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
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 high_a degree_n it_o differ_v in_o strength_n according_a to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o apprehension_n in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a point_n of_o certainty_n which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o he_o that_o can_v true_o raise_v the_o foresay_a conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v justify_v etc._n etc._n from_o the_o premise_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o assurance_n though_o he_o do_v it_o with_o much_o weakness_n and_o stagger_v and_o doubt_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o assurance_n in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o premise_n will_n according_o weaken_v our_o assurance_n in_o the_o conclusion_n some_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n do_v mean_v only_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_v and_o think_v nothing_o else_o can_v be_v call_v certainty_n but_o this_o high_a degree_n perhaps_o some_o papist_n mean_v this_o when_o they_o deny_v a_o certainty_n some_o also_o maintain_v that_o saint_n paul_n plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n be_v this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o that_o some_o christian_n do_v in_o this_o life_n attain_v to_o it_o but_o paul_n call_v it_o full_a assurance_n in_o comparison_n of_o low_a degree_n and_o not_o because_o it_o be_v perfect_a for_o if_o assurance_n be_v perfect_a then_o also_o our_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o â—â—â—mises_n must_v be_v perfect_a and_o if_o some_o grace_n perfect_a why_o not_o all_o and_o so_o we_o turn_v novatian_o catharist_n perfectionist_n perhaps_o in_o some_o their_o certainty_n may_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v overcome_v all_o sensible_a doubt_n or_o sensible_a stir_n of_o unbelief_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o certainty_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o overcome_v all_o unbelief_n and_o uncertainty_n so_o as_o to_o expel_v or_o nullify_v they_o but_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o they_o remain_v still_o even_o as_o when_o you_o will_v heat_v cold_a water_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o hot_a you_o may_v pour_v in_o the_o hot_a so_o long_o till_o no_o coldness_n be_v feel_v and_o yet_o the_o water_n may_v be_v far_o from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o heat_n so_o faith_n may_v suppress_v the_o sensible_a stir_n of_o unbelief_n and_o certainty_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o trouble_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o by_o this_o which_o be_v say_v you_o may_v answer_v the_o question_n what_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n and_o what_o certainty_n it_o be_v that_o we_o press_v man_n to_o labour_n for_o and_o expect_v furthermore_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o assurance_n itself_o and_o the_o joy_n and_o strength_n and_o other_o sweet_a effect_n which_o follow_v assurance_n or_o which_o immediate_o accompany_v it_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v assurance_n and_o yet_o no_o comfort_n or_o little_a there_o be_v many_o unskilful_a but_o self-conceited_a disputer_n of_o late_a fit_a to_o manage_v a_o club_n than_o a_o argument_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o our_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o grace_n that_o our_o comfort_n must_v not_o be_v take_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o that_o our_o etc._n justification_n must_v be_v immediate_o believe_v and_o not_o prove_v by_o our_o sign_n or_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n of_o these_o in_o order_n 1._o it_o be_v as_o wise_a a_o question_n to_o ask_v whether_o our_o assurance_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n or_o our_o evidence_n or_o our_o faith_n &_o c_o as_o to_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v our_o meat_n or_o our_o stomach_n or_o our_o tooth_n or_o our_o hand_n that_o feed_v we_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v our_o eyesight_n or_o the_o sun-light_n by_o which_o we_o see_v thing_n they_o be_v distinct_a cause_n all_o necessary_a to_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n so_o that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v discern_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n and_o scripture_n &_o inward_a holiness_n and_o reason_n and_o inward_a sense_n or_o conscience_n have_v all_o several_a part_n and_o necessary_a use_n in_o produce_v our_o assurance_n which_o i_o will_v show_v you_o distinct_o 1._o to_o the_o spirit_n belong_v these_o particular_n 1._o he_o have_v indict_v those_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n 2._o he_o give_v we_o the_o habit_n or_o power_n of_o believe_v 3._o he_o help_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v actual_o that_o the_o word_n be_v true_a and_o to_o receive_v christ_n and_o the_o privilege_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n 4._o he_o work_v in_o we_o those_o grace_n and_o excit_v those_o gracious_a act_n within_o we_o which_o be_v the_o do_v evidence_n or_o mark_n of_o our_o interest_n pardon_n and_o life_n he_o help_v we_o to_o perform_v those_o act_n which_o god_n 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 sense_n so_o that_o you_o see_v our_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o any_o one_o single_a cause_n alone_o and_o so_o neither_o mere_o of_o faith_n by_o sign_n or_o by_o the_o spirit_n from_o all_o this_o you_o may_v gather_v 1._o 84._o what_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o wit_n the_o work_n or_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o 2._o what_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a act_n i_o yet_o know_v it_o not_o 3._o what_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v two_o concurrent_a testimony_n or_o cause_n to_o produce_v one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o to_o afford_v the_o premise_n to_o the_o same_o conclusion_n and_o then_o to_o raise_v our_o joy_n thereupon_o so_o
heart_n more_o glad_a than_o they_o that_o have_v corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n psal._n 4.6_o 7._o &_o act._n 2.28_o out_o of_o psal._n 16._o thou_o shall_v fill_v i_o full_a of_o joy_n with_o thy_o countenance_n if_o it_o be_v the_o countenance_n of_o god_n that_o fill_v we_o with_o joy_n then_o sure_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o and_o most_o behold_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o these_o joy_n sir_n if_o you_o never_o try_v this_o art_n nor_o live_v this_o life_n of_o heavenly_a contemplation_n i_o never_o wonder_v that_o you_o walk_v uncomfortable_o that_o you_o be_v all_o complain_v and_o live_v in_o sorrow_n &_o know_v not_o what_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o saint_n mean_n can_v you_o have_v comfort_n from_o god_n and_o never_o think_v of_o he_o can_v heaven_n rejoice_v you_o when_o you_o do_v not_o re-member_v it_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n glad_a you_o when_o you_o think_v not_o on_o it_o must_v not_o every_o thing_n first_o enter_v your_o judgement_n and_o consideration_n before_o it_o can_v delight_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n if_o you_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o you_o have_v title_n to_o the_o high_a dignity_n and_o dominion_n and_o never_o think_v on_o it_o sure_o it_o will_v never_o rejoice_v you_o who_o shall_v we_o blame_v then_o that_o we_o be_v so_o void_a of_o consolation_n but_o our_o own_o negligent_a unskilful_a heart_n god_n have_v provide_v we_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o promise_v to_o set_v it_o short_o on_o our_o head_n and_o we_o will_v so_o much_o as_o think_v on_o it_o he_o hold_v it_o out_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o bid_v we_o behold_v and_o rejoice_v &_o we_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v at_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o comfort_n what_o a_o perverse_a course_n be_v this_o both_o against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o joy_n i_o confess_v though_o in_o fleshly_a thing_n the_o present_v of_o a_o comfort_a object_n be_v sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o answerable_a delight_n yet_o in_o spiritual_n we_o be_v more_o disable_v god_n must_v give_v the_o joy_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o afford_v we_o matter_n for_o joy_n but_o yet_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o god_n do_v work_v upon_o we_o as_o man_n and_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n do_v raise_v our_o comfort_n he_o enable_v and_o excit_v we_o to_o mind_n and_o study_v these_o delightful_a object_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o gather_v our_o own_o comfort_n as_o the_o bee_n do_v gather_v her_o honey_n from_o the_o flower_n therefore_o he_o that_o be_v most_o skilful_a and_o painful_a in_o this_o gather_a act_n be_v usual_o the_o full_a of_o this_o spiritual_a sweetness_n where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o can_v tell_v i_o from_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v have_v solid_a and_o usual_a joy_n in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o that_o god_n work_v it_o immediate_o on_o his_o affection_n without_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o consider_v it_o be_v by_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n &_o peace_n rom._n 15.13_o and_o no_o long_a than_o we_o continue_v our_o believe_v 1.8_o it_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o saint_n rejoice_v yea_o in_o this_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.2_o and_o no_o long_a than_o they_o continue_v hope_v and_o here_o let_v i_o warn_v you_o of_o a_o dangerous_a snare_n a_o opinion_n which_o will_v rob_v you_o of_o all_o your_o comfort_n some_o think_v if_o they_o shall_v thus_o fetch_v in_o their_o own_o comfort_n by_o believe_v and_o hope_v and_o work_v it_o out_o of_o scripture_n promise_n and_o extract_v it_o by_o their_o own_o think_v and_o study_v that_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o comfort_n only_o of_o their_o own_o hammer_v out_o as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o the_o genuine_a joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o desperate_a mistake_n raise_v upon_o a_o ground_n that_o will_v overthrow_v almost_o all_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o this_o which_o be_v their_o set_v the_o working_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o their_o own_o spirit_n in_o opposition_n when_o their_o spirit_n must_v stand_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n they_o be_v conjunct_a cause_n cooperate_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n god_n spirit_n work_v our_o comfort_n by_o set_v our_o own_o spirit_n a-work_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o raise_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o place_n of_o our_o comfort_n as_o you_o will_v delight_v a_o covetous_a man_n by_o show_v he_o gold_n or_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n with_o fleshly_a delight_n so_o god_n use_v to_o delight_v his_o people_n by_o take_v they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o heaven_n and_o show_v they_o himself_o and_o their_o rest_n with_o he_o god_n use_v not_o to_o cast_v in_o our_o joy_n while_o we_o be_v idle_a or_o take_v up_o with_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a he_o sometime_o do_v it_o sudden_o but_o yet_o usual_o in_o the_o foresay_a order_n lead_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o our_o judgement_n and_o thought_n and_o his_o sometime_o sudden_a extraordinary_a cast_v of_o comfort_v thought_n into_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v our_o endeavour_n in_o a_o meditate_v way_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o singular_a motive_n to_o quicken_v we_o to_o it_o even_o as_o a_o taste_n give_v we_o of_o some_o cordial_a or_o choice_a food_n will_v make_v we_o desire_v and_o seek_v the_o rest._n god_n feed_v not_o saint_n as_o bird_n do_v their_o young_a bring_v it_o to_o they_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o mouth_n while_o they_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o nest_n and_o only_o gape_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o as_o he_o give_v to_o man_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n while_o we_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o weed_n and_o water_n and_o dung_n and_o dress_v and_o then_o with_o patience_n expect_v his_o blessing_n so_o do_v he_o give_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o soul._n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o if_o any_o shall_v so_o think_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o comfort_n by_o meditation_n as_o to_o attempt_v the_o work_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o not_o do_v all_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n nor_o perceive_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n the_o work_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v like_o the_o workman_n and_o the_o comfort_n he_o will_v gather_v will_v be_v like_o both_o even_o mere_a vanity_n even_o as_o the_o husband_n man_n labour_n without_o the_o sun_n and_o rain_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n so_o than_o you_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o close_a meditation_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o joy_n be_v god_n way_n to_o procure_v solid_a joy_n for_o my_o part_n if_o i_o shall_v find_v my_o joy_n of_o another_o kind_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o doubt_v of_o its_o sincerity_n if_o i_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v thither_o nor_o upon_o what_o rational_a ground_n it_o be_v raise_v nor_o what_o consideration_n do_v feed_v and_o continue_v it_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o question_v how_o i_o know_v whether_o this_o be_v from_o god_n and_o though_o as_o the_o cup_n in_o benjamins_n sack_n it_o may_v come_v from_o love_n yet_o it_o will_v leave_v i_o but_o in_o fear_n and_o amazement_n because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n as_o i_o think_v our_o love_n to_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v like_o that_o of_o fond_a lover_n who_o love_v violent_o but_o they_o know_v not_o why_o so_o i_o think_v a_o christian_n joy_n shall_v be_v a_o ground_a rational_a joy_n &_o not_o to_o rejoice_v &_o know_v not_o why_o though_o perhaps_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n god_n may_v cast_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o joy_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o usual_a way_n and_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o spirit_n of_o most_o forlorn_a uncomfortable_a despair_v christian_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o reason_n to_o be_v their_o ungrounded_a expectation_n of_o such_o unusual_a kind_n of_o joy_n ovid._n and_o according_o be_v their_o spirit_n various_o toss_v and_o most_o unconstant_o temper_v sometime_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o such_o joy_n or_o at_o least_o think_v so_o than_o they_o be_v cheerful_a and_o lift_v up_o but_o because_o these_o be_v usual_o short-lived_a joy_n therefore_o they_o be_v straight_o as_o low_o as_o hell_n and_o ordinary_o that_o be_v their_o more_o last_a temper_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v toss_v as_o a_o vessel_n at_o sea_n up_o and_o down_o but_o still_o in_o extreme_a whereas_o alas_o god_n be_v most_o constant_a christ_n the_o same_o heaven_n the_o same_o and_o the_o promise_v the_o
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
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 of_o the_o scripture_n standard_n 7._o moreover_o there_o be_v so_o great_a likeness_n betwixt_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o common_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o unskilful_a be_v mistake_v it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o special_a grace_n and_o common_a be_v not_o rather_o gradual_a then_o specifical_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o as_o some_o think_v than_o the_o discovery_n will_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a however_o to_o discern_v by_o what_o principle_n our_o affection_n be_v move_v and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o with_o what_o sincerity_n be_v not_o very_o easy_a there_o be_v so_o many_o wrong_a end_n and_o motive_n which_o may_v excite_v the_o like_a acts._n every_o grace_n in_o the_o saint_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n in_o the_o hypocrite_n 8._o also_o man_n use_v to_o try_v themselves_o by_o unsafe_a mark_n either_o look_v for_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n 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 the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n do_v so_o much_o consist_v in_o his_o assurance_n of_o god_n special_a love_n and_o because_o the_o right_a way_n of_o obtain_v it_o be_v so_o much_o controvert_v of_o late_a i_o will_v here_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o in_o open_v to_o you_o some_o other_o hindrance_n which_o keep_v true_a christian_n from_o comfortable_a certainty_n beside_o the_o forementioned_a error_n in_o the_o work_n of_o examination_n though_o i_o will_v still_o have_v you_o remember_v and_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o neglect_n or_o slighty_a performance_n of_o that_o great_a duty_n and_o not_o follow_v on_o the_o search_n with_o seriousness_n and_o constancy_n be_v the_o most_o common_a hindrance_n for_o aught_o i_o have_v yet_o find_v i_o shall_v add_v now_o these_o ten_o more_o which_o i_o find_v very_o ordinary_a impediment_n and_o therefore_o desire_v christian_n more_o careful_o to_o consider_v and_o beware_v of_o they_o 1._o one_o common_a and_o great_a 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 follow_v on_o their_o duty_n till_o their_o grace_n be_v increase_v ply_v your_o work_n wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o prescribe_a mean_n and_o he_o will_v undoubted_o bless_v you_o with_o increase_n and_o strength_n oh_o that_o christian_n will_v bestow_v most_o of_o that_o time_n in_o get_v more_o grace_n which_o they_o bestow_v in_o anxious_a doubt_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o or_o none_o and_o that_o they_o will_v lay_v out_o those_o serious_a affection_n in_o pray_v and_o seek_v to_o christ_n for_o more_o grace_n which_o they_o bestow_v in_o fruitless_a complaint_n of_o their_o suppose_a gracelesness_n i_o beseech_v thou_o christian_n take_v this_o advice_n as_o from_o god_n and_o then_o when_o thou_o believe_v strong_o and_o love_v fervent_o thou_o can_v not_o doubt_v whether_o thou_o do_v believe_v and_o love_n or_o not_o no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n that_o be_v burn_v hot_a can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v warm_a or_o a_o man_n that_o be_v strong_a and_o 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
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