public_a interest_n which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a than_o it_o follow_v what_o comfort_v one_o may_v and_o shall_v comfort_v another_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v speak_v peculiar_o to_o joshua_n paul_n apply_v heb._n 13._o to_o every_o true_a believer_n christ_n be_v a_o christ_n equal_o to_o one_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o the_o godly_a can_v strive_v about_o christ_n as_o those_o woman_n before_o solomon_n about_o a_o child_n one_o say_v it_o be_v i_o and_o the_o other_o it_o be_v i_o one_o can_v say_v it_o be_v my_o christ_n and_o not_o thou_o but_o christ_n be_v every_o believer_n and_o yet_o not_o divide_v let_v the_o use_v be_v of_o direction_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o application_n of_o comfort_n not_o to_o observe_v personal_a consideration_n so_o much_o to_o say_v a_o paul_n may_v take_v comfort_n a_o david_n may_v but_o shall_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o this_o be_v to_o impropriate_a where_o god_n have_v make_v common_a serm._n xlv_o the_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a own_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o some_o sometime_o with_o great_a affliction_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 5._o for_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o so_o our_o consolation_n abound_v by_o christ_n the_o apostle_n do_v still_o amplify_v that_o necessary_a and_o special_a truth_n viz._n of_o god_n comfort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o trouble_n for_o the_o trouble_n which_o do_v constant_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n and_o offence_n to_o many_o if_o therefore_o this_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o fundamental_a maxim_n christ_n consolation_n be_v more_o than_o our_o suffering_n than_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v afraid_a but_o see_v that_o the_o lion_n be_v kill_v and_o we_o may_v find_v honey_n in_o he_o in_o the_o text_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v illustrate_v this_o precious_a doctrine_n show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_a comfort_n but_o he_o comfort_v proportionable_o if_o great_a affliction_n if_o overflow_a affliction_n then_o great_a comfort_n and_o overflow_a comfort_n so_o that_o in_o the_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o proposition_n first_o absolute_o consider_v and_o then_o second_o comparative_o the_o first_o proposition_n absolute_a be_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o the_o second_o that_o our_o consolation_n abound_v by_o christ_n christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o joy_n three_o the_o comparison_n lie_v in_o the_o term_n of_o similitude_n and_o proportion_n as_o our_o suffering_n abound_v so_o our_o consolation_n also_o abound_v let_v we_o consider_v the_o first_o proposition_n absolute_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o affection_n of_o sin_n as_o rom._n 7._o 5._o gal._n 5._o 24._o and_o indeed_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o paul_n in_o another_o sense_n for_o he_o suffer_v and_o groan_v under_o they_o but_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n it_o be_v apply_v to_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v of_o various_a acception_n for_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v take_v subjective_o for_o those_o suffering_n which_o christ_n himself_o endure_v for_o though_o he_o be_v without_o sin_n yet_o be_v our_o surety_n he_o suffer_v for_o that_o yea_o he_o suffer_v every_o way_n god_n and_o man_n so_o that_o his_o suffering_n be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o the_o suffering_n of_o all_o man_n put_v together_o in_o these_o suffering_n be_v contain_v the_o treasure_n of_o all_o our_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v abundant_o and_o full_o but_o with_o this_o our_o text_n do_v not_o meddle_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v understand_v christ_n indeed_o of_o those_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o his_o member_n not_o in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a truth_n that_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n for_o christ_n cause_n christ_n account_v they_o as_o his_o suffering_n he_o take_v it_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o thus_o christ_n though_o glorify_v in_o heaven_n say_v saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o act._n 9_o 4_o 5._o christ_n be_v imprison_v christ_n be_v buffet_v christ_n be_v reproach_v and_o mock_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o godly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o terrible_a to_o all_o those_o who_o trouble_n and_o revile_v the_o godly_a for_o christ_n sake_n as_o too_o many_o do_v though_o they_o think_v with_o pilate_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o say_v they_o be_v innocent_a i_o mean_v the_o carnal_a and_o profane_a one_o of_o the_o world_n who_o rage_n if_o god_n do_v not_o restrain_v will_v be_v as_o that_o haman_n to_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o leave_v one_o alive_a but_o this_o be_v not_o chief_o mean_v here_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v 2._o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v understand_v exemplary_o by_o way_n of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n that_o we_o suffer_v as_o he_o suffer_v in_o which_o particular_a rom._n 8._o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v conform_v unto_o his_o image_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 13._o we_o be_v command_v to_o rejoice_v when_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o be_v when_o we_o have_v a_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o for_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o meaning_n but_o then_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o chief_a meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v to_o understand_v it_o causal_o those_o suffering_n we_o endure_v because_o of_o christ_n for_o own_v his_o way_n for_o continuance_n in_o his_o discipleship_n for_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o as_o so_o many_o hornet_n they_o be_v the_o serpent_n seed_n and_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o godly_a will_v cleave_v to_o christ_n they_o must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n from_o the_o world_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o proposition_n be_v the_o attribute_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abound_v it_o abound_v be_v not_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o plural_a number_n but_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysostome_n understand_v it_o comparative_o to_o christ_n as_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v we_o suffer_v more_o than_o christ_n christ_n indeed_o say_v of_o his_o disciple_n they_o shall_v do_v great_a work_n and_o miracle_n than_o he_o do_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v suffer_v more_o than_o he_o do_v for_o his_o death_n be_v not_o only_o a_o martyrdom_n but_o a_o propitiation_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n offer_v up_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o the_o word_n then_o only_o show_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v not_o only_o suffer_v but_o their_o suffering_n may_v abound_v may_v overflow_v so_o that_o both_o in_o number_n and_o weight_n they_o may_v great_o exceed_v last_o in_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o the_o reddition_n it_o follow_v we_o which_o may_v be_v think_v emphatical_a although_o it_o be_v usual_a so_o to_o change_v preposition_n and_o case_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n thus_o explain_v observe_v that_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a own_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n be_v accompany_v with_o suffering_n suffering_n yea_o sometime_o overflow_n and_o excessive_a suffering_n the_o apostle_n take_v it_o here_o for_o grant_v suppose_v it_o as_o a_o receive_a truth_n that_o christ_n way_n and_o suffering_n be_v always_o together_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o shadow_n as_o the_o rose_n and_o prick_v so_o that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n be_v true_a also_o of_o every_o member_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o suffer_v and_o so_o enter_v into_o glory_n christianus_n be_v crucianus_fw-la say_v luther_n of_o old_a i_o only_o add_v in_o the_o doctrine_n a_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a receive_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o so_o be_v we_o take_v only_o some_o truth_n and_o some_o part_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o leave_v those_o which_o most_o enrage_v and_o trouble_v the_o world_n if_o we_o take_v his_o doctrine_n and_o not_o his_o discipline_n his_o truth_n and_o not_o his_o godly_a order_n the_o world_n be_v less_o move_v so_o if_o of_o his_o truth_n we_o take_v some_o that_o be_v more_o speculative_a and_o leave_v the_o
comparative_o to_o the_o cause_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o make_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o suffer_v this_o have_v make_v the_o apostate_n that_o have_v many_o time_n be_v in_o the_o church_n this_o have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o with_o woe_n and_o wound_n implacable_o for_o their_o child_n sake_n for_o their_o life_n sake_n they_o deny_v christ_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o while_o earth_n be_v dear_a than_o heaven_n when_o we_o esteem_v the_o favour_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n this_o have_v prove_v bitter_a wormwood_n to_o many_o at_o last_o last_o to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n there_o be_v require_v pure_a and_o holy_a motive_n to_o lose_v motive_n all_o for_o christ_n sake_n out_o of_o mere_a conscience_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n why_o we_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n we_o may_v read_v both_o in_o sacred_a and_o profane_a history_n how_o man_n have_v suffer_v even_o death_n itself_o only_o for_o vainglory_n all_o aristotle_n virtuous_a man_n they_o be_v ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a man_n the_o very_a heathen_a can_v make_v it_o laudum_fw-la immensa_fw-la cupido_fw-la as_o well_o as_o amorpatriae_n we_o will_v think_v it_o a_o madness_n to_o lose_v comfort_n and_o life_n for_o a_o airy_a bubble_n of_o windy_a glory_n yet_o many_o have_v be_v thus_o transport_v not_o only_a philosophus_fw-la but_o haereticus_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n gloriae_fw-la vanissimum_fw-la if_o then_o it_o be_v not_o scripture-ground_n but_o ambitious_a vainglorious_a principle_n that_o make_v thou_o to_o suffer_v christ_n do_v not_o will_v not_o provide_v sugar_n for_o thy_o bitter_a pill_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v what_o be_v require_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n oh_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n no_o wonder_n so_o much_o seed_n have_v wither_v away_o when_o the_o scorch_a sun_n of_o persecution_n do_v arise_v no_o wonder_n christ_n have_v many_o swallow-friend_n that_o endure_v with_o he_o the_o summer_n time_n only_o no_o wonder_v few_o be_v lover_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n sake_n as_o alexander_n have_v more_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o be_v the_o bee_n that_o follow_v for_o the_o honey-pot_n only_o now_o to_o all_o these_o we_o must_v add_v this_o caution_n a_o christian_n that_o suffer_v for_o christ_n though_o he_o have_v not_o those_o qualification_n in_o a_o perfect_a degree_n but_o find_v corruption_n oppose_v every_o one_o of_o they_o he_o must_v not_o therefore_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n for_o we_o can_v no_o more_o suffer_v perfect_o for_o christ_n then_o do_v perfect_o for_o he_o and_o if_o our_o gracious_a work_n can_v justify_v we_o no_o more_o can_v our_o gracious_a suffering_n martyrdom_n be_v not_o meritorious_a though_o we_o shed_v our_o blood_n for_o christ_n yet_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n must_v cleanse_v that_o duty_n also_o the_o martyr_n die_v only_o in_o rest_v upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o no_o wonder_n the_o godly_a heart_n find_v more_o imperfection_n in_o his_o suffering_n more_o carnal_a fear_n and_o impatience_n then_o in_o other_o duty_n because_o this_o be_v the_o hard_a service_n christ_n do_v ever_o put_v his_o upon_z what_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o point_n will_v come_v in_o in_o the_o next_o particular_n serm._n xlviii_o how_o many_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n comfort_v those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 5._o so_o our_o consolation_n abound_v by_o christ_n the_o second_o absolute_a proposition_n in_o the_o text_n be_v that_o our_o comfort_n abound_v by_o christ._n the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v render_v by_o some_o exhortation_n but_o more_o general_o and_o fit_o consolation_n though_o this_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o plural_a yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v collective_o as_o a_o treasure_n that_o have_v all_o kind_n of_o comfort_n in_o it_o not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o therefore_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v here_o repeat_v again_o abound_v which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v partly_o repletive_o it_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o do_v suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o partly_o diffusive_o it_o extend_v also_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o other_o and_o then_o you_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o by_o christ_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o comfort_n as_o from_o the_o same_o root_n proceed_v both_o the_o rose_n and_o its_o prick_n thus_o from_o christ_n the_o same_o fountain_n come_v both_o bitter_a and_o sweet_a be_v not_o this_o add_v who_o will_v suffer_v for_o christ_n who_o will_v lose_v all_o for_o he_o but_o christ_n have_v so_o ordain_v it_o that_o these_o suffering_n be_v advantageous_a to_o we_o and_o though_o we_o lose_v in_o the_o retail_n yet_o we_o gain_v in_o the_o bulk_n and_o whole_a observe_v that_o as_o our_o suffering_n be_v for_o christ_n so_o by_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v our_o comfort_n he_o though_o he_o strike_v with_o one_o hand_n yet_o he_o support_v with_o the_o other_o if_o david_n say_v to_o the_o priest_n who_o flee_v to_o he_o many_o of_o they_o be_v slay_v at_o noâ—_n by_o the_o bloody_a cruelty_n of_o saul_n stay_v with_o i_o i_o be_o the_o occasion_n of_o your_o death_n thou_o shall_v fare_v as_o i_o fare_v how_o much_o more_o will_v christ_n own_o such_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o say_v depend_v upon_o i_o for_o i_o be_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a usage_n you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o explain_v this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o what_o respect_n comfort_n may_v be_v say_v to_o efficient_o abound_v by_o christ_n and_o first_o efficient_o he_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n be_v therefore_o a_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n yea_o christ_n as_o a_o mediator_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o temptation_n know_v our_o need_n and_o want_v and_o therefore_o the_o more_o ready_a to_o comfort_v christ_n that_o want_v comfort_v himself_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o angel_n send_v to_o comfort_v he_o be_v thereby_o the_o more_o compassionate_a and_o willing_a to_o comfort_v we_o thus_o you_o may_v read_v christ_n and_o god_n put_v together_o in_o this_o very_a act_n 2_o thess_n 2._o 16_o 17._o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n who_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n comfort_v your_o heart_n paul_n here_o pray_v that_o both_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n will_v comfort_v they_o christ_n therefore_o not_o only_o absolute_o as_o god_n but_o relative_o as_o mediator_n be_v qualify_v with_o all_o fitness_n and_o fullness_n to_o communicate_v consolation_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o head_n as_o of_o grace_n so_o of_o comfort_n second_o we_o be_v comfort_v by_o christ_n meritorious_o he_o have_v merit_v at_o the_o meritorious_o hand_n of_o god_n our_o comfort_n for_o without_o christ_n death_n and_o atonement_n we_o be_v no_o more_o subject_n prepare_v for_o comfort_n than_o the_o damn_a angel_n have_v all_o mankind_n with_o dives_n beg_v but_o for_o a_o drop_n of_o comfort_n such_o be_v the_o gulf_n between_o god_n and_o we_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v so_o that_o by_o christ_n a_o way_n be_v make_v for_o our_o consolation_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o obtain_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n thereof_o so_o that_o as_o by_o christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o guide_n to_o teach_v and_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n as_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o use_v of_o all_o holiness_n so_o he_o be_v also_o as_o the_o comforter_n who_o give_v every_o drop_n of_o consolation_n that_o any_o believer_n do_v enjoy_v though_o therefore_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o appropriate_v and_o apply_v cause_n thereof_o yet_o this_o be_v whole_o because_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o comfort_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o we_o do_v for_o holiness_n they_o be_v both_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n death_n last_o we_o be_v comfort_v by_o christ_n objective_o that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o from_o he_o we_o take_v our_o comfort_n as_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o righteousness_n because_o in_o objective_o and_o through_o his_o righteousness_n we_o be_v accept_v of_o in_o he_o we_o be_v complete_a so_o christ_n be_v our_o comfort_n because_o in_o he_o we_o find_v matter_n of_o all_o joy_n though_o there_o be_v trouble_n and_o vexation_n from_o the_o creature_n though_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n all_o power_n
shell_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o manna_n that_o spiritual_a favour_n i_o be_o make_v partaker_n of_o as_o therefore_o the_o spiritual_a man_n when_o in_o outward_a misery_n and_o straits_n be_v not_o so_o much_o grieve_v under_o those_o outward_a calamity_n as_o because_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o god_n be_v offend_v so_o neither_o in_o outward_a mercy_n be_v the_o same_o gracious_a soul_n so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o comfort_v it_o enjoy_v as_o that_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n do_v shine_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o evidence_n of_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o christ_n this_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v for_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o press_v this_o the_o more_o because_o even_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v affect_v more_o with_o sensible_a mercy_n than_o spiritual_a nature_n teach_v they_o the_o one_o but_o grace_v the_o other_o for_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o desire_v temporal_a thing_n above_o spiritual_a so_o also_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o one_o more_o than_o another_o but_o take_v these_o few_o motive_n to_o provoke_v thou_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n temporal_a which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n external_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o ordinance_n or_o internal_a the_o inward_a sanctification_n and_o justification_n of_o our_o person_n as_o 1._o that_o if_o thou_o have_v more_o mercy_n than_o solomon_n if_o thou_o have_v all_o thy_o soul_n can_v desire_v in_o these_o outward_a thing_n yet_o if_o without_o spiritual_a mercy_n thou_o judge_v thy_o condition_n be_v curse_v and_o to_o be_v lament_v therefore_o psal_n 4._o when_o the_o natural_a person_n of_o the_o world_n cry_v out_o who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a david_n as_o know_v a_o better_a and_o more_o solid_a good_a pray_v god_n will_v lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v the_o least_o drop_n of_o grace_n be_v more_o bind_v to_o bless_v god_n than_o he_o that_o may_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o plenty_n in_o the_o world_n oh_o then_o why_o be_v thou_o not_o more_o solicitous_a say_v what_o be_v this_o wealth_n without_o god_n favour_n what_o be_v it_o to_o say_v this_o house_n be_v i_o this_o estate_n be_v i_o but_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v god_n be_v i_o but_o if_o god_n do_v evidence_n himself_o to_o thou_o then_o overlook_a all_o thy_o outward_a comfort_n put_v the_o ecce_fw-la the_o selah_n upon_o what_o be_v spiritual_a this_o be_v like_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v far_o above_o all_o the_o star_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v all_o outward_a mercy_n mercy_n they_o be_v no_o way_n good_a to_o thou_o but_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o draw_v out_o thy_o sin_n so_o that_o thy_o condemnation_n in_o hell_n will_v be_v the_o hot_a if_o thou_o do_v not_o enjoy_v spiritual_a mercy_n with_o they_o 2._o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n affect_v with_o spiritual_a mercy_n because_o christ_n show_v his_o love_n to_o thou_o most_o in_o these_o it_o be_v for_o these_o he_o die_v the_o scripture_n do_v exceed_o commend_v to_o we_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n now_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v they_o chief_o to_o make_v we_o rich_a great_a or_o honour_v in_o this_o world_n no_o it_o be_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v for_o holiness_n and_o power_n over_o the_o devil_n certain_o if_o christ_n die_v to_o purchase_v these_o for_o thou_o thou_o be_v very_o unthankful_a if_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o most_o enlarge_a to_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o 3._o spiritual_a mercy_n be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n because_o these_o only_a can_v true_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n these_o only_o be_v a_o sound_a cause_n of_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v never_o satisfy_v with_o temporal_a mercy_n but_o the_o more_o he_o drink_v of_o they_o the_o more_o thirsty_a still_o he_o be_v when_o solomon_n have_v make_v a_o experience_n of_o all_o his_o motto_n be_v that_o they_o be_v vexation_n of_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o vanity_n whereas_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n work_v in_o we_o these_o afford_v uninterrupted_a cause_n of_o joy_n 4._o the_o soul-mercy_n will_v abide_v for_o ever_o thou_o can_v not_o lose_v thy_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o but_o all_o these_o earthly_a comfort_n be_v as_o the_o flower_n which_o present_o wither_v thou_o have_v they_o to_o day_n and_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v to_o morrow_n be_v sure_a then_o that_o thy_o blessing_n of_o god_n keep_v that_o method_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o mercy_n do_v require_v above_o all_o thing_n let_v thy_o soul_n melt_v with_o joy_n in_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v to_o thy_o soul_n last_o consideration_n remember_v and_o fix_a meditation_n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o will_v great_o inflame_v the_o soul_n to_o give_v all_o glory_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o quick_o put_v into_o a_o blessing_n frame_n there_o must_v be_v polish_n and_o fashion_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n for_o this_o as_o true_a consideration_n when_o david_n call_v upon_o himself_o so_o much_o to_o glorify_v god_n this_o imply_v that_o he_o find_v his_o soul_n dull_a heavy_a and_o unfit_a for_o that_o duty_n the_o heart_n will_v not_o boil_v over_o in_o meditation_n unless_o it_o be_v long_o upon_o this_o fire_n psal_n 45._o 1._o david_n there_o call_v his_o indite_v the_o boil_a or_o bubble_v of_o his_o heart_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n mercy_n or_o when_o we_o do_v think_v of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o transistory_n and_o ambulatory_a it_o be_v god_n goodness_n or_o i_o bless_v god_n and_o there_o be_v all_o whereas_o when_o we_o bless_v god_n our_o soul_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o into_o divine_a inflammation_n we_o shall_v be_v as_o elijah_n who_o be_v carry_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n whereas_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o other_o time_n abridge_v or_o epitomise_v but_o in_o short_a character_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v voluminous_a as_o you_o see_v david_n in_o psalm_n 103_o 104_o 105_o 106_o and_o 107._o very_a large_a in_o the_o enumeration_n of_o all_o god_n benefit_n which_o intimate_v that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v extend_v in_o all_o its_o dimension_n while_o it_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n and_o certain_o meditation_n be_v like_o the_o bird_n sit_v on_o the_o egg_n not_o leave_v it_o till_o it_o have_v produce_v a_o live_v young_a one_o this_o will_v so_o often_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n that_o at_o last_o there_o will_v be_v heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a life_n for_o several_a aggravation_n will_v the_o meditate_a heart_n find_v in_o every_o blessing_n it_o do_v possess_v as_o 1._o it_o will_v admire_v the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o god_n in_o every_o mercy_n especial_o in_o soul-mercy_n that_o god_n shall_v change_v such_o a_o stubborn_a heart_n as_o thou_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v thou_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o have_v be_v blind_a so_o long_o that_o god_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n who_o waste_v dead_a and_o putrify_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n this_o will_v make_v thou_o wonder_v at_o the_o glorious_a power_n of_o god_n again_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n if_o that_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o mercy_n this_o will_v also_o great_o enlarge_v to_o thankfulness_n god_n mercy_n be_v not_o only_a mercy_n in_o themselves_o but_o they_o come_v in_o such_o fit_a season_n they_o be_v at_o such_o time_n and_o opportunity_n that_o this_o make_v they_o double_a mercy_n and_o so_o some_o have_v observe_v this_o difference_n between_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n blessing_n of_o god_n be_v because_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o mercy_n praising_n be_v for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o curious_a workmanship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o mercy_n as_o if_o a_o friend_n who_o also_o be_v himself_o the_o maker_n of_o a_o curious_a watch_n shall_v bestow_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o gift_n you_o will_v not_o only_o thank_v he_o for_o his_o love_n but_o praise_v his_o skill_n and_o art_n likewise_o thus_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o mercy_n god_n give_v we_o but_o the_o wisdom_n that_o god_n demonstrate_v at_o that_o very_a time_n make_v every_o mercy_n to_o be_v with_o a_o aggravation_n again_o meditation_n will_v inflame_v by_o apprehend_v of_o god_n freeness_n in_o every_o mercy_n and_o our_o unworthiness_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o may_v provoke_v god_n especial_o this_o we_o be_v to_o aggravate_v in_o our_o spiritual_a mercy_n as_o paul_n do_v often_o exclude_v
be_v imply_v the_o real_a and_o lively_a work_n of_o it_o the_o father_n though_o he_o pity_v his_o child_n yet_o can_v give_v he_o the_o mercy_n of_o health_n much_o less_o the_o mercy_n of_o grace_n minister_n though_o they_o be_v spiritual_a father_n they_o can_v only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n preach_v of_o mercy_n but_o to_o give_v you_o pardon_v of_o sin_n to_o give_v you_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o these_o mercy_n he_o can_v give_v joy_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o neither_o devil_n or_o sin_n can_v discomfort_v as_o the_o whole_a creation_n come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o nothing_o at_o first_o when_o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n immediate_o there_o be_v light_a and_o as_o god_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o rain_n job_n 38._o 28._o because_o he_o can_v open_v the_o bottle_n of_o heaven_n and_o refresh_v the_o parch_a earth_n when_o he_o please_v so_o also_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n because_o he_o can_v turn_v thy_o darkness_n into_o light_n thy_o hell_n into_o heaven_n yea_o he_o do_v it_o that_o so_o what_o many_o sermon_n many_o ordinance_n can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n sudden_o and_o insuperable_o do_v he_o comfort_v irresistible_o as_o well_o as_o convert_v irresistible_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o property_n viz._n a_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n five_o in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n there_o be_v imply_v that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o himself_o that_o he_o pity_v we_o that_o he_o have_v something_o within_o he_o to_o provoke_v to_o compassion_n when_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o provoke_v he_o and_o this_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o precious_a parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n return_v to_o his_o father_n though_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o from_o the_o son_n to_o alienate_v the_o father_n to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o prodigality_n and_o rebellion_n say_v whence_o come_v you_o where_o be_v all_o the_o good_n i_o give_v you_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o father_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v he_o who_o may_v have_v chastise_v he_o receive_v he_o with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v such_o a_o prodigal_a son_n but_o what_o move_v he_o all_o this_o while_n the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n it_o be_v not_o then_o for_o the_o godly_a soul_n to_o be_v pore_v and_o puzzle_v itself_o always_o what_o be_v there_o in_o i_o that_o may_v make_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o i_o what_o have_v i_o what_o find_v i_o in_o i_o that_o may_v prevail_v with_o god_n oh_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a christian_a think_v rather_o what_o be_v in_o god_n to_o love_v thou_o to_o pity_v thou_o i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o father_n say_v the_o prodigal_n though_o i_o have_v lose_v the_o obedience_n of_o a_o son_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n be_v ready_a to_o beget_v he_o again_o think_v what_o a_o fountain_n his_o goodness_n be_v to_o issue_v forth_o river_n of_o mercy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o as_o some_o parch_a dry_a wilderness_n it_o have_v no_o spring_n no_o stream_n to_o refresh_v itself_o with_o till_o cloud_n from_o above_o fall_n upon_o it_o thus_o thy_o heart_n be_v scorch_v and_o even_o burn_v like_o hell_n till_o god_n give_v thou_o not_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n but_o christ_n blood_n to_o cool_v thy_o afflict_a soul_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o be_v in_o this_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n a_o father_n in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o brief_o be_v in_o the_o object_n a_o father_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o that_o imply_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n but_o it_o come_v from_o god_n every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o he_o jam._n 1._o for_o if_o so_o be_v any_o creature_n be_v the_o original_n of_o mercy_n though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a it_o will_v be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n if_o the_o sun_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n of_o give_v light_n to_o thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o do_v cause_v this_o sun_n to_o shine_v on_o thou_o that_o sun_n will_v be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o light_n although_o therefore_o god_n have_v appoint_v natural_a cause_n moral_a cause_n yea_o and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n to_o thou_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o call_v these_o father_n thy_o food_n will_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o thy_o house_n a_o mercy_n no_o thy_o sense_n thy_o understanding_n will_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o father_n of_o mercy_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o and_o whensoever_o thou_o meet_v with_o any_o mercy_n look_v high_o than_o the_o creature_n see_v a_o hand_n from_o heaven_n give_v it_o thou_o as_o gerson_n a_o devout_a papist_n speak_v of_o his_o parent_n how_o that_o they_o to_o teach_v he_o while_o a_o child_n that_o every_o mercy_n be_v from_o god_n have_v a_o devise_n that_o from_o the_o roof_n of_o the_o chamber_n shall_v be_v convey_v to_o he_o every_o apple_n or_o nut_n or_o such_o childish_a refreshment_n he_o desire_v but_o christ_n himself_o matth._n 5._o when_o he_o press_v against_o careful_a distrustful_a thought_n he_o say_v your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v what_o you_o want_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o thy_o own_o natural_a father_n that_o be_v a_o mercy_n to_o thou_o but_o thy_o father_n in_o heaven_n as_o that_o good_a man_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n when_o they_o bring_v he_o news_n his_o father_n be_v dead_a define_v blasphemias_fw-la loqui_fw-la pater_fw-la eminens_fw-la immortalis_fw-la est_fw-la thus_o be_v we_o to_o call_v nothing_o a_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o we_o but_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v mat._n 23._o 9_o call_v no_o man_n father_n on_o earth_n in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n neither_o be_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o mercy_n oh_o but_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o not_o to_o have_v other_o father_n of_o mercy_n beside_o he_o serm._n xxxiii_o of_o the_o multitude_n variety_n property_n and_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 3_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n we_o be_v further_a to_o explicate_v what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a attribute_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n we_o have_v already_o declare_v what_o be_v in_o the_o word_n father_n and_o give_v one_o instance_n what_o be_v in_o the_o word_n mercy_n the_o second_o thing_n comprise_v in_o it_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o say_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o of_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o mercy_n many_o mercy_n mercy_n innumerable_a mercy_n that_o he_o be_v father_n of_o even_o as_o david_n do_v sometime_o call_v god_n the_o god_n of_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n because_o of_o the_o frequent_a and_o many_o deliverance_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n therefore_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o mercy_n no_o more_o than_o in_o power_n but_o as_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o so_o every_o kind_n of_o mercy_n be_v easy_o producible_a by_o he_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v that_o which_o david_n do_v often_o mention_n psal_n 106._o 7_o 45._o psal_n 51._o 1._o and_o indeed_o be_v not_o these_o mercy_n many_o our_o sin_n will_v be_v more_o than_o they_o and_o exceed_v they_o in_o number_n david_n complain_v that_o his_o iniquity_n be_v more_o than_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n and_o yet_o at_o another_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o such_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o that_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o reckon_v they_o up_o we_o can_v then_o come_v and_o say_v to_o god_n about_o mercy_n as_o esau_n do_v to_o his_o father_n about_o blessing_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o blessing_n o_o my_o father_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o mercy_n woe_n will_v be_v to_o we_o if_o god_n have_v not_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n for_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n oh_o then_o let_v the_o break_a humble_a heart_n who_o groan_v under_o this_o that_o he_o have_v many_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o many_o yea_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v like_o so_o many_o locust_n and_o caterpillar_n in_o egypt_n he_o can_v look_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n but_o sin_n do_v compass_v he_o about_o let_v such_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v more_o mercy_n for_o they_o than_o sin_n against_o they_o if_o thou_o have_v multitude_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n to_o cover_v they_o so_o as_o thou_o do_v not_o cover_v they_o but_o confess_v and_o bewail_v
that_o spiritual_a comfort_n come_v alone_o from_o god_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n we_o can_v have_v one_o drop_n of_o heavenly_a consolation_n till_o god_n spirit_n infuse_v it_o into_o we_o if_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v have_v comfort_n when_o they_o will_v will_v they_o walk_v so_o disconsolate_o and_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o dark_a trouble_a soul_n as_o they_o do_v but_o then_o even_o earthly_a comfort_n to_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o lawful_a contentment_n god_n do_v allow_v we_o to_o take_v delight_n and_o joy_n in_o these_o corporal_a mercy_n this_o be_v also_o from_o god_n eccles_n 2._o 24_o 26._o eccles_n 3._o 13._o eccles_n 5._o 18._o you_o see_v the_o wiseman_n affirm_v it_o often_o that_o a_o man_n can_v take_v any_o joy_n or_o delight_v even_o in_o those_o lawful_a thing_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n all_o comfort_n then_o of_o all_o sort_n arise_v from_o he_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o 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thus_o the_o break_a heart_n judge_v itself_o in_o a_o wilderness_n destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n see_v nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o despair_n and_o damnation_n till_o god_n enlighten_v the_o understanding_n about_o comfortground_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v we_o to_o receive_v comfort_n it_o give_v we_o the_o eye_n salve_n 1._o to_o look_v upon_o christ_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o full_a cause_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o on_o sin_n general_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n look_v upon_o nothing_o but_o their_o sin_n behold_v nothing_o but_o sin_n but_o god_n will_v not_o let_v they_o alone_o in_o this_o agony_n he_o enlighten_v they_o further_o that_o they_o shall_v see_v christ_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n he_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n when_o sting_v hence_o the_o 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paul_n affect_v with_o this_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 1._o i_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n crucify_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o look_v with_o both_o eye_n to_o make_v thou_o see_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n 2._o as_o god_n do_v convince_v the_o soul_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o full_a and_o glorious_a saviour_n he_o be_v so_o also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o further_a step_n to_o comfort_n when_o god_n do_v so_o far_o open_v the_o eye_n as_o to_o see_v not_o only_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a christ_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o particular_a to_o apply_v this_o christ_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o for_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v a_o further_a discovery_n still_o paul_n say_v gal._n 2._o who_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o love_v i_o and_o thomas_n say_v my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o bless_a truth_n discover_v in_o the_o reformation_n out_o of_o popery_n that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o general_a only_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n but_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o also_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o justify_v that_o this_o be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o precious_a unto_o god_n that_o unbelief_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o as_o it_o fail_v in_o this_o particular_a in_o not_o apply_v in_o not_o appropriate_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o will_v damn_v a_o man_n oh_o than_o what_o bless_v and_o comfortable_a light_n be_v that_o which_o god_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n when_o he_o shall_v make_v thou_o see_v that_o though_o a_o sinner_n though_o burden_v though_o unworthy_a yet_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v ease_v that_o he_o command_v thou_o with_o that_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o touch_v the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n but_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n himself_o this_o particular_a faith_n be_v that_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v hardly_o convince_v of_o though_o other_o may_v draw_v nigh_o to_o christ_n yet_o may_v i_o but_o he_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o truth_n 3._o god_n comfort_v by_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n that_o a_o comfortable_a joyful_a life_n arise_v from_o peace_n with_o god_n be_v a_o most_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o god_n that_o it_o bring_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o walk_v heavy_o and_o in_o a_o deject_a manner_n be_v to_o dishonour_n and_o reproach_n god_n that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o look_v to_o our_o gracious_a walk_n but_o also_o to_o our_o comfortable_a walk_n and_o that_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v begin_v in_o we_o in_o joy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o mortification_n rom._n 14._o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o see_v joy_n as_o well_o as_o righteousness_n the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o quick_o persuade_v of_o this_o they_o think_v such_o as_o they_o be_v may_v not_o walk_v comfortable_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o rejoice_v but_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_o keep_v up_o by_o slavish_a fear_n and_o servile_a dejection_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n require_v consolation_n as_o well_o as_o sanctification_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o general_a way_n how_o god_n comfort_v viz._n by_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n second_o and_o principal_o god_n comfort_v by_o prepare_v and_o fashion_v the_o heart_n by_o make_v it_o
persuade_v this_o as_o a_o special_a help_n to_o premeditate_v on_o evil_n before_o they_o come_v other_o they_o refuse_v this_o as_o make_v a_o man_n miserable_a before_o he_o be_v so_o other_o support_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o necessity_n and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o of_o all_o these_o we_o may_v say_v as_o job_n to_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v miserable_a comforter_n and_o be_v of_o no_o more_o advantage_n than_o the_o rend_n of_o garment_n or_o pull_v off_o the_o hair_n in_o grief_n which_o bion_n deride_v in_o one_o as_o if_o a_o bald_a head_n will_v take_v away_o grief_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o no_o philosopher_n have_v the_o true_a art_n comfort_n or_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o peace_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n foelicissimum_fw-la est_fw-la cui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la foelicitate_fw-la and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o man_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o will_v never_o thirst_v more_o than_o have_v drink_v of_o that_o fountain_n no_o sin_n no_o guilt_n no_o curse_n can_v be_v remove_v but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o all_o their_o philosophical_a precept_n about_o comfort_n be_v as_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o moon_n which_o do_v rather_o rot_v than_o ripen_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n 2._o they_o be_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o comfort_n christ_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n in_o who_o alone_o we_o can_v have_v comfort_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n that_o do_v alone_o give_v a_o comfortable_a and_o glad_a heart_n 3._o they_o be_v altogether_o unbelieving_a of_o a_o resurrection_n to_o leternal_a glory_n which_o be_v a_o admirable_a ground_n of_o all_o true_a joy_n this_o the_o apostle_n press_v against_o immoderate_a sorrow_n about_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a not_o to_o grieve_v as_o those_o that_o be_v without_o hope_n last_o they_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v only_o instrumental_a to_o receive_v joy_n use_v of_o exhortation_n in_o all_o thy_o tribulation_n to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o comfort_n thou_o run_v to_o this_o creature_n to_o comfort_n and_o thou_o think_v this_o and_o that_o condition_n will_v comfort_v thou_o but_o how_o can_v the_o channel_n have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o if_o the_o fountain_n do_v not_o give_v it_o say_v not_o it_o be_v thy_o affliction_n so_o great_o to_o be_v aggravate_v that_o make_v thou_o disconsolate_a no_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o god_n presence_n in_o it_o serm._n thirty-nine_o what_o be_v these_o apple_n which_o christ_n refresh_v his_o spouse_n with_o or_o what_o be_v those_o scripture-ground_n of_o comfort_n which_o support_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n under_o all_o their_o affliction_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o who_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n there_o be_v no_o tribulation_n either_o for_o the_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o it_o but_o god_n can_v and_o do_v comfort_v his_o people_n therein_o it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a to_o know_v what_o be_v those_o cordial_a comfort_n what_o be_v that_o balm_n and_o oil_n by_o which_o he_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o his_o afflict_a one_o for_o see_v god_n comfort_n do_v far_o exceed_v all_o philosophical_a remedy_n as_o much_o as_o the_o sun_n do_v a_o gloworm_n and_o paul_n admirable_a temperament_n i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v and_o how_o to_o want_v do_v infinite_o transcend_v that_o so_o much_o celebrate_v carriage_n of_o socrates_n who_o be_v note_v to_o be_v always_o eodem_fw-la vultu_fw-la let_v whatsoever_o befall_v he_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o know_v comfort_n what_o be_v these_o apple_n of_o comfort_n as_o the_o church_n call_v for_o cant._n 2._o 5._o and_o the_o rather_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v because_o many_o of_o god_n child_n be_v deficient_a in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n about_o god_n consolation_n for_o either_o 1._o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a manner_n ignorant_a of_o what_o foundation_n and_o sure_a ground_n they_o have_v of_o comfort_n they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n they_o may_v abundant_o bathe_v themselves_o in_o they_o be_v as_o elisha_n servant_n who_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a host_n of_o angel_n to_o help_v he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o see_v they_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o illuminate_v we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o comfort_n hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n or_o 2._o though_o they_o know_v many_o argument_n of_o comfort_n yet_o their_o memory_n fail_v they_o that_o in_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o their_o temptation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o furious_a assault_n they_o forget_v what_o comfortable_a support_v they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o preach_v of_o these_o principle_n of_o consolation_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v remembrancer_n to_o you_o and_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o joy_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o affliction_n your_o corruption_n and_o the_o devil_n temptation_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o strike_v out_o as_o the_o disciple_n be_v sometime_o blame_v for_o their_o forgetfulness_n they_o do_v not_o remember_v the_o miracle_n of_o loaf_n thus_o also_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v often_o rebuke_v themselves_o and_o with_o david_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o trouble_v within_o thou_o have_v thou_o think_v on_o such_o a_o promise_n such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n have_v thou_o remember_v such_o a_o precious_a and_o sweet_a truth_n the_o temptation_n have_v not_o prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o thou_o they_o come_v we_o then_o to_o lead_v you_o up_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o transfiguration_n let_v we_o see_v even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o far_o as_o our_o narrow_a heart_n can_v comprehend_v what_o be_v the_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o first_o take_v this_o for_o a_o foundation_n that_o god_n comfort_v only_o through_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n he_o must_v enter_v into_o this_o pool_n that_o will_v feel_v these_o consolation_n descend_v upon_o he_o he_o must_v buy_v this_o field_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o will_v have_v this_o pearl_n hide_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o indeed_o which_o do_v efficient_o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o to_o receive_v comfort_n but_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o or_o the_o harp_n as_o it_o be_v whereby_o the_o evil_a spirit_n of_o sorrow_n and_o dejection_n be_v remove_v be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v powerful_o change_v and_o alter_v the_o heart_n yet_o the_o word_n be_v organical_o and_o instrumental_o use_v for_o that_o end_n so_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o comforter_n yet_o it_o be_v through_o the_o word_n hence_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 15._o 4._o that_o we_o through_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o david_n do_v not_o only_o admire_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o fore-warneth_a of_o sin_n quicken_v up_o to_o duty_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v a_o revive_n comfort_a word_n whereby_o he_o be_v keep_v from_o faint_a and_o be_v utter_o overwhelm_v in_o his_o trouble_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o godly_a that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a joy_n when_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 14._o that_o be_v into_o light_n of_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o of_o truth_n there_o be_v false_a joy_n there_o be_v comfort_n from_o the_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o papist_n have_v his_o comfort_n the_o socinian_n the_o antinomian_a all_o these_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n in_o their_o joy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v first_o lead_v into_o truth_n before_o it_o vouchsafe_v comfort_n but_o we_o detain_v you_o too_o long_o the_o first_o ground_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o treasury_n we_o thereof_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o tribulation_n we_o fall_v into_o they_o be_v precise_o determine_v by_o god_n as_o a_o father_n out_o of_o much_o love_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o the_o degree_n of_o they_o as_o also_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o and_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v well_o rumiate_v and_o digest_v here_o be_v
that_fw-mi quoth_v not_o habet_fw-la be_v the_o old_a rule_n they_o have_v no_o skill_n or_o ability_n to_o comfort_v other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o experience_n and_o feel_n of_o this_o upon_o their_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o have_v devour_v many_o book_n of_o learning_n to_o be_v able_a to_o decide_v polemical_a question_n in_o divinity_n to_o convince_v gainsayer_n to_o be_v doctor_n angelical_a subtle_a or_o profound_a to_o be_v mallei_fw-la hereticorum_fw-la the_o hammer_n of_o heretic_n unless_o also_o they_o have_v the_o experimental_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o paul_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comfort_v other_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o practical_o acquaint_v he_o with_o heavenly_a consolation_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o subject_a to_o who_o or_o the_o person_n who_o wound_n paul_n like_o a_o good_a samaritan_n be_v desirous_a to_o pour_v oil_n into_o and_o that_o be_v they_o which_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o manner_n how_o which_o be_v by_o that_o very_a comfort_n paul_n himself_o find_v and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o fontal_a and_o original_a cause_n of_o this_o whereby_o we_o ourselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god_n the_o final_a cause_n will_v afford_v two_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a work_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o advantage_n people_n be_v not_o for_o themselves_o only_o but_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o who_o will_v not_o think_v that_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o soul-consolation_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o enclose_v within_o our_o own_o breast_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o who_o will_v not_o say_v of_o these_o as_o solomon_n in_o another_o case_n prov._n 5._o let_v these_o fountain_n be_v only_o thou_o own_o and_o not_o stranger_n with_o thou_o yet_o god_n give_v we_o these_o soul-comfort_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o revive_v and_o comfort_v many_o sad_a trouble_a heart_n which_o lie_v languish_v for_o want_n of_o they_o the_o second_o observation_n be_v that_o those_o have_v the_o great_a ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o help_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n and_o work_v of_o god_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o former_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o those_o great_a and_o spiriritual_a work_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o child_n be_v not_o for_o their_o own_o god_n only_o but_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o if_o he_o say_v in_o a_o political_a sense_n nemo_fw-la sibi_fw-la vivit_fw-la sed_fw-la patriae_fw-la it_o be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o a_o christian_a non_fw-la sibi_fw-la vivit_fw-la sed_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la he_o live_v not_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v that_o frequent_a comparison_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o a_o body_n together_o make_v all_o christian_n so_o many_o several_a member_n that_o if_o one_o rejoice_v all_o must_v rejoice_v with_o it_o to_o be_v thorough_o possess_v of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v first_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v datae_fw-la two_o kind_n of_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n unto_o those_o of_o the_o church_n the_o ancient_a schoolman_n which_o distinction_n be_v still_o retain_v with_o the_o papist_n be_v that_o there_o be_v gratiae_n gratis_o datae_fw-la favour_n free_o give_v which_o be_v bestow_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o have_v they_o as_o of_o the_o good_a of_o other_o such_o be_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o work_v miracle_n to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o be_v also_o those_o common_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v which_o many_o may_v have_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o the_o more_o holy_a but_o as_o water-pot_n that_o convey_v water_n to_o the_o garden_n make_v it_o fruitful_a while_o itself_o bear_v no_o flower_n at_o all_o so_o be_v they_o and_o true_o this_o be_v sad_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o gift_n god_n give_v they_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o their_o own_o as_o the_o nurse_n of_o young_a prince_n live_v upon_o excellent_a food_n not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n but_o to_o give_v more_o excellent_a nourishment_n to_o their_o young_a one_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o gift_n they_o call_v gratiae_n gratum_fw-la facientes_fw-la such_o gift_n as_o he_o facientes_fw-la that_o have_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v accept_v of_o with_o god_n and_o these_o they_o make_v faith_n and_o love_n with_o the_o like_a grace_n now_o this_o distinction_n be_v absurd_a for_o the_o member_n be_v confound_v the_o grace_n make_v acceptable_a be_v grace_n free_o give_v it_o be_v sole_o and_o whole_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o make_v thou_o differ_v from_o other_o in_o the_o special_a work_n of_o sanctification_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o make_v one_o who_o have_v miraculous_a gift_n to_o differ_v from_o another_o and_o then_o it_o be_v false_a for_o no_o grace_n we_o have_v do_v of_o itself_o make_v we_o gratos_fw-la accept_v of_o to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n that_o their_o imperfection_n be_v pardon_v and_o so_o receive_v therefore_o our_o divine_n do_v distinguish_v better_a that_o there_o be_v dona_n ministrantia_fw-la sanctificantia_fw-la and_o dona_fw-la sanctificantia_fw-la gift_n of_o service_n and_o gift_n of_o sanctification_n gift_n of_o service_n be_v such_o which_o god_n give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n sanctify_v be_v such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o have_v they_o now_o though_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o in_o the_o second_o place_n you_o must_v not_o limit_v this_o so_o straight_o as_o that_o sanctify_a gift_n may_v not_o be_v serviceable_a gift_n also_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o very_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o thy_o repentance_n thy_o faith_n thy_o joy_n may_v be_v put_v forth_o to_o quicken_v and_o edify_v other_o therefore_o we_o say_v in_o the_o doctrine_n all_o the_o spiritual_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o other_o all_o not_o only_o gift_n but_o grace_n not_o only_o their_o part_n and_o their_o duty_n but_o their_o holiness_n also_o hence_o prov._n 15._o 4._o a_o wholesome_a tongue_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n only_o that_o a_o godly_a man_n have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n because_o it_o do_v so_o much_o spiritual_a good_a to_o other_o think_v then_o that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v thou_o grace_n and_o comfort_n for_o thyself_o only_o but_o for_o other_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o his_o member_n proportionable_o isa_n 50._o 4._o to_o have_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a give_v they_o from_o god_n to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a as_o therefore_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o fullness_n temporal_o to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a when_o such_o due_a object_n of_o charity_n be_v present_v to_o thou_o thus_o also_o god_n give_v thou_o faith_n to_o help_v he_o that_o complain_v he_o can_v believe_v he_o give_v thou_o comfort_n to_o succour_v those_o that_o can_v find_v no_o joy_n this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o but_o open_v whereat_o many_o may_v occasional_o refresh_v themselves_o three_o the_o godly_a man_n improve_n his_o gift_n and_o grace_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v improve_v and_o diminish_v his_o own_o but_o thereby_o increase_v and_o multiply_v they_o it_o be_v like_o the_o widow_n give_v of_o oil_n to_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impoverish_v that_o it_o do_v enrich_v she_o we_o may_v not_o then_o refuse_v those_o who_o shall_v desire_v help_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n do_v the_o foolish_a say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o for_o themselves_o no_o the_o more_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o season_v other_o with_o thy_o own_o salt_n to_o quicken_v and_o comfort_v other_o by_o thy_o own_o quickning_n and_o comfort_n herein_o thou_o will_v find_v thyself_o more_o edify_v and_o the_o good_a will_v rebound_v upon_o thy_o own_o self_n for_o these_o improving_n of_o thy_o gift_n and_o grace_n serviceable_o to_o other_o soul_n will_v multiply_v thy_o
experimental_a knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v accompany_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o sensible_a affection_n mat._n 13._o the_o temporary_a believer_n receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n you_o see_v then_o that_o some_o may_v have_v joy_n and_o that_o from_o the_o word_n yet_o this_o not_o be_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n or_o faith_n heb._n 6._o some_o be_v there_o also_o say_v not_o only_o to_o be_v enlighten_v but_o to_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n here_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o some_o may_v taste_v may_v have_v joy_n all_o which_o do_v infer_v some_o affectionate_a inward_a experimental_a work_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o not_o attain_v to_o have_v the_o true_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o affectionate_a work_n they_o be_v but_o transitory_a they_o quick_o vanish_v away_o there_o be_v no_o settle_a constancy_n or_o permanency_n in_o they_o so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o all_o the_o affection_n nor_o to_o all_o inlargement_n that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o ourselves_o even_o about_o holy_a thing_n but_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v deep_a root_a enough_o hence_o four_o all_o experimental_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o guile_n and_o imposture_n the_o devil_n also_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n hence_o it_o may_v come_v about_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o much_o joy_n of_o many_o inlargement_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n be_v in_o the_o devil_n way_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o sectary_n almost_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a support_n and_o comfort_n they_o have_v have_v and_o that_o ever_o since_o they_o embrace_v those_o new_a way_n yea_o some_o make_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a spiritual_a man_n that_o all_o other_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o tertullian_n write_v a_o book_n against_o the_o orthodox_n still_v it_o contra_fw-la psachicos_fw-la as_o those_o that_o be_v mere_o natural_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o pretend_v to_o private_a revelation_n the_o experience_n therefore_o which_o we_o find_v in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v examine_v and_o try_v lest_o we_o make_v that_o to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o devil_n no_o doubt_v many_o delude_a soul_n in_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a way_n comfort_v other_o of_o the_o same_o way_n with_o they_o by_o that_o comfort_n wherewith_o they_o be_v comfort_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o let_v our_o experience_n especial_o of_o comfort_n be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o particular_n understand_v first_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n how_o thou_o come_v by_o they_o be_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n true_o understand_v i_o say_v true_o understand_v for_o if_o thou_o abuse_v scripture_n put_v thy_o own_o sense_n upon_o it_o and_o thereby_o receive_v comfort_n it_o be_v no_o long_o than_o verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la but_o verbum_fw-la tuum_fw-la thou_o wreste_v it_o and_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o or_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o go_n if_o therefore_o thy_o experience_n of_o comfort_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n if_o thy_o consolation_n flow_v from_o hence_o than_o this_o will_v abide_v that_o we_o through_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15._o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v first_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o then_o into_o all_o comfort_n second_o in_o the_o original_n and_o the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v it_o from_o god_n from_o the_o god_n spirit_n of_o god_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n who_o may_v harden_v thy_o heart_n and_o make_v thou_o have_v such_o joy_n as_o mad_a man_n have_v not_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n the_o comfort_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v true_o so_o be_v still_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o fountain_n thereof_o three_o do_v thy_o experience_n of_o consolation_n make_v thou_o more_o humble_a and_o empty_a humble_a do_v it_o drive_v thou_o out_o of_o all_o thy_o vain_a carnal_a confidence_n this_o argue_v it_o come_v from_o god_n if_o with_o the_o centurion_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o thy_o soul_n thou_o say_v lord_n i_o be_o unworthy_a this_o joy_n this_o consolation_n shall_v enter_v into_o i_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o comfort_n the_o more_o lowly_a and_o debase_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o never_o more_o than_o when_o the_o most_o joy_n this_o be_v a_o good_a experience_n of_o comfort_n as_o come_v from_o god_n so_o also_o if_o this_o comfort_n be_v conduce_v to_o holiness_n if_o by_o this_o thou_o be_v more_o quicken_v to_o mortify_v sin_n to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n that_o remain_v if_o this_o be_v like_a oil_n to_o the_o wheel_n thou_o be_v more_o fervent_a more_o other_o zealous_a in_o all_o holy_a duty_n then_o make_v much_o of_o this_o comfort_n for_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n if_o then_o we_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o our_o soul_n both_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o way_n of_o comfort_n then_o and_o never_o till_o then_o be_v we_o fit_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o and_o there_o be_v these_o reason_n first_o none_o can_v wise_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o heal_v a_o disease_n in_o another_o unless_o he_o have_v skill_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o fit_a remedy_n for_o it_o now_o while_o a_o man_n have_v no_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n upon_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v no_o skill_n no_o heavenly_a heart_n about_o the_o disease_n in_o other_o soul_n bring_v a_o poor_a wound_a soul_n that_o be_v burden_a with_o sin_n that_o will_v be_v direct_v into_o evangelical_n comfort_n to_o a_o pharisaical_a self-righteous_a doctor_n and_o alas_o he_o will_v as_o ely_n think_v the_o poor_a weep_a woman_n bitter_a in_o soul_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o be_v drink_v so_o will_v these_o think_v such_o a_o one_o mad_a and_o foolish_a hence_o you_o hear_v christ_n will_v be_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v that_o he_o may_v succour_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o speak_v to_o such_o who_o be_v weary_a those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o humble_v thus_o exercise_v thus_o comfort_v they_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o be_v any_o helpful_a comforter_n but_o like_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n will_v pass_v by_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wound_v second_o as_o such_o can_v have_v no_o skill_n or_o understanding_n so_o they_o can_v have_v any_o suitableness_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o that_o be_v so_o afflict_v in_o spirit_n compassion_n and_o need_v comfort_n she_o say_v non_fw-la ignara_fw-la mali_fw-la miseris_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o experience_n she_o have_v of_o misery_n make_v her_o pity_n those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a god_n will_v have_v the_o jew_n be_v kind_a to_o stranger_n because_o they_o have_v once_o be_v stranger_n themselves_o thou_o that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o deep_a water_n of_o god_n wrath_n thou_o that_o know_v how_o insupportable_a it_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o frown_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o sin_n with_o what_o melt_a bowel_n with_o what_o pitiful_a affection_n will_v thou_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o do_v conflict_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v in_o unspeakable_a agony_n so_o also_o many_o of_o the_o choice_a servant_n of_o god_n especial_o minister_n have_v be_v under_o the_o harrow_n and_o hammer_n of_o these_o desertion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o polish_a for_o god_n building_n luther_n do_v manifest_a in_o several_a place_n what_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o feel_v on_o himself_o so_o that_o though_o of_o a_o stout_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n yet_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n do_v beat_v he_o to_o powder_n and_o find_v no_o help_n for_o his_o afflict_a soul_n in_o any_o popish_a principle_n no_o more_o than_o the_o dove_n can_v place_v of_o abode_n while_o the_o water_n do_v overflow_v at_o last_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o comfort_v he_o by_o evangelical_n comfort_n through_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o christ_n and_o righteousness_n what_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n do_v his_o tongue_n become_v to_o other_o how_o many_o do_v he_o comfort_v by_o those_o comfort_v god_n have_v comfort_v he_o calvin_n also_o it_o be_v note_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o deep_a and_o retire_a thought_n within_o yet_o do_v retain_v they_o much_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o no_o doubt_n by_o this_o he_o be_v the_o more_o prepare_v to_o be_v a_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o see_v
then_o he_o only_o that_o have_v the_o experimental_n either_o of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o able_a with_o a_o tender_a heart_n and_o hand_n to_o cure_v a_o wound_a soul_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o a_o argument_n gal._n 6._o 1._o to_o rejoynt_v as_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n because_o the_o most_o spiritual_a may_v be_v tempt_v how_o much_o rather_o when_o thou_o have_v be_v tempt_v so_o that_o this_o experimental_a way_n in_o holy_a thing_n work_v much_o commiseration_n and_o sympathize_v with_o those_o who_o groan_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o when_o judas_n be_v in_o that_o perplex_a agony_n cry_v out_o i_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n with_o what_o stony_a and_o sear_a heart_n do_v the_o pharisee_n reject_v he_o say_v what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o look_v thou_o to_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n for_o brokenhearted_a sinner_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o tender_a experience_a believer_n who_o have_v feel_v what_o they_o feel_v and_o so_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o their_o sad_a estate_n and_o indeed_o even_o as_o for_o instruction_n of_o the_o ignorant_a there_o need_v much_o patience_n so_o there_o do_v also_o pity_n which_o will_v put_v thou_o upon_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o comfort_v the_o deject_a for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n soon_o do_v they_o must_v bear_v with_o many_o infirmity_n they_o be_v full_a of_o subtle_a objection_n and_o when_o they_o be_v for_o a_o while_n comfort_v they_o lose_v all_o present_o again_o insomuch_o that_o he_o must_v have_v tender_a bowel_n who_o be_v not_o weary_v out_o with_o their_o weakness_n three_o such_o experience_a one_o be_v only_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o tempt_v soul_n earnest_n to_o instruct_v and_o comfort_v they_o because_o the_o afflict_a find_v such_o only_a real_a such_o be_v in_o earnest_n he_o that_o have_v experimental_o feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n make_v it_o manifest_a to_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a oratory_n or_o eloquence_n that_o set_v he_o against_o sin_n but_o something_o within_o that_o he_o feel_v burn_v like_o fire_n within_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v si_fw-mi vis_fw-la i_o flere_fw-la dolendum_fw-la est_fw-la primo_fw-la tibi_fw-la a_o man_n that_o have_v not_o inward_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o his_o heart_n he_o be_v so_o cold_a so_o formal_a so_o lazy_a that_o you_o can_v tell_v whether_o he_o believe_v the_o thing_n he_o preach_v to_o be_v true_a or_o no._n and_o so_o also_o for_o comfort_n must_v it_o not_o much_o satisfy_v the_o deject_a soul_n to_o meet_v with_o one_o under_o the_o same_o temptation_n under_o the_o same_o fear_n and_o yet_o now_o pray_v with_o joy_n hear_v with_o joy_n thou_o can_v find_v all_o thy_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v deliver_v he_o be_v comfort_v who_o think_v it_o as_o impossible_a as_o i_o do_v whereas_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o these_o work_n of_o god_n the_o tempt_a soul_n fly_v off_o say_v he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o he_o four_o such_o be_v only_o able_a because_o they_o alone_o be_v faithful_a they_o dare_v not_o flatter_v they_o they_o dare_v not_o soothe_v they_o they_o will_v give_v they_o no_o comfort_n faithful_a if_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o it_o now_o the_o true_o break_a soul_n love_v this_o faithful_a deal_n better_a than_o flattery_n there_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o merry_a who_o god_n will_v have_v make_v sad_a and_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n that_o be_v unworthy_a and_o flatter_v in_o this_o case_n comfort_v every_o one_o that_o lie_v a_o die_a though_o never_o so_o profane_a now_o he_o that_o be_v true_o humble_v care_v not_o for_o such_o a_o man_n comfort_n he_o know_v he_o will_v not_o deal_v faithful_o he_o will_v send_v i_o to_o hell_n with_o comfort_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v one_o rule_n that_o experience_a divine_n give_v to_o tempt_v soul_n that_o under_o their_o fear_n and_o doubt_n they_o must_v believe_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n about_o their_o condition_n rather_o than_o themselves_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o sound_n faithful_a and_o experience_a minister_n otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o fawn_a flatter_a minister_n who_o will_v encourage_v they_o and_o send_v they_o to_o heaven_n when_o they_o themselves_o know_v not_o either_o what_o true_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n or_o true_a evangelical_n comfort_n mean_v use_v 1_o of_o exhortation_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n not_o to_o think_v learning_n study_n read_v of_o book_n enough_o to_o qualify_v thou_o for_o a_o ministerial_a employment_n but_o implore_v much_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n herein_o a_o good_a heart_n a_o gracious_a heart_n will_v help_v as_o well_o as_o good_a book_n do_v not_o rest_v only_o upon_o study_a and_o acquire_v gift_n but_o pray_v also_o for_o infuse_a and_o inspire_v use_v 2._o of_o instruction_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n how_o useful_a it_o be_v to_o communicate_v their_o gracious_a experience_n one_o to_o another_o much_o edification_n much_o consolation_n may_v come_v hereby_o who_o sadness_n have_v thou_o comfort_v who_o deadness_n have_v thou_o quicken_v it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v learn_v a_o precious_a receipt_n how_o to_o cure_v such_o a_o sin_n such_o a_o temptation_n and_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o help_v other_o serm._n xliii_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o every_o one_o both_o minister_n and_o christian_n to_o apply_v comfort_n to_o the_o afflict_a in_o a_o right_a manner_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v they_o which_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n in_o this_o final_a cause_n we_o consider_v the_o subject_a who_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o comfort_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n those_o that_o abound_v in_o mercy_n need_v no_o comfort_n we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v honey_n to_o such_o full_a stomach_n but_o the_o trouble_a the_o afflict_a these_o be_v they_o who_o condition_n we_o be_v to_o commiserate_v from_o whence_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v in_o afflict_a trouble_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o such_o who_o go_v astray_o but_o also_o to_o regard_v the_o consolation_n of_o those_o that_o lack_v it_o hence_o lam._n 1._o the_o church_n complain_v that_o she_o have_v none_o to_o comfort_v she_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o duty_n often_o 1_o thess_n 4._o 18._o comfort_n one_o another_o with_o these_o thing_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 11_o 14._o comfort_v the_o feeble_a mind_v you_o see_v by_o this_o press_v this_o duty_n so_o often_o that_o we_o be_v serious_o and_o diligent_o to_o practice_v it_o lest_o as_o god_n will_v judge_v for_o neglect_n of_o corporal_a alm_n to_o fit_a object_n of_o charity_n so_o also_o he_o will_v call_v to_o account_v for_o the_o not_o dispence_v of_o these_o spiritual_a alm_n thou_o have_v not_o visit_v those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o imprison_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n neither_o feed_v those_o with_o the_o bread_n from_o heaven_n who_o be_v hungry_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n who_o be_v now_o deep_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 7._o exhort_v they_o to_o comfort_v he_o lest_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o too_o much_o sorrow_n we_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n for_o this_o in_o job_n friend_n job_n 2._o 11._o who_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v come_v upon_o he_o they_o make_v a_o appointment_n together_o to_o come_v and_o mourn_v with_o he_o and_o to_o comfort_v he_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o discharge_v to_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o be_v cast_v down_o that_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o solomon_n he_o give_v a_o precept_n about_o it_o prov._n 31._o 6_o 7._o give_v wine_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o heavy_a heart_n that_o he_o may_v drink_v and_o remember_v his_o misery_n no_o more_o so_o we_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a consideration_n to_o give_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o mourn_v for_o inward_a their_o sin_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n consider_v first_o the_o trouble_a as_o you_o hear_v former_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n those_o who_o be_v afflict_v in_o soul_n as_o the_o
and_o the_o fontal_a cause_n of_o all_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n of_o this_o late_a we_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o we_o shall_v therefore_o at_o this_o time_n dispatch_v the_o former_a that_o comfort_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v refresh_v by_o that_o do_v they_o revive_v other_o even_o those_o that_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o both_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o as_o by_o the_o same_o sun_n both_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a do_v see_v one_o find_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o light_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o thus_o also_o by_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o comfort_n that_o any_o godly_a man_n may_v be_v support_v all_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o those_o ground_n of_o comfort_n which_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o godly_a man_n may_v too_o also_o do_v another_o that_o which_o be_v wine_n to_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o paul_n will_v also_o exhilarate_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v honey_n to_o one_o can_v be_v gall_n to_o another_o this_o truth_n have_v its_o great_a practical_a use_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n for_o all_o the_o comfort_n godly_a in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n and_o there_o be_v special_a particular_a one_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v such_o that_o all_o the_o godly_a may_v make_v use_n of_o at_o all_o time_n be_v they_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a eye_n or_o foot_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n no_o exemption_n this_o fountain_n be_v set_v open_a neither_o be_v it_o like_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n wherein_o the_o first_o only_a that_o step_v in_o can_v be_v heal_v for_o here_o all_o be_v invite_v to_o drink_v first_o and_o last_o and_o that_o abundant_o there_o be_v catholicon_n comfort_v that_o let_v our_o disease_n be_v what_o they_o will_v be_v these_o be_v proper_a to_o cure_v we_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n so_o full_a of_o general_a comfort_n for_o every_o condition_n that_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o meridian_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n let_v we_o give_v you_o some_o summary_n draught_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o all_o affliction_n do_v come_v from_o the_o love_n of_o a_o father_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v father_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o have_v a_o bitter_a taste_n yet_o they_o come_v from_o a_o sweet_a root_n these_o thorn_n do_v grow_v upon_o a_o vine_n these_o bitter_a stream_n come_v from_o a_o sweet_a fountain_n now_o this_o ground_n of_o comfort_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o have_v a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n can_v thou_o make_v out_o thy_o evidence_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v thy_o name_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n then_o this_o comfort_n thou_o may_v apply_v to_o thyself_o be_v thy_o condition_n or_o quality_n what_o it_o can_v be_v thou_o may_v bold_o take_v this_o cordial_a and_o it_o be_v as_o proper_a for_o thou_o as_o a_o david_n or_o paul_n any_o of_o those_o who_o be_v pillar_n in_o godliness_n heb._n 12._o 6._o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o chasten_v so_o that_o you_o see_v here_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n of_o comfort_n that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n may_v use_v 2._o another_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n be_v the_o end_n and_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n as_o they_o come_v from_o god_n love_n so_o they_o be_v to_o subdue_v sin_n to_o bring_v we_o near_o good_a to_o god_n hence_o affliction_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o fire_n that_o purge_v away_o the_o dross_n to_o winnow_v that_o drive_v away_o the_o chaff_n to_o prune_v that_o cut_v off_o the_o luxuriant_a branch_n and_o make_v the_o other_o branch_n more_o fruitful_a they_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o wise_a physician_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o heavenly_a physic_n and_o admirable_a remedy_n to_o crucify_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v to_o righteousness_n if_o god_n deny_v thou_o such_o outward_a comfort_n thou_o desire_v know_v that_o this_o very_a denial_n be_v for_o thy_o good_a and_o dare_v thou_o say_v lord_n let_v i_o have_v they_o though_o they_o damn_v i_o let_v i_o not_o be_v afflict_v though_o it_o will_v do_v i_o good_a quid_fw-la â—…sit_fw-la uâ—l_fw-la prosit_fw-la novit_fw-la medice_fw-la non_fw-la egrotus_fw-la thus_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o love_n god_n the_o apostle_n also_o speak_v notable_o of_o these_o affliction_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o original_n whence_o they_o flow_v heb._n 12._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o a_o threefold_a advantage_n be_v say_v to_o come_v by_o they_o 1._o by_o yield_v to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n chastise_v we_o we_o live_v tribulation_n therefore_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v we_o live_v spiritual_o here_o and_o eternal_o hereafter_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o affliction_n thou_o may_v die_v and_o be_v damn_v they_o have_v prevent_v much_o sin_n they_o have_v be_v like_o a_o file_n to_o the_o iron_n to_o get_v off_o the_o rust_n they_o have_v be_v like_o the_o plow_a and_o harrow_n of_o the_o ground_n to_o fit_v thou_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o 2._o god_n be_v say_v to_o chastise_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n which_o be_v express_v to_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o holiness_n tribulation_n than_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a thing_n though_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v hardly_o say_v so_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o affliction_n have_v do_v thou_o more_o good_a than_o all_o the_o mercy_n thou_o ever_o have_v and_o therefore_o under_o every_o exercise_n examine_v what_o profit_n have_v i_o get_v wherein_o be_o i_o make_v more_o holy_a and_o then_o 3._o at_o the_o 11_o verse_n after_o the_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a way_n of_o they_o for_o the_o present_a afterward_o they_o will_v yield_v a_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o chasten_n do_v but_o seem_v grievous_a and_o that_o for_o the_o present_a but_o afterward_o it_o make_v more_o holy_a which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o it_o the_o soul_n that_o rage_v and_o fret_v find_v the_o benefit_n begin_v then_o in_o a_o peaceable_a quiet_a manner_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o general_n comfort_n every_o godly_a man_n may_v say_v this_o belong_v to_o i_o in_o my_o affliction_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o other_o 3._o not_o to_o be_v too_o large_a here_o the_o benefit_n and_o heavenly_a advantage_n christ_n which_o come_v from_o christ_n be_v we_o these_o also_o be_v comfort_n in_o common_a there_o be_v no_o fiery_a sword_n to_o keep_v out_o of_o this_o paradise_n rom._n 8._o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v those_o great_a privilege_n of_o justification_n of_o perseverance_n in_o that_o state_n of_o conquest_n over_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o that_o from_o such_o general_a ground_n as_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v claim_v to_o it_o because_o christ_n die_v and_o because_o christ_n be_v rise_v because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o not_o with_o he_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v there_o any_o believer_n so_o weak_a so_o contemptible_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o die_v for_o and_o rise_v for_o be_v there_o any_o to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v not_o give_v christ_n if_o so_o you_o see_v that_o what_o comfort_v paul_n may_v comfort_v you_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a position_n of_o papist_n that_o paul_n speak_v so_o assure_o in_o that_o condition_n because_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v that_o christ_n be_v his_o for_o he_o ground_n his_o persuasion_n upon_o those_o general_a argument_n which_o belong_v to_o every_o godly_a man_n christ_n then_o and_o his_o presence_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v a_o cordial_a to_o every_o believer_n this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n to_o the_o least_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a the_o the_o dwarf_n as_o well_o as_o the_o giant_n may_v hold_v this_o pearl_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n beside_o such_o general_a comfort_n which_o be_v as_o some_o comfort_n say_v of_o manna_n answer_v all_o dainty_n and_o be_v to_o every_o man_n palate_n that_o which_o he_o most_o delight_v in_o there_o be_v special_a and_o particular_a comfort_n for_o special_a and_o particular_a temptation_n so_o that_o as_o every_o disease_n need_v a_o peculiar_a remedy_n so_o every_o temptation_n a_o proper_a comfort_n and_o therefore_o that_o special_a comfort_n will_v not_o serve_v one_o in_o his_o temptation_n which_o do_v another_o in_o a_o different_a one_o and_o hence_o
of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o reformation_n wherein_o luther_n be_v so_o great_o instrumental_a for_o the_o text_n itself_o you_o have_v paul_n profess_v his_o rejoice_v in_o his_o suffering_n though_o so_o afflict_v so_o reproach_v be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n account_v the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o all_o this_o he_o do_v rejoice_v for_o god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a sufferer_n as_o well_o as_o a_o cheerful_a giver_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la boni_fw-la tristis_fw-la feeris_fw-la per_fw-la te_fw-la fit_a magis_fw-la quam_fw-la tu_fw-la facis_fw-la it_o be_v do_v in_o thou_o rather_o than_o by_o thou_o the_o good_a thou_o do_v with_o grudge_v and_o reluctancy_n yea_o admire_v the_o public_a affection_n of_o paul_n this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o he_o shall_v hereby_o have_v a_o great_a crown_n of_o glory_n that_o he_o shall_v hereby_o be_v more_o honour_v but_o principal_o he_o rejoice_v because_o he_o suffer_v for_o other_o that_o by_o his_o persecution_n many_o other_o may_v be_v embolden_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n now_o he_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o do_v suffer_v for_o they_o viz._n by_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o flesh_n for_o the_o body_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o church_n this_o seem_v strange_a how_o can_v paul_n fill_v up_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n behind_o of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v christ_n suffering_n imperfect_a can_v paul_n make_v up_o that_o which_o be_v deficient_a in_o christ_n this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v paul_n copartner_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mediation_n and_o than_o paul_n may_v true_o have_v say_v that_o which_o once_o by_o interrogation_n he_o so_o vehement_o deny_v paul_n be_v crucify_v for_o they_o therefore_o you_o must_v know_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n member_n 1._o those_o which_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o thus_o by_o once_o offer_v up_o of_o himself_o he_o for_o ever_o make_v perfect_a those_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o remainder_n behind_o to_o be_v do_v 2._o there_o be_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n unite_v to_o he_o their_o head_n and_o these_o be_v call_v his_o suffering_n because_o of_o that_o mystical_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n as_o also_o that_o sympathy_n that_o be_v in_o he_o with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n now_o as_o christ_n be_v appoint_v to_o suffering_n so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o he_o by_o way_n of_o conformity_n to_o their_o head_n set_v apart_o also_o for_o their_o suffering_n and_o these_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v still_o behind_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o yet_o full_o suffer_v in_o every_o age_n there_o be_v some_o still_o to_o be_v afflict_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o as_o long_o as_o any_o one_o believer_n be_v to_o suffer_v so_o long_o something_o of_o christ_n affliction_n remain_v still_o behind_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v he_o be_v to_o fulfil_v these_o propitiation_n affliction_n in_o his_o flesh_n and_o the_o end_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n they_o suffer_v for_o the_o church_n but_o not_o as_o christ_n suffer_v as_o will_v appear_v by_o some_o proposition_n to_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n first_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a especial_o of_o eminent_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n you_o must_v still_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n also_o the_o martyr_n they_o die_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n and_o hereby_o occasional_o to_o procure_v salvation_n for_o other_o but_o christ_n â—…ng_n for_o other_o be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o transcendent_a and_o efficacious_a way_n for_o 1._o christ_n death_n be_v not_o only_o a_o martyrdom_n but_o a_o propitiation_n and_o a_o atonement_n also_o christ_n we_o grant_v do_v suffer_v as_o a_o martyr_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v say_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 13._o to_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n but_o those_o wretched_a socinian_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v abhor_v because_o they_o make_v this_o the_o only_a end_n of_o his_o death_n that_o he_o die_v by_o way_n of_o example_n not_o by_o way_n of_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n thus_o with_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o paul_n for_o the_o church_n differ_v only_o gradual_o not_o in_o kind_n christ_n die_v as_o a_o more_o eminent_a martyr_n than_o paul_n but_o both_o only_a by_o way_n of_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n take_v we_o heed_n then_o that_o we_o do_v not_o split_v our_o soul_n at_o this_o rock_n of_o blasphemy_n deny_v the_o atonement_n of_o christ_n suffering_n 2._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o efficacy_n also_o for_o paul_n suffering_n and_o so_o all_o the_o suffering_n efficacy_n of_o the_o godly_a do_v only_o objective_o or_o by_o way_n of_o example_n turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o they_o comfort_v convert_v or_o save_v other_o only_a ministerial_o but_o christ_n suffering_n do_v meritorious_o and_o efficient_o also_o procure_v all_o the_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o remission_n of_o sin_n justification_n renovation_n and_o glorification_n be_v attribute_v unto_o his_o blood_n which_o can_v be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n so_o that_o christ_n death_n do_v by_o way_n of_o merit_n and_o causality_n procure_v all_o the_o privilege_n the_o church_n enjoy_v hence_o in_o the_o second_o place_n all_z the_o suffering_n which_o any_o undergo_v for_o the_o church_n other_o good_a they_o be_v not_o meritorious_a or_o satisfactory_a either_o for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v most_o derogative_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n maintain_v for_o their_o doctrine_n about_o the_o suffering_n of_o martyr_n for_o christ_n cause_n be_v very_o proud_a and_o pharisaical_a they_o dogmatise_v that_o by_o these_o he_o may_v merit_v and_o satisfy_v god_n yet_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n tincta_fw-la sanguine_fw-la christi_fw-la yea_o not_o only_o thus_o satisfy_v for_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o may_v supererogate_v so_o that_o they_o exceed_v the_o wise_a virgin_n they_o will_v part_v with_o some_o of_o their_o oil_n because_o they_o have_v more_o than_o enough_o so_o that_o from_o the_o overplus_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a stock_n and_o treasure_n to_o relieve_v those_o that_o have_v no_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o now_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a engine_n in_o popery_n to_o make_v the_o pope_n have_v indeed_o a_o great_a treasury_n for_o he_o communicate_v and_o dispense_v out_o of_o this_o stock_n for_o money_n insomuch_o that_o albertus_n magnus_n say_v plain_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o a_o far_o better_a condition_n to_o be_v save_v than_o a_o poor_a man_n because_o he_o have_v money_n to_o buy_v his_o pardon_n and_o to_o redeem_v himself_o which_o the_o poor_a have_v not_o thus_o these_o like_a judas_n make_v a_o sale_n and_o bargain_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o the_o godly_a suffer_v yet_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o for_o that_o end_n as_o christ_n be_v even_o as_o when_o they_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o that_o end_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o both_o in_o suffer_v and_o do_v christ_n be_v only_o meritorious_a because_o he_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o martyr_n three_o when_o we_o say_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o godly_a turn_n to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o god_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o of_o themselves_o they_o do_v so_o but_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n work_v by_o they_o for_o paul_n can_v of_o himself_o cause_n comfort_n and_o courage_n in_o other_o for_o he_o acknowledge_v god_n only_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o god_n will_v do_v good_a by_o such_o affliction_n and_o as_o paul_n can_v of_o himself_o thus_o do_v good_a to_o other_o by_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o be_v with_o he_o as_o in_o his_o preach_n he_o do_v but_o plant_n and_o water_n it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n so_o neither_o do_v these_o suffering_n work_v good_a of_o themselves_o by_o any_o intrinsical_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n they_o have_v for_o how_o many_o by_o these_o persecution_n be_v the_o rather_o terrify_v so_o that_o as_o
they_o so_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v not_o for_o the_o salvation_n but_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o through_o the_o sin_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o after_o age_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o due_a honour_v of_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o those_o worthy_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o the_o pen_n god_n spirit_n be_v the_o ready_a writer_n they_o be_v but_o the_o vessel_n god_n pour_v that_o curious_a ointment_n in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o as_o god_n in_o and_o by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v man_n like_o we_o subject_n to_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a fear_n they_o be_v reed_n of_o themselves_o ready_a to_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n but_o god_n establish_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o bless_v god_n who_o give_v such_o power_n and_o grace_n to_o man_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v in_o a_o civil_a way_n to_o honour_n and_o love_v they_o to_o desire_v to_o imitate_v they_o to_o make_v they_o example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v if_o the_o papist_n have_v go_v no_o further_o we_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v at_o concord_n in_o this_o point_n but_o from_o imitation_n they_o fall_v to_o adoration_n and_o although_o they_o heap_v up_o as_o many_o distinction_n as_o samson_n do_v man_n by_o his_o slaughter_n heap_v upon_o heap_n to_o clear_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o vitreum_fw-la acumen_fw-la these_o glass_n be_v quick_o break_v that_o the_o name_n of_o such_o who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n shall_v be_v like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n and_o a_o honourable_a esteem_n of_o they_o be_v have_v always_o in_o the_o church_n none_o can_v deny_v therefore_o those_o moral_a respect_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o the_o regard_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o martyr_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o any_o bishop_n or_o doctor_n as_o also_o when_o any_o have_v fall_v by_o infirmity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n such_o repent_v do_v first_o go_v to_o the_o confessor_n in_o prison_n that_o be_v candidate_n or_o design_v martyr_n entreat_v their_o favour_n and_o desire_v liberty_n of_o admission_n into_o church-communion_n from_o they_o which_o the_o church_n receive_v they_o make_v public_a satisfaction_n in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n by_o serious_a humiliation_n but_o this_o afterward_o begin_v to_o be_v great_o abuse_v and_o cyprian_a complain_v of_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v at_o last_o just_o abrogate_a howsoever_o such_o respect_n as_o be_v mere_o moral_a be_v to_o be_v allow_v but_o for_o religious_a consideration_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o that_o be_v unjustifiable_a a_o learned_a man_n think_v that_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v of_o by_o peter_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 1._o which_o tell_v of_o a_o apostasy_n bring_v in_o doctrine_n of_o daimon_n as_o he_o explain_v it_o be_v the_o worship_v of_o these_o saint_n depart_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o that_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v dispute_v certain_o there_o be_v great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o church_n from_o primitive_a simplicity_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o worship_v such_o who_o have_v be_v martyr_n yea_o their_o relic_n they_o will_v in_o a_o religious_a manner_n preserve_v and_o adore_v pray_v also_o unto_o they_o and_o expect_v both_o soul-mercy_n and_o body-mercy_n from_o they_o here_o this_o wine_n do_v begin_v to_o turn_v into_o vinegar_n and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n they_o turn_v wine_n into_o water_n that_o which_o be_v only_o for_o example_n and_o imitation_n they_o turn_v to_o adoration_n and_o worship_n wherein_o they_o do_v not_o only_o derogate_v from_o the_o glory_n due_a to_o christ_n but_o even_o those_o confessor_n and_o glorious_a martyr_n themselves_o be_v they_o corporal_o present_v will_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n rend_v their_o clothes_n and_o refuse_v such_o worship_n certain_o if_o the_o angel_n do_v forbid_v john_n from_o worship_v he_o say_v he_o be_v his_o fellow-servant_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v worship_v god_n how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o martyr_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v though_o therefore_o the_o godly_a be_v afflict_v and_o persecute_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n yet_o take_v heed_n of_o superstitious_a excess_n about_o they_o turn_v imitation_n into_o religious_a adoration_n three_o those_o that_o suffer_v may_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o encourage_v we_o but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v such_o who_o do_v indeed_o suffer_v for_o christ._n for_o no_o doubt_n all_o christ_n those_o who_o have_v suffer_v in_o any_o false_a way_n the_o heretic_n for_o his_o heresy_n the_o papist_n for_o his_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v great_o confirm_v those_o that_o be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n they_o do_v great_o comfort_v and_o animate_v other_o that_o do_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a martyr_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o such_o contrary_a to_o that_o in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v afflict_v for_o the_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o other_o other_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o heresy_n by_o their_o suffering_n look_v we_o then_o that_o we_o do_v propound_v right_a pattern_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v as_o sometime_o in_o popery_n they_o have_v worship_v the_o bone_n of_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o horse_n for_o a_o saint_n relic_n for_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o martyr_n heresy_n have_v her_o martyr_n yea_o vainglory_n have_v have_v many_o martyr_n and_o austin_n say_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n yet_o to_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o vainglory_n the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o also_o 1_o cor._n 13._o when_o he_o suppose_v a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o charity_n be_v a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n or_o it_o will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o this_o be_v so_o secret_a a_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o it_o that_o the_o heathen_n do_v charge_v it_o upon_o all_o the_o christian_n though_o false_o and_o malicious_o that_o they_o suffer_v only_o for_o vainglory_n be_v the_o more_o induce_v to_o think_v so_o because_o the_o christian_n do_v in_o such_o a_o excessive_a manner_n give_v honour_n and_o praise_n to_o they_o these_o thing_n premise_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o for_o christ_n suffer_v cause_n work_v to_o our_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n first_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a assurance_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n or_o delusion_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o how_o can_v it_o but_o great_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o can_v never_o have_v that_o comfort_n that_o courage_n that_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n upon_o their_o heart_n the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o those_o exquisite_a suffering_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o comfort_n to_o be_v of_o he_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o mere_a suffering_n and_o that_o with_o some_o joy_n the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n for_o a_o religious_a opinion_n do_v not_o present_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o have_v god_n superscription_n upon_o it_o for_o many_o heretical_a and_o delude_a spirit_n have_v demonstrate_v much_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o can_v be_v a_o external_a great_a sign_n of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n then_o by_o patient_a suffering_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o heretic_n die_v though_o papist_n die_v for_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a martyr_n yet_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o concomitant_a disposition_n be_v great_o different_a for_o as_o their_o mind_n be_v corrupt_v with_o error_n so_o also_o be_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n unsanctified_a and_o therefore_o discover_v not_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a sufferer_n do_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o suffer_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o torment_n but_o the_o patience_n faith_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n their_o love_n even_o to_o their_o very_a enemy_n that_o do_v draw_v out_o other_o to_o love_v they_o so_o that_o when_o we_o see_v other_o can_v be_v imprison_v execute_v for_o such_o doctrine_n and_o they_o be_v full_a of_o a_o heavenly_a mortify_v gracious_a heart_n at_o that_o time_n this_o must_v needs_o work_v in_o we_o a_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n especial_o this_o do_v confirm_v the_o
wilderness_n they_o grant_v he_o provide_v water_n for_o they_o even_o out_o of_o the_o rock_n the_o stream_n overflow_v but_o can_v he_o give_v bread_n can_v he_o give_v flesh_n also_o oh_o blind_a and_o foolish_a unbelief_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o provide_v bread_n as_o water_n in_o a_o dry_a wilderness_n but_o they_o limit_v god_n to_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o way_n now_o this_o sin_n of_o limit_v god_n to_o such_o humane_a help_n and_o way_n as_o we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o do_v insinuate_v very_o much_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a what_o be_v that_o expression_n of_o david_n i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n but_o bitter_a fruit_n from_o that_o bitter_a root_n oh_o how_o often_o do_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o their_o extremity_n say_v can_v god_n furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n those_o million_o of_o thought_n which_o eat_v thou_o up_o in_o a_o divide_n distrust_v way_n how_o shall_v this_o difficulty_n be_v overcome_v how_o shall_v that_o want_n be_v supply_v what_o if_o god_n suffer_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v then_o where_o be_o i_o be_v not_o all_o this_o to_o say_v cen_n god_n prepare_v bread_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o way_n paul_n despond_v think_v in_o this_o trouble_n the_o extremity_n be_v great_a death_n be_v at_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v it_o but_o that_o which_o deceive_v he_o be_v because_o he_o look_v only_o to_o sensible_a help_n he_o consider_v the_o instrument_n not_o the_o hand_n in_o which_o they_o be_v this_o be_v a_o very_a secret_a insinuate_a sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o godly_a be_v more_o diligent_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v against_o it_o that_o it_o do_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcome_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o apostle_n disclaim_v such_o a_o life_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o godly_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n do_v faith_n make_v we_o overlook_v instrument_n second_o cause_n and_o all_o creature_n how_o certain_a and_o constant_a will_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v the_o sun_n will_v always_o go_v down_o upon_o a_o peaceable_a fix_v serene_a frame_n of_o heat_n but_o when_o faith_n prevail_v and_o for_o that_o compose_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o like_o the_o rock_n which_o though_o one_o wave_n after_o another_o fierce_o assault_n yet_o that_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o place_n still_o so_o though_o condition_n alter_v though_o unheard_a cause_n and_o help_n be_v mutable_a yet_o because_o god_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o same_o he_o therefore_o continue_v the_o same_o let_v then_o the_o child_n of_o god_n examine_v and_o search_v their_o heart_n more_o in_o this_o particular_a see_v if_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o disquietness_n of_o all_o thy_o trouble_n and_o fear_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o thou_o be_v deceive_v that_o thou_o pass_v false_a judgement_n upon_o thyself_o certain_o the_o devil_n be_v enemy_n enough_o to_o thy_o comfort_n he_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v thou_o and_o deceive_v thou_o do_v not_o thou_o join_v with_o he_o against_o thy_o own_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v because_o the_o godly_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v hasty_a and_o too_o quick_a in_o judgeing_a judge_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v and_o well_o weigh_v all_o thing_n together_o they_o do_v not_o compare_v god_n promise_n and_o his_o providence_n together_o they_o do_v not_o set_v god_n word_n and_o his_o work_n together_o insipientis_fw-la est_fw-la aspicere_fw-la ad_fw-la pauca_fw-la they_o cast_v their_o eye_n only_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v discourage_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o dead_a womb_n and_o not_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o this_o inconsiderateness_n make_v they_o pass_v false_a judgement_n psal_n 31._o 22._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n and_o again_o psal_n 116._o 11._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n you_o see_v what_o hasty_a and_o sudden_a thought_n and_o word_n may_v come_v from_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n oh_o do_v not_o judge_v in_o thy_o rashness_n do_v not_o conclude_v this_o or_o that_o in_o thy_o haste_n but_o consider_v debate_n and_o compare_v all_o thing_n together_o moses_n though_o so_o meek_a a_o man_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o a_o sudden_a haste_n speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n examine_v then_o whether_o most_o of_o those_o thought_n whereby_o thou_o have_v wrong_v god_n and_o wrong_a thyself_o have_v not_o rise_v from_o unadvised_a hastiness_n thou_o say_v in_o thy_o haste_n god_n forsake_v thou_o thou_o say_v in_o thy_o haste_n thou_o shall_v be_v undo_v 2._o another_o reason_n why_o the_o godly_a be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o god_n administration_n transport_v be_v because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v passionate_o transport_v with_o anger_n and_o fear_n and_o these_o be_v like_o a_o misty_a foggy_a vapour_n to_o the_o sun_n that_o do_v obnubilate_v it_o and_o obscure_v the_o light_n when_o david_n do_v conclude_v he_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o cut_v off_o he_o do_v not_o only_o this_o in_o his_o haste_n but_o in_o his_o passion_n also_o it_o be_v anger_n make_v he_o say_v so_o it_o be_v grief_n make_v he_o say_v so_o his_o spirit_n be_v often_o trouble_v leaven_a and_o overwhelm_v within_o so_o that_o as_o when_o the_o water_n be_v bemuddy_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o see_v those_o little_a stone_n in_o the_o bottom_n which_o when_o clear_a we_o may_v do_v thus_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v move_v with_o fear_n and_o grief_n when_o it_o be_v in_o sad_a commotion_n than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o it_o judge_v erroneous_o anima_fw-la sedendo_fw-la &_o quiescendo_fw-la sit_fw-la sapiens_fw-la let_v reason_n and_o wisdom_n or_o faith_n rather_o meet_v thy_o passionate_a heart_n as_o abigal_n do_v david_n and_o this_o may_v prevent_v many_o sad_a thing_n which_o prove_v a_o trouble_n to_o thou_o afterward_o let_v it_o therefore_o be_v thy_o wisdom_n when_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v this_o censure_n and_o pass_v that_o sentence_n about_o thy_o affair_n or_o god_n deal_n with_o thou_o to_o stay_v till_o the_o heat_n and_o commotion_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v over_o fear_v and_o anger_n and_o grief_n these_o be_v ill_a counselor_n erect_v such_o a_o tribunal_n in_o thyself_o as_o they_o say_v that_o of_o the_o areopagite_n be_v no_o man_n be_v to_o move_v the_o affection_n by_o any_o rhetorical_a endeavour_n lest_o thereby_o the_o judgement_n may_v be_v pervert_v 3._o therefore_o the_o godly_a may_v misjudge_v and_o conclude_v contrary_a to_o what_o god_n wisdom_n intend_v because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o that_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v requisite_a when_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v or_o determine_v about_o god_n proceed_n cloud_n and_o darkness_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 29._o 7._o be_v round_o about_o his_o pavilion_n and_o as_o his_o essence_n be_v a_o light_n that_o none_o can_v draw_v nigh_o unto_o so_o also_o his_o administration_n do_v far_o exceed_v our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v his_o counsel_n and_o way_n now_o although_o this_o be_v so_o yet_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o directory_n to_o we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o it_o do_v also_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v his_o action_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o key_n that_o do_v in_o some_o particular_n even_o open_a the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o as_o samson_n out_o of_o love_n do_v disclose_v to_o dalilah_n such_o secret_a thing_n that_o none_o else_o do_v or_o can_v know_v so_o set_v aside_o many_o imperfection_n in_o the_o comparison_n do_v god_n out_o of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n reveal_v to_o they_o wherein_o his_o strength_n lie_v how_o she_o may_v prevail_v with_o he_o which_o way_n if_o she_o take_v she_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v good_a acceptance_n with_o he_o but_o to_o receive_v this_o there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o skill_n require_v when_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o a_o spiritual_a as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o discern_a for_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v be_v mean_v a_o weak_a christian_a as_o a_o late_a writer_n will_v have_v it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n because_o those_o of_o his_o way_n i_o mean_v the_o arminian_n think_v they_o strong_o conclude_v paul_n do_v not_o speak_v rom._n 7._o in_o
we_o not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o 4._o one_o chief_a motive_n which_o be_v to_o put_v we_o upon_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o god_n be_v thankfulness_n there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o divinity_n the_o one_o be_v de_fw-fr gratià _fw-la thankfulness_n dei_fw-la of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o de_fw-fr gratitudine_fw-la hominis_fw-la of_o man_n thankfulness_n there_o be_v indeed_o several_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abound_v in_o holy_a work_n but_o one_o of_o they_o be_v thereby_o to_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o though_o we_o can_v do_v anything_o to_o merit_v at_o his_o hand_n though_o christ_n as_o mediator_n have_v purchase_v all_o spiritual_a privilege_n so_o that_o we_o can_v do_v any_o holy_a duty_n as_o a_o cause_n to_o procure_v they_o yet_o to_o manifest_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n we_o be_v ready_a with_o delight_n to_o do_v his_o will_n 5._o a_o thanksgiving_n heart_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a disposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n wherein_o grace_n do_v in_o so_o many_o wonderful_a effect_n demonstrate_v itself_o now_o dispensation_n praise_n do_v proper_o answer_v to_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n eph._n 1._o 16._o god_n predestination_n and_o his_o adoption_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n these_o new_a song_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o mouth_n and_o again_o v_o 12._o that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o you_o say_v why_o do_v god_n predestine_v thou_o it_o be_v to_o his_o praise_n why_o do_v he_o convert_v it_o be_v to_o his_o praise_n thus_o he_o adopt_v he_o justify_v that_o we_o may_v be_v only_o to_o his_o praise_n thus_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o we_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n that_o we_o shall_v show_v forth_o his_o praise_n the_o child_n then_o of_o free_a grace_n must_v be_v the_o child_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n every_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n every_o part_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v a_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n be_v we_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o depth_n breadth_n and_o length_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o abound_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o blessing_n god_n david_n call_v his_o tongue_n his_o glory_n though_o some_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n because_o of_o this_o work_n last_o if_o we_o praise_v not_o god_n when_o mercy_n be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n it_o discover_v a_o rot_a and_o insincere_a heart_n it_o argue_v thou_o never_o do_v pray_v for_o mercy_n upon_o right_a heart_n ground_n to_o glorify_v god_n to_o be_v thereby_o more_o instrumental_a in_o our_o service_n of_o he_o but_o only_o for_o our_o own_o end_n and_o our_o own_o necessity_n for_o he_o that_o pray_v spiritual_o will_v praise_v god_n cheerful_o he_o will_v more_o rejoice_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n because_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n than_o the_o benefit_n obtain_v if_o then_o thou_o neglecte_v this_o duty_n of_o thanksgiving_n thou_o discover_v a_o profane_a earthly_a heart_n that_o thou_o prefer_v the_o mercy_n desire_v above_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v just_a with_o god_n never_o to_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n more_o for_o thankfulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v mercy_n and_o to_o have_v more_o add_v serm._n lxxxii_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n they_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o why_o 2_o cor._n i._o ii_o that_o for_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o second_o part_n in_o order_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o be_v the_o object_n matter_n for_o which_o or_o that_o for_o which_o paul_n will_v have_v solemn_a thanksgiving_n after_o such_o solemn_a prayer_n the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o temporal_a deliverance_n he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n not_o from_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n in_o paul_n some_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v apply_v only_o to_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n especial_o those_o which_o divine_v call_v dona_fw-la ministrantia_fw-la gift_n of_o service_n and_o the_o school_n gratiae_n gratis_o datae_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n or_o to_o the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o be_v inherent_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n these_o grace_n be_v call_v dona_n sanctificantia_fw-la gift_n that_o do_v true_o sanctify_v those_o that_o have_v they_o the_o school_n false_o call_v they_o gratiae_n gratum_fw-la facientes_fw-la but_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o apply_v to_o such_o common_a spiritual_a gift_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12._o &_o alibi_fw-la yet_o sometime_o we_o must_v thereby_o understand_v sanctify_v grace_n and_o justify_v grace_n rom._n 5._o 16._o rom._n 11._o 28._o and_o indeed_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o difference_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o rather_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o effect_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o cause_n as_o rom._n 12._o 6._o have_v gift_n according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v general_o translate_v gift_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o favorinus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o what_o the_o scripture_n other_o where_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jac._n 1._o 17._o act._n 8._o 21._o psal_n 1._o 17._o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o it_o do_v proper_o signify_v such_o a_o gift_n as_o make_v to_o the_o public_a and_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n only_o in_o this_o text_n it_o may_v have_v the_o general_a signification_n and_o the_o special_a the_o general_n paul_n deliverance_n be_v a_o temporal_a gift_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n in_o these_o outward_a thing_n a_o preservation_n from_o death_n either_o violent_a as_o the_o common_a exposition_n you_o hear_v be_v or_o from_o natural_a for_o baldwin_n the_o lutheran_n expositor_n think_v it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o desperate_a sickness_n paul_n be_v afflict_v with_o howsoever_o this_o outward_a mercy_n of_o preservation_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o may_v have_v also_o the_o special_a signification_n of_o a_o paul_n life_n and_o preservation_n be_v a_o gift_n in_o this_o sense_n for_o hereby_o his_o ministerial_a labour_n may_v be_v more_o successful_a but_o this_o latter_a consideration_n will_v come_v in_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o verse_n let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o general_a one_o paul_n life_n and_o preservation_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n from_o whence_o observe_v god_n that_o not_o only_o spiritual_a mercy_n which_o be_v above_o natural_a cause_n but_o even_o our_o ordinary_a temporal_a enjoyment_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o god_n gift_n only_o to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o justify_v we_o but_o to_o give_v we_o our_o health_n our_o food_n our_o preservation_n so_o that_o we_o live_v whole_o upon_o the_o mere_a bounty_n of_o god_n we_o be_v all_o so_o many_o almes-man_n the_o world_n be_v a_o almshouse_n man_n do_v not_o or_o can_v obtain_v the_o least_o mercy_n with_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o power_n without_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o necessary_a truth_n for_o we_o look_v more_o upon_o these_o ordinary_a mercy_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o labour_n than_o as_o god_n mere_a free_a gift_n the_o apostle_n jam._n 1._o 17._o say_v every_o good_a gift_n be_v from_o god_n every_o gift_n whether_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v be_v true_a both_o in_o nature_n and_o grace_n for_o although_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o pelagian_n do_v it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a to_o confound_v creation_n and_o nature_n with_o grace_n yet_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o may_v say_v that_o creation_n and_o preservation_n be_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n because_o he_o communicate_v of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o creature_n only_o from_o his_o mere_a favour_n but_o to_o speak_v after_o the_o scripture-language_n only_o those_o spiritual_a favour_n and_o church-priviledge_n which_o conduce_v to_o eternal_a blessedness_n be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o health_n life_n and_o other_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v not_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n however_o
they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o our_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o spiritual_a mercy_n come_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o though_o spiritual_a mercy_n have_v a_o more_o special_a and_o restrain_a consideration_n to_o affect_v we_o with_o humility_n and_o thankfulness_n in_o this_o point_n consider_v these_o particular_n first_o that_o even_o those_o mercy_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n yet_o god_n they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n shall_v he_o withdraw_v his_o concourse_n no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v its_o useful_a operation_n the_o fire_n will_v not_o warm_v we_o our_o bread_n will_v not_o nourish_v we_o our_o raiment_n will_v not_o comfort_v we_o against_o the_o cold_a so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o bless_v god_n that_o we_o have_v such_o creature_n as_o these_o be_v but_o that_o they_o be_v useful_a we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o praise_n god_n that_o we_o have_v bread_n and_o raiment_n but_o that_o these_o thing_n can_v do_v their_o office_n for_o in_o these_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a mercy_n 1._o that_o god_n do_v provide_v they_o for_o we_o 2._o that_o when_o they_o be_v provide_v they_o put_v forth_o their_o usefulness_n thus_o our_o saviour_n allege_v out_o of_o deuteronomy_n mat._n 4._o 4._o thou_o shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n only_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o god_n mouth_n if_o god_n give_v not_o a_o word_n of_o blessing_n our_o bread_n can_v nourish_v we_o hence_o we_o be_v also_o say_v in_o god_n to_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n 17._o 28._o although_o therefore_o there_o be_v natural_a cause_n and_o these_o do_v produce_v their_o effect_n from_o a_o natural_a necessity_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v second_o cause_n they_o do_v therefore_o depend_v upon_o god_n the_o chief_a and_o supreme_a cause_n both_o in_o esse_fw-la and_o operari_fw-la in_o their_o be_v and_o operation_n thus_o the_o fire_n will_v not_o burn_v if_o god_n shall_v not_o give_v concourse_n thereunto_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o worthy_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o dominican_n though_o the_o jesuit_n do_v not_o well_o relish_v it_o be_v that_o every_o second_o cause_n though_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a agent_n and_o so_o determine_v to_o operation_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o potentiality_n to_o work_v it_o have_v a_o potentia_fw-la a_o power_n this_o must_v be_v reduce_v to_o act_v by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o pure_a and_o chief_a act_n viz._n god_n himself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o god_n to_o give_v a_o natural_a power_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n unless_o he_o also_o actuate_v that_o power_n and_o go_v along_o with_o it_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o when_o believe_v will_v draw_v off_o our_o eye_n from_o the_o creature_n more_o so_o as_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o more_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o than_o thou_o be_v to_o know_v that_o even_o those_o natural_a comfort_n which_o flow_v from_o natural_a cause_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o produce_v they_o be_v yet_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n now_o how_o often_o be_v we_o unthankful_a for_o these_o mercy_n we_o do_v not_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o see_v the_o gift_n of_o hear_v the_o gift_n of_o walk_v second_o those_o comfort_n which_o flow_v from_o moral_a cause_n these_o also_o be_v to_o god_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n a_o man_n that_o be_v diligent_a in_o his_o place_n he_o may_v grow_v to_o be_v rich_a the_o strong_a usual_o prevail_v in_o battle_n the_o swift_a they_o overcome_v in_o a_o race_n yet_o where_o these_o moral_a cause_n be_v the_o effect_n be_v god_n gift_n therefore_o solomon_n observe_v that_o the_o clean_a contrary_n fall_v out_o sometime_o eccles_n 9_o 11._o that_o the_o battle_n be_v not_o to_o the_o strong_a nor_o the_o race_n to_o the_o swift_a how_o many_o be_v diligent_a careful_a and_o wise_a in_o their_o place_n and_o yet_o can_v obtain_v wealth_n in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o we_o use_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v god_n gift_n if_o his_o blessing_n be_v not_o upon_o the_o mean_n they_o be_v frustrate_v thus_o the_o lord_n do_v instruct_v israel_n against_o any_o pride_n and_o confidence_n that_o may_v arise_v as_o if_o their_o power_n and_o strength_n do_v make_v they_o rich_a for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o that_o give_v thou_o power_n to_o get_v wealth_n deut._n 8._o 18._o you_o see_v whatsoever_o wisdom_n diligence_n and_o good_a husbandry_n we_o use_v yet_o if_o any_o thing_n come_v thereby_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n you_o have_v a_o most_o significant_a place_n for_o this_o truth_n hag._n 1._o 6._o where_o the_o prophet_n show_v whatever_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o take_v care_n and_o labour_v about_o the_o lord_n can_v blast_v it_o and_o make_v it_o come_v to_o nothing_o you_o eat_v but_o have_v not_o enough_o you_o clothe_v you_o but_o there_o be_v none_o warm_a and_o he_o that_o earn_v wage_n it_o be_v to_o put_v in_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n do_v not_o this_o text_n evident_o proclaim_v that_o the_o labourer_n in_o his_o wage_n the_o tradesman_n in_o his_o buy_n and_o sell_v the_o husbandman_n in_o his_o plow_a and_o sow_v can_v add_v one_o farthing_n to_o his_o efface_n unless_o the_o lord_n bless_v it_o three_o all_o those_o comfort_n we_o have_v and_o gift_n either_o to_o relieve_v or_o refresh_v god_n we_o that_o we_o have_v from_o other_o we_o be_v to_o account_v they_o god_n gift_n rather_o than_o man_n if_o any_o man_n help_v thou_o in_o thy_o necessity_n if_o any_o man_n prefer_v and_o honour_v thou_o thou_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o man_n that_o be_v benefactor_n but_o more_o to_o god_n who_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o thou_o yet_o how_o little_a be_v this_o thought_n upon_o when_o we_o receive_v courtesy_n from_o man_n kindness_n from_o man_n we_o look_v upon_o these_o alone_a whereas_o if_o god_n do_v not_o move_v their_o heart_n thou_o will_v have_v find_v no_o relief_n from_o they_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o joseph_n he_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n upon_o the_o king_n displeasure_n in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n the_o gaoler_n will_v have_v use_v he_o with_o all_o cruelty_n yet_o say_v the_o text_n genes_n 39_o 21._o god_n show_v mercy_n to_o joseph_n and_o give_v he_o favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o prison_n the_o lord_n have_v a_o command_n over_o man_n heart_n he_o make_v they_o merciful_a and_o free_a to_o some_o and_o again_o he_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n against_o other_o now_o we_o poor_a creature_n look_v only_o upon_o man_n as_o if_o they_o do_v all_o as_o if_o all_o be_v in_o their_o power_n but_o as_o god_n command_v laban_n who_o be_v in_o a_o rage_n against_o jacob_n not_o to_o speak_v a_o ill_a word_n against_o he_o so_o also_o do_v the_o lord_n daily_o he_o make_v man_n thy_o friend_n and_o he_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o be_v foe_n we_o have_v likewise_o a_o notable_a instance_n exod._n 12._o 36._o when_o the_o israelite_n be_v upon_o their_o departure_n the_o egyptian_n though_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n who_o hate_v and_o oppress_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n give_v they_o favour_n in_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o lend_v they_o even_o jewel_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o god_n be_v provoke_v it_o be_v say_v psalm_n 105._o he_o turn_v their_o heart_n to_o his_o people_n as_o david_n then_o say_v when_o shimei_n revile_v he_o bitter_o the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o so_o when_o thou_o receive_v any_o favour_n any_o mercy_n from_o man_n look_v up_o high_o than_o man_n the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o man_n gift_n be_v much_o rather_o god_n gift_n yea_o even_a what_o those_o do_v for_o we_o who_o be_v in_o the_o most_o endear_a relation_n and_o so_o have_v principle_n of_o nature_n to_o instigate_v they_o to_o help_v thou_o yet_o thou_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o their_o care_n and_o love_n as_o god_n gift_n to_o thou_o if_o thy_o parent_n have_v take_v care_n of_o thou_o if_o they_o have_v provide_v for_o thou_o if_o they_o have_v look_v to_o thou_o though_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v unnatural_a if_o they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o yet_o do_v thou_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o god_n gift_n to_o thou_o how_o many_o parent_n be_v give_v up_o to_o unnatural_a affection_n how_o many_o love_n their_o lust_n and_o their_o whore_n more_o than_o their_o child_n so_o that_o
of_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v to_o we_o so_o likewise_o gal._n 6._o 4._o the_o apostle_n press_v every_o man_n to_o try_v his_o own_o work_n to_o examine_v his_o intention_n therein_o give_v this_o as_o the_o consequent_a fruit_n thereof_o that_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o glory_v and_o boast_v in_o himself_o to_o clear_v this_o truth_n let_v we_o first_o show_v what_o be_v require_v to_o this_o glory_v and_o then_o grace_n in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o allow_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a first_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o we_o have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o that_o grace_n we_o discover_v to_o be_v in_o we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o these_o outward_a mercy_n which_o yet_o be_v only_o for_o the_o body_n what_o matter_n of_o joy_n shall_v it_o be_v to_o find_v those_o spiritual_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o which_o be_v of_o eternal_a concernment_n what_o solomon_n say_v concern_v the_o esteem_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o grace_n we_o shall_v all_o make_v good_a prov._n 2._o 4._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n that_o soul_n then_o which_o can_v rejoice_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n must_v esteem_v of_o it_o more_o than_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o say_v o_o lord_n i_o have_v rather_o find_v myself_o sanctify_v i_o have_v rather_o see_v the_o powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n upon_o i_o then_o to_o be_v make_v the_o great_a or_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v many_o exhortation_n to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v our_o heart_n to_o see_v if_o we_o can_v find_v this_o precious_a jewel_n in_o our_o soul_n now_o none_o will_v be_v cordial_a to_o examine_v and_o search_v herein_o but_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a treasure_n do_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n make_v such_o diligent_a search_n for_o a_o lose_a groat_n only_o and_o call_v her_o neighbour_n to_o rejoice_v with_o she_o when_o she_o have_v find_v it_o how_o large_a and_o boundless_a then_o shall_v our_o thought_n be_v about_o the_o excellency_n of_o grace_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o godly_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o great_a question_n it_o labour_v to_o study_v and_o to_o resolve_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o know_v that_o this_o only_a be_v the_o most_o bless_a and_o happy_a estate_n in_o the_o world_n second_o as_o we_o must_v high_o esteem_v this_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o we_o must_v have_v a_o they_o certainty_n and_o persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v obtain_v it_o have_v not_o paul_n know_v that_o his_o heart_n have_v be_v sincere_a that_o he_o be_v not_o act_v by_o carnal_a wisdom_n he_o can_v never_o have_v rejoice_v for_o philosopher_n make_v joy_n to_o be_v in_o that_o good_a thing_n we_o do_v possess_v and_o also_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o this_o text_n than_o do_v abundant_o declare_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o although_o the_o heart_n be_v indeed_o deceitful_a and_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n yet_o when_o sanctify_v it_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o it_o and_o so_o far_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o he_o than_o that_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o he_o must_v press_v after_o assurance_n must_v endeavour_v after_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o and_o although_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o justify_v faith_n yea_o it_o be_v separable_a from_o it_o a_o man_n may_v be_v justify_v may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o not_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o privilege_n yea_o and_o duty_n also_o that_o we_o shall_v diligent_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v weaken_v our_o assurance_n that_o may_v make_v we_o to_o doubt_v and_o question_n whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o or_o no._n three_o a_o sure_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v thereof_o not_o enough_o but_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o right_a ground_n and_o in_o a_o scripture-demonstration_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o false_a persuasion_n it_o may_v produce_v indeed_o a_o rejoice_v but_o a_o false_a rejoice_v also_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o paul_n while_o a_o persecutor_n be_v zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n and_o think_v himself_o bound_n as_o he_o profess_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n can_v then_o say_v his_o rejoice_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v persuade_v that_o in_o those_o way_n he_o glorify_v god_n and_o therefore_o some_o do_v extend_v that_o profession_n of_o he_o before_o the_o council_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o that_o day_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o every_o persuasion_n though_o never_o so_o confident_a be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v we_o rejoice_v but_o we_o must_v look_v to_o scripture-ground_n do_v not_o experience_n confirm_v this_o take_v any_o heretical_a person_n any_o erroneous_a person_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n yet_o he_o will_v proclaim_v a_o rejoice_v in_o his_o heart_n from_o the_o good_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n so_o that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n satisfy_v do_v bring_v peace_n and_o rejoice_v but_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a joy_n it_o be_v either_o from_o mere_a humane_a principle_n or_o from_o diabolical_a delusion_n but_o this_o will_v come_v in_o more_o proper_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n itself_o of_o paul_n rejoice_v four_o to_o this_o rejoice_v there_o be_v require_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v god_n we_o thereunto_o so_o that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o do_v seal_v to_o we_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o estate_n do_v also_o cause_n comfort_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v after_o this_o it_o do_v seal_v and_o comfort_n and_o this_o latter_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o we_o see_v it_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n people_n to_o have_v comfort_n when_o they_o will_n hence_o gal._n 5._o joy_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v call_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o objective_o because_o it_o be_v a_o joy_n in_o spiritual_a object_n but_o also_o efficient_o because_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n mould_v the_o heart_n for_o comfort_n remove_v fear_n and_o doubt_n restrain_v and_o keep_v off_o satan_n whereby_o no_o sin_n no_o devil_n be_v able_a to_o deject_v and_o cast_v down_o because_o god_n comfort_v â—thus_n you_o see_v what_o go_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o a_o holy_a glory_v in_o they_o now_o let_v we_o see_v in_o what_o respect_n it_o be_v lawful_a thus_o to_o rejoice_v and_o favour_n first_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o love_n as_o they_o signify_v the_o cause_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v rahab_n can_v not_o but_o rejoice_v to_o see_v the_o thread_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o great_a mercy_n design_v for_o she_o if_o then_o the_o godly_a man_n have_v that_o spiritual_a skill_n as_o to_o difference_n between_o trust_v in_o his_o grace_n as_o any_o way_n cause_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o thankful_o receive_v they_o assign_v from_o which_o he_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o it_o then_o do_v he_o hit_v the_o mark_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v from_o luther_n that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n not_o only_o of_o evil_a deed_n but_o of_o good_a and_o holy_a work_n also_o because_o the_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n insensible_o yet_o this_o much_o not_o so_o deter_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v not_o take_v comfort_n from_o their_o grace_n for_o how_o can_v they_o see_v they_o and_o not_o rejoice_v because_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n itself_o and_o of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o though_o their_o grace_n be_v weak_a and_o full_a of_o imperfection_n yet_o they_o manifest_v that_o to_o be_v we_o which_o be_v full_o perfect_a and_o have_v no_o fault_n at_o all_o in_o it_o imperfect_a grace_n do_v manifest_a god_n perfect_a grace_n to_o
other_o help_n no_o more_o than_o he_o will_v make_v you_o understand_v greek_a and_o hebrew_n know_v then_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o almost_o incurable_a condition_n when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v become_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o when_o we_o suck_v poison_v out_o of_o these_o sweet_a herb_n although_o indeed_o we_o can_v from_o the_o scripture_n get_v any_o hurt_n but_o our_o own_o corruption_n procure_v it_o to_o we_o because_o we_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o our_o end_n and_o affection_n not_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n three_o to_o the_o have_v of_o a_o well-ordered_a conscience_n there_o be_v great_o require_v intention_n pure_a aim_n and_o intention_n for_o although_o a_o good_a intention_n can_v sanctifile_v a_o unlawful_a action_n yet_o corrupt_a intention_n will_v blast_v and_o defile_v the_o best_a action_n insomuch_o that_o if_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n and_o part_n of_o the_o able_a man_n yea_o of_o angel_n themselves_o yet_o sinful_a aim_n will_v be_v like_a locust_n and_o caterpillar_n to_o devour_v this_o hopeful_a fruit_n but_o oh_o the_o unsearchable_a hypocrisy_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n even_o in_o this_o very_a respect_n how_o ready_a be_v every_o pharisee_fw-mi every_o heretic_n and_o papist_n to_o appropriate_v this_o to_o themselves_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v they_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a advantage_n any_o temporal_a emolument_fw-fr that_o they_o look_v at_o or_o regard_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v much_o rejoice_v because_o of_o this_o but_o if_o the_o counterfeit_n will_v bring_v such_o peace_n what_o will_v the_o real_a and_o sincere_a intention_n of_o a_o man_n do_v and_o certain_o though_o a_o man_n be_v clothe_v with_o never_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v not_o only_o a_o great_a than_o austin_n or_o chrysostome_n but_o even_o than_o paul_n or_o peter_n for_o some_o have_v cry_v up_o the_o head_n of_o their_o party_n as_o have_v great_a gift_n than_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yet_o without_o sincere_a intention_n they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o life_n soul_n and_o the_o all_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o that_o will_v come_v in_o more_o seasonable_o afterward_o four_o to_o a_o right_n order_v conscience_n who_o witness_n may_v be_v receive_v and_o sanctification_n comfort_v take_v thereby_o that_o there_o be_v require_v the_o inward_a sanctification_n and_o effectual_a renovation_n thereof_o so_o that_o till_o this_o be_v every_o man_n conscience_n be_v like_o a_o man_n himself_o a_o mere_a liar_n there_o be_v no_o believe_v of_o it_o no_o trust_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v say_v jer._n 17._o that_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v deceitful_o wicked_a or_o crafty_a and_o supplant_n a_o man_n this_o comprehend_v conscience_n as_o well_o as_o any_o part_n else_o for_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o original_a sin_n be_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o in_o these_o two_o respect_n the_o natural_a conscience_n do_v always_o fail_v for_o either_o it_o do_v not_o witness_v that_o which_o be_v right_a or_o not_o to_o a_o right_a end_n insomuch_o that_o though_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o to_o gainsay_v or_o contradict_v his_o conscience_n yet_o nothing_o lie_v upon_o he_o more_o than_o to_o have_v his_o conscience_n right_o inform_v or_o regulate_v by_o god_n word_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n you_o see_v every_o civil_a man_n every_o formal_a man_n so_o applaud_v himself_o in_o his_o good_a condition_n it_o be_v because_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a conscience_n a_o scripture-conscience_n for_o that_o will_v make_v he_o abhor_v himself_o and_o fly_v out_o of_o the_o sodom_n he_o be_v in_o for_o in_o most_o thing_n the_o conscience_n do_v not_o witness_v the_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o it_o do_v flâ—tter_v and_o deceive_v thou_o how_o seldom_o do_v it_o tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v the_o drunkard_n the_o hypocrite_n the_o neglecter_n of_o private_a duty_n &_o c_o or_o if_o it_o do_v than_o it_o be_v to_o a_o false_a end_n either_o to_o drive_v to_o despair_v and_o to_o fly_v from_o christ_n who_o blood_n only_o can_v cleanse_v the_o conscience_n or_o else_o to_o quiet_v it_o again_o by_o some_o superstitious_a usage_n and_o non-instituted_n remedy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o few_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o conscience_n into_o a_o evangelical_n and_o gospel_n way_n know_v then_o here_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o thy_o misery_n thy_o conscience_n be_v unsanctified_a lull_v thou_o asleep_o whereby_o thou_o rejoic_a in_o thy_o condition_n when_o thou_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v serm._n lxxxvi_o further_a discovery_n of_o what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o well-regulated_n conscience_n with_o distinction_n concern_v it_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n there_o remain_v more_o particular_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o which_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o well-regulated_n conscience_n who_o testimony_n you_o hear_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o first_o there_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n necessary_a the_o witness_v and_o seal_v conscience_n power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o and_o with_o our_o conscience_n the_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v our_o conscience_n speak_v full_o and_o clear_o so_o as_o to_o have_v rejoice_v thereby_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v also_o bear_v witness_n with_o it_o hence_o we_o have_v they_o both_o put_v together_o rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o you_o hear_v that_o bernard_n understand_v this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o text_n of_o a_o testimonium_fw-la percipientis_fw-la not_o perhibentis_fw-la but_o they_o be_v both_o include_v for_o our_o conscience_n can_v give_v any_o evidence_n and_o sure_a testimony_n of_o the_o grace_n inus_fw-la unless_o enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n seal_v and_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n the_o text_n be_v very_o famous_a and_o great_o agitate_a in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n grotius_n and_o some_o other_o neglect_v the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o will_v have_v it_o no_o more_o than_o simple_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o word_n be_v not_o any_o where_o so_o use_v the_o instance_n of_o grotius_n be_v against_o he_o rom._n 2._o 15._o for_o conscience_n there_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o so_o do_v relate_v to_o his_o testimony_n we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n only_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o conscience_n this_o be_v do_v and_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v by_o any_o external_a voice_n and_o sound_v make_v in_o the_o air_n as_o christ_n have_v when_o it_o be_v say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n neither_o may_v we_o apprehend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o some_o have_v plead_v for_o but_o in_o a_o mediate_a way_n partly_o by_o exciting_a and_o enable_v of_o our_o spirit_n to_o call_v god_n father_n against_o that_o slavishness_n and_o servility_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o bear_v we_o down_o and_o partly_o by_o work_v in_o we_o those_o heavenly_a and_o holy_a qualification_n by_o which_o we_o do_v certain_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n indeed_o the_o papist_n make_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v no_o more_o as_o apply_v to_o particular_a subject_n though_o in_o itself_o they_o say_v it_o be_v infallible_a then_o a_o moral_a certainty_n by_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o sign_n but_o this_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o take_v away_o all_o that_o evangelical_n joy_n and_o holy_a boldness_n which_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v at_o the_o throve_n of_o grace_n this_o witness_v then_o of_o god_n spirit_n be_v two_o way_n effective_o 1._o effectiuè_fw-fr when_o it_o do_v enable_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o legal_a terror_n and_o torment_a fear_n and_o so_o in_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n to_o believe_v god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o alas_o take_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n without_o this_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n how_o legal_a and_o timorated_a
of_o this_o therefore_o first_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n general_a which_o do_v afford_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v either_o particular_a as_o to_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o one_o particular_a business_n especial_o when_o calummate_v by_o adversary_n or_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o whole_a conversation_n these_o two_o be_v great_o to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o we_o see_v david_n in_o many_o place_n pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o his_o innocency_n and_o deal_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o do_v many_o time_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v his_o integrity_n now_o this_o be_v from_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o a_o particular_a fact_n saul_n and_o other_o do_v malicious_o accuse_v he_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n thing_n that_o he_o never_o do_v of_o this_o paul_n speak_v also_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o he_o do_v not_o matter_n those_o crime_n that_o the_o false_a apostle_n burden_v he_o with_o because_o his_o conscience_n do_v clear_v he_o as_o to_o any_o gross_a neglect_n in_o his_o ministerial_a course_n now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o many_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a man_n may_v have_v in_o some_o case_n this_o particular_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o receive_v comfort_n from_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n how_o many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n be_v slander_v by_o some_o malicious_a adversary_n as_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n which_o be_v altogether_o false_a now_o happy_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o free_a from_o they_o thy_o conscience_n justify_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v comfort_n from_o this_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o god_n require_v therefore_o there_o be_v a_o second_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v general_n and_o that_o speak_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n witness_v that_o thy_o whole_a conversation_n be_v unblameable_a and_o that_o thy_o heart_n in_o the_o universal_a inclination_n thereof_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n and_o against_o sin_n it_o be_v this_o general_a testimony_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a comfort_n a_o man_n may_v be_v free_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o some_o particular_a sin_n and_o yet_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n second_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n even_o in_o general_n witness_v unto_o sincerity_n thou_o thy_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n for_o either_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v or_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v testify_v unto_o thou_o a_o heart_n and_o life_n free_a from_o all_o sin_n fail_v in_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o else_o to_o witness_v sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n for_o the_o main_a though_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n if_o then_o a_o christian_a shall_v resolve_v to_o take_v no_o joy_n unless_o his_o conscience_n can_v witness_v perfection_n and_o a_o immunity_n from_o any_o fail_n such_o a_o one_o must_v resolve_v to_o have_v no_o comfort_n all_o his_o life_n time_n but_o if_o it_o witness_v the_o main_a bent_n and_o frame_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o be_v for_o god_n though_o carry_v aside_o often_o through_o the_o violence_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o temptation_n from_o this_o thou_o may_v rejoice_v this_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o why_o be_v the_o discouragement_n and_o disconsolateness_n of_o god_n own_o child_n so_o great_a but_o because_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o of_o several_a fail_n and_o they_o desire_v some_o testimony_n of_o a_o perfection_n satisfy_v yourselves_o therefore_o and_o regulate_v your_o thought_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o thus_o we_o must_v expound_v that_o place_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20_o 21._o which_o at_o first_o appearance_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o terrible_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n this_o text_n if_o not_o right_o understand_v be_v enough_o like_o belshazzar_n write_v in_o the_o wall_n to_o strike_v we_o with_o tremble_v for_o be_v there_o any_o man_n live_v who_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o for_o sin_n do_v not_o this_o very_a apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 1._o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o no_o truth_n be_v in_o we_o if_o then_o we_o have_v sin_n how_o can_v our_o heart_n but_o condemn_v we_o and_o then_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v more_o evil_a and_o error_n in_o we_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v must_v condemn_v we_o much_o more_o what_o be_v this_o then_o but_o to_o fill_v every_o godly_a man_n with_o despair_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o may_v not_o speak_v a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o mention_a distinction_n viz._n that_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o just_o for_o the_o main_a that_o our_o foundation_n be_v rot_v that_o we_o love_v sin_n more_o than_o god_n than_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v whole_o cast_v down_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o for_o the_o main_a only_o for_o those_o imperfection_n and_o frailty_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o be_v purge_v from_o in_o this_o life_n than_o we_o may_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n three_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o habitual_o able_a to_o testify_v or_o as_o actual_o and_o immediate_o prepare_v this_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o testify_v every_o regenerate_a man_n have_v his_o conscience_n sanctify_v be_v thereby_o habitual_o able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a testimony_n but_o many_o thing_n may_v intervene_v that_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o act_n even_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o cloud_n and_o mist_n may_v hinder_v the_o actual_a communication_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n their_o conscience_n be_v sanctify_v but_o many_o doubt_n arise_v many_o scruple_n and_o fear_n do_v interpose_v so_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o actual_a witness_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o they_o may_v have_v so_o that_o as_o in_o sanctification_n there_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o may_v be_v stop_v so_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o consolation_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o though_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v trouble_v and_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o wary_a so_o to_o walk_v as_o not_o to_o put_v stop_n and_o check_n in_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n especial_o to_o labour_v for_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a we_o be_v the_o less_o firm_a and_o clear_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o appear_v rom._n 14._o 22_o 23._o four_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o alone_o and_o christ_n separate_a or_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_o all_o our_o acceptance_n and_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v contain_v whereas_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n alone_o though_o to_o his_o best_a action_n he_o will_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v from_o that_o then_o rejoice_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v good_a and_o true_o peaceable_a that_o do_v not_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o say_v not_o with_o john_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o thy_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o behold_v the_o holy_a duty_n thou_o have_v live_v in_o heb._n 9_o 14._o how_o much_o rather_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n let_v conscience_n then_o always_o eye_n christ_n look_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o grace_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o evangelical_a conscience_n lie_v not_o in_o this_o to_o testify_v thou_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o sinner_n or_o thou_o have_v not_o such_o fail_n but_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v such_o yet_o repent_v and_o believe_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n thy_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o condemn_v thou_o for_o they_o because_o pardon_v now_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o pharisaical_a man_n which_o comfort_v from_o work_n do_v do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o christ_n and_o by_o this_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o see_v that_o by_o christ_n blood_n alone_o it_o come_v to_o be_v true_o purify_v use_v 1_o of_o instruction_n how_o few_o they_o be_v that_o have_v this_o
the_o property_n of_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a to_o take_v nothing_o to_o themselves_o god_n but_o to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o see_v here_o though_o paul_n be_v so_o eminent_a for_o godliness_n and_o so_o admirable_a for_o gift_n yet_o he_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v alone_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o all_o spiritual_a success_n this_o subject_n the_o apostle_n do_v very_o willing_o enlarge_v himself_o upon_o wheresoever_o he_o have_v occasion_n hence_o in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n 1_o corinth_n 15._o 10._o he_o say_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n make_v he_o a_o holy_a man_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n make_v he_o a_o eminent_a apostle_n he_o have_v nothing_o as_o a_o private_a christian_a or_o as_o a_o officer_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o because_o many_o may_v have_v grace_n in_o a_o common_a way_n bestow_v upon_o they_o that_o yet_o abuse_v it_o as_o judas_z he_o add_v this_o grace_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a yet_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o it_o be_v his_o improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n bestow_v that_o make_v it_o so_o effectual_a he_o present_o correct_v his_o expression_n yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o as_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pen_n but_o the_o writer_n that_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o fair_a character_n let_v we_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n and_o first_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n rejoice_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o grace_n acknowledge_v all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o these_o two_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o to_o take_v comfort_n from_o our_o holiness_n yet_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a lesson_n to_o perform_v there_o be_v require_v much_o skill_n and_o prudence_n herein_o for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o extreme_n either_o through_o unbelief_n and_o peevishness_n we_o nourish_v doubt_n and_o perplex_v thought_n in_o ourselves_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o else_o if_o we_o do_v behold_v it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o we_o be_v present_o in_o a_o secret_a manner_n lift_v up_o and_o confident_a thereby_o but_o we_o see_v by_o the_o apostle_n practice_n both_o be_v consistent_a together_o so_o that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v diligent_o to_o labour_v after_o this_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o heart_n to_o be_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n about_o thy_o condition_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o jaw_n of_o hell_n and_o to_o be_v presume_v or_o carnal_o confident_a of_o thy_o grace_n be_v the_o next_o door_n to_o a_o sad_a and_o miserable_a downfall_n second_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o general_n but_o so_o to_o set_v up_o grace_n as_o to_o give_v all_o to_o it_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o immediate_a grace_n opposition_n between_o grace_n and_o work_n rom._n 11._o 6._o there_o can_v be_v a_o reconcile_n of_o grace_n and_o work_n together_o this_o have_v be_v often_o attempt_v but_o as_o unhappy_o as_o the_o build_n up_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n again_o the_o pelagian_a arminian_n the_o socinian_n and_o papist_n all_o these_o do_v acknowledge_v grace_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v nothing_o at_o last_o but_o the_o freewill_n and_o work_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v his_o good_a use_n of_o grace_n that_o do_v determine_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n effectual_a not_o grace_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o stapleton_n will_v antidote_n against_o calvin_n poison_n as_o he_o speak_v from_o this_o text._n for_o whereas_o calvin_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o apostle_n glory_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n concernin_n his_o sincerity_n do_v show_v that_o paul_n hereby_o do_v not_o oppose_v that_o command_n let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o the_o lord_n because_o paul_n give_v all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o rest_v alone_o upon_o that_o from_o this_o stapleton_n will_v excuse_v the_o papist_n also_o because_o they_o acknowledge_v all_o good_a work_n to_o come_v from_o grace_n their_o merit_n be_v found_v only_o upon_o christ_n merit_n even_o as_o it_o do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o he_o use_v second_o cause_n in_o natural_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o he_o both_o in_o their_o be_v and_o operation_n but_o it_o do_v illustrate_v as_o his_o bounty_n so_o his_o power_n the_o more_o to_o make_v other_o thing_n powerful_a thus_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o injurious_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o attribute_v merit_n to_o our_o work_n see_v this_o come_v only_o from_o christ_n but_o it_o argue_v his_o fullness_n and_o rich_a grace_n the_o more_o that_o communicate_v of_o it_o to_o we_o so_o that_o say_v he_o to_o put_v trust_n in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o proxim_n and_o immediate_a cause_n but_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o universal_a cause_n be_v no_o derogation_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v always_o remember_v if_o of_o grace_n than_o not_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o grace_n unless_o it_o be_v grace_v every_o way_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v our_o work_n the_o second_o cause_n to_o trust_v in_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o high_a a_o wickedness_n as_o to_o exclude_v christ_n thorough_o yet_o it_o do_v in_o part_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o worship_n we_o admit_v of_o no_o primary_n and_o secondary_a worship_n no_o more_o than_o a_o primary_n and_o secondary_a god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o trust_v we_o must_v depend_v only_o upon_o christ_n not_o but_o that_o holiness_n and_o godly_a work_n be_v necessary_o require_v but_o not_o as_o cause_n under_o any_o subtle_a distinction_n whatsoever_o these_o two_o thing_n premise_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o convert_v the_o apostle_n do_v here_o exalt_v against_o all_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o first_o as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o there_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v call_v out_o of_o that_o pharisaical_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o enmity_n against_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o ready_a servant_n to_o he_o this_o wonderful_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o he_o do_v often_o melt_v the_o heart_n of_o paul_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o aggravate_v particular_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o galat._n 1_o 15._o when_o it_o please_v god_n who_o call_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 15_o 16._o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o instance_n because_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n of_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o christ_n in_o paul_n conversion_n there_o be_v no_o preparation_n no_o merit_n of_o congruity_n there_o be_v no_o docible_a and_o fit_v disposition_n insomuch_o that_o the_o adversary_n to_o god_n grace_n do_v acknowledge_v paul_n conversion_n to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a thing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o persecute_v sury_n when_o god_n may_v have_v strike_v he_o dead_a with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o send_v he_o quick_a as_o it_o be_v to_o hell_n god_n do_v visit_v he_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o give_v he_o another_o heart_n to_o his_o own_o amazement_n and_o of_o all_o those_o who_o hear_v of_o it_o so_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o paul_n in_o a_o single_a capacity_n as_o a_o private_a person_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o give_v all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o paul_n do_v also_o great_o exalt_v be_v in_o the_o set_n of_o he_o apart_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o eminent_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o crooked_a and_o rough_a timber_n that_o be_v only_o fit_a for_o the_o fire_n god_n do_v not_o only_o polish_v and_o smooth_v by_o grace_n but_o advance_v it_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n in_o the_o build_n notwithstanding_o all_o paul_n former_a unworthiness_n god_n do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o grace_n call_v he_o but_o make_v he_o a_o honourable_a vessel_n in_o his_o house_n this_o our_o apostle_n do_v likewise_o with_o great_a enlargement_n in_o many_o place_n take_v great_a notice_n of_o see_v how_o emphatical_o be_v he_o affect_v with_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o ephesian_n 3._o 7_o 8._o whereof_o i_o be_v make_v a_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o
himself_o all_o thing_n from_o his_o bounty_n by_o these_o passage_n you_o will_v think_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n have_v this_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o true_o godly_a yea_o that_o the_o very_a difference_n between_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o true_a believer_n lie_v in_o this_o particular_a about_o a_o solid_a persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o you_o do_v consult_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o who_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o judge_v true_o godly_a we_o shall_v meet_v with_o few_o that_o say_v they_o have_v this_o seal_n they_o have_v good_a hope_n they_o will_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o they_o find_v such_o support_n of_o soul_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o much_o peace_n and_o comfort_n but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v ordinary_o this_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o what_o then_o shall_v be_v answer_v to_o the_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n enlarge_v on_o it_o only_o i_o shall_v speak_v some_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a soul_n in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o privilege_n of_o seal_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o godly_a scripture_n as_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a there_o be_v none_o exclude_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o to_o make_v all_o diligence_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o other_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v as_o papist_n do_v that_o some_o may_v have_v it_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n as_o paul_n and_o other_o eminent_a saint_n although_o we_o grant_v that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o seal_n have_v it_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n but_o not_o in_o the_o popish_a sense_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n evidence_n unto_o a_o believer_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o do_v belong_v unto_o christ_n this_o seal_v then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o a_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o every_o sanctify_a person_n at_o least_o that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o not_o only_o the_o text_n forementioned_a but_o that_o also_o gal._n 4._o 6._o do_v demonstrate_v this_o truth_n because_o year_n son_n he_o have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n into_o your_o heart_n because_o you_o be_v son_n now_o a_o quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la be_v a_o know_a rule_n and_o rom._n 8._o the_o apostle_n speak_v general_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n you_o be_v not_o then_o to_o think_v that_o this_o admirable_a favour_n be_v destine_v only_o for_o some_o choice_a servant_n of_o god_n no_o this_o sceptre_n be_v hold_v out_o to_o every_o believer_n such_o honourall_a his_o saint_n may_v have_v but_o yet_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o vow_n live_v in_o the_o apostelical_a day_n do_v partake_v of_o it_o more_o powerful_o and_o plentiful_o than_o believer_n general_o do_v in_o this_o latter_a age_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n may_v speak_v of_o this_o seal_n as_o partake_v of_o by_o all_o because_o then_o believer_n have_v a_o great_a measure_n not_o only_o of_o extraordinary_a gift_n many_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v but_o also_o of_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n they_o live_v up_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o fervency_n of_o zeal_n of_o heavenly-mindednesse_a then_o ordinari_fw-la y_o we_o do_v again_o their_o conversion_n be_v more_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a and_o that_o by_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n which_o be_v accompany_v by_o sign_n and_o wonderful_a miracle_n so_o that_o as_o their_o dogmatic_a faith_n have_v great_a mean_n to_o heighten_v it_o then_o we_o so_o likewise_o their_o salvifical_a and_o special_a faith_n they_o be_v wonderful_o covert_v from_o gentilism_n both_o from_o idolatry_n and_o profaneness_n whereby_o their_o change_n be_v the_o great_a and_o so_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o god_n spirit_n work_v upon_o they_o last_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a persecution_n they_o live_v under_o constant_a tribulation_n there_o be_v no_o outward_a encouragement_n for_o they_o now_o its_o god_n way_n to_o vouchsafe_v this_o inward_a comfort_n and_o peace_n most_o to_o those_o that_o be_v bereave_v of_o all_o outward_a thus_o the_o martyr_n even_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n enjoy_v this_o seal_v of_o god_n spirit_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v carry_v through_o those_o bitter_a trial_n with_o such_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o consolatton_n as_o they_o be_v these_o thing_n consider_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n may_v have_v a_o high_a measure_n of_o this_o seal_n then_o we_o have_v although_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o several_a temporary_a believer_n who_o have_v only_o vanish_v apprehension_n in_o these_o great_a thing_n not_o solid_a persuasion_n three_o although_o this_o seal_n be_v propound_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o common_a to_o sanctification_n all_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o absolute_a connexion_n with_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o sanctification_n be_v without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n without_o this_o seal_n a_o man_n may_v insomuch_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o glory_n be_v not_o make_v to_o this_o assurarce_a and_o consolation_n but_o to_o grace_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v unless_o thou_o have_v this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o many_o of_o god_n child_n have_v cause_n to_o be_v great_o amaze_v but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o necessity_n as_o sanctification_n be_v see_v therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o high_a as_o a_o absolute_a spiritual_a mercy_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o such_o mercy_n that_o be_v spiritual_a but_o yet_o not_o of_o peremptory_a necessity_n such_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o godly_a but_o not_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o then_o all_o believer_n shall_v be_v equal_o godly_a but_o they_o be_v distribute_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o seal_v hence_o in_o the_o four_o place_n seal_v do_v not_o follow_v sanctification_n as_o a_o natural_a appointment_n necessary_a property_n but_o by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o order_n it_o be_v not_o as_o when_o there_o be_v fire_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v heat_n or_o as_o when_o there_o be_v the_o sun_n there_o may_v be_v light_n only_a god_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o order_n there_o be_v a_o great_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n for_o seal_v to_o follow_v sanctify_v hence_o it_o be_v common_o god_n way_n to_o make_v one_o follow_v the_o other_o but_o yet_o this_o chain_n may_v sometime_o be_v break_v if_o god_n sometime_o hinder_v natural_a agent_n from_o their_o effect_n as_o when_o the_o fire_n do_v not_o burn_v the_o body_n of_o the_o three_o worthy_n no_o wonder_n if_o in_o mere_a positive_a and_o institute_v way_n of_o god_n sometime_o there_o may_v be_v a_o interruption_n make_v so_o that_o experience_n do_v unquestionable_o demonstrate_v this_o that_o many_o true_o sanctify_v one_o may_v yet_o for_o a_o season_n at_o least_o want_v this_o seal_n yea_o go_v bow_v down_o and_o afflict_v with_o thought_n clean_o contrary_a as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n only_o their_o love_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cast_v out_o torment_v feaâ—_n thâ—â—_n their_o slavish_a fear_n do_v cast_v out_o evangelical_n love_n but_o how_o may_v this_o honeycomb_n cease_v to_o drop_v how_o may_v this_o conduit_n of_o wine_n come_v to_o himself_o be_v stop_v i_o answer_v first_o on_o god_n part_n for_o some_o special_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n not_o know_v to_o we_o always_o the_o lord_n have_v wisâ—_n and_o just_a reason_n to_o leave_v his_o people_n in_o darkness_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o whale_n belly_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v find_v any_o escape_n it_o be_v thus_o with_o christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o he_o may_v accompish_a the_o bitter_a work_n of_o redemption_n for_o we_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o those_o strong_a agony_n and_o fear_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o he_o have_v not_o consolation_n nor_o joy_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o for_o saken_a i_o his_o enemy_n give_v he_o gall_n to_o drink_v and_o his_o soul_n taste_v of_o gall_n within_o his_o enemy_n set_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o he_o have_v sharp_a thorn_n
weak_a believer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a christ_n to_o be_v pray_v to_o for_o grace_n and_o peace_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o lord_n of_o a_o threefold_a blessing_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n to_o be_v much_o in_o praise_v god_n what_o go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o a_o thankful_a spirit_n motive_n to_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o spiritnal_a mercy_n than_o temporal_a motive_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o all_o his_o mercy_n god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n proposition_n explain_v how_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n how_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_n comfort_n god_n be_v a_o merciful_a father_n to_o all_o his_o child_n what_o be_v imply_v in_o god_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o god_n mercy_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n mercy_n who_o be_v the_o fit_a object_n of_o god_n mercy_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n to_o all_o his_o child_n what_o be_v comprehend_v in_o that_o expression_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o comfort_n what_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n consolation_n how_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n proposition_n obviate_a practical_a and_o doctrical_a objection_n about_o the_o mercy_n or_o comfort_n of_o god_n of_o the_o calvinist_n doctrine_n concern_v god_n absolute_a decree_n and_o how_o they_o stand_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n not_o only_o can_v but_o do_v comfort_v his_o child_n how_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o comfort_n only_o to_o believer_n god_n will_v comfort_v his_o child_n in_o all_o their_o affliction_n whatsoever_o proposition_n explain_v the_o observation_n several_a sort_n of_o soul_n or_o spiritual_a trouble_n in_o all_o which_o god_n comfort_v his_o child_n how_o god_n comfort_v his_o people_n in_o outward_a tribulation_n no_o philosopher_n ever_o have_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o comfort_n god_n child_n deficient_a in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n concern_v god_n comfort_n what_o be_v these_o good_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o to_o comfort_v they_o what_o ground_n of_o comfort_n the_o scripture_n afford_v unto_o we_o psal_n 102._o 13._o how_o god_n comfor_v his_o child_n in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n though_o they_o often_o may_v be_v disconsolate_a comfort_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a joy_n direct_v and_o reflex_n joy_n be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o sensitive_a and_o corporeal_a god_n spiritual_a work_n upon_o his_o people_n be_v not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o but_o for_o other_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o schoolman_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n 1._o gratiae_n gratis_o datae_fw-la 2._o grattiâ—_n gratum_fw-la facientes_fw-la the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v better_o distinguish_v into_o dona_fw-la ministrantia_fw-la and_o sanctificantia_fw-la gift_n be_v increase_v by_o be_v improve_v what_o be_v those_o â—…ice_n thing_n wherein_o more_o particular_o we_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o other_o 1._o humiliation_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a say_v 3._o temptation_n 4._o consolation_n those_o only_a can_v make_v fit_a application_n to_o other_o who_o have_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n 1._o speculative_a and_o theoretical_a 2._o practical_a and_o experimental_a this_o speculative_a and_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n differ_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n all_o knowledge_n that_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o affection_n be_v not_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n all_o experimental_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n 1._o be_v they_o from_o scripture_n right_o understand_v 2._o be_v they_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 3._o do_v they_o make_v thou_o more_o holy_a and_o humble_a reason_n confirm_v the_o doctrine_n 1._o they_o that_o have_v not_o this_o experimental_a knowledge_n they_o have_v no_o skill_n to_o cure_v other_o 2._o they_o can_v have_v any_o suitableness_n of_o of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n 3._o because_o such_o only_o be_v find_v real_a and_o in_o earnest_n 4._o because_o such_o alone_o be_v faithful_a it_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a proposition_n clear_v the_o truth_n 1._o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o trouble_n 1._o spiritual_a and_o inward_a 2._o outward_a 2._o the_o afflict_a need_n the_o help_n of_o other_o to_o comfort_v they_o though_o themselves_o be_v never_o so_o skilful_a in_o the_o comsort_v other_o reason_n 1._o because_o remptation_n darken_v the_o judgement_n 2._o because_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o grief_n do_v whole_o possess_v they_o 3._o because_o the_o most_o eminent_a when_o in_o trouble_n be_v subject_a to_o much_o unbelief_n and_o frowardness_n 4._o because_o the_o devil_n be_v then_o most_o busy_a last_o god_n have_v appoint_v minister_n and_o christian_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o comfort_v other_o 3._o the_o dispensation_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o afflict_a be_v either_o charitatiuè_n or_o potestatiuè_fw-la 4._o what_o be_v require_v to_o the_o comfort_v other_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n 1._o knowledge_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n 2._o the_o discovery_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o application_n of_o comfort_n the_o same_o ground_n of_o comfort_n that_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o godly_a man_n may_v do_v so_o to_o another_o too_o 1._o there_o be_v both_o general_a and_o particular_a ground_n of_o comfort_n what_o be_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o comfort_n 1._o all_o affliction_n come_v from_o a_o father_n 2._o the_o end_n be_v good_a 3._o the_o advantage_n that_o come_v from_o christ_n of_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a ground_n of_o comfort_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n 1._o because_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n 2._o because_o all_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n 3._o because_o promise_n be_v make_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v what_o be_v these_o suffering_n abound_v in_o we_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a owe_v of_o christ_n be_v sometime_o accompany_v with_o great_a suffering_n proposition_n declare_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o a_o saint_n suffering_n may_v be_v as_o extensive_a as_o his_o comfort_n 2._o at_o some_o time_n their_o suffering_n abound_v more_o than_o other_o 3._o to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v very_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o bless_a thing_n to_o own_o christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n what_o it_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n 1._o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la objecti_fw-la 1._o it_o must_v not_o be_v for_o any_o sin_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 3._o for_o righteousness_n sake_n 4._o for_o a_o good_a conscience_n what_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v true_o for_o christ_n 1._o faith_n 3._o spiritual_a fortitude_n and_o heavenly_a courage_n 4._o holy_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n 5._o patience_n 6._o a_o heart_n mortify_v to_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n 7._o pure_a and_o holy_a motive_n as_o our_o suffering_n be_v for_o christ_n so_o be_v our_o comfort_n by_o he_o how_o our_o comfort_n abound_v by_o christ_n 1._o efficient_o 2._o meritorious_o 3._o objective_o how_o many_o way_n christ_n make_v his_o comfort_n to_o abound_v to_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o he_o 1._o by_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o suffer_v 2._o by_o sorewarn_v of_o their_o suffering_n 3._o by_o inform_v we_o of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o conquest_n over_o the_o world_n 4._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o prayer_n put_v up_o in_o that_o very_a behalf_n 5._o by_o instruct_v they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n which_o come_v from_o such_o suffering_n god_n do_v proportion_v our_o comfort_n to_o our_o suffering_n christ_n always_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o people_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v often_o overflow_v reason_n 1._o because_o god_n in_o all_o his_o administration_n do_v still_o regard_v his_o own_o glory_n not_o our_o desert_n 2._o because_o of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o his_o promise_n 3._o otherwise_o god_n in_o his_o expression_n of_o mercy_n will_v be_v exceed_v by_o man_n 4._o because_o otherwise_o god_n glorious_a and_o in_o his_o afflict_v can_v not_o be_v obtain_v object_n answ_n why_o god_n often_o deny_v comfort_n in_o trouble_n 1._o to_o teach_v we_o that_o comfort_n be_v his_o gift_n 2._o
for_o the_o future_a consideration_n clear_v the_o truth_n 1._o though_o we_o have_v oft_o have_v experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n yet_o every_o new_a trouble_n be_v ready_a to_o startle_v we_o 2._o though_o the_o promise_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o trust_n yet_o experience_n do_v much_o promote_v faith_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n calm_a even_o to_o exercise_v trust_n in_o god_n for_o the_o future_a 4._o the_o future_a good_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a object_n answer_n 1._o there_o be_v motive_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n from_o both_o the_o personal_a and_o general_a privilege_n of_o believer_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o opposite_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n 1._o presumption_n sign_n of_o presumption_n 1._o when_o we_o walk_v not_o by_o scripture-light_n 2._o when_o we_o be_v confident_a without_o a_o promise_n 3._o when_o we_o separate_v the_o mean_n from_o the_o end_n 4._o when_o we_o use_v false_a mean_n 5._o when_o we_o think_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n to_o obtain_v grace_n and_o glory_n 2._o despair_n whence_o despair_n arise_v 1._o from_o low_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 3._o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o wrong_a apprehension_n about_o our_o sin_n 3._o this_o grace_n of_o trust_v in_o god_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v perfect_a here_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o separate_v god_n power_n and_o goodness_n from_o the_o mean_v require_v how_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n work_v together_o 1._o all_o god_n spiritual_a mercy_n have_v many_o thing_n concurrent_a before_o they_o be_v accomplish_v 2._o the_o oppose_v of_o these_o requisite_n one_o against_o another_o have_v breed_v much_o confusion_n and_o error_n how_o we_o shall_v rely_v whole_o upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o do_v or_o no._n 1._o when_o we_o acknowledge_v whatsoever_o we_o have_v to_o come_v from_o christ_n 2._o when_o we_o attribute_v no_o merit_n or_o causality_n to_o the_o mean_n 3._o when_o we_o rest_v upon_o christ_n only_o for_o our_o justification_n 4._o when_o we_o put_v no_o trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o the_o mean_n 5._o we_o dishonour_v god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n when_o we_o think_v we_o profit_v he_o thereby_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o gift_n and_o grace_n need_v the_o prayer_n of_o their_o inferior_n reason_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o then_o one_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o body_n who_o part_n stand_v in_o need_n one_o of_o another_o use_v people_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n consideration_n explain_v the_o truth_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o error_n of_o the_o socinian_o to_o say_v god_n command_v prayer_n only_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o no_o merit_n or_o confidence_n to_o be_v put_v in_o our_o prayer_n 3._o minister_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o people_n and_o people_n for_o their_o minister_n 4._o this_o suppose_v the_o people_n to_o be_v both_o gift_a and_o gracious_a 5._o many_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o people_n be_v to_o desire_v of_o god_n for_o their_o ministor_n 1._o that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v 2._o that_o their_o word_n may_v be_v suceesfull_a 3._o that_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v quicken_v 4._o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whensoever_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o be_v by_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v then_o to_o he_o what_o be_v require_v to_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n 1._o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n 2._o both_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n 3._o love_n to_o god_n 4._o heavenly_a mindedness_n 5._o chearfulnes_n motive_n to_o praise_n god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n in_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o debt_n due_a to_o god_n 4._o the_o chief_a motive_n be_v thankfulness_n 5._o a_o thankful_a heart_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a disposition_n to_o gospel_n dispensation_n 6._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o rot_a heart_n our_o ordinary_a temporal_a enjoyment_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 1._o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v still_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o moral_a cause_n be_v still_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n 3._o what_o we_o receive_v from_o man_n it_o be_v still_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n 4._o whatsoever_o we_o have_v by_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o other_o 5._o such_o thing_n as_o come_v upon_o we_o without_o our_o care_n reason_n why_o these_o be_v all_o god_n gift_n 1._o god_n be_v not_o necessitate_v to_o give_v they_o 2._o we_o have_v oft_o forseit_v they_o by_o our_o sin_n 3._o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o they_o not_o only_o personal_a but_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n reason_n 1._o hereby_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o promote_v 2._o hereby_o our_o love_n to_o one_o another_o be_v much_o quicken_v 3._o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_v there_o 4._o herein_o the_o lively_a may_v prevail_v for_o the_o dull_a and_o indispose_v mercy_n vouch_v save_v to_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o church_n mercy_n a_o holy_a rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a what_o be_v require_v to_o our_o glory_v in_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n 1._o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o our_o grace_n 2._o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v they_o 3._o good_a ground_n and_o scripture-demonstration_n thereof_o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o what_o respect_n it_o be_v lawful_a thus_o to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n favour_n 2._o as_o they_o bear_v up_o our_o heart_n against_o all_o accusation_n either_o external_a or_o internal_a wherein_o this_o rejoice_v be_v unlawful_a 1._o when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_a 2._o when_o we_o so_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o so_o rest_n upon_o they_o 3._o when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o come_n from_o ourselves_o not_o god_n the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v great_a ground_n of_o comfort_n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o that_o it_o witness_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o pure_a aim_n and_o intention_n 4._o inward_a sanctification_n what_o else_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o well-regulated_n conscience_n 1._o the_o witness_v and_o seal_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o our_o conscience_n how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o witness_v with_o our_o conscience_n how_o it_o do_v 1._o effective_o 2._o objective_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v right_o guide_v in_o witness_v to_o we_o 1._o a_o purpose_n to_o leave_v all_o know_a sin_n 2._o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o our_o approaching_n unto_o god_n 4._o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n 5._o self-denial_n 6._o delight_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n distinction_n concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n 1._o it_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a 2._o it_o witness_v either_o perfection_n or_o sincerity_n 3._o conscience_n be_v either_o habitual_o enable_v or_o actual_o prepare_v to_o testify_v 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v either_o alone_a or_o relate_v to_o christ_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v he_o perform_v duty_n with_o a_o upright_a heart_n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n 1._o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o word_n 2._o a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o themselves_o what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o experimental_a discern_v of_o our_o grace_n 1._o a_o humble_a heart_n 2._o a_o regular_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n 3._o a_o holy_a fear_n 4._o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n what_o be_v the_o hindrance_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o look_v after_o a_o assurance_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 1._o self-fulness_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n 2._o a_o profane_a careless_a spirit_n 3._o cark_n carefulness_n 4._o despair_v and_o discourage_v thought_n of_o god_n command_n to_o get_v assurance_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o soul_n 1._o a_o quiet_a heart_n 2._o spiritual_a