that_o we_o may_v live_v and_o they_o plead_v not_o for_o do_v of_o duty_n as_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n give_v of_o god_n by_o moses_n but_o only_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v they_o plead_v for_o salvation_n by_o sincere_a obedience_n without_o christ_n but_o only_o by_o christ_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o both_o salvation_n itself_o and_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v give_v to_o they_o free_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o all_o be_v of_o grace_n they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o their_o salvation_n be_v by_o faith_n because_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v include_v in_o he_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o entire_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o some_o call_v it_o the_o resignate_a act_n of_o faith_n but_o all_o these_o reason_n be_v but_o a_o fallacious_a vizard_n upon_o a_o legal_a way_n of_o salvation_n to_o make_v it_o look_v like_o pure_a gospel_n as_o i_o shall_v evince_v by_o the_o follow_a particular_n first_o all_z that_o seek_v salvation_n by_o the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o good_a work_n as_o the_o procure_a condition_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o seek_v righteousness_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n rom._n 9.32_o and_o for_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n and_o fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n gal._n 5.4_o this_o one_o assertion_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v be_v enough_o to_o pluck_v off_o the_o fallacious_a vizard_n from_o the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o to_o make_v man_n abhor_v it_o as_o a_o damn_v legal_a doctrine_n that_o bereave_v its_o follower_n of_o all_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o person_n that_o wary_o consider_v a_o point_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n for_o their_o salvation_n the_o jew_n and_o judaize_v christian_n against_o who_o the_o apostle_n chief_o dispute_v in_o this_o whole_a controversy_n do_v not_o profess_v any_o hope_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o perfect_a obedience_n according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n but_o only_o by_o such_o obedience_n as_o they_o account_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o not_o hypocritical_a and_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o judaize_v galatian_n have_v learn_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o distinguish_v sincere_a obedience_n from_o hypocrisy_n the_o jewish_a religion_n bind_v all_o that_o profess_v it_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o anniversary_n humiliation_n at_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n and_o several_a other_o right_n of_o the_o law_n and_o many_o clear_a testimony_n in_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o psal_n 143.2_o prov._n 10.9_o eccles_n 7.20_o yet_o they_o know_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n in_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o may_v better_o put_v it_o for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o gospel_n psal_n 51.6_o 10._o deut._n 6.5_o deut._n 30.10_o so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v dispute_v against_o those_o that_o hold_v only_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o justification_n he_o have_v contend_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o they_o may_v as_o ready_o judge_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o justification_n under_o the_o law_n as_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n under_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n condemn_v they_o mere_o for_o account_v sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o give_v by_o moses_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o justification_n but_o more_o general_o for_o seek_v salvation_n by_o their_o own_o work_n and_o he_o allege_v against_o they_o that_o abrabam_fw-la who_o live_v before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o any_o of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o do_v perform_v sincere_a obedience_n and_o that_o david_n who_o live_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o his_o work_n though_o he_o perform_v sincere_a obedience_n and_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n as_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v any_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 4.2_o 3_o 5_o 6._o neither_o do_v he_o condemn_v they_o for_o seek_v their_o salvation_n only_o by_o work_n without_o respect_v at_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o judaize_v galatian_n be_v yet_o professor_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o think_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n a_o necessary_a condition_n for_o the_o partake_n of_o it_o as_o also_o many_o other_o judaise_v believer_n do_v and_o doubtless_o they_o account_v themselves_o oblige_v thereunto_o not_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o christ_n also_o who_o they_o own_v as_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v no_o damn_v error_n to_o account_v moses_n law_n oblige_v at_o that_o time_n for_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v sound_a believer_n hold_v the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n to_o be_v in_o force_n at_o that_o time_n and_o paul_n be_v tender_a towards_o they_o in_o it_o act_n 20.20_o 21._o act_n 15.5_o and_o other_o jew_n seek_v justification_n not_o only_o by_o their_o sincere_a work_n but_o also_o by_o trust_v on_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o on_o their_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v type_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o most_o legal_a pharisees_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o their_o good_a work_n as_o proceed_v from_o his_o grace_n luke_n 18.11_o and_o they_o can_v as_o well_o acknowledge_v their_o salvation_n to_o be_v by_o faith_n as_o the_o assertor_n of_o salvation_n by_o sincere_a obedience_n can_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o account_v that_o their_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o contain_v gospel_n as_o well_o as_o legal_a doctrine_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o must_v be_v include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v take_v for_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o whole_a salvation_n let_v the_o assertor_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n learn_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v build_v again_o that_o judaisme_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n destroy_v whereby_o the_o jew_n stumble_v at_o christ_n rom._n 9.32_o and_o the_o galatian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v from_o christ_n and_o grace_n gal._n 5.2_o 4._o and_o let_v they_o beware_v of_o fall_v under_o that_o curse_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v on_o this_o very_a occasion_n against_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n that_o shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o he_o have_v preach_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o second_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n do_v not_o at_o all_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o require_v perfect_a do_v the_o other_o only_o sincere_a do_v but_o in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o require_v do_v the_o other_o no_o do_v but_o believe_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n their_o term_n be_v different_a not_o only_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o their_o whole_a nature_n the_o apostle_n paul_n oppose_v the_o believe_v require_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o do_v for_o life_n as_o the_o condition_n proper_a to_o the_o law_n gal._n 3.12_o the_o law_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n but_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o rom._n 4.5_o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n if_o we_o seek_v salvation_n by_o never_o so_o easy_a and_o mild_a a_o condition_n of_o work_n we_o do_v thereby_o bring_v ourselves_o under_o the_o term_n of_o the_o law_n and_o do_v become_v debtor_n to_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n in_o perfection_n though_o we_o intend_v to_o engage_v ourselves_o only_o to_o fulsill_n it_o in_o part_n gal._n 5.3_o for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o complete_a declaration_n of_o the_o only_a term_n whereby_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o that_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o despair_v of_o procure_v salvation_n by_o any_o of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o gift_n free_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o all_o that_o seek_v salvation_n right_a or_o wrong_n know_o or_o ignorant_o by_o any_o work_n less_o or_o more_o whether_o invent_v by_o their_o own_o superstition_n or_o command_v of_o god_n in_o
when_o the_o gentile_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v glad_a and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v constrain_v by_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o live_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.14_o 15._o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o any_o that_o obey_v god_n out_o of_o hearty_a love_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o and_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o love_n without_o comfortable_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o prodigy_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n seven_o what_o comfortless_a religion_n do_v those_o make_v that_o allow_v people_n no_o comfort_n before_o hand_n to_o strengthen_v they_o for_o holy_a performance_n that_o be_v very_a cross_n displease_v and_o grievous_a to_o their_o natural_a inclination_n as_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n cut_v off_o of_o a_o right_a hand_n but_o will_v have_v they_o first_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n with_o love_n and_o delight_n under_o all_o their_o present_a fear_n despondency_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o to_o hope_v that_o by_o do_v the_o work_n thorough_o and_o sincere_o they_o shall_v at_o last_o attain_v to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a state_n all_o true_a spiritual_a comfort_n as_o well_o as_o salvation_n be_v indeed_o quite_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o good_a work_n which_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o law_n that_o work_v no_o comfort_n but_o wrath_n rom._n 4.15_o this_o make_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n odious_a to_o many_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v a_o pleasant_a hour_n in_o this_o world_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o they_o have_v rather_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o sinful_a pleasure_n than_o have_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o other_o labour_v a_o while_n in_o such_o a_o comfortless_a religion_n with_o inward_a fret_a and_o repine_v at_o the_o bondage_n of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v wearry_v and_o throw_v of_o all_o religion_n because_o they_o know_v none_o better_o they_o that_o bound_v such_o heavy_a burden_n upon_o man_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v will_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v because_o they_o do_v but_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o preach_v a_o gospel_n of_o man_n be_v own_o forge_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o people_n luk._n 2.10_o a_o uncomfortable_a gospel_n can_v proceed_v from_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n 2_o cor._n 1.3_o nor_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n luk._n 2.25_o nor_o from_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o comforter_n joh._n 14.16_o 17._o god_n meet_v he_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n isa_n 64.5_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v with_o gladness_n and_o sing_v as_o he_o show_v by_o the_o type_n of_o variety_n of_o music_n and_o great_a number_n of_o musician_n in_o the_o temple_n christ_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n that_o his_o joy_n may_v abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o our_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a job_n 15.11_o no_o sorrow_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o god_n except_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o can_v never_o be_v in_o we_o without_o some_o comfort_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o uncomfortableness_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n never_o yet_o know_v the_o true_a way_n of_o religion_n else_o they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n arâ—_n way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n prov_n 3.17_o direct_v x._o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perform_v sincere_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n we_o must_v get_v some_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v receive_v into_o our_o heart_n therefore_o i_o must_v endeavoar_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n confident_o persuade_v and_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v that_o god_n free_o give_v to_o we_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n explication_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o holy_a practice_n can_v be_v true_o receive_v without_o some_o assurance_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n for_o some_o of_o those_o comfort_n consist_v in_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o future_a heavenly_a happiness_n and_o of_o strength_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v before_o show_v hence_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o this_o assurance_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o those_o comfort_n that_o must_v go_v before_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o cause_n go_v before_o the_o effect_n though_o not_o in_o any_o distance_n of_o time_n my_o present_a work_n be_v to_o show_v what_o this_o assurance_n be_v that_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o holiness_n and_o which_o i_o have_v here_o assert_v that_o we_o must_v act_v in_o that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n himself_o into_o our_o heart_n even_o in_o justify_v save_a faith_n this_o doctrine_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o that_o profess_v themselves_o protestant_n a_o late_a day_n whereas_o it_o be_v former_o high_o own_v by_o the_o chief_a protestant_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o restore_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n for_o many_o year_n they_o common_o teach_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n or_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n to_o ourselves_o in_o believe_v and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n whereby_o they_o prevail_v to_o overthrow_v the_o popish_a superstition_n whereto_o doubtfulness_n of_o salvation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a pillar_n but_o many_o of_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o protestant_n have_v desert_v they_o and_o leave_v their_o write_n to_o be_v shameful_o insult_v over_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o this_o innovation_n have_v be_v of_o long_a stand_v among_o we_o than_o several_a other_o part_n of_o our_o new_a divinity_n and_o maintain_v by_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o abhor_v that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v build_v upon_o such_o principle_n modern_a divine_n may_v think_v they_o stand_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o their_o predecessor_n who_o labour_n they_o enjoy_v and_o that_o they_o can_v see_v far_o than_o they_o as_o the_o schoolman_n may_v have_v like_o thought_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v so_o far_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o predecessor_n be_v better_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o these_o late_a year_n have_v be_v blind_v in_o this_o point_n of_o assurance_n by_o many_o false_a imagination_n they_o think_v that_o because_o salvation_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o we_o absolute_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o it_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v direct_o on_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o after_o that_o we_o must_v reflect_v our_o mind_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o examine_v it_o by_o several_a mark_n and_o sign_n especial_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o examination_n we_o find_v out_o certain_o that_o it_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n then_o and_o not_o before_o we_o may_v believe_v assure_o that_o we_o in_o particular_a shall_v be_v save_v on_o this_o account_n they_o say_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v by_o the_o direct_a and_o our_o assurance_n by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o many_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o never_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n they_o find_v by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n that_o many_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n be_v frequent_o trouble_v with_o doubt_n whither_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o whither_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n
be_v sincere_a so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v assurance_n in_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o assurance_n must_v not_o be_v account_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o justify_v faith_n and_o salvation_n lest_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o doubt_v saint_n sad_a and_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v they_o account_v that_o former_a protestant_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o manifest_a absurdity_n in_o make_v assurance_n to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o saving-faith_n because_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v bind_v to_o saving-faith_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v absolute_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o then_o many_o of_o they_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v they_o in_o particular_a yea_o that_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a lie_n because_o the_o gospel_n show_v that_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v be_v not_o choose_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o perish_v for_o ever_o mat._n 20.16_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o appearance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n move_v many_o to_o imagine_v that_o saving-faith_n be_v a_o trust_n or_o rest_v on_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o trust_v or_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n concern_v our_o salvation_n or_o with_o a_o probable_a opinion_n or_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o it_o at_o best_a another_o objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n be_v that_o it_o destroy_v self-examination_n bring_v forth_o the_o evil_a fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n as_o if_o they_o know_v their_o place_n in_o heaven_n already_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n cause_v carelessness_n of_o duty_n carnal_a security_n all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n and_o this_o make_v they_o commend_v doubtfulness_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o necessary_a to_o maintain_v in_o we_o humility_n religious_a fear_n watchfulness_n much_o search_a and_o try_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o way_n diligence_n in_o good_a work_n and_o all_o deyotion_n against_o all_o those_o contrary_a imagination_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o maintain_v this_o ancient_a protestant_a doctrine_n of_o assurance_n as_o i_o have_v express_v in_o the_o direction_n and_o first_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o observation_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o strong_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o first_o observe_v diligent_o that_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n or_o that_o we_o have_v be_v already_o bring_v in_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o to_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n though_o we_o have_v be_v altogether_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n until_o this_o present_a time_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o breed_v presumption_n in_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a already_o but_o only_o encourage_v they_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n confident_o for_o a_o good_a state_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o may_v yea_o many_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o doubt_v whether_o their_o present_a state_n be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v humility_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o must_v find_v out_o the_o certainty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o self-examination_n before_o we_o can_v have_v a_o wellgrounded_n assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n already_o and_o that_o such_o a_o assurance_n belong_v to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a sense_n or_o feel_n of_o what_o be_v in_o myself_o and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v and_o that_o many_o precious_a saint_n be_v without_o it_o and_o subject_a to_o many_o doubt_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o intermit_v if_o not_o whole_o lose_v after_o it_o be_v get_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v holy_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o holiness_n most_o protestant_n among_o we_o when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v of_o assurance_n mean_v only_o that_o which_o be_v by_o reflection_n and_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o brief_o to_o show_v that_o what_o i_o assert_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v concern_v it_o and_o destructive_a to_o none_o of_o the_o good_a fruit_n of_o it_o therefore_o not_o guilty_a of_o those_o evil_n that_o some_o false_o charge_v it_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o assurance_n which_o i_o speak_v of_o answer_v not_o the_o question_n whither_o i_o be_o already_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v answer_v that_o it_o may_v get_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n whether_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v now_o to_o bestow_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n upon_o i_o though_o i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o a_o very_a wicked_a creature_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o resolve_v this_o question_n comfortable_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o reflect_v upon_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a gracious_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o save_a mercy_n in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o former_a wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a promise_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o her_o belove_a which_o be_v not_o belove_v and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v they_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o live_a god_n rom._n 9.25_o 26._o second_o the_o assurance_n direct_v unto_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n whatever_o we_o do_v or_o however_o we_o live_v and_o walk_v but_o only_o in_o a_o limit_a way_n through_o mere_a freegrace_n in_o christ_n by_o partake_v of_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o forgiveness_n and_o by_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o hearty_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o such_o a_o salvation_n as_o this_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bring_v first_o to_o see_v our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n for_o the_o sanctify_a as_o well_o as_o justify_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n must_v have_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o persuasion_n of_o happiness_n but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a good_a qualification_n that_o will_v make_v it_o a_o most_o holy_a faith_n certain_o a_o assurance_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o beget_v any_o pride_n in_o we_o but_o rather_o humility_n and_o self-loathing_a except_o any_o account_n it_o pride_n to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3.3_o it_o will_v not_o destroy_v religious_a fear_n and_o breed_v carnal_a security_n but_o rather_o it_o will_v make_v we_o fear_v go_v aside_o from_o christ_n our_o only_a resuge_n and_o security_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n noah_n have_v cause_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o to_o abide_v there_o with_o assurance_n of_o his_o preservation_n yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v afraid_a to_o venture_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o continuance_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v his_o only_a safery_n from_o perish_v in_o the_o flood_n and_o how_o can_v a_o persuasion_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holiness_n breed_v sloathfulness_n in_o duty_n carelessness_n and_o licentiousness_n it_o do_v rather_o mighty_o allure_v we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n
this_o be_v true_o believe_v it_o will_v exclude_v doubtfulness_n concern_v your_o salvation_n second_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n declare_v positive_o and_o express_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n in_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v i_o shall_v produce_v some_o instance_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10.22_o many_o apply_v this_o text_n to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o imagine_v that_o all_o assurance_n must_v needs_o be_v by_o reflection_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v clear_o teach_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o direct_a act_n and_o it_o be_v that_o very_a faith_n whereby_o the_o just_a do_v live_v even_o justify_v save_v faith_n verse_n 38._o and_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v full_a at_o least_o in_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a nature_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o mere_a doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n though_o we_o be_v yet_o further_o to_o labour_v for_o that_o which_o be_v full_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n and_o whereby_o the_o just_a live_v be_v a_o little_a after_o chap._n 11.1_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v why_o shall_v save_a faith_n have_v these_o high_a title_n and_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o if_o it_o do_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o our_o salvation_n hope_v for_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o present_a in_o their_o substance_n though_o yet_o not_o visible_a to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v christ_n house_n must_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v confidence_n and_o accompany_v with_o rejoice_a hope_n who_o house_n be_v we_o if_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n heb._n 3.6.14_o what_o be_v confidence_n concern_v any_o thing_n but_o trust_v concern_v it_o with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o we_o have_v only_o a_o strong_a opinion_n concern_v a_o thing_n without_o any_o absolute_a certainty_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o altogether_o confident_a of_o it_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v must_v be_v in_o a_o measure_n like_o to_o the_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n that_o his_o seed_n shall_v certain_o be_v multiply_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o of_o sarah_n womb_n he_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n from_o his_o own_o qualification_n to_o assure_v himself_o of_o it_o but_o all_o appearance_n be_v rather_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v clear_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 23.24_o as_o absolute_a as_o this_o promise_n be_v thus_o make_v abraham_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v without_o this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o like_a faith_n the_o free_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n will_v be_v absolute_o fulfil_v to_o we_o the_o apostle_n james_n express_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v ask_v good_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v which_o include_v assurance_n manifest_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o without_o it_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o we_o may_v firm_o conclude_v that_o without_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o salvation_n of_o christ_n james_n 1.6_o 7._o and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n james_n require_v we_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o be_v the_o obtain_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o a_o instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n give_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o mark_v 11.24_o more_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o our_o salvation_n in_o faith_n itself_o or_o else_o we_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o humility_n but_o rather_o proud_a disobedience_n to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n concern_v our_o salvation_n and_o that_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v in_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v for_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n and_o general_o own_v that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o any_o and_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o many_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v already_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n three_o god_n give_v we_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o confident_a faith_n at_o the_o very_a first_o trust_v assure_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o we_o without_o any_o failing_n and_o delay_n however_o vile_a and_o sinful_a our_o condition_n have_v be_v hitherto_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o the_o vile_a sinner_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v frame_v on_o purpose_n to_o beget_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o they_o immediate_o act_v 2.39_o chap._n 3.26_o this_o promise_n be_v unversal_a that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a without_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o greek_n rom._n 10.11_o 12._o and_o this_o promise_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v give_v for_o the_o world_n and_o lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o his_o invitation_n be_v free_a to_o any_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v to_o i_o and_o drink_n and_o this_o drink_n be_v promise_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v john_n 7.37_o 39_o the_o command_n of_o believe_v be_v propound_v not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n upon_o believe_v be_v also_o apply_v personal_o and_o that_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v hitherto_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n as_o to_o the_o wicked_a persecute_v self-murdering_a jailor_n act_v 16.31_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n god_n command_v they_o that_o walk_v altogether_o in_o sin_n hitherto_o to_o call_v he_o their_o own_o father_n in_o their_o very_a first_o return_v jer._n 3.4_o so_o hos_n 2.23_o god_n say_v he_o will_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n confident_o aver_v their_o personal_a interest_n in_o he_o god_n have_v join_v confidence_n and_o salvation_n inseparable_o together_o in_o return_v and_o rest_v you_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o quietness_n and_o in_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n isai_n 30.15_o what_o a_o poor_a slender_a use_n and_o improvement_n do_v many_o make_v of_o these_o discovery_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n who_o say_v that_o if_o we_o see_v that_o we_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o believe_v than_o we_o may_v take_v christ_n confident_o as_o our_o own_o they_o skip_v over_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n use_v they_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o the_o very_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v to_o take_v christ_n as_o our_o own_o immediate_o and_o to_o eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o believe_v consient_o on_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n if_o a_o honest_a rich_a man_n say_v to_o a_o poor_a woman_n i_o promise_v to_o be_v thy_o husband_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o say_v but_o the_o word_n and_o i_o be_o thou_o may_v not_o she_o present_o answer_v confident_o then_o thou_o be_v my_o husband_n and_o i_o claim_v thou_o for_o my_o husband_n and_o shall_v she_o not_o rather_o say_v so_o then_o say_v i_o believe_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v if_o a_o honest_a man_n say_v do_v but_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v your_o own_o do_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o you_o be_v free_o welcome_a may_v not_o i_o take_v the_o gift_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o first_o
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and_o be_v more_o powerful_a to_o secure_v a_o holy_a practice_n than_o any_o of_o those_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n or_o resignate_a act_n that_o some_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o better_o than_o hypocritical_a act_n if_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o this_o faith_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o counterfeit_n dead_a faith_n such_o as_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v and_o if_o that_o tend_v to_o licentiousness_n let_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v blame_v but_o rather_o mark_v the_o description_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v give_v that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o counterfeit_a faith_n instead_o of_o it_o i_o shall_v add_v something_o concern_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o excellent_a grace_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o it_o whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o way_n of_o salvation_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v the_o author_n 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do_v first_o work_n upon_o our_o heart_n by_o and_o with_o the_o gospel_n to_o produce_v in_o we_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o the_o gospel_n shall_v come_v to_o we_o in_o word_n only_o and_o not_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n paul_n may_v labour_v to_o plant_v and_o apollo_n to_o water_v without_o any_o success_n because_o we_o can_v receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yea_o we_o shall_v account_v they_o foolishness_n until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v they_o 1_o thess_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o &_o 2.14_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o any_o teach_n of_o man_n except_o we_o also_o hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v draw_v to_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n john_n 6.44_o 45._o and_o when_o save_v faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v we_o fast_o hold_v of_o christ_n by_o it_o as_o he_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o faith_n to_o receive_v christ_n so_o he_o fill_v it_o with_o christ_n or_o else_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v like_o a_o dream_n of_o one_o that_o think_v that_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o when_o he_o awake_v he_o find_v himself_o empty_a the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v both_o give_v that_o faith_n whereby_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o do_v work_v also_o the_o miracle_n by_o it_o so_o also_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v work_v save_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o do_v answer_v the_o aim_n and_o end_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o give_v we_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n by_o it_o so_o that_o none_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v to_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o faith_n be_v of_o such_o a_o humble_a self-denying_a nature_n that_o it_o ascribe_v nothing_o that_o it_o receive_v to_o itself_o but_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n save_v we_o by_o faith_n that_o all_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o his_o 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method_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o work_n be_v you_o must_v love_v god_n first_o and_o then_o on_o that_o condition_n he_o will_v love_v you_o again_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o love_v god_n because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o 1_o joh._n 4.19_o and_o if_o god_n suspend_v his_o love_n to_o we_o upon_o any_o condition_n our_o love_n to_o he_o will_v not_o be_v absolute_a but_o suspend_v upon_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o no_o way_n contrary_a to_o a_o actual_a hate_v of_o he_o 5th_o the_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o heal_v our_o sinful_a corruption_n that_o it_o prove_v rather_o a_o occasion_n of_o sinful_a motion_n and_o act_n in_o those_o that_o seek_v salvation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o it_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a corruption_n which_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o rage_v the_o more_o when_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a law_n of_o god_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o law_n but_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n those_o that_o find_v not_o this_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n shall_v believe_v the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o teach_v it_o plain_o and_o that_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n rom._n 7.5_o to_o the_o 14._o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v motion_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o law_n in_o a_o fleshly_a state_n and_o that_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v wrought_v in_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n deceive_v he_o fly_v he_o become_v exceed_v sinful_a and_o that_o without_o the_o law_n he_o be_v alive_a and_o sin_v dead_a but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v he_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n and_o contrariety_n betwixt_o his_o sinful_a nature_n and_o the_o law_n the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n take_v notice_n here_o that_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o 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because_o they_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o endeavour_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n account_v that_o the_o less_o they_o know_v the_o less_o they_o shall_v answer_v for_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o have_v right_a thing_n prophesy_v unto_o they_o be_v 30.10_o and_o they_o have_v prevail_v general_o in_o the_o world_n to_o darken_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o moral_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o learn_v they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v find_v how_o prone_a legal-writer_n be_v to_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v start_v hole_n for_o their_o corruption_n by_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n from_o which_o christ_n do_v vindicate_v it_o matth._n 5._o and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v none_o more_o endeavour_n to_o discover_v the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n 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and_o be_v your_o friend_n if_o i_o can_v find_v that_o you_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o you_o take_v i_o for_o a_o friend_n but_o their_o fallible_a word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o absolute_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v their_o promise_a favour_n the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n assure_v they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o who_o have_v power_n give_v they_o of_o work_v they_o that_o the_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v if_o they_o believe_v without_o doubt_v of_o the_o event_n mark_v 11._o and_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o this_o resemblance_n because_o the_o end_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o the_o scripture_n clear_o show_v and_o indeed_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o very_a great_a miracle_n it_o be_v report_v that_o wizard_n do_v often_o require_v those_o that_o come_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v their_o desire_n whereby_o the_o devil_n the_o master_n of_o those_o wizard_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n ape_n and_o that_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v that_o honour_n and_o glory_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o assurance_n which_o i_o have_v direct_v unto_o i_o shall_v now_o produce_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n or_o persuasion_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o saving-faith_n itself_o first_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o description_n before_o give_v of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n into_o our_o heart_n i_o describe_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o also_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o therein_o for_o all_o his_o salvation_n and_o i_o show_v in_o the_o explanation_n that_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rest_v rely_v lean_v stay_v ourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_n like_o that_o description_n the_o better_a because_o faith_n be_v there_o describe_v by_o term_n that_o be_v ordinary_o use_v even_o by_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o assurance_n but_o those_o ordinary_a term_n do_v sufficient_o include_v assurance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o can_v stand_v without_o it_o and_o this_o show_v that_o many_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o assurance_n implicit_o and_o profess_v it_o though_o they_o think_v the_o contrary_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n as_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o must_v needs_o include_v a_o dependence_n on_o christ_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o salvation_n shall_v be_v free_o give_v as_o it_o be_v free_o promise_v to_o we_o believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n ground_v on_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o free-promise_n if_o it_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n exclude_v a_o mere_a suspense_n and_o waver_a opinion_n or_o conjecture_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v so_o call_v some_o may_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v only_o a_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n if_o we_o perform_v such_o condition_n as_o he_o require_v and_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v leave_v we_o where_o it_o find_v we_o as_o to_o any_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n until_o those_o condition_n be_v perform_v but_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v such_o a_o absurdity_n by_o show_v that_o this_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v itself_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o also_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o 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believe_v on_o christ_n the_o soul_n must_v have_v its_o sufficient_a support_n to_o beat_v it_o up_o against_o oppress_v fear_n trouble_n care_n despair_n that_o it_o may_v thus_o trust_v and_o rest_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o trust_v and_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o assure_v ourselves_o against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o god_n and_o he_o be_v become_v our_o salvation_n i_o trust_v on_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n psal_n 31.14_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o rock_n and_o my_o fortress_n and_o my_o deliverer_n my_o strength_n in_o who_o i_o will_v trust_v psal_n 18.2_o behold_v god_n be_v my_o salvation_n i_o will_v trust_v and_o not_o be_v afraid_a isa_n 12.2_o o_o my_o soul_n hope_v thou_o in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n psal_n 42.16_o true_a hope_n be_v ground_v on_o god_n only_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o anchor_n for_o the_o soul_n sure_a and_o steadfast_a heb._n 6.17.18_o 19_o if_o you_o trust_v rely_v and_o stay_v yourselves_o on_o christ_n or_o hope_v in_o he_o without_o assure_v yourselves_o at_o all_o of_o salvation_n by_o he_o you_o make_v no_o better_o use_v of_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o if_o you_o will_v stay_v yourselves_o on_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v look_v on_o he_o as_o your_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n isai_n 50._o 10._o if_o you_o will_v rest_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o deal_v bountiful_o with_o you_o psal_n 116.7_o or_o else_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o make_v your_o bed_n in_o hell_n and_o you_o will_v show_v little_a regard_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o dare_v to_o rest_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n without_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o sure_a interest_n in_o christ_n people_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o such_o a_o trust_n or_o rest_v etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v at_o ease_n but_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n it_o vanish_v away_o and_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o true_a faith_n but_o be_v turn_v into_o shame_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o such_o waver_a and_o doubt_v concern_v salvation_n do_v not_o stay_v itself_o nor_o rest_n at_o all_o but_o be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o toss_v he_o be_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n jam._n 1.6_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o mere_a suspense_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n your_o desire_n to_o trust_v be_v but_o a_o lazy_a would_n without_o any_o fix_a resolution_n and_o you_o dare_v not_o yet_o venture_v to_o trust_v on_o he_o steadfast_o if_o you_o call_v it_o only_o your_o desire_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v on_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v answer_v that_o you_o can_v do_v thus_o much_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n except_o you_o desire_v and_o venture_v to_o persuade_v and_o assure_v yourselves_o of_o your_o salvation_n by_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cause_n that_o you_o have_v to_o doubt_v and_o fear_v the_o contrary_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o may_v trust_v on_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n without_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o effect_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o we_o to_o rest_v on_o but_o we_o must_v understand_v by_o it_o not_o only_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n but_o also_o of_o goodwill_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v more_o with_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n power_n than_o fall_v angel_n without_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o and_o if_o
the_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n they_o trust_v on_o low_a carnal_a thing_n for_o holiness_n and_o upon_o the_o act_n of_o their_o own_o will_n their_o purpose_n resolution_n and_o endeavour_n instead_o of_o christ_n and_o they_o trust_v to_o christ_n to_o help_v they_o in_o this_o carnal_a way_n whereas_o true_a faith_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v nothing_o and_o that_o they_o do_v but_o labour_v in_o vain_a they_o may_v as_o well_o wash_v a_o blackamoor_n white_a as_o purge_v the_o flesh_n or_o natural_a man_n from_o its_o evil_a lust_n and_o make_v it_o pure_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v desperate_o wicked_a past_o all_o cure_n it_o will_v unavoidable_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o best_a saint_n on_o earth_n gal._n 17._o its_o mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o it_o rom._n 8.7_o they_o that_o will_v cure_v it_o and_o make_v it_o holy_a by_o their_o own_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n do_v act_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n death_n for_o he_o die_v not_o that_o the_o flesh_n or_o old_a natural_a man_n may_v be_v make_v holy_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v crucify_v and_o destroy_v out_o of_o we_o rom._n 6.6_o and_o that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o god_n not_o to_o ourselves_o or_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o own_o resolution_n or_o endeavour_n but_o by_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o we_o gal._n 2.20_o and_o 5.24_o 25._o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o leave_v the_o natural_a man_n vile_a and_o wicked_a as_o we_o find_v it_o until_o it_o be_v utter_o abolish_v by_o death_n though_o we_o must_v not_o allow_v its_o wickedness_n but_o rather_o groan_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n thank_v god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o deliverance_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n our_o way_n to_o mortify_v sinful_a affection_n and_o lust_n must_v be_v not_o by_o purge_v they_o out_o of_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o put_v off_o the_o flesh_n itself_o and_o get_v above_o into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o new_a nature_n that_o be_v by_o he_o thus_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v above_o to_o the_o wise_a that_o he_o may_v depart_v from_o hell_n beneath_o prov._n 15.24_o our_o willing_a resolve_v and_o endeavour_v must_v be_v to_o do_v the_o best_a not_o that_o lie_v in_o ourselves_o or_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o that_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o work_v in_o we_o for_o in_o we_o i._n e._n in_o our_o flesh_n there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n rom._n 7.18_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o help_v in_o such_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n as_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o redemption_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o act_v and_o live_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o peter_n sincere_o resolve_v to_o die_v with_o christ_n rather_o than_o to_o deny_v he_o and_o to_o do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v by_o his_o own_o power_n for_o that_o end_n but_o christ_n make_v he_o quick_o to_o see_v the_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o resolution_n and_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n what_o many_o resolution_n make_v in_o sickness_n and_o other_o danger_n most_o come_v to_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o trust_v on_o christ_n to_o help_v we_o to_o act_v and_o endeavour_v so_o far_o only_o as_o creature_n for_o so_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v help_v he_o be_v the_o jehovah_n in_o who_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v act._n 17.28_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o pharisee_n will_v trust_v on_o god_n to_o help_v he_o in_o duty_n as_o he_o will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n luk._n 18.11_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o faith_n that_o many_o make_v use_v of_o to_o a_o holy_a practice_n but_o we_o must_v trust_v on_o christ_n to_o enable_v we_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n which_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o we_o or_o else_o our_o best_a endeavour_n will_v be_v altogether_o sinful_a and_o mere_a hypocrisy_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o help_n for_o which_o we_o trust_v upon_o he_o we_o must_v also_o take_v heed_n of_o depend_v for_o holiness_n upon_o any_o resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o christ_n or_o on_o any_o write_a covenant_n or_o any_o holiness_n that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o these_o thing_n continue_v no_o long_o than_o we_o continue_v walk_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o we_o they_o must_v be_v keep_v up_o by_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o as_o light_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v subsist_v without_o it_o 3._o you_o must_v not_o seek_v to_o procure_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n a_o new_a holy_a nature_n life_n and_o happiness_n by_o any_o work_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o by_o any_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n whatever_o but_o rather_o you_o must_v work_v as_o those_o that_o have_v all_o these_o thing_n already_o according_a to_o your_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n as_o such_o who_o be_v only_o to_o receive_v they_o more_o and_o more_o by_o faith_n as_o they_o be_v ready_o prepare_v and_o treasure_v up_o for_o you_o and_o free_o give_v to_o you_o by_o your_o spiritual_a head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o walk_v as_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o whole_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o procurement_n of_o such_o enjoyment_n as_o these_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o at_o present_a we_o judge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v without_o they_o and_o without_o christ_n himself_o in_o who_o fullness_n they_o be_v all_o contain_v and_o therefore_o we_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o own_o natural_a state_n as_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o will_v get_v salvation_n in_o it_o and_o by_o our_o carnal_a work_n and_o observance_n instead_o of_o live_v altogether_o on_o christ_n by_o faith_n this_o practice_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v and_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o trust_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v holiness_n in_o we_o this_o way_n for_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o legal_a covenant_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 7._o and_o if_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n gal._n 5.18_o when_o the_o galatian_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n to_o seek_v the_o procurement_n of_o justification_n and_o life_n by_o circumcision_n and_o other_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n the_o apostle_n paul_n rebuke_v they_o for_o seek_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o flesh_n direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o good_a beginning_n in_o the_o spirit_n for_o render_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o they_o and_o for_o fall_v from_o grace_n gal._n 3.3_o and_o 5.4_o and_o when_o some_o of_o the_o colossian_n seek_v perfection_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n by_o observation_n of_o circumcision_n holy-meat_n holy-time_n and_o other_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o apostle_n blame_v they_o for_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o dead_a and_o rise_v with_o christ_n but_o live_v mere_o in_o the_o world_n col._n 2.19_o 20._o and_o 3.1_o he_o clear_o show_v that_o those_o who_o seek_v any_o save_a enjoyment_n in_o such_o a_o way_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o natural_a state_n and_o that_o the_o true_a manner_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o walk_v as_o those_o that_o have_v all_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o they_o any_o other_o way_n to_o procure_v they_o for_o themselves_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n that_o believer_n shall_v not_o act_v for_o life_n but_o from_o life_n they_o must_v act_v as_o those_o that_o be_v not_o procure_v life_n by_o their_o work_n but_o as_o such_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o derive_v life_n from_o christ_n and_o act_n from_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o papist_n and_o all_o other_o that_o think_v to_o justify_v purisie_n sanctify_v and_o save_v themselves_o by_o any_o of_o their_o own_o work_n rite_n or_o ceremony_n whatever_o do_v walk_v in_o a_o carnal_a way_n as_o those_o that_o be_v without_o
apply_v rom_n 3.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o 23_o for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 24_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 25_o who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v pass_v through_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n 26_o to_o declare_v i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o the_o justifier_n of_o he_o who_o believe_v in_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n have_v confute_v and_o overthrow_v all_o justification_n of_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n by_o work_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v now_o prove_v what_o he_o assert_v ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o viz._n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n show_v that_o now_o in_o the_o gospel_n time_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o that_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o both_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v this_o he_o prove_v by_o show_v what_o the_o gospel_n teach_v concern_v the_o way_n of_o justification_n for_o the_o gospel_n only_o reveal_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.16_o 17._o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n so_o the_o word_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n way_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o and_o the_o benefit_n speak_v of_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o first_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o benefit_n that_o my_o text_n be_v account_v to_o be_v evangelium_fw-la evangelii_n a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o write_a gospel_n as_o brief_o and_o yet_o full_o express_v this_o excellent_a point_n more_o than_o any_o other_o text._n note_v in_o the_o word_n particular_o 1._o the_o subject_a declare_v and_o explain_v viz._n justification_n of_o person_n or_o their_o be_v justify_v and_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o here_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o free_v from_o all_o ambiguity_n and_o misunderstand_a justification_n signify_v make_v just_o as_o sanctification_n be_v make_v holy_a glorification_n make_v glorious_a but_o not_o make_v just_a by_o infusion_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n into_o a_o person_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v consounding_a justification_n and_o sanctification_n together_o but_o make_v just_a in_o trial_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n discharge_v of_o guilt_n free_v from_o blame_n and_o accusation_n approve_v judge_a own_v and_o pronounce_v a_o person_n to_o be_v righteous_a use_n alter_v the_o signification_n from_o the_o notation_n it_o be_v a_o juridical_a word_n or_o law_n term_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o trial_n and_o judgement_n 1._o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o be_v with_o i_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n yea_o i_o judge_v not_o my_o own_o self_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v so_o oppose_v to_o condemnation_n in_o judgement_n deut._n 25.1_o if_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o man_n and_o they_o come_v unto_o judgement_n that_o the_o judge_n may_v judge_v they_o than_o they_o shall_v justify_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a and_o mat._n 12.37_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o it_o be_v oppose_v both_o to_o accusation_n and_o condemnation_n rom._n 8_o 33_o 34._o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n ver_fw-la 34._o who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v and_o so_o job_n 9.20_o if_o i_o justify_v myself_o my_o own_o mouth_n shall_v condemn_v i_o job_n 13.15_o i_o will_v maintain_v my_o own_o way_n before_o he_o ver_fw-la 18._o i_o have_v order_v my_o cause_n and_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v justify_v ver_fw-la 19_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v plead_v with_o i_o here_o justification_n be_v plain_o oppose_v unto_o the_o accusation_n or_o fault_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_o oppose_v to_o the_o pass_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n 1_o king_n 8.32_o do_v and_o judge_v thy_o servant_n condemn_v the_o wicked_a to_o bring_v his_o way_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o justify_v the_o righteous_a to_o give_v he_o according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o justify_v the_o wicked_a isa_n 5.23_o prov._n 17.15_o job_n 27.5_o action_n must_v be_v existent_a already_o and_o bring_v to_o trial_n that_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v job_n 33.32_o isa_n 43.9_o 26._o justice_n or_o righteousness_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o a_o action_n but_o in_o its_o agreeableness_n to_o a_o rule_n of_o judgement_n so_o that_o action_n be_v call_v just_a and_o righteous_a by_o a_o extrinsecal_n denomination_n with_o relation_n to_o god_n rule_n of_o judge_v and_o this_o righteousness_n appear_v by_o try_v the_o action_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o make_v a_o estimate_n of_o it_o which_o estimate_n be_v either_o approve_v or_o disprove_v justify_v or_o condemn_v find_v it_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o no_o sin_n or_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o person_n with_o reference_n to_o such_o habit_n or_o act_n and_o because_o righteousness_n of_o righteous_a person_n appear_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o trial_n and_o judgement_n therefore_o they_o be_v say_v then_o to_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n justify_v as_o if_o they_o be_v then_o make_v righteous_a viz._n when_o their_o righteousness_n be_v declare_v as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v the_o son_n of_o god_n at_o the_o resurrection_n act_v 13_o 33._o because_o he_o be_v then_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.4_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o that_o be_v adopt_v at_o present_a be_v say_v to_o wait_v for_o our_o adoption_n i._n e._n the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o rom._n 8.23_o and_o thus_o even_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v when_o we_o judge_v of_o his_o action_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v righteous_a job_n 32.2_o psal_n 51.4_o luke_n 7.29_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o the_o infinite_a righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o her_o child_n matth._n 11.19_o so_o justification_n be_v not_o a_o real_a change_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o himself_o though_o a_o real_a change_n be_v annex_v to_o it_o but_o only_o a_o relative_n change_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n judgement_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n and_o so_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o judicature_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n yea_o some_o contend_v against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o be_v no_o where_n in_o scripture_n otherwise_o except_o by_o a_o trope_n borrow_v from_o this_o as_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n mean_v of_o be_v deem_v and_o account_v just_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o justification_n be_v here_o only_o treat_v of_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o text_n and_o before_o ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o mistake_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o composition_n occasion_v that_o popish_a error_n whereby_o the_o benefit_n signify_v by_o it_o be_v obscure_v yea_o overthrow_v so_o that_o we_o have_v need_n contend_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o in_o the_o text_n we_o have_v first_o the_o person_n justify_v 1._o sinner_n 2._o such_o sinner_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o shall_v believe_v whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n 2._o the_o justifier_n or_o efficient_a cause_n god_n 3._o the_o impulsive_a cause_n grace_n 4._o the_o mean_n effect_v or_o material_a cause_n the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n 5._o the_o formal_a cause_n the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 6._o the_o instrumental_a cause_n faith_n 7._o the_o time_n of_o declare_v the_o present_a time_n 8._o the_o end_n that_o god_n may_v appear_v just_a from_o hence_o therefore_o will_v arise_v several_a useful_a observation_n all_o tend_v to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o justification_n which_o shall_v
be_v lay_v down_o and_o clear_v out_o of_o the_o text_n and_o confirm_v particular_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o all_o together_o observe_v i._o they_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v sinner_n such_o who_o be_v come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n of_o god_n approbation_n joh._n 5.44_o of_o god_n image_n of_o holiness_n 2_o cor._n 3.1_o eph._n 4.24_o eternal_a happiness_n 1_o thess_n 2.12_o rom._n 5.2_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 1._o the_o law_n condemn_v all_o sinner_n and_o strike_v they_o dead_a as_o with_o a_o thunderbolt_n rom._n 3.20_o and_o adjudge_v they_o to_o shame_n confusion_n and_o misery_n instead_o of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n by_o the_o strict_a term_n of_o it_o rom._n 2.6_o 9.11_o 12._o which_o none_o fulfil_v neither_o can_v do_v rom._n 8.7_o neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n if_o free_a grace_n restore_v they_o not_o 2._o christ_n come_v only_o to_o save_v sinner_n and_o die_v for_o this_o end_n rom._n 5.6_o when_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o strength_n in_o due_a time_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a mat._n 9.13_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n mat._n 18.11_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o god_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o to_o salvation_n as_o a_o god_n that_o justifi_v the_o ungodlsy_n he_o must_v believe_v as_o one_o that_o work_v not_o on_o he_o that_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a rom._n 4.5_o observe_v ii_o sinner_n of_o all_o sort_n without_o difference_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o justification_n this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v that_o whereas_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v universal_o condemn_v by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o law_n write_v so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o that_o believe_v ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o without_o difference_n this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n to_o be_v defend_v against_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o appropriate_v justification_n to_o themselves_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n and_o such_o be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o law_n and_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n vehement_o urge_v it_o rom._n 10.11_o 12._o and_o it_o be_v a_o point_n new_o reveal_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v accept_v without_o turn_v jew_n and_o much_o prize_v as_o a_o very_a glorious_a revelation_n act._n 10.28_o 45._o eph._n 3.4_o 5_o 18._o col._n 1.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v confirm_v 1._o because_o notwithstanding_o the_o jew_n privilege_n of_o the_o law_n by_o reason_n of_o break_v the_o law_n they_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o free_a justification_n as_o the_o gentile_n and_o no_o worthyness_n above_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o work_n but_o rather_o great_a sinner_n rom._n 2.23_o 24._o and_o when_o there_o be_v equal_a need_n and_o worth_n god_n may_v righteous_o justify_v one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o rom._n 3.9_o 2._o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n rom._n 3.29_o as_o he_o promise_v rom._n 13.9_o 12._o gal._n 3.8_o isa_n 19.25_o zach._n 14.9_o 3._o abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o he_o be_v circumcise_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o father_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v though_o uncircumcised_a that_o they_o may_v inherit_v the_o same_o blessing_n rom._n 4.10_o 11_o 12._o 4._o this_o will_v appear_v further_o by_o show_v that_o justification_n be_v only_o by_o faith_n and_o without_o dependence_n upon_o the_o law_n mere_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o and_o so_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v alike_o capable_a of_o it_o observe_v iii_o that_o the_o justifier_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o justification_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.33_o it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v he_o only_o can_v justify_v authoritative_o and_o irreversible_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n and_o have_v power_n to_o save_v and_o destroy_v jam._n 4.12_o this_o case_n concern_v god_n law_n and_o can_v only_o be_v try_v at_o his_o tribunal_n he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n gen._n 18.25_o it_o be_v a_o small_a worthless_a thing_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o man_n or_o by_o ourselves_o mere_o 1_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o 2._o to_o he_o the_o debt_n of_o suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o act_v righteousness_n be_v owe_v and_o therefore_o he_o only_o can_v give_v a_o discharge_n for_o payment_n or_o release_v of_o the_o debtor_n psal_n 51.4_o mar._n 2.7_o observe_v iv_o god_n justifi_v soul_n free_o by_o his_o graec._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d free_o by_o his_o grace_n one_o of_o these_o expression_n have_v be_v enough_o but_o this_o redouble_v of_o it_o show_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o quicken_v our_o attention_n the_o more_o here_o be_v the_o impulsive_a cause_n of_o justification_n and_o his_o free_a manner_n of_o bestow_v it_o according_o and_o this_o signify_v god_n free_a undeserved_a favour_n in_o opposition_n to_o any_o work_n of_o our_o righteousness_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v challenge_v as_o a_o debt_n to_o we_o rom._n 4.4_o now_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n chap._n 11.6_o if_o by_o grace_n than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n eph._n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v 2_o tim._n 1.9_o who_o have_v save_v we_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_v not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v ver._n 10._o but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appear_a etc._n etc._n grace_n be_v mercy_n and_o love_n show_v free_o out_o of_o god_n proper_a motion_n show_v mercy_n because_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n and_o love_v we_o because_o he_o will_v love_v we_o rom._n 9.15_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v 1._o because_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o we_o but_o what_o may_v move_v god_n to_o condemn_v we_o for_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v eph._n 2.3_o ezek._n 16.6_o 2._o because_o god_n will_v take_v away_o boast_v and_o have_v his_o grace_n glorify_v and_o exalt_v in_o our_o salvation_n he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n though_o we_o have_v the_o blessedness_n eph._n 2.7_o 9_o that_o in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v he_o may_v show_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o rom._n 3.27_o observe_v v._o god_n justifi_v sinner_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o effect_v mean_n or_o material_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n viz._n redemption_n and_o propitiation_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n treasure_v up_o in_o he_o by_o redemption_n be_v mean_v proper_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o be_v by_o pay_v of_o a_o price_n and_o so_o the_o word_n redeem_v and_o redemption_n be_v frequent_o use_v exod._n 13.13_o numb_a 3.48_o 49_o 51._o leu._n 5.24_o 51_o 52._o jer._n 32.7_o 8_o neh._n 5.8_o from_o this_o proper_a signification_n it_o be_v borrow_v to_o signify_v a_o deliverance_n without_o price_n luke_n 21.28_o eph._n 1.14_o chap_n 4.30_o or_o rather_o by_o a_o metonimy_n of_o the_o cause_n put_v for_o the_o high_a effect_n the_o state_n of_o glory_n so_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v call_v redemption_n as_o be_v the_o complete_n and_o crown_v effect_n of_o christ_n redemption_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o purchase_a possession_n by_o a_o propitiation_n be_v mean_v that_o which_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n and_o win_v his_o favour_n and_o this_o propitiation_n of_o christ_n be_v two_o way_n typify_v first_o in_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n who_o blood_n be_v shed_v and_o the_o mercy-seat_n which_o be_v call_v the_o propitiation_n because_o it_o cover_v the_o ark_n wherein_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n for_o atonement_n be_v sprinkle_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n before_o it_o and_o