that_o he_o look_v for_o no_o comfort_n therefore_o be_v this_o oft_o mention_v as_o the_o just_a and_o sound_a ground_n of_o all_o true_a comfort_n comfort_v you_o comfort_v you_o my_o people_n say_v your_o god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n speech_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n esa._n 40.1_o 2._o speak_v you_o comfortable_o to_o jerusalem_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o may_v god_n servant_n say_v cry_v unto_o she_o that_o her_o warrefare_n be_v accomplish_v that_o her_o iniquity_n be_v pardon_v no_o sound_a comfort_n can_v be_v have_v till_o then_o and_o when_o once_o that_o be_v know_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n state_n uncomfortable_a so_o speak_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v the_o palsy_n when_o he_o see_v he_o deject_v in_o mind_n and_o uncomfortable_a he_o say_v not_o son_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o palsy_n have_v leave_v thou_o &_o thou_o that_o can_v not_o have_v come_v hither_o if_o four_o man_n have_v not_o bring_v thou_o mark_v 2.3_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o walk_v home_o without_o any_o help_n but_o how_o do_v he_o comfort_v he_o matth._n 9.2_o son_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o so_o when_o he_o will_v comfort_v mary_n magdalene_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o sorrow_n that_o she_o be_v able_a with_o her_o tear_n to_o wash_v his_o foot_n luke_n 7.38_o he_o say_v unto_o she_o vers_fw-la 48._o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o have_v no_o such_o cause_n to_o weep_v so_o thou_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a for_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v this_o peace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o rise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o be_v say_v phil._n 4.7_o to_o pass_v all_o understanding_n no_o heart_n can_v conceive_v how_o comfortable_a and_o bless_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o that_o which_o have_v feel_v and_o enjoy_v it_o three_o the_o man_n that_o true_o know_v what_o sin_n be_v desire_v and_o long_v after_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a with_o god_n in_o any_o suit_n as_o in_o this_o if_o god_n shall_v now_o have_v say_v to_o david_n as_o after_o he_o do_v unto_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1._o king_n 3.5_o ask_v what_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o certain_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v his_o petition_n lord_n that_o my_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v yea_o see_v how_o earnest_a he_o be_v here_o with_o god_n for_o this_o to_o such_o man_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o propitiation_n and_o only_o mean_v to_o procure_v and_o purchase_v our_o pardon_n be_v precious_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o pet._n 2.7_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a yea_o so_o precious_a that_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o of_o god_n favour_n through_o he_o they_o esteem_v base_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o phil_n 3.8_o i_o do_v count_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ._n four_o and_o last_o the_o man_n that_o true_o know_v what_o sin_n be_v think_v he_o have_v even_o enough_o when_o he_o have_v get_v his_o pardon_n though_o god_n shall_v deny_v he_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o say_v of_o it_o as_o jacob_n when_o he_o be_v sure_a joseph_n be_v still_o live_v gen._n 45.28_o it_o be_v enough_o yea_o he_o count_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n if_o once_o he_o have_v obtain_v this_o so_o we_o see_v david_n here_o make_v this_o his_o only_a suit_n and_o say_v in_o another_o place_n that_o this_o be_v enough_o even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a psalm_n 32.1_o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_v be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n nothing_o can_v make_v that_o man_n miserable_a who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v reason_n now_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v principal_o two_o be_v take_v from_o the_o true_a and_o sound_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o we_o will_v go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o that_o description_n that_o david_n make_v of_o it_o in_o these_o two_o verse_n and_o to_o those_o two_o comparison_n whereby_o he_o do_v here_o resemble_v it_o first_o he_o compare_v sin_n to_o debt_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 1_o blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n our_o sin_n be_v our_o debt_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o call_v they_o and_o account_v of_o they_o in_o the_o five_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n matth._n 6.12_o forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n first_o the_o obedience_n god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o his_o law_n be_v no_o more_o but_o just_a and_o due_a debt_n we_o be_v bind_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v it_o and_o in_o case_n we_o perform_v it_o not_o the_o penalty_n and_o curse_n which_o the_o law_n inflict_v be_v most_o just_o due_a unto_o we_o we_o stand_v bind_v to_o perform_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o this_o obligation_n every_o man_n conscience_n have_v set_v his_o hand_n and_o seal_v and_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o say_v amen_o unto_o it_o one_o day_n god_n require_v in_o his_o law_n that_o so_o soon_o as_o his_o people_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n the_o curse_n of_o this_o law_n this_o bond_n and_o obligation_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o they_o all_o man_n woman_n &_o child_n and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v say_v amen_o to_o it_o deut._n 27.26_o curse_a be_v he_o that_o confirm_v not_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n to_o do_v they_o and_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v say_v amen_o the_o copy_n and_o counterpane_n of_o this_o bond_n between_o god_n and_o we_o every_o man_n have_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a and_o just_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v even_o of_o heathen_a man_n say_v rom._n 2.15_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n second_o these_o debt_n of_o we_o though_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o forget_v the_o lord_n have_v swear_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o jacob_n say_v the_o prophet_n amos_n 8.7_o sure_o i_o will_v never_o forget_v any_o of_o their_o work_n he_o keep_v a_o debt_n book_n wherein_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o write_v every_o one_o of_o they_o esa._n 65.6_o behold_v it_o be_v write_v before_o i_o and_o our_o own_o conscience_n also_o score_v up_o every_o one_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o we_o commit_v they_o and_o so_o come_v into_o god_n debt_n further_o and_o further_o and_o though_o it_o be_v like_o a_o seal_v and_o clasp_v book_n for_o a_o time_n that_o we_o can_v look_v into_o it_o which_o make_v we_o think_v we_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o in_o god_n debt_n yet_o these_o book_n will_v one_o day_n be_v open_v revelation_n 20.12_o i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v our_o debt_n book_n agree_v full_o with_o god_n debt_n book_n our_o score_n with_o his_o score_n according_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n â—15_n â—6_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v bear_v witness_n with_o god_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ._n three_o these_o debt_n of_o we_o if_o we_o get_v not_o in_o time_n a_o discharge_n and_o quiâ—â—_n est_fw-la from_o they_o will_v be_v exaâ—tâ—d_v every_o one_o oâ—_n they_o at_o our_o hand_n the_o lord_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v such_o a_o creditor_n as_o will_v look_v to_o have_v his_o own_o eccles._n 1.9_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n and_o 1â—_n 14_o the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n four_o these_o debt_n of_o we_o be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o huge_a sum_n as_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o satisfy_v and_o pay_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o debt_n of_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n matth._n 18.24_o a_o sum_n which_o there_o be_v never_o any_o merchant_n or_o king_n in_o the_o world_n so_o rich_a as_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v it_o five_o now_o consider_v well_o of_o this_o reason_n to_o a_o honest_a
every_o man_n conscience_n and_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o those_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n every_o man_n own_o book_n his_o own_o conscience_n will_v plead_v for_o god_n against_o himself_o at_o that_o day_n at_o that_o day_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o not_o the_o lord_n but_o every_o wicked_a man_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o destruction_n that_o he_o be_v not_o save_v because_o he_o have_v no_o desire_n nor_o will_n to_o be_v save_v he_o do_v not_o his_o endeavour_n nor_o what_o lie_v in_o he_o to_o come_v to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o want_v to_o he_o this_o way_n but_o he_o be_v want_v to_o himself_o in_o that_o day_n the_o lord_n will_v say_v to_o every_o wicked_a man_n as_o he_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n matth._n 22.37_o o_o wretched_a man_n and_o woman_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o but_o thou_o will_v not_o how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v convert_v thou_o what_o mean_v of_o grace_n do_v i_o give_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o have_v i_o show_v myself_o willing_a by_o such_o and_o such_o a_o sermon_n by_o such_o and_o such_o a_o affliction_n to_o have_v change_v thy_o heart_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o certain_o all_o wicked_a man_n perish_v wilful_o they_o perish_v because_o they_o will_v perish_v they_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o be_v save_v why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n say_v the_o lord_n ezek._n 33.11_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o die_v because_o you_o will_v die_v now_o that_o man_n do_v perish_v thus_o wilful_o that_o they_o have_v no_o true_a desire_n nor_o will_n to_o be_v save_v appear_v evident_o by_o these_o four_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o first_o they_o will_v use_v no_o mean_n nor_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o escape_v damnation_n to_o obtain_v grace_n and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n as_o they_o will_v do_v to_o escape_v any_o great_a danger_n they_o desire_v to_o avoid_v or_o to_o obtain_v any_o good_a thing_n they_o desire_v to_o have_v salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n psal._n 119.155_o how_o shall_v they_o come_v by_o it_o for_o they_o keep_v not_o thy_o statute_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n nor_o labour_n to_o get_v it_o second_o when_o they_o may_v have_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n without_o any_o labour_n or_o charge_n to_o they_o they_o flâ—ight_v and_o neglect_v they_o they_o account_v they_o rather_o a_o burden_n and_o trouble_v then_o any_o benefit_n or_o blessing_n unto_o they_o they_o show_v no_o desire_n to_o they_o but_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o those_o wretch_n do_v of_o who_o we_o read_v job_n 21.24_o depart_v from_o i_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n three_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o by_o his_o word_n sometime_o by_o his_o judgement_n force_v they_o to_o have_v some_o thought_n of_o heaven_n some_o good_a motion_n and_o desire_n they_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o stephen_n say_v the_o jew_n do_v act_v 7.51_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1.18_o they_o violent_o withstand_v and_o oppose_v these_o good_a motion_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o four_o and_o last_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o do_v in_o their_o heart_n base_o esteem_v of_o and_o despise_v grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o and_o prefer_v any_o trifle_n before_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o gallio_n the_o profane_a deputy_n act._n 8.17_o he_o care_v for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o their_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o of_o their_o care_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v or_o think_v of_o than_o they_o will_v think_v of_o heaven_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o esau_n that_o he_o despise_v his_o birthright_n gen_n 25.34_o because_o he_o sell_v it_o for_o one_o morsel_n of_o meat_n for_o one_o meal_n meat_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 12.16_o so_o may_v it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o all_o wicked_a that_o they_o despise_v grace_n and_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o trifle_n that_o they_o prefer_v before_o it_o and_o so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n express_o speak_v pro._n 11.33_o he_o that_o refuse_v instruction_n despise_v his_o own_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o see_v that_o every_o wicked_a man_n be_v utter_o inexcusable_a he_o perish_v just_o because_o he_o perish_v wilful_o he_o have_v no_o desire_n at_o all_o no_o will_n to_o be_v save_v but_o a_o utter_a averseness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v object_v against_o this_o and_o say_v how_o can_v this_o be_v see_v the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o that_o man_n have_v by_o nature_n no_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes._n 2.1_o he_o can_v desire_v to_o have_v grace_n or_o to_o be_v save_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v desire_v to_o live_v nay_o he_o can_v accept_v of_o god_n grace_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v unwilling_a and_o averse_a from_o good_a thing_n 2._o that_o the_o matter_n of_o man_n salvation_n depend_v whole_o not_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 9.16_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v this_o matter_n depend_v neither_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o man_n nor_o upon_o any_o endeavour_n neither_o that_o he_o can_v use_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n and_o verse_n 18._o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes._n 1.11_o 3._o god_n grace_n be_v irresistible_a and_o able_a to_o overcome_v and_o subdue_v this_o unwillingness_n and_o averseness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n god_n be_v able_a of_o these_o stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n as_o john_n baptist_n speak_v matth._n 3.9_o and_o that_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o destruction_n but_o the_o lord_n rather_o 1._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o himself_o only_o he_o kill_v himself_o and_o deprive_v himself_o of_o this_o spiritual_a life_n the_o lord_n do_v it_o not_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o man_n for_o not_o do_v whereof_o the_o condemn_v he_o but_o he_o make_v he_o well_o able_a to_o do_v it_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n eccl._n 7.29_o not_o the_o first_o man_n but_o man_n indefinite_o mankind_n god_n make_v man_n upright_o and_o as_o in_o adam_n all_o man_n be_v make_v upright_o so_o in_o adam_n all_o man_n voluntary_o and_o unconstrain_o sin_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 5.12_o kill_v themselves_o lose_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o that_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o stand_v good_a which_o you_o hear_v out_o of_o hos._n 13.9_o o_o man_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o second_o 2._o though_o god_n be_v able_a to_o restore_v to_o every_o wicked_a man_n this_o spiritual_a life_n again_o and_o to_o quicken_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o he_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n mat._n 20.15_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11.35_o who_o have_v make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o three_o 3._o though_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n so_o as_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n nothing_o that_o he_o can_v save_v himself_o by_o yet_o may_v every_o natural_a man_n do_v much_o more_o than_o he_o do_v to_o further_a
but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.12_o patient_a in_o tribulation_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o reward_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o make_v you_o patient_a in_o any_o tribulation_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v but_o even_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a in_o it_o also_o applic._n o_o that_o all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v hear_v may_v through_o god_n gracious_a and_o mighty_a work_n with_o it_o become_v effectual_a to_o make_v we_o all_o in_o love_n with_o god_n service_n o_o that_o we_o can_v count_v it_o our_o happiness_n and_o honour_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o and_o think_v and_o say_v of_o it_o as_o david_n do_v psal._n 65.4_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o choose_v and_o cause_v to_o approach_v unto_o thou_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o be_v one_o of_o thy_o household_n servant_n and_o 116.16_o o_o lord_n true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n thy_o servant_n and_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n thou_o have_v loose_v my_o hand_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o be_v a_o bondslave_n till_o i_o become_v thy_o servant_n but_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o out_o of_o that_o bondage_n and_o by_o make_v i_o thy_o servant_n have_v loose_v my_o bond_n and_o make_v i_o a_o free_a man_n and_o then_o follow_v verse_n 17._o i_o will_v offer_v unto_o thou_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o will_v praise_v thy_o name_n for_o this_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v lecture_n xcii_o on_o psalm_n 51.6_o june_n 24._o 1628._o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o handle_v in_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o application_n which_o concern_v those_o that_o refuse_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o be_v religious_a and_o it_o be_v to_o show_v the_o dangerous_a estate_n that_o they_o be_v in_o that_o do_v so_o to_o reprove_v and_o terrify_v all_o wicked_a man_n special_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o three_o and_o last_o note_n of_o a_o upright_a heart_n that_o if_o there_o be_v in_o a_o man_n but_o a_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o please_v god_n he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n he_o have_v certain_o truth_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o he_o that_o no_o man_n be_v reject_v of_o god_n no_o man_n shall_v perish_v that_o have_v in_o he_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o please_v god_n this_o point_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o humble_v all_o natural_a man_n to_o take_v all_o excuse_n from_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o ashamed_a of_o themselves_o for_o what_o goodness_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o man_n that_o have_v not_o in_o he_o so_o much_o as_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v good_a what_o can_v that_o man_n pretend_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o just_o condemn_v and_o cast_v into_o hell_n that_o never_o have_v in_o he_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o sure_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o every_o wicked_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o man_n i_o may_v bold_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o repent_v nor_o leave_v thy_o sin_n because_o thou_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v no_o grace_n because_o thou_o do_v not_o desire_v grace_n thou_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o thou_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o believe_v thou_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o because_o thou_o have_v no_o true_a desire_n nor_o will_n to_o be_v save_v wicked_a man_n be_v apt_a and_o ever_o have_v be_v blasphemous_o to_o impute_v all_o this_o whole_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o will_n to_o cast_v all_o upon_o god_n and_o to_o say_v of_o their_o future_a estate_n i_o shall_v do_v as_o it_o please_v god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o he_o have_v so_o decree_v i_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o how_o can_v i_o help_v it_o and_o of_o their_o present_a estate_n if_o god_n will_v give_v i_o the_o grace_n i_o shall_v be_v better_o than_o i_o be_o and_o till_o then_o how_o shall_v i_o mend_v thus_o do_v our_o first_o father_n plead_v for_o himself_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v fall_v from_o god_n the_o woman_n say_v he_o gen._n 3.12_o which_o thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o may_v thank_v thou_o for_o that_o that_o i_o have_v do_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o give_v i_o this_o woman_n i_o have_v never_o sin_v and_o thus_o do_v the_o unprofitable_a servant_n plead_v for_o himself_o matth._n 25.14_o i_o know_v thou_o be_v a_o hard_a maâ—_n reap_v where_o thou_o never_o sow_v as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v exact_v fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n where_o thou_o do_v never_o bestow_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n bring_v in_o wicked_a man_n object_v against_o the_o lord_n rom._n 9_o 19_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v how_o can_v i_o just_o be_v blame_v or_o punish_v for_o be_v as_o i_o be_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v no_o better_o how_o can_v i_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o own_o damnation_n when_o it_o be_v the_o decree_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o shall_v perish_v but_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o these_o be_v but_o the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o wicked_a man_n these_o plea_n will_v not_o hold_v certain_o as_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o man_n sin_n but_o himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o jam._n 1.13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o know_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v so_o but_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v or_o move_v to_o any_o sin_n i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v so_o neither_o be_v god_n the_o cause_n of_o man_n destruction_n but_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o way_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v pro._n 1.31_o and_o as_o of_o every_o temporal_a cross_n that_o befall_v a_o man_n in_o this_o life_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v a_o man_n may_v just_o smite_v himself_o upon_o the_o breast_n and_o say_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v jer._n 2.17_o have_v thou_o not_o procure_v this_o to_o thyself_o he_o may_v true_o say_v whatsoever_o hand_n god_n or_o man_n have_v in_o this_o evil_a that_o be_v befall_v i_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o it_o myself_o so_o may_v it_o true_o be_v say_v to_o every_o wicked_a man_n of_o his_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a death_n and_o destruction_n as_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o israel_n hos._n 13.9_o o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o can_v not_o save_v thyself_o nor_o work_v any_o goodness_n in_o thyself_o that_o must_v come_v whole_o from_o my_o mere_a grace_n by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes._n 2.8_o and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o thou_o be_v thyself_o the_o cause_n why_o thou_o have_v no_o grace_n why_o thou_o can_v not_o repent_v nor_o leave_v thy_o gross_a sin_n why_o thou_o can_v not_o believe_v nor_o take_v any_o comfort_n in_o christ_n why_o thou_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o perish_v everlasting_o yea_o how_o apt_a soever_o man_n be_v now_o to_o plead_v thus_o for_o themselves_o and_o to_o impute_v all_o unto_o god_n there_o will_v come_v a_o day_n when_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 3.19_o every_o mouth_n shall_v be_v stop_v and_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v guilty_a before_o god_n no_o man_n shall_v have_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o say_v for_o himself_o but_o shall_v clear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v cry_v guilty_a and_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o destruction_n the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v revel_v 20.12_o the_o book_n of_o
jacob_n say_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 78.5_o and_o appoint_v a_o law_n in_o israel_n which_o he_o command_v our_o father_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o know_v unto_o their_o child_n all_o parent_n you_o see_v be_v command_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n themselves_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n with_o we_o to_o the_o public_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n when_o elkanah_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o shilâ—h_n 1_o sam._n 1.21_o his_o manner_n be_v to_o take_v his_o whole_a family_n with_o he_o 3._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o examine_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n what_o they_o have_v learn_v and_o how_o they_o have_v profit_v in_o knowledge_n by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a master_n of_o a_o family_n that_o ever_o be_v matth_n 13.51_o for_o though_o many_o that_o have_v be_v from_o their_o childhood_n bring_v up_o thus_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v as_o void_a of_o grace_n as_o any_o other_o yet_o be_v not_o our_o labour_n lose_v for_o if_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n even_o this_o dead_a and_o senseless_a knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v get_v by_o these_o our_o endeavour_n will_v be_v of_o good_a use_n unto_o they_o one_o day_n and_o a_o great_a advantage_n unto_o they_o when_o the_o time_n of_o their_o visitation_n shall_v come_v as_o there_o be_v good_a use_n of_o lay_v the_o wood_n together_o in_o the_o chimney_n beforehand_o though_o it_o will_v not_o burn_v till_o fire_n be_v put_v to_o it_o so_o that_o knowledge_n which_o the_o jew_n learn_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n concern_v christ_n though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o regard_v it_o not_o but_o rather_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o conversion_n it_o prove_v a_o great_a advantage_n unto_o they_o and_o help_v unto_o their_o faith_n john_n 10.41_o 42._o three_o and_o last_o see_v knowledge_n be_v both_o the_o foundation_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o other_o save_v grace_n we_o that_o be_v minister_n must_v be_v exhort_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n to_o knowledge_n to_o ground_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o it_o true_a it_o be_v this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v we_o must_v apply_v as_o well_o as_o teach_v he_o that_o propehsy_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.3_o speak_v unto_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o understanding_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o jerusalam_n say_v the_o lord_n isaiah_n 40.2_o yet_o be_v this_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a work_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n as_o the_o lord_n tell_v paul_n act_v 26.18_o to_o work_v upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n according_a to_o the_o lord_n own_o heart_n jeremy_n 3.15_o that_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v that_o that_o feed_v the_o soul_n the_o preacher_n chief_a care_n must_v be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n eccl._n 12.9_o the_o minister_n then_o that_o have_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o pastor_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o like_n must_v do_v these_o thing_n first_o he_o must_v hold_v himself_o bind_v to_o catechise_v as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v and_o count_v catechise_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o ministry_n the_o apostle_n the_o great_a master_n builder_n take_v this_o course_n they_o teach_v first_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o lay_v that_o as_o a_o foundation_n to_o all_o their_o preach_n heb._n 6.12_o the_o roman_n have_v a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n a_o catechism_n deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o way_n rom._n 6.17_o and_o so_o have_v other_o church_n also_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v plant_v hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o second_o he_o must_v not_o content_v himself_o to_o teach_v diligent_o but_o hold_v himself_o bind_v also_o to_o teach_v plain_o that_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v the_o text_n that_o he_o handle_v understand_v how_o his_o doctrine_n rise_v from_o it_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o word_n thus_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o levite_n commend_v nehem_n 8.7_o 8._o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n they_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o read_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n that_o he_o lay_v before_o their_o face_n all_o the_o word_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v he_o exodus_fw-la 19.7_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n most_o plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o they_o three_o we_o must_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o doctrine_n for_o all_o our_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o deal_v substantial_o and_o sound_o in_o our_o ministry_n be_v instant_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v but_o do_v it_o with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o doctrine_n four_o and_o last_o we_o must_v study_v and_o take_v pain_n for_o our_o sermon_n it_o be_v say_v of_o ezra_n 7.10_o that_o he_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o teach_v in_o israel_n statute_n and_o judgement_n he_o study_v much_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a say_v solomon_n eccles._n 12.9_o 10._o he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o parable_n the_o preacher_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n i_o know_v well_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o that_o preacher_n and_o the_o best_a of_o we_o for_o he_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o divine_a and_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o that_o add_v much_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o proof_n i_o bring_v from_o this_o place_n for_o 1._o if_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o that_o he_o teach_v and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n his_o parable_n be_v careful_a both_o to_o find_v out_o good_a matter_n and_o to_o deliver_v it_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o good_a method_n if_o he_o have_v such_o need_n to_o take_v these_o pain_n if_o paul_n the_o apostle_n 2_o timothy_n 4.13_o have_v such_o need_n of_o book_n and_o of_o his_o parchment_n too_o which_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v note-booke_n of_o his_o own_o make_n the_o syriak_n translate_v it_o the_o bundle_n of_o write_n fold_v up_o together_o for_o they_o use_v then_o parchment_n to_o write_v in_o as_o we_o do_v paper_n now_o how_o much_o more_o need_n have_v we_o who_o may_v expect_v no_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o they_o have_v but_o must_v attain_v all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v by_o read_v and_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o these_o ordinary_a help_n both_o to_o have_v book_n to_o read_v and_o note-booke_n and_o common-place_n book_n of_o our_o own_o and_o to_o study_v hard_a that_o we_o may_v be_v well_o furnish_v and_o prepare_v for_o this_o work_n 2._o his_o reason_n concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o he_o for_o 1._o we_o must_v still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n strive_v to_o teach_v they_o more_o than_o they_o know_v before_o and_o be_v as_o good_a steward_n bring_v forth_o new_a as_o well_o as_o old_a matthew_n 13.52_o 2._o we_o must_v labour_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n such_o as_o may_v give_v our_o hearer_n content_a and_o make_v they_o delight_n to_o hear_v we_o 3._o yet_o not_o by_o humour_v they_o but_o by_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o study_n lecture_n xcvii_o on_o psalm_n 51.6_o septemb_n 9_o 1628._o we_o proceed_v now_o unto_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o exhortation_n which_o be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o duty_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o owe_v to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o very_a exhortation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o pro._n 4.5_o get_v wisdom_n get_v understanding_n and_o verse_n 7._o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n with_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v get_v with_o all_o thy_o wealth_n and_o substance_n get_v understanding_n now_o when_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o get_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n i_o desire_v to_o persuade_v you_o unto_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v
unfeigned_o and_o serve_v he_o with_o upright_a heart_n that_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v they_o do_v so_o and_o though_o such_o may_v be_v sure_a as_o you_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o former_a direction_n to_o attain_v unto_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n in_o the_o end_n yet_o will_v they_o certain_o attain_v unto_o it_o soon_o and_o in_o better_a measure_n if_o themselves_o do_v know_v that_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o fear_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o upright_a heart_n hereby_o we_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh_n 3.19_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o assure_v our_o heart_n when_o once_o we_o know_v we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o heart_v then_o shall_v we_o assure_v our_o heart_n even_o before_o god_n now_o no_o man_n can_v know_v this_o well_o that_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o observe_v consider_v and_o examine_v his_o own_o way_n ponder_v the_o path_n of_o thy_o foot_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n pro._n 4.26_o and_o let_v all_o thy_o way_n be_v establish_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v by_o ponder_v and_o consider_v our_o do_n well_o we_o may_v have_v they_o establish_v make_v they_o stable_n and_o firm_a such_o as_o we_o may_v build_v sound_a comfort_n and_o assurance_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 3.21_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v indeed_o and_o in_o his_o practice_n not_o in_o profession_n only_o a_o godly_a man_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v he_o do_v by_o the_o word_n examine_v his_o deed_n whether_o they_o be_v so_o perform_v as_o god_n may_v be_v please_v with_o they_o certain_o there_o be_v never_o a_o good_a duty_n we_o perform_v at_o any_o time_n never_o a_o prayer_n we_o make_v never_o a_o sermon_n we_o preach_v or_o hear_v never_o a_o alm_n we_o give_v nay_o i_o say_v more_o never_o a_o bargain_n we_o make_v never_o a_o duty_n we_o perform_v even_o towards_o man_n in_o our_o particular_a calling_n but_o it_o may_v give_v we_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o god_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o with_o a_o upright_a heart_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o upright_a heart_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o god_n till_o he_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n till_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o justify_v man_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 7.18_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o his_o natural_a estate_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.14_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n certain_o therefore_o also_o he_o tell_v poor_a servant_n col._n 3.24_o that_o do_v their_o service_n to_o their_o idolatrous_a and_o bad_a master_n in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n fear_v god_n that_o they_o know_v even_o by_o this_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o reward_n of_o inheritance_n they_o may_v grow_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n even_o by_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o servant_n with_o good_a and_o upright_a heart_n and_o as_o any_o one_o duty_n perform_v with_o a_o good_a heart_n will_v give_v assurance_n of_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n so_o the_o more_o good_a work_n any_o man_n know_v he_o have_v do_v the_o long_o he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o a_o constant_a care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n the_o strong_a his_o assurance_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o full_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n will_v not_o be_v get_v in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o by_o one_o or_o two_o good_a action_n but_o by_o a_o constant_a continue_v in_o well_o do_v and_o by_o long_a proof_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o desire_v say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 6.11_o that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o you_o now_o and_o such_o as_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o may_v give_v you_o good_a assurance_n of_o your_o salvation_n you_o show_v much_o labour_n of_o love_n you_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o do_v minister_v but_o if_o you_o will_v get_v full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n you_o must_v hold_v out_o and_o do_v so_o still_o to_o the_o end_n two_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v by_o many_o a_o good_a heart_n against_o this_o 1_o first_o if_o a_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v that_o the_o duty_n he_o perform_v be_v do_v with_o a_o upright_a heart_n that_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o course_n of_o life_n he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o he_o may_v indeed_o thereby_o get_v this_o assurance_n but_o there_o be_v all_o the_o difficulty_n every_o man_n may_v find_v by_o experience_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v jer._n 17.9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desparate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o answ._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a the_o lord_n that_o know_v our_o heart_n as_o deceitful_a as_o they_o be_v as_o the_o prophet_n there_o speak_v verse_n â—0_n make_v his_o child_n also_o able_a to_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o they_o hezekiah_n know_v he_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o upright_a heart_n as_o himself_o profess_v esa._n 38.3_o and_o peter_n certain_o know_v that_o he_o do_v unfeigned_o love_v the_o lord_n and_o dare_v call_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o witness_v for_o this_o joh._n 21.17_o and_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o if_o he_o will_v ponder_v the_o path_n of_o his_o foot_n and_o take_v heed_n to_o he_o to_o his_o way_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o take_v pain_n to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_v thereof_o he_o may_v know_v the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o he_o that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v john_n 3_o 2d_o yea_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o destitute_a of_o his_o assurance_n if_o he_o can_v examine_v his_o own_o heart_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o evident_a argument_n of_o uprightness_n as_o fear_n to_o offend_v god_n in_o any_o thing_n long_v after_o his_o favour_n and_o prize_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n love_v of_o the_o brethren_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n for_o it_o upon_o which_o he_o may_v ground_v good_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n o_o the_o wrong_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o careless_a neglect_n of_o observe_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o way_n this_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o upright_a heart_a christian_a and_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o one_o be_v ever_o best_a persuade_v of_o his_o own_o estate_n when_o he_o think_v least_o of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o do_n he_o can_v abide_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o way_n or_o to_o think_v serious_o of_o his_o own_o do_n if_o by_o any_o hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o or_o by_o a_o search_a ministry_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o mind_n it_o be_v a_o death_n unto_o he_o like_o unto_o the_o break_a merchant_n that_o can_v abide_v to_o go_v into_o his_o count_a house_n to_o cast_v over_o his_o book_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o upright_a heart_a christian_a be_v never_o so_o comfortable_a as_o when_o he_o have_v most_o serious_o consider_v his_o own_o way_n when_o his_o heart_n have_v be_v so_o search_v as_o he_o can_v look_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n say_v the_o apostle_n gal_n 6.4_o and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o say_v solomon_n pro._n 14.14_o he_o shall_v if_o he_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n find_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o himself_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o many_o a_o good_a soul_n will_v object_v against_o this_o 2._o be_v that_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o he_o can_v find_v no_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o nothing_o to_o ground_v any_o good_a assurance_n upon_o to_o this_o i_o
work_n do_v within_o we_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n ezek._n 36.27_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 17_o 21._o so_o be_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v agent_n in_o it_o ourselves_o let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o finish_v our_o sanctification_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n do_v without_o we_o and_o for_o we_o by_o christ_n with_o his_o father_n he_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n wipe_v all_o our_o sin_n out_o of_o his_o father_n debt-book_n so_o as_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o nor_o we_o call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o so_o be_v we_o no_o agent_n in_o it_o at_o all_o ourselves_o but_o this_o work_n be_v whole_o ascribe_v unto_o christ_n alone_o he_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n rev._n 15._o in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o though_o we_o be_v oft_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o and_o a_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o as_o if_o our_o faith_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o the_o wash_n from_o our_o sin_n or_o procure_v our_o pardon_n of_o god_n but_o because_o faith_n receive_v and_o accept_v this_o our_o pardon_n which_o christ_n only_o have_v purchase_v apply_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o rest_v in_o it_o therefore_o and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n be_v our_o faith_n say_v to_o justify_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n second_o the_o cleanse_n from_o sin_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o sanctification_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n in_o all_o true_a believer_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o true_o sanctify_v too_o and_o yet_o come_v far_o short_a of_o some_o other_o of_o god_n people_n that_o he_o know_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n patience_n mortification_n and_o such_o like_a grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n nehemiah_n say_v of_o his_o brother_n hanani_n neb._n 7.2_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n above_o many_o and_o of_o job_n the_o lord_n himself_o say_v job_n 1.8_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o upon_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a his_o three_o friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o eliphaz_n zophar_n and_o bildad_n be_v all_o good_a man_n doubtless_o and_o so_o be_v elihâ—_n especial_o they_o all_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a they_o be_v upright_o heart_v man_n but_o they_o come_v all_o far_o short_a of_o job_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n yea_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v what_o a_o distance_n god_n put_v between_o his_o faithful_a servant_n this_o way_n how_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n he_o give_v to_o some_o of_o they_o and_o how_o little_a unto_o other_o some_o some_o of_o god_n good_a ground_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o mat._n 13.23_o bring_v forth_o a_o hundred_o fold_n and_o some_o but_o sixty_o and_o some_o but_o thirty_o fold_n and_o yet_o all_o good_a ground_n too_o a_o point_n which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v will_v much_o abate_v that_o vein_n of_o bitter_a censure_v which_o so_o much_o abound_v in_o these_o day_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o cleanse_n from_o sin_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o justification_n be_v equal_o vouchsafe_v unto_o every_o true_a believer_n without_o any_o difference_n at_o all_o every_o one_o have_v as_o free_a and_o large_a a_o pardon_n and_o be_v as_o full_o discharge_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n as_o any_o other_o every_o one_o be_v as_o perfect_o righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o any_o other_o be_v so_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.22_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v by_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v repose_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o that_o believe_v for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n marry_o magdalen_n that_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a harlot_n after_o that_o once_o she_o have_v true_o repent_v and_o become_v a_o true_a believer_n have_v all_o her_o sin_n as_o full_o forgive_v she_o and_o be_v as_o righteous_a every_o whit_n in_o god_n sight_n as_o the_o great_a saint_n and_o the_o penitent_a thief_n that_o die_v with_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n as_o either_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o elect_a apostle_n be_v in_o which_o respect_n the_o apostle_n say_v of_o all_o the_o faithful_a to_o who_o he_o write_v 2_o pet._n 1.1_o that_o they_o have_v obtain_v the_o like_a precious_a say_v with_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v obtain_v the_o like_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n apostles_n have_v but_o that_o that_o faith_n they_o have_v be_v true_a how_o weak_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o precious_a as_o much_o worth_n to_o they_o will_v do_v they_o as_o much_o good_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o it_o do_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n only_o he_o call_v their_o faith_n precious_a as_o appear_v plain_o in_o his_o next_o word_n through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n say_v he_o and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o respect_n i_o say_v he_o say_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o weak_a christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o precious_a as_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o man_n can_v be_v the_o three_o difference_n between_o that_o cleanse_n we_o have_v from_o sin_n by_o our_o sanctification_n and_o that_o we_o have_v by_o our_o justification_n be_v this_o the_o first_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n in_o which_o respect_n our_o sanctification_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o light_n pro._n 4.18_o that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o eph._n 4.16_o to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n which_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o stature_n and_o strength_n till_o it_o be_v come_v to_o the_o full_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o perfection_n of_o it_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 3.18_o that_o we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n that_o be_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n insomuch_o as_o the_o man_n that_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o grow_v not_o in_o grace_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o sanctify_v he_o nor_o wrought_v any_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o the_o righteous_a shall_v grow_v say_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 92.12_o like_o a_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n and_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v cleanse_v and_o sanctify_v say_v job_n 17.9_o shall_v be_v strong_a and_o strong_a but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o cleanse_v that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o justification_n be_v all_o do_v at_o once_o it_o never_o grow_v and_o increase_v at_o all_o but_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o at_o our_o first_o engraft_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o our_o faith_n indeed_o whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v it_o our_o sense_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o likewise_o be_v not_o perfect_v at_o once_o but_o grow_v and_o increase_v as_o our_o sanctification_n do_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o whereby_o we_o stand_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n roman_n 1.17_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o heart_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o grow_v and_o increase_v from_o one_o degree_n unto_o another_o but_o the_o work_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v do_v all_o at_o once_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v say_v to_o seal_v unto_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n and_o wash_v away_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n not_o original_a only_o but_o actual_a also_o arise_v and_o be_v baptize_v say_v ananias_n to_o paul_n act_v 22.16_o and_o wash_v away_o thy_o sin_n that_o be_v all_o thy_o sin_n as_o paul_n himself_o expound_v it_o col._n 2.12_o 13._o which_o be_v also_o