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o clear_a evidence_n there_o be_v so_o little_o object_v that_o may_v reasonable_o disparage_v it_o 2_o i_o ought_v to_o condemn_v bewail_v and_o pray_v against_o such_o unwarrantable_a slowness_n of_o believe_v where_o i_o have_v so_o much_o apparent_a ground_n 3_o i_o ought_v at_o least_o to_o suspend_v those_o groundless_a scruple_n for_o the_o present_a and_o act_n upon_o the_o conclusion_n which_o i_o be_o convince_v appear_v most_o justifiable_a from_o scripture_n though_o i_o can_v apprehend_v it_o altogether_o beyond_o question_n at_o present_a as_o if_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a till_o some_o new_a ground_n of_o more_o considerable_a weight_n be_v urge_v to_o obstruct_v my_o proceed_n as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o law_n among_o man_n be_v clear_a a_o man_n have_v a_o title_n to_o such_o land_n as_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o lawyer_n and_o from_o law_n he_o conceive_v to_o be_v good_a or_o at_o least_o after_o many_o debate_n with_o a_o adversary_n that_o obstruct_v his_o quiet_a possession_n he_o see_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v urge_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o his_o own_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a title_n if_o this_o man_n enter_v upon_o this_o estate_n and_o use_v it_o as_o his_o own_o till_o the_o advarsary_n produce_v a_o more_o legal_a evidence_n than_o he_o and_o justify_v it_o in_o court_n the_o man_n offend_v not_o so_o in_o conscience_n god_n minister_n that_o be_v the_o counselor_n in_o its_o case_n tell_v thou_o according_a to_o their_o best_a knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a title_n to_o he_o this_o they_o prove_v by_o scripture_n compare_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n in_o thy_o heart_n satan_n say_v not_o and_o thy_o own_o misgive_a heart_n fear_v lest_o he_o say_v true_a however_o thou_o see_v no_o reason_n he_o bring_v from_o scripture_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o so_o weighty_a as_o that_o thou_o see_v sufficient_a cause_n from_o his_o allegation_n to_o reject_v those_o other_o that_o make_v for_o thou_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o judgement_n incline_v to_o they_o but_o thy_o heart_n be_v yet_o fearful_a and_o tremble_a in_o such_o a_o case_n thou_o may_v safe_o practice_v as_o occasion_n serve_v upon_o that_o conclusion_n which_o thou_o see_v least_o to_o weaken_v i_o mean_v thou_o may_v act_v as_o a_o child_n of_o god_n apply_v promise_n urge_v they_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o be_v thou_o till_o some_o more_o considerable_a ground_n be_v offer_v to_o weaken_v the_o former_a upon_o which_o thou_o act_v this_o i_o say_v because_o i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o doubt_n of_o some_o precious_a soul_n whether_o they_o may_v pray_v or_o apply_v any_o promise_n till_o they_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 4_o nay_o let_v i_o say_v more_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o the_o present_a yet_o thou_o be_v not_o where_o exclude_v from_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v so_o thou_o may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o saint_n so_o far_o as_o to_o improve_v they_o to_o duty_n though_o thou_o may_v not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o build_v a_o assurance_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n become_v i_o by_o my_o lay_n hold_v upon_o it_o and_o claim_v it_o as_o i_o and_o god_n allow_v a_o christian_a a_o holy_a violence_n in_o enter_v upon_o the_o precious_a possession_n thereof_o the_o violent_a 12_o mat._n 11._o 12_o take_v it_o by_o force_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o lay_v hold_n of_o a_o promise_n till_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o will_v never_o lay_v hold_n of_o any_o because_o as_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o more_o hereafter_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o thing_n promise_v in_o they_o be_v i_o depend_v upon_o my_o lay_n hold_v of_o they_o and_o claim_v they_o as_o i_o and_o therefore_o can_v go_v before_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n 4._o sometime_o when_o my_o own_o scrupulous_a heart_n will_v take_v no_o satisfaction_n i_o ought_v to_o lay_v some_o weight_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o godly_a minister_n and_o experience_a christian_a friend_n a_o slander_n by_o say_v we_o oftentimes_o see_v more_o than_o the_o party_n in_o action_n can_v see_v themselves_o i_o believe_v my_o physician_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o my_o body_n and_o my_o lawyer_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o my_o suit_n though_o it_o may_v be_v i_o have_v strong_a inclination_n of_o myself_o to_o make_v a_o contrary_a judgement_n and_o upon_o their_o judgement_n i_o follow_v the_o one_o physic_n and_o the_o other_o counsel_n it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n when_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o serious_a humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n earnest_n and_o restless_a desire_n after_o christ_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o like_a sign_n a_o minister_n
it_o ephes_n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o you_o hear_v you_o trust_v and_o after_o you_o believe_v credidistis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aor_n 1._o postquam_fw-la credidissetiâ—_n not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dum_fw-la credidistis_fw-la or_o trust_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o receive_v its_o earnest_n see_v also_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o now_o come_v to_o christ_n receive_v christ_n apply_v christ_n for_o justification_n be_v sufficient_a qualification_n to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n because_o where_o spiritual_a life_n be_v there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o all_o such_o food_n as_o may_v strengthen_v it_o 2._o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o its_o promise_n now_o promise_v become_v i_o by_o claim_n and_o reliance_n if_o then_o i_o have_v right_a only_o to_o one_o promise_v nay_o if_o i_o can_v but_o lay_v claim_n to_o one_o i_o may_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o have_v that_o seal_v to_o i_o suppose_v this_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n make_v weary_a of_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o the_o great_a burden_n in_o the_o world_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o christ_n to_o ease_v i_o of_o it_o hereupon_o i_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o promise_n thus_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o have_v do_v thus_o for_o i_o bless_a be_v thy_o name_n whereas_o i_o account_v sin_v a_o pleasure_n once_o now_o i_o account_v it_o a_o burden_n make_v good_a thy_o promise_n to_o i_o ease_v i_o i_o claim_v this_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o thy_o promise_n mat._n 11._o 28._o if_o hereupon_o i_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n desire_v god_n to_o seal_v to_o this_o promise_n which_o i_o lie_v hold_v upon_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v unworthy_o though_o i_o have_v no_o witness_n in_o my_o heart_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o belong_v to_o christ_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o it_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v to_o that_o claim_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o adventure_v my_o soul_n upon_o it_o that_o entitle_v i_o to_o he_o and_o that_o that_o entitle_v i_o to_o christ_n give_v i_o a_o right_n to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o i_o say_v but_o now_o upon_o the_o former_a head_n object_n but_o let_v this_o faith_n be_v what_o it_o will_v i_o must_v know_v that_o i_o have_v it_o ere_o i_o come_v else_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v examination_n before_o i_o come_v and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o substance_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o be_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o believe_v in_o he_o necessary_o imply_v be_v in_o he_o answ_n sacramental_a examination_n do_v not_o presuppose_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o certain_a or_o assure_a knowledge_n that_o i_o have_v the_o grace_n which_o i_o examine_v myself_o for_o but_o only_o a_o find_v those_o act_n in_o myself_o which_o ordinary_o those_o grace_n appear_v in_o my_o heart_n deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o itself_o in_o the_o search_n and_o my_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a though_o at_o present_a i_o see_v not_o that_o they_o be_v true_a suppose_v that_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o weight_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o judge_v they_o false_a nay_o if_o i_o shall_v see_v cause_n to_o condemn_v those_o former_a act_n which_o i_o take_v for_o gracious_a as_o false_a and_o unsound_a yet_o upon_o that_o conviction_n if_o i_o serious_o labour_v to_o set_v they_o right_n now_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o but_o to_o draw_v nigh_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o expect_v strength_n to_o prosper_v my_o endeavour_n and_o give_v i_o evidence_n in_o god_n time_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a than_o every_o christian_a under_o desertion_n and_o doubt_v must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sure_o if_o so_o the_o fit_a person_n that_o can_v be_v will_v be_v debar_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fit_a for_o a_o strengthen_n ordinance_n then_o such_o soul_n to_o exemplify_v the_o present_a case_n a_o man_n examine_v his_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n he_o find_v some_o such_o act_n as_o look_v like_o the_o act_n of_o those_o grace_n yet_o he_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no_o he_o therefore_o examine_v faith_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n purify_n the_o heart_n work_v by_o love_n overcome_v the_o world_n repentance_n by_o hatred_n of_o sin_n of_o all_o sin_n sincere_a endeavour_n of_o future_a obedience_n some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o he_o see_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o conclude_v he_o have_v not_o and_o yet_o he_o think_v he_o may_v deceive_v himself_o in_o think_v that_o he_o have_v they_o here_o be_v his_o case_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v shall_v he_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n or_o no_o i_o answer_v yes_o for_o i_o be_o fit_a for_o the_o sacrament_n when_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o upon_o good_a ground_n condemn_v i_o unwarrantable_a scruple_n do_v not_o unfit_a i_o it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o my_o heart_n do_v always_o clear_o absolve_v i_o see_v what_o john_n faith_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o they_o actual_o absolve_v we_o many_o needless_a scruple_n may_v hinder_v that_o but_o if_o they_o condemn_v we_o not_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o conscience_n enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n a_o ignorant_a wordless_a conscience_n its_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n be_v nothing_o in_o this_o case_n but_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n i._n e._n ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n ground_n of_o approach_n to_o those_o seal_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n be_v bestow_v and_o increase_v 2_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o a_o worthy_a participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o i_o be_v able_a satisfactory_o to_o evidence_n to_o my_o own_o heart_n the_o truth_n of_o every_o grace_n require_v thereunto_o one_o grace_n sometime_o may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a than_o another_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a it_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n in_o myself_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o improve_v it_o by_o argument_n to_o prove_v such_o or_o such_o a_o grace_n thereby_o for_o example_n sometime_o repentance_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a to_o a_o man_n then_o faith_n sometime_o love_v more_o visible_a then_o both_o sometime_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o all_o distinct_o yet_o he_o see_v something_o which_o he_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o supernatural_a change_n and_o this_o change_n he_o find_v he_o can_v rest_v till_o it_o be_v increase_v and_o improve_v to_o great_a perfection_n if_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o else_o yet_o he_o find_v earnest_a and_o hearty_a desire_n after_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o a_o fountain_n of_o pardon_v but_o also_o of_o purge_v grace_n these_o desire_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v judge_v be_v not_o counterfeit_v though_o many_o time_n weak_a now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o the_o soul_n must_v consider_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n though_o a_o man_n grace_n be_v very_o infirm_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o staff_n but_o a_o reed_n and_o a_o reed_n too_o not_o firm_a but_o bruise_v and_o though_o the_o kindle_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o in_o smoke_a flax_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o those_o that_o kindle_v a_o fire_n that_o put_v some_o peel_a stalk_n of_o flax_n or_o straw_n or_o some_o such_o combustible_a thing_n under_o the_o wood_n to_o make_v it_o burn_v which_o if_o it_o be_v moist_a will_v not_o flame_v out_o by_o and_o by_o but_o smoke_n a_o while_n and_o then_o kindle_v though_o grace_n be_v but_o yet_o a_o embryo_n as_o fire_n in_o smoke_a flax_n which_o a_o man_n can_v scarce_o tell_v whether_o it_o will_v burn_v or_o no_o yet_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v that_o be_v he_o will_v make_v much_o of_o it_o as_o a_o servant_n do_v of_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o wisp_n of_o straw_n and_o gentle_o blow_v it_o up_o till_o it_o flame_n isai_n 42._o 3._o he_o be_v to_o consider_v moreover_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o small_a measure_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v ground_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v true_a that_o though_o he_o can_v see_v faith_n repentance_n love_n yet_o where_o these_o desire_n be_v they_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o a_o gracious_a change_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o a_o gracious_a change_n
get_v out_o of_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o apprehension_n which_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o close_v with_o more_o particular_o 1_o believe_v this_o condition_n be_v good_a for_o thou_o yea_o so_o good_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v soul_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v it_o rom._n 8._o 28._o 2_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v thou_o never_o the_o worse_o for_o this_o deal_n with_o thou_o that_o when_o he_o thrust_v forth_o his_o foot_n to_o kick_v thou_o he_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o embrace_v thou_o that_o when_o he_o call_v thou_o dog_n he_o own_v thou_o for_o a_o châ—ld_v never_o the_o less_o for_o that_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a lesson_n too_o but_o take_v it_o from_o heb._n 12._o 6._o 3_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n can_v tell_v what_o other_o course_n to_o take_v to_o do_v thou_o good_a he_o will_v not_o afflict_v thou_o this_o way_n for_o sure_o as_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o lam._n 3._o 33._o and_o therefore_o forbear_v the_o rod_n altogether_o till_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o do_v more_o to_o do_v his_o people_n good_a jer._n 9_o 7._o so_o he_o never_o choose_v one_o affliction_n before_o another_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o exigency_n and_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a physic_n for_o thy_o constitution_n of_o all_o other_o because_o so_o wise_a and_o indulgent_a a_o physician_n choose_v it_o for_o thou_o 4_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o hide_v himself_o from_o thâ—…_n always_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o commend_v to_o thou_o absolute_o a_o belief_n that_o he_o will_v return_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o life_n as_o former_o thou_o may_v perhaps_o guess_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o by_o the_o present_a strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o satan_n cast_v into_o thou_o against_o it_o a_o distemper_a spirit_n as_o thou_o be_v be_v seldom_o strong_o possess_v or_o haunt_v with_o a_o true_a fear_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o cujus_fw-la contrarium_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la be_v a_o good_a rule_n for_o thou_o most_o common_o to_o judge_n by_o that_o which_o satan_n and_o thy_o own_o mis-giving_a heart_n most_o strong_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v upon_o thou_o if_o the_o word_n do_v not_o clear_o back_o it_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a thereunto_o thou_o may_v guess_v at_o it_o also_o by_o thy_o end_n why_o thou_o desire_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n here_o which_o the_o more_o spiritual_a they_o be_v and_o remote_a from_o self_n the_o more_o confident_a thou_o may_v be_v of_o re-enjoy_v it_o here_o be_v thy_o end_n these_o that_o thou_o may_v glorify_v god_n more_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n strengthen_v other_o by_o thy_o experience_n draw_v other_o to_o god_n by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o thou_o find_v in_o his_o way_n these_o be_v david_n end_n and_o david_n recover_v out_o of_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o thou_o be_v in_o by_o press_v god_n return_v to_o he_o upon_o these_o ground_n psal_n 51._o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o hezekiah_n isai_n 38._o 18_o 19_o thou_o may_v guess_v at_o it_o by_o the_o judgement_n that_o carnal_a man_n make_v of_o thy_o condition_n by_o the_o use_n that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v of_o thy_o trouble_n to_o reproach_v religion_n or_o the_o like_a bp_o thy_o freedom_n from_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n since_o conversion_n by_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o prayer_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o thou_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o gratify_v his_o enemy_n or_o deny_v his_o friend_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o put_v much_o weight_n on_o by_o the_o considerablenesse_n of_o thy_o condition_n towards_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o disquiet_n of_o other_o saint_n of_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o thou_o as_o a_o blaze_a star_n portend_v some_o great_a thing_n or_o other_o towards_o they_o and_o their_o condition_n and_o resolve_v to_o judge_n of_o themselves_o by_o thy_o case_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o thing_n i_o look_v on_o as_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o a_o particular_a faith_n in_o this_o thing_n neither_o do_v i_o know_v any_o scripture_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a confidence_n except_o with_o these_o limitation_n that_o if_o god_n see_v and_o judge_v that_o thy_o comfortable_a condition_n will_v be_v more_o for_o god_n glory_n thy_o own_o good_a and_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o other_o it_o will_v return_v again_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v it_o whatever_o ground_n thou_o thyself_o have_v to_o think_v so_o and_o this_o i_o affirm_v because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o thy_o salvation_n or_o god_n glory_n or_o the_o good_a of_o other_o he_o can_v carry_v thou_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o work_v holy_a end_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o other_o out_o of_o it_o also_o though_o thou_o die_v without_o comfort_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v that_o divers_a of_o god_n saint_n have_v be_v confident_a of_o this_o as_o david_n psal_n 27._o 13._o and_o 42._o 5_o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n and_o the_o church_n micah_n 7._o 8_o 9_o when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v arise_v he_o will_v bring_v i_o forth_o to_o the_o light_n and_o i_o shall_v behold_v his_o righteousness_n though_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o confidence_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o ignorant_a and_o let_v i_o add_v once_o more_o that_o there_o be_v promise_v even_o in_o this_o thing_n which_o although_o we_o must_v interpret_v with_o the_o forementioned_a limitation_n yet_o may_v be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v comfort_v ourselves_o even_o in_o the_o present_a exigency_n with_o some_o intimation_n of_o a_o hope_n of_o release_n isai_n 57_o 16._o be_v a_o excellent_a place_n and_o have_v relation_n to_o this_o life_n because_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v annex_v i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o lest_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o last_o let_v i_o add_v few_o of_o god_n saint_n sure_o have_v dye_v without_o sensible_a return_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o some_o competent_a measure_n enough_o to_o bear_v up_o their_o soul_n against_o desolate_v tentation_n but_o however_o suppose_v thou_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n to_o believe_v a_o return_n of_o comfort_n here_o yet_o believe_v that_o thou_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n in_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o that_o no_o trouble_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v from_o god_n love_n though_o they_o may_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n rom._n 8._o 35_o 38_o 39_o and_o eternity_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v a_o duration_n large_a enough_o to_o make_v up_o the_o want_n of_o god_n here_o 5_o believe_v that_o the_o likely_a time_n of_o re-enjoyment_n of_o his_o countenance_n be_v when_o thou_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o despair_n and_o true_o when_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n do_v most_o importunate_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o desperate_a thought_n against_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o meditation_n prayer_n resolution_n to_o the_o contrary_a then_o be_v deliverance_n at_o hand_n cum_fw-la duplicantur_fw-la lateres_fw-la venit_fw-la moses_n say_v the_o rabbin_n moses_n the_o deliverer_n come_v when_o the_o israelite_n brick_n be_v double_v man_n extremity_n fit_v god_n with_o the_o best_a opportunity_n to_o advance_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o his_o deliverance_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v see_v gen._n 22._o 14._o object_n true_o may_n a_o soul_n say_v a_o man_n that_o can_v yet_o lay_v claim_n to_o god_n may_v believe_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o how_o shall_v a_o soul_n act_n faith_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o question_n his_o interest_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o he_o do_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o dare_v to_o lay_v any_o claim_n to_o god_n at_o all_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o weighty_a question_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v not_o let_v it_o go_v without_o a_o answer_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v brief_o this_o suppose_v that_o thou_o be_v godless_a as_o yet_o in_o all_o thy_o soul_n trouble_v take_v for_o once_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n and_o thy_o own_o heart_n deceitful_a collusion_n for_o true_a and_o what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o encouragement_n give_v to_o person_n that_o want_v a_o present_a interest_n in_o god_n how_o come_v any_o then_o to_o get_v a_o
body_n to_o mind_v we_o that_o we_o be_v man_n and_o our_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o only_a so_o in_o our_o grace_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o high_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o such_o elevation_n we_o despise_v our_o weak_a brethren_n and_o censure_v they_o if_o they_o walk_v not_o up_o even_o with_o we_o or_o if_o they_o fail_v especial_o in_o any_o grosser_n way_n we_o forget_v against_o the_o rule_n that_o we_o also_o may_v be_v tempt_v 1._o gal._n 6._o 1._o 2._o dependent_a not_o only_o upon_o public_a ordinance_n where_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o especial_a quicken_a presence_n and_o where_o the_o saint_n have_v use_v to_o find_v recover_v remedy_n under_o spiritual_a decay_n but_o also_o on_o private_a communion_n even_o with_o weak_a brethren_n and_o principal_o upon_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o both_o psal_n 30._o 6._o 3._o wathfull_a lest_o the_o strength_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o grace_n be_v lose_v through_o our_o default_n lest_o the_o devil_n throw_v in_o diversion_n from_o unnecessary_a thing_n to_o cool_v and_o abate_v our_o zeal_n in_o those_o that_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o momentous_a lest_o the_o world_n and_o its_o allurement_n inveigle_v we_o into_o its_o embrace_n and_o like_a samson_n in_o delilahs_n lap_n we_o lose_v our_o strength_n by_o our_o dalliance_n last_o lest_o by_o the_o misemploy_v gracious_a opportunies_n we_o suffer_v our_o grace_n to_o starve_v for_o want_v of_o that_o food_n that_o shall_v sustain_v they_o our_o strength_n be_v maintain_v by_o watchfulness_n rev._n 3._o 2._o 6._o oftentimes_o a_o contemptible_a temptation_n foyl_v a_o strong_a grace_n for_o want_v of_o preparation_n &_o manage_v it_o in_o a_o regular_a way_n drawing_z strength_n in_o from_o god_n etc._n etc._n soldier_n say_v it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o despise_v a_o enemy_n be_v he_o never_o so_o small_a and_o contemptible_a such_o many_o time_n do_v much_o mischief_n by_o be_v neglect_v 7_o many_o time_n decay_n may_v not_o be_v the_o abatement_n of_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o our_o own_o over-actings_a it_o may_v be_v i_o may_v have_v have_v more_o seem_a zeal_n former_o then_o now_o i_o seem_v to_o have_v but_o be_v not_o my_o zeal_n more_o rash_a heady_a &_o inconsiderate_a more_o mix_v with_o self_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o heighten_v by_o its_o imperfection_n and_o blemish_n if_o so_o to_o continue_v it_o so_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o sin_n rather_o than_o grace_n so_o my_o faith_n in_o some_o of_o its_o precede_a act_n may_v possible_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o god_n depend_v on_o he_o beside_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o it_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o mean_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v much_o of_o presumption_n in_o it_o now_o it_o may_v be_v i_o trust_v god_n and_o be_o as_o zealous_a for_o he_o as_o former_o but_o those_o grace_n act_n more_o regular_o and_o not_o with_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o distemper_n as_o former_o so_o in_o repentance_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n many_o time_n worldly_a and_o selfish_a consideration_n mix_v with_o it_o to_o heighten_v it_o many_o time_n the_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n that_o accompany_v sin_n the_o affliction_n and_o cross_n that_o attend_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n who_o influence_n may_v heighten_v it_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n may_v not_o only_o stand_v at_o their_o former_a pitch_n their_o bow_n may_v not_o only_o abide_v in_o strength_n but_o may_v grow_v more_o radicate_v and_o be_v more_o strengthen_v and_o dispose_v for_o more_o operation_n under_o the_o most_o sensible_a decay_n of_o the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o they_o as_o many_o time_n in_o the_o winter_n a_o man_n hand_n and_o foot_n may_v be_v benumb_v with_o cold_a when_o his_o stomach_n and_o entrails_n be_v most_o hot_a now_o to_o understand_v this_o you_o must_v know_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a habit_n of_o grace_n allow_v i_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v call_v the_o new_a man_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o universal_a habit_n of_o grace_n be_v like_o the_o habitual_a life_n and_o heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o live_a body_n there_o be_v also_o special_a habit_n of_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a grace_n which_o symbolize_v with_o the_o heat_n and_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o body_n 2._o now_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v in_o a_o disease_n though_o the_o out_o most_o member_n languish_v the_o patient_a be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n of_o recovery_n and_o never_o the_o near_a death_n for_o lose_v the_o flesh_n off_o his_o rib_n and_o face_n so_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o grace_n the_o main_a frame_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v the_o decay_n in_o some_o act_n of_o particula_fw-la grace_n matter_n not_o much_o 3._o the_o increase_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a grace_n strengthen_v and_o so_o far_o improve_v in_o a_o sort_n the_o general_a habit_n of_o grace_n though_o other_o particular_a grace_n increase_v not_o as_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o bucket_n of_o water_n to_o the_o thames_n make_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o bulk_n of_o water_n so_o much_o the_o big_a and_o the_o tree_n be_v great_a by_o the_o growth_n of_o one_o branch_n a_o man_n be_v more_o gracious_a by_o the_o growth_n of_o humility_n meekness_n though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v not_o more_o believe_v etc._n etc._n 4._o there_o be_v particular_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o in_o themselves_o never_o decay_v but_o they_o may_v be_v obstruct_v and_o clog_v as_o to_o their_o operation_n indeed_o no_o gracious_a habit_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o grow_v or_o decay_v but_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o act_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o divine_a quality_n be_v not_o as_o that_o of_o moral_a habit_n which_o be_v get_v by_o act_n and_o lose_v by_o the_o disuse_n of_o they_o these_o be_v infuse_v of_o god_n and_o never_o to_o be_v lose_v can_v decay_v for_o than_o be_v they_o to_o be_v lose_v also_o all_o corruptiblenesse_n tend_v to_o corruption_n that_o soldier_n that_o may_v be_v beat_v from_o his_o first_o ground_n if_o the_o assault_n be_v follow_v may_v be_v rout_v and_o utter_o beat_v out_o of_o the_o field_n now_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o appear_v because_o do_v but_o remove_v the_o obstruction_n and_o grace_n in_o such_o person_n will_v act_v as_o vigorous_o as_o ever_o it_o do_v samson_n strength_n appear_v not_o to_o be_v abate_v by_o his_o bind_n for_o when_o he_o be_v loose_a he_o lay_v the_o philistine_n heap_n upon_o heap_n as_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o 5._o thou_o may_v be_v strong_a many_o time_n in_o that_o particular_a grace_n where_o thou_o think_v thou_o be_v weak_a as_o that_o part_n of_o a_o garrison_n may_v be_v best_a line_v with_o man_n where_o the_o bulwark_n be_v low_a so_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o cry_v out_o lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n have_v then_o a_o great_a faith_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o canaan_n when_o she_o dare_v not_o claim_v a_o child_n portion_n but_o rank_n herself_o with_o the_o dog_n yet_o rely_v still_o on_o christ_n for_o a_o answer_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o eminent_a in_o faith_n that_o christ_n himself_o admire_v she_o for_o it_o mat._n 15._o 28._o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o understand_v but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v by_o frequent_a combat_n and_o conflict_n chap._n xliv_o a_o case_n how_o a_o saint_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o sensible_a actual_a decay_n know_v whether_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n grow_v or_o no._n quest_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n last_o propound_v how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v whether_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n notwithstanding_o his_o present_n suppose_a sensible_a decay_n answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o in_o some_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o managery_n of_o this_o examination_n those_o be_v 1._o take_v heed_n you_o inquire_v not_o too_o rigorous_o after_o a_o too_o sudden_a improvement_n if_o a_o man_n cast_v his_o grain_n into_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a he_o shall_v complain_v it_o be_v dead_a because_o it_o appear_v not_o above_o ground_n the_o next_o day_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o his_o field_n every_o day_n complain_v to_o day_n that_o it_o be_v grow_v nothing_o since_o yesterday_o because_o he_o can_v discern_v it_o have_v the_o man_n patience_n to_o look_v on_o it_o at_o convenient_a distance_n of_o time_n experience_n will_v