work_v so_o powerful_o with_o we_o though_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o his_o heart_n do_v concur_v with_o his_o speech_n and_o whether_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o inform_v we_o or_o deceive_v we_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o own_o reason_n work_v with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o right_a intention_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n nay_o how_o much_o more_o rather_o shall_v god_n reason_n work_v with_o we_o which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v neither_o fallation_n in_o his_o intent_n nor_o in_o themselves_o see_v he_o do_v never_o yet_o deceive_v nor_o be_v ever_o deceive_v why_o now_o meditation_n be_v but_o the_o read_n over_o and_o repeat_v god_n reason_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o in_o his_o argument_n and_o term_n and_o be_v not_o this_o then_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o prevail_a way_n what_o reason_n do_v the_o prodigal_a plead_v with_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o as_o many_o and_o strong_a have_v we_o to_o plead_v with_o our_o affection_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o our_o father_n everlasting_a habitation_n and_o by_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o they_o must_v all_o be_v set_v a_o work_n 6._o sect_n vi_o 4._o meditation_n put_v reason_n in_o its_o authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n it_o help_v to_o deliver_v it_o from_o its_o captivity_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o set_v it_o again_o upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o soul._n when_o reason_n be_v silent_a it_o be_v usual_o subject_a for_o when_o it_o be_v asleep_a the_o sense_n domineer_v now_o consideration_n waken_v our_o reason_n from_o its_o sleep_n till_o it_o rouse_v up_o itself_o as_o samson_n and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o sensuality_n wherewith_o it_o be_v fetter_v and_o then_o as_o a_o giant_n refresh_v with_o wine_n it_o bear_v down_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o flesh_n before_o it_o what_o strength_n can_v the_o lion_n put_v forth_o when_o he_o be_v asleep_a what_o be_v the_o king_n more_o than_o another_o man_n when_o he_o be_v once_o depose_v from_o his_o throne_n and_o authority_n when_o man_n have_v no_o better_a judge_n than_o the_o flesh_n or_o when_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n go_v no_o further_o than_o their_o fantasy_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o work_v but_o as_o common_a thing_n sweet_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o beautiful_a thing_n to_o the_o ear_n will_v work_v no_o more_o then_o bitter_a and_o deform_a every_o thing_n work_v in_o its_o own_o place_n and_o every_o sense_n have_v its_o proper_a object_n now_o it_o be_v spiritual_a reason_n excite_v by_o meditation_n and_o not_o the_o fantasy_n or_o fleshly_a sense_n which_o must_v favour_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o superior_a joy_n consideration_n exalt_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o disgrace_v comparative_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n the_o most_o inconsiderate_a man_n be_v the_o most_o sensual_a man_n sect_n vii_o 7._o 5._o meditation_n also_o put_v reason_n into_o his_o strength_n reason_n be_v at_o the_o strong_a when_o it_o be_v most_o in_o action_n now_o meditation_n produce_v reason_n into_o act._n before_o it_o be_v as_o a_o stand_a water_n which_o can_v move_v nothing_o else_o when_o itself_o move_v not_o but_o now_o it_o be_v as_o the_o speedy_a stream_n which_o violent_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o it_o before_o it_o be_v as_o the_o still_a and_o silent_a air_n but_o now_o it_o be_v as_o the_o powerful_a motion_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o overthrow_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n before_o it_o be_v as_o the_o stone_n which_o lay_v still_o in_o the_o brook_n but_o now_o when_o meditation_n do_v set_v it_o a-work_o it_o be_v as_o the_o stone_n out_o of_o david_n sling_n which_o smite_v the_o goliath_n of_o our_o unbelief_n in_o the_o forehead_n as_o wicked_a man_n continue_v wicked_a not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o reason_n in_o the_o principle_n but_o because_o they_o bring_v it_o not_o into_o act_n and_o use_n so_o godly_a man_n be_v uncomfortable_a and_o sad_a not_o because_o they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v nor_o because_o they_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o discern_v those_o cause_n but_o because_o they_o let_v their_o reason_n and_o faith_n lie_v asleep_a and_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o set_v they_o a_o go_v nor_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o action_n by_o this_o work_n of_o meditation_n you_o know_v that_o our_o very_a dream_n will_v deep_o affect_v what_o fear_n what_o sorrow_n what_o joy_n will_v they_o stir_v up_o how_o much_o more_o than_o will_v serious_a meditation_n affect_v we_o sect_n viii_o 8._o 6._o meditation_n can_v continue_v this_o discursive_a employment_n that_o may_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o weak_a motion_n continue_v which_o will_v not_o by_o a_o strong_a at_o the_o first_o attempt_n a_o plaster_n that_o be_v never_o so_o effectual_a to_o cure_v must_v yet_o have_v time_n to_o do_v its_o work_n and_o not_o to_o be_v take_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v on_o now_o meditation_n do_v hold_v the_o plaster_n to_o the_o sore_a it_o hold_v reason_n and_o faith_n to_o their_o work_n and_o blow_v the_o fire_n till_o it_o thorough_o burn_v to_o run_v a_o few_o step_n will_v not_o get_v a_o man_n heat_n but_o walk_v a_o hour_n together_o may_v so_o though_o a_o sudden_a occasional_a thought_n of_o heaven_n will_v not_o raise_v our_o affection_n to_o any_o spiritual_a heat_n yet_o meditation_n can_v continue_v our_o thought_n and_o lengthen_v our_o walk_n till_o our_o heart_n grow_v warm_a and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o force_n meditation_n or_o consideration_n have_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o great_a elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n whereto_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o must_v be_v the_o instrument_n chap._n ix_o what_o affection_n must_v be_v act_v and_o by_o what_o consideration_n and_o objest_n and_o in_o what_o order_n 1._o sect_n i._o three_o to_o draw_v yet_o near_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o work_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v discover_v to_o you_o be_v what_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v here_o be_v act_v what_o affection_n excite_v what_o consideration_n of_o their_o object_n be_v necessary_a thereto_o and_o in_o what_o order_n we_o must_v proceed_v i_o join_v all_o these_o together_o because_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v distinct_a thing_n yet_o in_o the_o practice_n they_o all_o concur_v to_o the_o same_o action_n the_o matter_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v to_o think_v on_o have_v their_o various_a qualification_n and_o be_v present_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o divers_a relative_a and_o modal_n consideration_n according_a to_o these_o several_a consideration_n of_o the_o object_n the_o soul_n itself_o be_v distinguish_v into_o its_o several_a faculty_n power_n and_o capacity_n that_o as_o god_n have_v give_v man_n five_o sense_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o five_o distinct_a excellency_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n so_o he_o have_v diversify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n either_o into_o faculty_n power_n or_o way_n of_o act_v answerable_a to_o the_o various_a qualification_n and_o consideration_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o inferior_a object_n of_o this_o soul_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o sensible_a excellency_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o they_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o who_o have_v but_o these_o five_o sense_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o so_o whatever_o other_o excellency_n be_v in_o god_n and_o our_o happiness_n more_o than_o these_o faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v apprehend_v must_v needs_o remain_v whole_o unknown_a to_o we_o till_o our_o soul_n have_v sense_n as_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o those_o object_n 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o a_o tree_n or_o a_o stone_n what_o sound_n and_o light_a 〈◊〉_d sweetness_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d now_o these_o matter_n of_o god_n be_v primary_o diversify_v to_o our_o consideration_n under_o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a and_o good_a according_o the_o primary_n own_o distinction_n concern_v the_o soul_n be_v into_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n the_o former_a have_v truth_n for_o its_o object_n and_o the_o latter_a goodness_n this_o truth_n be_v sometime_o know_v by_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o that_o we_o call_v knowledge_n which_o also_o admit_v of_o divers_a distinction_n according_a to_o several_a way_n of_o demonstration_n which_o i_o be_o loath_a here_o to_o puzzle_v you_o with_o sometime_o it_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o which_o receive_v we_o call_v belief_n when_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v obscure_v it_o or_o stand_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o then_o we_o weigh_v their_o several_a evidence_n and_o according_o discover_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o we_o call_v judgement_n sometime_o by_o the_o strength_n the_o clearness_n
sanctification_n must_v needs_o precede_v justification_n but_o if_o we_o may_v call_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o infuse_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n or_o holiness_n into_o the_o soul_n sanctification_n then_o sanctification_n must_v needs_o go_v before_o faith_n explain_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o habit_n be_v part_n of_o that_o principle_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o act_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o it_o god_n order_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o in_o act_n 26.18_o he_o first_o open_v man_n eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o unholy_a i_o know_v not_o what_o holiness_n be_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v their_o justification_n and_o inheritance_n among_o the_o sanctify_a that_o which_o before_o be_v call_v open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o be_v here_o call_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o the_o word_n by_o faith_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o receive_v of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o inheritance_n but_o not_o to_o the_o word_n sanctify_a so_o also_o 2_o thes._n 2.13_o god_n have_v before_o choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v faith_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n open_v there_o be_v justification_n so_o that_o you_o see_v to_o make_v faith_n precede_v sanctification_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o for_o justification_n to_o go_v between_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v quite_o against_o the_o scripture_n order_n indeed_o if_o grevinchovius_n say_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o habit_n infuse_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v only_o as_o the_o arminian_o affirm_v by_o a_o internal_a and_o external_a suasion_n and_o no_o real_a physical_a alteration_n or_o infuse_v of_o new_a power_n and_o habit_n than_o all_o this_o must_v be_v otherwise_o order_v error_n word_n in_o ascribe_v this_o regeneration_n to_o the_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o exclude_v the_o word_n yet_o i_o can_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v proper_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n as_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v be_v it_o a_o instrument_n the_o energy_n or_o influx_n of_o the_o principal_a efficient_a must_v be_v first_o receive_v into_o it_o and_o by_o it_o convey_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v a_o impossibility_n in_o nature_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o preacher_n or_o letter_n of_o the_o book_n regeneration_n be_v not_o subject_n capable_a of_o receive_v spiritual_a life_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v of_o sacrament_n none_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v find_v in_o they_o the_o principal_a and_o instrumental_a produce_v one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n but_o the_o word_n work_v not_o in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o causality_n with_o the_o spirit_n dubio_fw-la yet_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v therefore_o useless_a or_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o work_n for_o both_o kind_n of_o causality_n be_v necessary_a the_o spirit_n work_v as_o the_o principal_a and_o only_a efficient_a and_o have_v no_o intervening_a instrument_n that_o can_v reach_v the_o soul_n but_o do_v all_o his_o work_n immediate_o see_v itself_o alone_o can_v touch_v its_o object_n and_o so_o work_v by_o proper_a efficiency_n but_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n work_v moral_o only_o by_o propound_v the_o object_n in_o its_o qualification_n as_o a_o man_n draw_v a_o horse_n by_o show_v he_o his_o provender_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o resolve_v whether_o the_o propound_v the_o object_n to_o the_o understanding_n by_o instruction_n and_o to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o persuasion_n do_v work_n under_o the_o efficient_a or_o under_o the_o final_a cause_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o common_a judgement_n we_o here_o take_v the_o last_o for_o grant_v the_o word_n than_o do_v sanctify_v by_o exciting_a of_o former_a principle_n to_o action_n which_o be_v a_o preparation_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o also_o by_o present_a exciting_a of_o the_o new_o infuse_v gracious_a principle_n and_o so_o produce_v our_o actual_a convert_n and_o believe_v but_o how_o it_o can_v otherways_o concur_v to_o the_o infuse_v of_o that_o principle_n i_o yet_o understand_v not_o indeed_o if_o no_o such_o principle_n be_v infuse_v than_o the_o word_n do_v all_o and_o the_o spirit_n only_o reason_n enable_v the_o speaker_n or_o if_o any_o more_o its_o hard_a to_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v for_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o internal_a suasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n immediate_o distinct_a from_o the_o external_a suasion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o from_o the_o spirit_n efficacious_a change_a physical_a operation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a question_n and_o worth_a the_o consider_v but_o i_o have_v run_v on_o too_o far_o in_o this_o already_o this_o spiritual_a regeneration_n then_o regeneration_n be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a qualification_n of_o these_o people_n of_o god_n which_o though_o habit_n be_v more_o for_o their_o act_n then_o themselves_o and_o be_v only_o perceive_v in_o their_o act_n yet_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n we_o shall_v chief_o inquire_v after_o to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n without_o regeneration_n be_v as_o impossible_a as_o to_o be_v the_o natural_a child_n of_o man_n without_o generation_n see_v we_o be_v bear_v god_n enemy_n we_o must_v be_v newborn_a his_o son_n or_o else_o remain_v enemy_n still_o o_o that_o the_o unregenerate_a world_n do_v know_v or_o believe_v this_o in_o who_o ear_n the_o new_a birth_n sound_v as_o a_o paradox_n and_o the_o great_a change_n which_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n 3.3_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n who_o because_o they_o never_o feel_v any_o such_o supernatural_a work_n upon_o themselves_o do_v therefore_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o conceit_n and_o fantasy_n of_o idle_a brain_n who_o make_v the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n sanctification_n holiness_n and_o conversion_n a_o matter_n of_o common_a reproach_n and_o scorn_n though_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o christ_n have_v speak_v it_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n alas_o how_o more_o preposterous_a and_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o persuade_v these_o poor_a people_n to_o change_v some_o action_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v unchanged_a and_o to_o amend_v their_o way_n while_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o the_o great_a reformation_n of_o life_n that_o can_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o this_o new_a life_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n may_v procure_v their_o further_a delusion_n but_o never_o their_o salvation_n that_o general_a conceit_n that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o baptize_v baptism_n be_v it_o which_o further_v the_o deceit_n of_o many_o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a impossibility_n that_o baptism_n shall_v either_o principal_o or_o instrumental_o work_v any_o grace_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o infant_n without_o a_o miracle_n for_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v either_o by_o a_o physical_a and_o proper_a efficiency_n or_o else_o moral_o not_o physical_o which_o be_v more_o perhaps_o than_o the_o papist_n say_v because_o then_o first_o the_o water_n must_v be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o grace_n second_o and_o of_o approach_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o application_n and_o conveyance_n both_o which_o be_v impossibility_n in_o nature_n nor_o can_v it_o work_v moral_o where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o understand_v and_o consider_v of_o its_o signification_n the_o common_a shift_n be_v apparent_o vain_a to_o say_v that_o it_o work_v neither_o physical_o nor_o moral_o but_o hyperphysical_o for_o though_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n and_o the_o work_n be_v such_o as_o nature_n can_v produce_v yet_o the_o kind_n of_o operation_n be_v still_o either_o by_o a_o proper_a and_o real_a efficiency_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n of_o physical_a operation_n or_o else_o improper_a and_o moral_a so_o that_o their_o hyperphysical_a work_n be_v no_o three_o member_n nor_o overthrow_n that_o long_o receive_v distinction_n if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v not_o the_o water_n the_o capable_a instrument_n of_o this_o hyperphysical_a operation_n god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o by_o mere_a concomitancy_n may_v make_v baptism_n the_o season_n of_o regenerate_v who_o he_o please_v but_o that_o he_o never_o intend_v that_o regeneration_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o baptism_n i_o think_v may_v be_v easy_o prove_v and_o those_o regeneration_n two_o empty_a treatise_n of_o baptismal_a regeneration_n as_o easy_o answer_v for_o man_n of_o age_n the_o matter_n
give_v they_o such_o rejoice_n in_o it_o 5.5_o and_o yet_o never_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o it_o can_v be_v nay_o do_v he_o give_v they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.14_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n eph._n 1.13_o and_o yet_o will_v he_o deny_v the_o full_a possession_n these_o absurdity_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o a_o ordinary_a man_n much_o less_o on_o the_o faithful_a and_o righteous_a god_n sect_n vi_o 6._o six_o already_o and_o last_o the_o scripture_n mention_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n those_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o rest._n as_o henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o to_o god_n so_o abraham_n lazarus_n the_o thief_n that_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o these_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o rest_n for_o all_o believer_n chap._n ii_o motive_n to_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n 1._o sect_n i._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n viz._n the_o certain_a futurity_n of_o the_o saint_n rest._n and_o for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n who_o believe_v not_o scripture_n it_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n i_o be_o endeavour_v the_o consolation_n and_o edification_n of_o saint_n and_o not_o the_o information_n and_o conversion_n of_o pagan_n yet_o do_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o subject_n exceed_v necessary_a even_o to_o the_o saint_n themselves_o for_o satan_n assault_n be_v oft_o make_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o question_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o cast_v away_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v here_o enter_v upon_o that_o task_n to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v too_o broad_a a_o digression_n and_o set_v upon_o a_o work_n as_o large_a as_o the_o main_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v undertake_v it_o neither_o be_o i_o insensible_a of_o how_o great_a difficulty_n it_o will_v prove_v to_o manage_v it_o satisfactory_o and_o how_o much_o more_o than_o my_o ability_n be_v thereto_o requisite_a yet_o lest_o the_o tempt_a christian_n shall_v have_v no_o relief_n nor_o any_o argument_n at_o hand_n against_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v adventure_v upon_o a_o confirm_a argument_n or_o two_o but_o i_o shall_v premise_v first_o a_o word_n of_o entreaty_n to_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v this_o a_o little_a more_o to_o their_o people_n ☜_o and_o that_o not_o any_o body_n but_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a who_o god_n have_v especial_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o task_n will_v be_v please_v in_o a_o full_a treatise_n to_o undertake_v it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o give_v they_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o request_n entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o enable_v and_o persuade_v some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o work_n 1._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n yet_o publish_v be_v near_o complete_a or_o such_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_n require_v whether_o much_o more_o may_v not_o be_v say_v and_o be_v convince_a necessary_a to_o be_v say_v then_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o any_o that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o whether_o if_o christian_n who_o have_v opportunity_n do_v their_o duty_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v the_o thing_n conversion_n of_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o without_o some_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n how_o be_v we_o furnish_v for_o such_o a_o work_n or_o what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v but_o naked_a affirmation_n yea_o how_o can_v we_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o dispute_v the_o case_n with_o a_o unbeliever_n 3._o whether_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n that_o a_o natural_a man_n without_o the_o extraordinary_a 57_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o all_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v be_v not_o very_a derogatory_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o justify_v the_o world_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n to_o deny_v assent_n to_o that_o which_o have_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o confess_v to_o they_o we_o have_v not_o argument_n to_o convince_v you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n and_o do_v persuade_v without_o argument_n and_o not_o by_o it_o as_o if_o many_o wicked_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n yet_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a belief_n 4._o be_v not_o this_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o very_a christ._n foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v timely_a and_o sound_o lay_v and_o frequent_o and_o clear_o teach_v etc._n 5._o be_v not_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o the_o understanding_n proceed_v discursive_o in_o its_o production_n and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o strong_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v valid_a upon_o which_o it_o rest_v and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n and_o use_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o true_a reason_n true_o apprehend_v and_o use_v and_o must_v not_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o weak_a or_o false_a faith_n which_o receive_v the_o verity_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o testimony_n from_o weak_a or_o false_a ground_n though_o the_o testimony_n of_o itself_o be_v the_o true_a in_o the_o world_n our_o divine_n use_v to_o say_v concern_v love_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o fervour_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v christ_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o a_o turk_n love_v mahomet_n it_o be_v no_o true_a love_n if_o he_o love_v he_o upon_o false_a ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a love_n and_o if_o upon_o common_a ground_n it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o common_a love_n and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o as_o clear_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o ground_n that_o a_o turk_n believe_v in_o mahomet_n or_o to_o believe_v scripture_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n be_v no_o true_a faith_n suppose_v that_o both_o have_v the_o like_a verity_n of_o their_o reason_n 6._o be_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n able_a to_o give_v any_o better_a than_o some_o such_o common_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n nay_o be_v the_o more_o exercise_v understanding_n sort_n of_o christian_n able_a by_o sound_a argument_n to_o make_v it_o good_a if_o a_o enemy_n or_o a_o temptation_n put_v they_o to_o it_o nay_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o minister_n in_o england_n able_a to_o do_v this_o let_v they_o that_o have_v try_v judge_v 7._o can_v the_o superstructure_n be_v firm_a where_o the_o foundation_n be_v sandy_a and_o can_v our_o affection_n and_o action_n be_v sound_a and_o strong_a when_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n be_v unsound_a or_o infirm_a sure_o this_o faith_n will_v have_v influence_n into_o all_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o coldness_n in_o duty_n weakness_n in_o grace_n boldness_n in_o sin_v and_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o faith_n be_v either_o unsound_a or_o infirm_a in_o this_o point_n few_o christian_n among_o we_o for_o aught_o i_o find_v have_v any_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n in_o this_o point_n 64._o nor_o any_o better_a argument_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n tell_v they_o so_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o this_o worm_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n cause_v the_o languish_a and_o decay_n of_o the_o whole_a yet_o be_v it_o usual_o undiscerned_a 204._o for_o the_o root_n lie_v secret_a under_o ground_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_n that_o though_o the_o most_o complain_v of_o their_o uncertainty_n of_o salvation_n through_o want_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o apply_v act_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o
fight_v and_o bloodshed_n to_o get_v a_o step_n high_o in_o the_o world_n than_o their_o brethren_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o kingly_a dignity_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o insatiable_a pursuit_n of_o fleshly_a pleasure_n while_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o angel_n as_o a_o tire_a burden_n what_o unwearied_a diligence_n there_o be_v in_o raise_v their_o posterity_n in_o enlarge_a their_o possession_n in_o gather_v a_o little_a silver_n or_o gold_n yea_o perhaps_o for_o a_o poor_a live_n from_o hand_n to_o mouth_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o judgement_n be_v draw_v near_o and_o yet_o how_o it_o shall_v go_v with_o they_o then_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v live_v eternal_o do_v never_o put_v they_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o one_o hour_n sober_a consideration_n what_o rise_v early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o labour_v and_o care_v year_n after_o year_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n in_o credit_n till_o they_o die_v but_o what_o shall_v follow_v after_o that_o they_o never_o think_v on_o as_o if_o it_o be_v only_o their_o work_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n and_o only_a god_n work_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o soul_n whereas_o god_n have_v promise_v more_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n without_o their_o care_n then_o for_o their_o soul_n though_o indeed_o they_o must_v painful_o serve_v his_o providence_n for_o both_o and_o yet_o these_o man_n can_v cry_v to_o we_o may_v not_o a_o man_n be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o ado_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v with_o more_o reason_n to_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n have_v a_o little_a air_n or_o earth_n a_o little_a credit_n or_o wealth_n without_o so_o much_o ado_n or_o at_o least_o may_v not_o a_o man_n have_v enough_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o his_o grave_n without_o so_o much_o ado_n o_o how_o early_o do_v they_o rouse_v up_o their_o servant_n to_o their_o labour_n up_o come_v away_o to_o work_v we_o have_v this_o to_o do_v or_o that_o to_o do_v but_o how_o seldom_o do_v they_o call_v they_o up_o you_o have_v your_o soul_n to_o look_v to_o you_o have_v everlasting_a to_o provide_v for_o up_o to_o prayer_n to_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n alas_o how_o rare_a be_v this_o language_n what_o a_o gad_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n be_v here_o like_o a_o company_n of_o aunt_n upon_o a_o hillock_n take_n uncessant_a pain_n to_o gather_v a_o treasure_n which_o death_n as_o the_o next_o passenger_n that_o come_v by_o will_v spurn_v abroad_o as_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o die_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n or_o as_o if_o it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o comfort_n to_o a_o man_n at_o death_n or_o in_o another_o world_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v a_o lord_n or_o a_o knight_n or_o a_o gentleman_n or_o a_o rich_a man_n on_o earth_n for_o my_o part_n whatever_o these_o man_n may_v profess_v or_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o can_v but_o strong_o suspect_v that_o in_o heart_n they_o be_v flat_a pagan_n and_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a glory_n and_o misery_n nor_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v but_o a_o little_a believe_v it_o by_o the_o half_n and_o therefore_o think_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o earth_n lest_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o heaven_n to_o be_v have_v and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o they_o have_v in_o hand_n lest_o if_o they_o let_v go_v that_o in_o hope_n of_o better_a in_o another_o world_n they_o shall_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o lose_v all_o i_o fear_v though_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n lest_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v next_o their_o heart_n or_o else_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o sense_n do_v overcome_v and_o suspend_v their_o reason_n and_o prevail_v with_o their_o will_n against_o the_o last_o practical_a conclusion_n of_o their_o understanding_n what_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o earth_n that_o it_o have_v so_o many_o suitor_n and_o admirer_n what_o have_v this_o world_n do_v for_o its_o lover_n and_o friend_n that_o it_o be_v so_o eager_o follow_v and_o painful_o seek_v after_o while_o christ_n and_o heaven_n stand_v by_o and_o few_o regard_v they_o or_o what_o will_v the_o world_n do_v for_o they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o common_a entrance_n into_o it_o be_v through_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n the_o passage_n through_o it_o be_v with_o continual_a care_n and_o labour_n and_o grief_n the_o passage_n out_o of_o it_o be_v with_o the_o great_a sharpness_n and_o sadness_n of_o all_o what_o then_o do_v cause_n man_n so_o much_o to_o follow_v &_o affect_v it_o o_o sinful_a unreasonable_a bewitched_a man_n will_v mirth_n and_o pleasure_n stick_v close_o to_o you_o will_v gold_n and_o worldly_a glory_n prove_v fast_o friend_n to_o you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o great_a need_n will_v they_o hear_v your_o cry_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o calamity_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v to_o you_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o death_n as_o elias_n do_v to_o baal_n priest_n cry_v aloud_o etc._n etc._n o_o riches_n or_o honour_n now_o help_v we_o will_v they_o either_o genesin_n answer_n or_o relieve_v you_o will_v they_o go_v along_o with_o you_o to_o another_o world_n and_o bribe_v the_o judge_n and_o bring_v you_o off_o clear_a or_o purchase_v you_o a_o room_n among_o the_o bless_a why_o then_o do_v so_o rich_a a_o man_n want_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n for_o his_o tongue_n or_o be_v the_o sweet_a morsel_n of_o present_a delight_n and_o honour_n of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o eternal_a rest_n and_o will_v they_o recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o endure_a treasure_n can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o any_o of_o these_o why_o what_o then_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v it_o only_o a_o room_n for_o our_o dead_a body_n that_o we_o be_v so_o much_o behold_v to_o the_o world_n for_o why_o this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o long_a courtesy_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o it_o but_o we_o shall_v have_v this_o whether_o we_o serve_v it_o or_o no_o and_o even_o that_o homely_a dusty_a dwelling_n it_o will_v not_o afford_v we_o always_o neither_o it_o shall_v possess_v our_o dust_n but_o till_o the_o great_a resurrection_n day_n why_o how_o then_o do_v the_o world_n deserve_v so_o well_o at_o man_n hand_n that_o they_o shall_v part_v with_o christ_n and_o their_o salvation_n to_o be_v its_o follower_n ah_o vile_a deceitful_a world_n how_o oft_o have_v we_o hear_v thy_o faithful_a servant_n at_o last_o complain_v oh_o the_o world_n have_v deceive_v i_o and_o undo_v i_o it_o flatter_v i_o in_o my_o prosperity_n but_o now_o it_o turn_v i_o off_o at_o death_n in_o my_o necessity_n ah_o if_o i_o have_v as_o faithful_o serve_v christ_n as_o i_o have_v serve_v it_o he_o will_v not_o thus_o have_v cast_v i_o off_o nor_o have_v leave_v i_o thus_o comfortless_a and_o hopeless_a in_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n thus_o do_v the_o dear_a friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o the_o world_n complain_v at_o last_o of_o its_o deceit_n or_o rather_o of_o their_o own_o selfâ—deluding_a folly_n and_o yet_o succeed_a sinner_n will_v take_v no_o warning_n so_o this_o be_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o neglecter_n of_o heaven_n which_o fall_n under_o this_o reproof_n sect_n iii_o 2._o the_o second_o sort_n to_o be_v here_o reprove_v be_v the_o 5_o profane_a ungodly_a presumptuous_a multitude_n who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n for_o salvation_n as_o to_o perform_v the_o common_a outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o these_o duty_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o see_v it_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o they_o if_o they_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o the_o town_n where_o they_o dwell_v it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v give_v the_o hear_n to_o it_o one_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o stay_v at_o home_o the_o other_o or_o if_o the_o master_n come_v to_o the_o congregation_n yet_o part_n of_o his_o family_n must_v stay_v at_o home_n if_o they_o want_v the_o plain_a and_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n how_o few_o be_v there_o in_o a_o whole_a town_n that_o will_v either_o be_v at_o cost_n or_o pain_n to_o procure_v a_o minister_n or_o travel_v a_o mile_n or_o two_o to_o hear_v abroad_o though_o they_o will_v go_v many_o mile_n to_o the_o market_n for_o provision_n for_o their_o body_n the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n with_o this_o generation_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o
sincere_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v there_o be_v requisite_a in_o we_o 1._o a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n that_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v write_v in_o scripture_n 2._o a_o certainty_n of_o assent_n or_o faith_n that_o this_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o true_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o minor_a proposition_n but_o i_o do_v sincere_o believe_v or_o love_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v requisite_a 1._o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o point_n of_o be_v 2._o and_o a_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o point_n of_o morality_n or_o congruence_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o its_o right-being_a and_o then_o follow_v assurance_n which_o be_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o i_o be_o justify_v etc._n etc._n follow_v necessary_o upon_o the_o former_a premise_n 4._o here_o also_o you_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o assurance_n all_o assurance_n be_v not_o of_o the_o 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have_v make_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n and_o glory_n 5._o he_o help_v we_o to_o feel_v and_o discover_v these_o act_n in_o ourselves_o 6._o he_o help_v we_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o find_a out_o their_o qualification_n to_o judge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n 7._o he_o help_v our_o reason_n to_o conclude_v right_o of_o our_o state_n from_o our_o acts._n 8._o he_o enliven_v and_o heighten_v our_o apprehension_n in_o these_o particular_n that_o our_o assurance_n may_v according_o be_v strong_a and_o lively_a 9_o he_o excit_v our_o joy_n and_o fill_v with_o comfort_n when_o he_o please_v upon_o this_o assurance_n none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v we_o perform_v well_o of_o ourselves_o 2._o the_o part_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o this_o work_n be_v 1._o it_o afford_v we_o the_o major_a proposition_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v sincere_o shall_v be_v save_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o our_o act_n must_v be_v try_v that_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o their_o moral_a truth_n 3._o the_o part_n that_o knowledge_n have_v in_o it_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o foresay_a proposition_n be_v write_v in_o scripture_n 4._o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o of_o our_o chief_a evidence_n 5._o our_o holiness_n and_o true_a faith_n as_o they_o be_v mark_n and_o evidence_n be_v the_o very_a medium_fw-la of_o our_o argument_n from_o which_o we_o conclude_v 6._o our_o conscience_n and_o internal_a sense_n do_v acquaint_v we_o with_o both_o the_o be_v and_o qualification_n of_o our_o inward_a act_n which_o be_v this_o medium_fw-la and_o which_o be_v call_v mark_n 7._o our_o reason_n or_o discourse_n be_v necessary_a to_o form_v the_o argument_n and_o raise_v the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o compare_v our_o act_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o judge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n etc._n etc._n 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acquaint_v then_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n 3._o beside_o many_o come_v to_o the_o work_n with_o forestalling_a conclusion_n they_o be_v resolve_v what_o to_o judge_v before_o they_o try_v they_o use_v the_o duty_n but_o to_o strengthen_v their_o present_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o condition_n like_o a_o bribe_a judge_n who_o examine_v each_o party_n as_o if_o he_o will_v judge_v upright_o when_o he_o be_v resolve_v which_o way_n the_o cause_n shall_v go_v before_o hand_n or_o as_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o argue_v only_o to_o maintain_v their_o present_a opinion_n rather_o than_o to_o try_v those_o opinion_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n just_o so_o do_v man_n examine_v their_o heart_n 4._o also_o man_n be_v partial_a in_o their_o own_o cause_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v their_o great_a sin_n small_a and_o their_o small_a sin_n to_o be_v none_o their_o gift_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o gift_n of_o common_a grace_n to_o be_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v straight_o way_n ready_a to_o say_v 19.20_o all_z these_o have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n and_o i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v etc._n etc._n rev._n 3.17_o the_o first_o common_a excellency_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o themselves_o do_v so_o dazzle_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o be_v present_o satisfy_v that_o all_o be_v well_o and_o look_v no_o further_o 5._o beside_o most_o man_n do_v search_v but_o by_o the_o half_n if_o it_o will_v not_o easy_o &_o quick_o be_v do_v they_o be_v discourage_v and_o leaveoff_v few_o set_v to_o it_o and_o follow_v it_o as_o beseem_v they_o in_o a_o work_n of_o such_o moment_n he_o must_v give_v all_o diligence_n that_o mean_v to_o make_v sure_a 6._o also_o man_n try_v themselves_o by_o false_a mark_n and_o rule_n not_o know_v wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n do_v consist_v some_o look_v beyond_o and_o some_o short_a 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instead_o of_o a_o low_a degree_n in_o sincerity_n as_o many_o doubt_a christian_n do_v or_o else_o inquire_v only_o into_o their_o outward_a action_n or_o into_o their_o inward_a affection_n without_o their_o end_n motive_n and_o other_o qualification_n the_o sure_a evidence_n be_v faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o our_o christianity_n and_o that_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o heart_n 9_o last_o man_n frequent_o miscarry_v in_o this_o work_n by_o set_v on_o it_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n as_o some_o expect_v the_o spirit_n shall_v do_v it_o without_o they_o so_o other_o attempt_v it_o themselves_o without_o seek_v or_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o these_o will_v certain_o miscarry_v in_o their_o assurance_n how_o far_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n be_v necessary_a be_v show_v before_o and_o the_o several_a act_n which_o it_o must_v perform_v for_o we_o sect_n x._o comfort_n further_a cause_n of_o doubt_v among_o christian_n because_o 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cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o uncertainty_n be_v the_o weakness_n and_o small_a measure_n of_o our_o grace_n a_o little_a grace_n be_v next_o to_o none_o small_a thing_n be_v hardly_o discern_v he_o that_o will_v see_v a_o small_a needle_n a_o hair_n a_o mote_n or_o atom_n must_v have_v clear_a light_n and_o good_a eye_n but_o house_n and_o town_n and_o mountain_n be_v easy_o discern_v most_o christian_n content_a themselves_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v on_o to_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o manhood_n they_o believe_v so_o weak_o and_o love_n god_n so_o little_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o find_v whether_o they_o believe_v and_o love_n at_o all_o like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n who_o pulse_n and_o breathe_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v perceive_v whether_o they_o move_v at_o all_o and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v alive_a or_o dead_a the_o chief_a remedy_n for_o such_o will_v be_v remedy_n to_o 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lusty_a can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v alive_a strong_a affection_n will_v make_v you_o feel_v they_o who_o love_v his_o friend_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o any_o thing_n strong_o and_o do_v not_o know_v it_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v seldom_o doubt_v of_o or_o if_o it_o be_v you_o may_v quick_o find_v when_o you_o seek_v and_o try_v sect_n xi_o 2._o another_o cause_n of_o uncomfortable_a live_n be_v 11._o that_o christian_n look_v more_o at_o their_o present_a cause_n of_o comfort_n or_o discomfort_n than_o they_o do_v at_o their_o future_a happiness_n 554._o and_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o they_o look_v afâ—er_a sign_n which_o may_v tell_v thâ—m_n what_o they_o be_v more_o than_o they_o do_v at_o precept_n which_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v they_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v justify_v and_o belove_v or_o not_o but_o they_o do_v not_o think_v what_o course_n they_o shall_v take_v to_o be_v justify_v if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o if_o their_o present_a case_n must_v needs_o be_v their_o everlasting_a case_n and_o if_o they_o be_v now_o unpardoned_a there_o be_v no_o remedy_n why_o i_o beseech_v thou_o consider_v this_o oh_o doubt_a soul_n what_o if_o all_o be_v as_o bâ—d_v as_o thou_o do_v fear_v and_o none_o of_o thy_o sin_n be_v yet_o pardon_v be_v not_o the_o remedy_n at_o hand_n may_v not_o all_o this_o be_v do_v in_o a_o moment_n do_v thou_o not_o know_v that_o thou_o may_v have_v christ_n and_o pardon_v when_o ever_o thou_o will_v call_v not_o this_o a_o loose_a or_o strange_a doctrine_n christ_n be_v willing_a if_o thou_o be_v willing_a he_o offer_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o thou_o he_o press_v they_o on_o thou_o and_o urge_v thou_o to_o accept_v they_o he_o will_v condemn_v thou_o and_o destroy_v thou_o if_o thou_o
will_v not_o accept_v they_o why_o do_v thou_o therefore_o stand_v whine_v and_o complain_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o pardon_v and_o adopt_a when_o thou_o shall_v take_v they_o be_v offer_v thou_o be_v he_o not_o mad_a that_o will_v lie_v weep_v and_o wring_v his_o hand_n because_o he_o be_v not_o pardon_v when_o his_o prince_n stand_v by_o all_o the_o while_n offer_v he_o a_o pardon_n and_o entreat_v and_o threaten_v and_o persuade_v and_o correct_v he_o and_o all_o to_o make_v he_o take_v it_o what_o will_v you_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n will_v you_o not_o chide_v he_o for_o his_o folly_n and_o say_v if_o thou_o will_v have_v pardon_n and_o life_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o take_v it_o why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o say_v the_o like_a to_o yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o that_o pardon_n and_o adoption_n be_v offer_v you_o only_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o believe_v and_o this_o believe_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o accept_n of_o christ_n for_o thy_o lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o thou_o with_o his_o benefit_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o accept_n be_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o the_o act_n of_o thy_o will._n so_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o be_v to_o save_o and_o rule_v thou_o than_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n thy_o willingness_n be_v thy_o faith_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v faith_n thou_o have_v the_o sure_a of_o all_o evidence_n justify_v faith_n be_v not_o thy_o persuasion_n of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o thou_o or_o of_o thy_o justification_n but_o thy_o accept_n christ_n to_o make_v thou_o just_a and_o lovely_a it_o may_v be_v thou_o will_v say_v i_o can_v believe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o believe_v as_o you_o make_v it_o answ._n indeed_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a it_o be_v not_o easy_a god_n only_o can_v make_v they_o willing_a but_o to_o he_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v christ_n for_o king_n and_o saviour_n i_o will_v not_o say_v believe_v be_v easy_a but_o it_o be_v already_o perform_v for_o this_o be_v believe_v let_v i_o therefore_o put_v this_o question_n to_o every_o doubt_v complain_v soul_n what_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o be_v complain_v and_o mourn_v for_o what_o make_v thou_o walk_v so_o sad_o as_o thou_o do_v because_o thou_o have_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n why_o be_v thou_o willing_a to_o have_v they_o on_o the_o forementioned_a condition_n or_o be_v thou_o not_o if_o thou_o be_v willing_a thou_o have_v he_o thy_o accept_n be_v thy_o believe_v to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o that_o be_v accept_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n joh._n 1.12_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o willing_a why_o do_v thou_o complain_v methinks_v the_o tongue_n shall_v follow_v the_o bent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_n and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n shall_v be_v speak_v against_o he_o at_o least_o against_o his_o law_n and_o way_n and_o not_o complain_v because_o they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v he_o do_v thou_o groan_v and_o make_v such_o moan_n for_o want_n of_o that_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v if_o indeed_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n for_o thy_o king_n and_o saviour_n then_o have_v i_o nothing_o to_o say_v but_o to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o be_v willing_a be_v it_o not_o madness_n then_o to_o lie_v complain_v that_o we_o have_v not_o christ_n when_o we_o may_v have_v he_o if_o we_o will_v if_o thou_o have_v he_o not_o take_v he_o and_o cease_v thy_o complaint_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v so_o forward_a and_o willing_a as_o he_o be_v and_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o thou_o be_v willing_a who_o shall_v break_v the_o match_n 95._o i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o mr_n saltmarsh_n most_o horrid_o do_v that_o we_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o question_v our_o faith_n which_o be_v our_o first_o and_o foundation_n grace_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o question_n christ_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o wise_a and_o direct_a course_n to_o accept_v christ_n offer_v which_o be_v believe_v then_o to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o doubt_v whether_o we_o have_v christ_n and_o faith_n or_o no._n sect_n xii_o 3._o another_o cause_n of_o many_o christian_n trouble_n 12._o be_v their_o mistake_a assurance_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o sometime_o accompany_v it_o or_o at_o least_o confound_v they_o together_o therefore_o when_o they_o want_v the_o joy_n of_o assurance_n they_o be_v as_o much_o cast_v down_o as_o if_o they_o want_v assurance_n itself_o letter_n doctor_n sibbs_n say_v well_o that_o as_o we_o can_v have_v grace_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o must_v there_o be_v a_o further_a act_n to_o make_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v that_o grace_n and_o when_o we_o know_v we_o have_v grace_n yet_o must_v there_o be_v a_o further_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o give_v we_o comfort_n in_o that_o knowledge_n some_o knowledge_n or_o assurance_n of_o our_o regenerate_v and_o justify_v estate_n the_o spirit_n give_v more_o ordinary_o but_o that_o sensible_a joy_n be_v more_o seldom_o and_o extraordinary_a we_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o keep_v off_o doubt_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o bare_a sight_n of_o our_o evidence_n though_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v any_o further_a joy_n this_o these_o complain_v soul_n understand_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o can_v deny_v their_o willingness_n to_o have_v christ_n nor_o many_o other_o the_o like_a grace_n which_o be_v infallible_a sign_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o adoption_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v their_o spirit_n replenish_v with_o comfort_n they_o throw_v away_o all_o as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o as_o if_o a_o child_n shall_v no_o long_o take_v himself_o for_o a_o son_n than_o he_o see_v the_o smile_n of_o his_o father_n face_n or_o hear_v the_o comfortable_a expression_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o as_o if_o the_o father_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o father_n when_o ever_o he_o cease_v those_o smile_n and_o speech_n sect_n xiii_o 13._o 4._o and_o yet_o further_o be_v the_o trouble_n of_o these_o poor_a soul_n increase_v in_o that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o god_n convey_v these_o expect_a comfort_n conflict_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o present_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a therein_o and_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o wait_v when_o god_n will_v bestow_v they_o not_o understand_v that_o though_o these_o comfort_n be_v spiritual_a yet_o be_v they_o rational_a raise_v upon_o the_o understanding_n apprehension_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n our_o happiness_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o by_o the_o roll_a of_o this_o bless_a object_n in_o our_o frequent_a meditation_n the_o spirit_n do_v advance_v and_o not_o destroy_v our_o reason_n it_o do_v rectify_v it_o and_o then_o use_v it_o as_o its_o ordinary_a instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o affection_n and_o exciting_a they_o according_o and_o not_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o affect_v we_o without_o it_o therefore_o our_o joy_n be_v raise_v discoursive_o and_o the_o spirit_n first_o reveal_v our_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o then_o help_v we_o to_o rejoice_v upon_o those_o reveal_v ground_n so_o that_o he_o who_o rejoice_v ground_o know_v why_o he_o rejoice_v ordinary_o now_o these_o mistake_a christian_n lie_v wait_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v cast_v in_o these_o comfort_n into_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o sit_v still_o and_o labour_v not_o to_o excite_v their_o own_o affection_n nay_o while_o they_o reason_v against_o the_o comfort_n which_o they_o wait_v for_o want_n these_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n be_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o thence_o they_o must_v fetch_v it_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o expect_v it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o set_v themselves_o daily_o and_o diligent_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o rare_a excellency_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o of_o their_o own_o title_n thereto_o in_o this_o way_n they_o may_v expect_v the_o spirit_n assistance_n for_o the_o raise_n of_o holy_a comfort_n in_o their_o soul_n but_o if_o they_o lie_v still_o bewail_v their_o want_n of_o joy_n while_o the_o full_a and_o free_a promise_n lie_v by_o they_o and_o never_o take_v they_o and_o rip_v they_o up_o and_o look_v into_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o heart_n by_o serious_a meditation_n they_o may_v complain_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n long_o