chief_o press_v those_o duty_n which_o must_v be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o everlasting_a rest._n in_o this_o i_o shall_v chief_o handle_v those_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o heavenly_a and_o comfortable_a life_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n too_o evident_a which_o a_o inconsiderate_a zealot_n reprehend_v in_o master_n culverwell_n as_o a_o error_n that_o many_o of_o god_n child_n do_v not_o enjoy_v that_o sweet_a life_n and_o bless_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n which_o god_n their_o father_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o that_o be_v which_o he_o offer_v they_o in_o his_o promise_n and_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n in_o his_o precept_n and_o bring_v even_o to_o their_o hand_n in_o all_o his_o mean_n and_o mercy_n god_n have_v set_v open_a heaven_n to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o tell_v every_o humble_a sincere_a christian_a that_o they_o shall_v short_o there_o live_v with_o himself_o in_o unconceivable_a glory_n and_o yet_o where_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o promise_n who_o heart_n leap_v for_o joy_n at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o news_n or_o that_o be_v willing_a in_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o leave_v this_o world_n but_o even_o the_o godly_a have_v as_o strange_a unsavoury_a thought_n of_o it_o as_o if_o god_n do_v but_o delude_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o glory_n and_o be_v almost_o as_o loath_a to_o die_v as_o man_n without_o hope_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o strange_a disagreement_n between_o our_o profession_n and_o affection_n cause_v i_o to_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a lurk_a unbelief_n in_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v those_o argument_n in_o the_o second_o part_n for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o because_o i_o find_v another_o cause_n to_o be_v the_o carelessness_n forgetfulness_n and_o idleness_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o keep_v in_o action_n that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v i_o have_v here_o attempt_v the_o removal_n of_o that_o cause_n by_o prescribe_v a_o course_n for_o the_o daily_a act_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o must_v fetch_v in_o the_o celestial_a delight_n into_o the_o heart_n o_o the_o princely_a joyful_a bless_a life_n that_o the_o godly_a lose_v through_o mere_a idleness_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v wrong_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o our_o own_o work_n so_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o much_o they_o on_o the_o other_o extreme_a have_v wrong_v the_o safety_n and_o consolation_n of_o man_n soul_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o own_o endeavour_n be_v only_o for_o obedience_n and_o gratitude_n but_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o condition_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o mean_n of_o their_o increase_a sanctification_n or_o consolation_n and_o while_o some_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v look_v at_o nothing_o in_o themselves_o for_o acceptation_n with_o god_n or_o comfort_n and_o so_o make_v that_o acceptance_n and_o comfort_n to_o be_v equal_o belong_v to_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o turk_n and_o other_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v look_v at_o nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o only_o as_o sign_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n this_o have_v cause_v some_o to_o expect_v only_o enthusiastic_a consolation_n and_o other_o to_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o inquire_v after_o sign_n of_o their_o sincerity_n have_v these_o poor_a soul_n well_o understand_v that_o god_n way_n to_o persuade_v their_o will_n and_o to_o excite_v and_o actuate_v their_o affection_n be_v by_o the_o discourse_n reason_v or_o consideration_n of_o their_o understanding_n upon_o the_o nature_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o they_o and_o have_v they_o bestow_v but_o that_o time_n in_o exercise_v holy_a affection_n and_o in_o serious_a thought_n of_o the_o promise_a happiness_n which_o they_o have_v spend_v in_o inquire_v only_o after_o sign_n i_o be_o confident_a according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a working_n of_o god_n they_o will_v have_v be_v better_o provide_v both_o with_o assurance_n and_o with_o joy_n how_o shall_v the_o heir_n of_o a_o kingdom_n have_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o title_n but_o by_o forthinking_a on_o it_o it_o be_v true_a god_n must_v give_v we_o our_o comfort_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o how_o by_o quicken_a up_o our_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o promise_a glory_n and_o not_o by_o comfort_v we_o we_o know_v not_o how_o nor_o why_o or_o by_o give_v man_n the_o foreta_v of_o heaven_n when_o they_o never_o think_v of_o it_o i_o have_v here_o prescribe_v thou_o reader_n the_o delightfull_a task_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o most_o tedious_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o ever_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v employ_v in_o i_o do_v it_o first_o only_o for_o myself_o but_o be_o loath_a to_o conceal_v the_o mean_n that_o i_o have_v find_v so_o consolatory_a if_o thou_o be_v one_o that_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o a_o course_n so_o laborious_a but_o will_v only_o go_v on_o in_o thy_o task_n of_o common_a formal_a duty_n thou_o may_v let_v it_o alone_o and_o so_o be_v destitute_a of_o delight_n except_o such_o as_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o form_n can_v afford_v thou_o but_o then_o do_v not_o for_o shame_n complain_v for_o want_n of_o comfort_n when_o thou_o do_v wilful_o reject_v it_o and_o be_v not_o such_o a_o hypocrite_n as_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o while_o thou_o do_v refuse_v to_o labour_v for_o it_o if_o thou_o say_v thy_o comfort_n be_v all_o in_o christ_n i_o must_v tell_v thou_o it_o be_v a_o christ_n remember_v and_o love_v and_o not_o a_o christ_n forget_v or_o only_o talk_v of_o that_o will_v solid_o comfort_v though_o the_o directory_n for_o contemplation_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o this_o part_n yet_o i_o have_v now_o premise_v two_o other_o use_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v take_v off_o from_o rest_a on_o earth_n before_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o converse_v above_o the_o first_o part_n of_o save_a religion_n be_v the_o take_v god_n only_o for_o our_o end_n and_o rest._n chap._n i._o use_v vi_o reprove_v our_o expectation_n of_o rest_n on_o earth_n sect_n i._o 1._o do_v this_o rest_n remain_v how_o great_a then_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o folly_n to_o seek_v and_o expect_v it_o here_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o christian_n that_o deserve_v not_o this_o reproof_n sure_o we_o may_v all_o cry_v guilty_a to_o this_o accusation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o enjoy_v convenient_a house_n good_n land_n and_o revenue_n but_o we_o seek_v rest_n in_o these_o enjoyment_n we_o seldom_o i_o fear_v have_v such_o sweet_a and_o heart_n content_v thought_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n as_o we_o have_v of_o our_o earthly_a delight_n how_o much_o rest_n do_v the_o voluptuous_a seek_v in_o building_n walk_n apparel_n ease_n recreation_n sleep_v please_v meat_n and_o drink_n merry_a company_n health_n and_o strength_n and_o long_a life_n nay_o we_o can_v scarce_o enjoy_v the_o necessary_a mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o our_o spiritual_a good_a but_o we_o be_v seek_v rest_n in_o they_o do_v we_o want_v minister_n godly_a society_n or_o the_o like_a help_n o_o think_v we_o if_o it_o be_v but_o thus_o and_o thus_o with_o we_o we_o be_v well_o god_n do_v we_o enjoy_v they_o o_o how_o we_o settle_v upon_o they_o and_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o they_o as_o the_o rich_a fool_n in_o his_o wealth_n our_o book_n our_o preacher_n sermon_n friend_n ability_n for_o duty_n do_v not_o our_o heart_n hug_v they_o and_o quiet_a themselves_o in_o they_o even_o more_o than_o in_o god_n indeed_o in_o word_n we_o disclaim_v it_o and_o god_n have_v usual_o the_o pre-eminence_n in_o our_o tongue_n and_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o these_o discovery_n first_o do_v we_o not_o desire_v these_o more_o violent_o when_o we_o want_v they_o than_o we_o do_v the_o lord_n himself_o do_v we_o not_o cry_v out_o more_o sensible_o o_o my_o friend_n my_o good_n my_o health_n then_o o_o my_o god_n do_v we_o not_o miss_v ministry_n and_o mean_n more_o passionate_o than_o we_o miss_v our_o god_n do_v we_o not_o bestir_v ourselves_o more_o to_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o recover_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n second_o do_v we_o not_o delight_v more_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o these_o than_o we_o do_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n himself_o nay_o be_v not_o those_o mercy_n and_o duty_n most_o pleasant_a to_o we_o wherein_o we_o stand_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n we_o can_v read_v and_o study_v and_o confer_v preach_v and_o hear_v day_n after_o day_n without_o much_o weariness_n because_o in_o these_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_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
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
11._o if_o god_n be_v not_o more_o willing_a of_o our_o company_n than_o we_o be_v of_o he_o how_o long_o shall_v we_o remain_v thus_o distant_a from_o he_o and_o as_o we_o have_v never_o be_v sanctify_v if_o god_n have_v stay_v till_o we_o be_v willing_a so_o if_o he_o shall_v refer_v it_o whole_o to_o ourselves_o it_o will_v at_o least_o be_v long_o before_o we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v i_o confess_v that_o death_n of_o itself_o be_v not_o desirable_a but_o the_o soul_n rest_v with_o god_n be_v to_o which_o death_n be_v the_o common_a passage_n and_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v light_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o to_o plead_v our_o common_a nature_n for_o to_o patronize_v it_o let_v i_o here_o set_v before_o you_o its_o aggravation_n and_o also_o propound_v some_o further_a consideration_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o and_o myself_o against_o it_o sect_n ii_o 2._o and_o first_o consider_v what_o a_o deal_n of_o gross_a infidelity_n do_v lurk_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o this_o sin_n either_o paganish_a unbelief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v promise_v it_o to_o we_o or_o at_o least_o a_o doubt_v of_o our_o own_o interest_n or_o most_o usual_o somewhat_o of_o both_o these_o and_o though_o christian_n be_v usual_o most_o sensible_a of_o the_o latter_a and_o therefore_o complain_v most_o against_o it_o yet_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o main_a radical_a master_n sin_n and_o of_o great_a force_n in_o this_o business_n o_o if_o we_o do_v but_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o glory_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v true_o mean_a as_o he_o speak_v and_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o make_v it_o good_a if_o we_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o blessedness_n prepare_v for_o believer_n as_o the_o scripture_n mention_v sure_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o impatient_a of_o live_v as_o we_o be_v now_o fearful_a of_o die_v and_o shall_v think_v every_o day_n a_o year_n till_o our_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v we_o shall_v as_o hardly_o refrain_v from_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o our_o selus_fw-la or_o from_o the_o neglect_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o health_n and_o life_n as_o we_o do_v now_o from_o overmuch_a carefulness_n and_o seek_v of_o life_n by_o unlawful_a mean_n if_o the_o eloquent_a oration_n of_o a_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v can_v make_v his_o affect_a hearer_n present_o to_o cast_v himself_o head_n long_a from_o the_o rock_n as_o impatient_a of_o any_o long_a delay_n what_o will_v a_o serious_a christian_n belief_n do_v if_o god_n law_n against_o self_n murder_n do_v not_o restrain_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v that_o death_n will_v remove_v we_o from_o misery_n to_o such_o glory_n and_o yet_o be_v loath_a to_o die_v if_o it_o be_v the_o doubt_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n which_o do_v fear_v we_o yet_o a_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o rest_n will_v make_v we_o restless_a till_o our_o interest_n be_v clear_v if_o a_o man_n that_o be_v desperate_o sick_a to_o day_n do_v believe_v he_o shall_v arise_v sound_a the_o next_o morning_n or_o a_o man_n to_o day_n in_o despicable_a poverty_n have_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v to_o morrow_n arise_v a_o prince_n will_v they_o be_v afraid_a to_o go_v to_o bed_n or_o rather_o think_v it_o the_o long_a day_n of_o their_o life_n till_o that_o desire_a night_n and_o morning_n come_v the_o truth_n be_v though_o there_o be_v much_o faith_n and_o christianity_n in_o our_o mouth_n yet_o there_o be_v much_o infidelity_n and_o paganism_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o die_v 3._o sect_n iii_o 3_o and_o as_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o also_o the_o coldness_n of_o our_o love_n be_v exceed_o discover_v by_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o die_v love_n do_v desire_v the_o near_a conjunction_n the_o full_a fruition_n and_o close_a communion_n where_o these_o desire_n be_v absent_a there_o be_v only_o a_o naked_a pretence_n of_o love_n he_o that_o ever_o feel_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o love_n work_v in_o his_o breast_n have_v also_o feel_v these_o desire_n attend_v it_o if_o we_o love_v our_o friend_n we_o love_v his_o company_n his_o presence_n be_v comfortable_a his_o absence_n be_v troublesome_a when_o he_o go_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v his_o return_n when_o he_o come_v to_o we_o we_o entertain_v he_o with_o welcome_a and_o gladness_n when_o he_o die_v we_o mourn_v and_o usual_o over-mourn_a aug._n to_o be_v separate_v from_o a_o faithful_a friend_n be_v to_o we_o as_o the_o rent_v of_o a_o member_n from_o our_o body_n and_o will_v not_o our_o desire_n after_o god_n be_v such_o if_o we_o real_o love_v he_o nay_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o than_o such_o as_o he_o be_v above_o all_o friend_n most_o lovely_a the_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o look_v close_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o selfdeceit_n in_o this_o point_n for_o certain_o what_o ever_o we_o pretend_v or_o conceit_n if_o we_o love_v either_o father_n mother_n husband_n wife_n child_n friend_n wealth_n 10.37_o or_o life_n more_o than_o christ_n we_o be_v yet_o none_o of_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n the_o question_n will_v not_o be_v who_o have_v preach_v most_o or_o hear_v most_o or_o talk_v most_o but_o who_o have_v love_v most_o when_o our_o account_n be_v give_v in_o christ_n will_v not_o take_v sermon_n prayer_n fast_n no_o nor_o the_o give_n of_o our_o good_n nor_o the_o burn_a of_o our_o body_n in_o stead_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.1_o 2_o aust._n 3_o 4_o 8_o 13._o &_o 16.22_o ephes._n 6.24_o and_o do_v we_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o care_v not_o how_o long_o we_o be_v from_o he_o if_o i_o be_v deprive_v of_o my_o bosom_n friend_n i_o think_v i_o be_o as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n solitary_a and_o disconsolate_a and_o be_v my_o absence_n from_o god_n no_o part_n of_o my_o trouble_n and_o yet_o can_v i_o take_v he_o for_o my_o chief_a friend_n if_o i_o delight_v but_o in_o some_o garden_n or_o walk_v or_o gallery_n i_o will_v be_v much_o in_o it_o if_o i_o love_v my_o book_n i_o be_o much_o with_o they_o and_o almost_o unwearied_o pore_a on_o they_o the_o food_n which_o i_o love_v i_o will_v often_o feed_v on_o the_o clothes_n that_o i_o love_v i_o will_v often_o wear_v the_o recreation_n which_o i_o love_v i_o will_v often_o use_v they_o the_o business_n which_o i_o love_v i_o will_v be_v much_o employ_v in_o and_o can_v i_o love_v god_n and_o that_o above_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o be_v with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o a_o far_o likely_a sign_n of_o hatred_n then_o of_o love_n when_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o appear_v before_o god_n be_v our_o most_o grievous_a thought_n and_o when_o we_o take_v ourselves_o as_o undo_v because_o we_o must_v die_v and_o come_v unto_o he_o sure_o i_o shall_v scarce_o take_v he_o for_o a_o unfeigned_a friend_n who_o be_v as_o well_o content_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o i_o as_o we_o ordinary_o be_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o god_n be_v it_o such_o a_o joy_n to_o jacob_n to_o see_v the_o face_n of_o joseph_n in_o egypt_n and_o shall_v we_o so_o dread_a the_o sight_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o say_v we_o love_v he_o i_o dare_v not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v no_o love_n at_o all_o when_o we_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o die_v but_o i_o dare_v say_v be_v our_o love_n more_o we_o shall_v die_v more_o willing_o yea_o i_o dare_v say_v do_v we_o love_v god_n but_o as_o strong_o as_o a_o worldling_n love_v his_o wealth_n or_o a_o ambitious_a man_n his_o honour_n or_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n his_o pleasure_n yea_o as_o a_o drunkard_n love_v his_o swinish_a delight_n or_o a_o unclean_a person_n his_o brutish_a lust_n we_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v so_o exceed_v loath_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o god_n o_o if_o this_o holy_a flame_n of_o love_n be_v thorough_o kindle_v in_o our_o breast_n in_o stead_n of_o our_o press_a fear_n our_o dolorous_a complaint_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n against_o death_n we_o shall_v join_v in_o david_n wilderness-lamentation_n psal._n 42.1_o 2._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v as_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_v
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
it_o you_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n of_o performance_n our_o chief_a work_n will_v here_o be_v to_o discover_v to_o you_o the_o danger_n and_o that_o will_v direct_v you_o to_o the_o fit_a remedy_n let_v i_o therefore_o here_o acquaint_v you_o beforehand_o that_o when_o ever_o you_o set_v upon_o this_o heavenly_a employment_n you_o shall_v find_v your_o own_o heart_n your_o great_a hinderer_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v false_a to_o you_o in_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o four_o degree_n first_o they_o will_v hold_v off_o that_o you_o will_v hardly_o get_v they_o to_o the_o work_n second_o or_o else_o they_o will_v betray_v you_o by_o their_o idleness_n in_o the_o work_n pretend_v to_o do_v it_o when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o or_o three_o they_o will_v interrupt_v the_o work_n by_o their_o frequent_a excursion_n and_o turn_v aside_o to_o every_o object_n or_o fourthly_a they_o will_v spoil_v the_o work_n by_o cut_v it_o short_a and_o be_v go_v before_o you_o have_v do_v any_o good_a on_o it_o therefore_o i_o here_o forewarn_v you_o as_o you_o value_v the_o unvaluable_a comfort_n of_o this_o work_n that_o you_o faithful_o resist_v these_o four_o dangerous_a evil_n or_o else_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v hitherto_o be_v in_o vain_a 1._o thou_o shall_v find_v thy_o heart_n as_o backward_o to_o this_o i_o think_v as_o to_o any_o work_n in_o the_o world_n o_o what_o excuse_v it_o will_v make_v what_o evasion_n it_o will_v find_v out_o and_o what_o delay_n and_o demur_n when_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o convince_v either_o it_o will_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o not_o or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o other_o yet_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o to_o thou_o it_o will_v rake_v up_o any_o thing_n like_o reason_n to_o plead_v against_o it_o it_o will_v tell_v thou_o that_o this_o be_v a_o work_n for_o minister_n that_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o study_v on_o or_o for_o cloysterer_n or_o person_n that_o have_v more_o leisure_n than_o thou_o have_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o minister_n it_o will_v tell_v thou_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o thou_o to_o meditate_v for_o the_o instruct_n of_o they_o and_o let_v they_o meditate_v on_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n only_o to_o cook_n their_o meat_n and_o serve_v it_o up_o and_o perhaps_o a_o little_a to_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n by_o lick_v thy_o finger_n while_o thou_o be_v dress_v it_o for_o other_o but_o it_o be_v they_o only_a that_o must_v eat_v it_o digest_v it_o and_o live_v upon_o it_o indeed_o the_o smell_n may_v a_o little_a refresh_v thou_o but_o it_o must_v be_v digest_v it_o that_o must_v maintain_v thy_o strength_n and_o life_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o heart_n will_v tell_v thou_o of_o other_o business_n thou_o have_v this_o company_n stay_v for_o thou_o or_o that_o business_n must_v be_v do_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v set_v thou_o upon_o some_o other_o duty_n and_o so_o make_v one_o duty_n shut_v out_o another_o for_o it_o have_v rather_o go_v to_o any_o duty_n then_o to_o this_o perhaps_o it_o will_v tell_v thou_o that_o other_o duty_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o this_o must_v give_v place_n to_o they_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o time_n for_o both_o public_a business_n be_v of_o more_o concernment_n to_o study_v to_o preach_v for_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n must_v be_v prefer_v before_o these_o private_a contemplation_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o time_n to_o see_v to_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n for_o look_v after_o other_o or_o thy_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o draw_v thou_o to_o neglect_v thy_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o better_a way_n to_o fit_v we_o to_o be_v useful_a to_o other_o then_o to_o make_v this_o experience_n of_o our_o doctrine_n ourselves_o certain_o heaven_n where_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n be_v the_o best_a fire_n to_o light_v our_o candle_n at_o and_o the_o best_a book_n for_o a_o preacher_n to_o study_v and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o study_v that_o more_o the_o church_n will_v be_v provide_v of_o more_o heavenly_a light_n and_o when_o their_o study_n be_v divine_a and_o their_o spirit_n divine_a their_o preach_a will_n then_o be_v also_o divine_a and_o they_o may_v be_v fit_o call_v divine_n indeed_o or_o if_o thy_o heart_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o work_n than_o it_o will_v trifle_v away_o the_o time_n in_o delay_n and_o promise_v this_o day_n and_o the_o next_o but_o still_o keep_v off_o from_o the_o do_n of_o the_o business_n or_o last_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v so_o baffle_v with_o excuse_n or_o delay_n thy_o heart_n will_v give_v thou_o a_o flat_a denial_n and_o oppose_v its_o own_o unwillingness_n to_o thy_o reason_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o come_v to_o the_o work_n as_o a_o bear_n to_o the_o stake_n and_o draw_v back_o with_o all_o the_o strength_n it_o have_v i_o speak_v all_o this_o of_o the_o heart_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v carnal_a which_o in_o too_o great_a a_o measure_n be_v in_o the_o best_a for_o i_o know_v so_o far_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v spiritual_a it_o will_v judge_v this_o work_n the_o sweet_a in_o the_o world_n well_o then_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o forementioned_a case_n will_v thou_o do_v it_o if_o i_o tell_v thou_o why_o what_o will_v thou_o do_v with_o a_o servant_n that_o be_v thus_o backward_o to_o his_o work_n or_o to_o thy_o beast_n that_o shall_v draw_v back_o when_o thou_o will_v have_v he_o go_v forward_o will_v thou_o not_o first_o persuade_v and_o then_o chide_v and_o then_o spur_v he_o and_o force_v he_o on_o and_o take_v no_o denial_n nor_o let_v he_o alone_o till_o thou_o have_v get_v he_o close_o to_o fall_v to_o his_o work_n will_v thou_o not_o say_v why_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v with_o a_o servant_n that_o will_v not_o work_v or_o with_o a_o ox_n or_o horse_n that_o will_v not_o travel_v or_o labour_n shall_v i_o keep_v they_o to_o look_v on_o will_v thou_o then_o faithful_o deal_v thus_o with_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o lazy_a self_n delude_v hypocrite_n say_v i_o will_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n i_o will_v set_v upon_o thy_o heart_n roundly_o persuade_v it_o to_o the_o work_n take_v no_o denial_n chide_v it_o for_o its_o backwardness_n use_v violence_n with_o it_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o service_n willing_a or_o not_o will_v be_v thou_o master_n of_o thy_o flesh_n or_o be_v thou_o a_o servant_n to_o it_o have_v thou_o no_o command_n of_o thy_o own_o thought_n can_v thy_o will_n choose_v the_o subject_n of_o thy_o meditation_n especial_o when_o thy_o judgement_n thus_o direct_v thy_o will_n i_o be_o sure_a god_n once_o give_v thou_o mastery_n over_o thy_o flesh_n and_o some_o power_n to_o govern_v thy_o own_o thought_n have_v thou_o lose_v thy_o authority_n be_v thou_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o thy_o deprave_a nature_n take_v up_o the_o authority_n again_o which_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o command_v thy_o heart_n if_o it_o rebel_v use_v violence_n with_o it_o if_o thou_o be_v too_o weak_a call_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o thy_o assistance_n he_o be_v never_o backward_o to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n nor_o will_v deny_v his_o help_n in_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o help_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o help_v thyself_o say_v to_o he_o why_o lord_n thou_o give_v my_o reason_n the_o command_n of_o my_o thought_n and_o affection_n the_o authority_n i_o have_v receive_v over_o they_o be_v from_o thou_o and_o now_o behold_v they_o refuse_v to_o obey_v thy_o authority_n thou_o command_v i_o to_o set_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n but_o they_o rebel_v and_o stubborn_o refuse_v the_o duty_n will_v thou_o not_o assist_v i_o to_o execute_v that_o authority_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o o_o send_v i_o down_o thy_o spirit_n and_o power_n that_o i_o may_v enforce_v thy_o command_n and_o effectual_o compel_v they_o to_o obey_v thy_o will._n and_o thus_o do_v thou_o shall_v see_v thy_o heart_n will_v submit_v its_o resistance_n will_v be_v bring_v under_o and_o its_o backwardness_n will_v be_v turn_v to_o a_o yield_a compliance_n 2._o sect_n ii_o 2._o when_o thou_o have_v get_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o work_n beware_v lest_o it_o delude_v thou_o by_o a_o loiter_a formality_n lest_o it_o say_v i_o go_v and_o go_v not_o lest_o it_o trifle_v out_o the_o time_n while_o it_o shall_v be_v effectual_o meditate_v certain_o the_o heart_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o betray_v thou_o in_o this_o as_o in_o any_o one_o particular_a about_o
their_o sorrow_n and_o that_o which_o shake_v the_o whole_a building_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n though_o perhaps_o the_o other_o be_v more_o perceive_v and_o this_o take_a notice_n of_o by_o few_o there_o may_v be_v great_a weakness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o belief_n where_o yet_o no_o doubt_n be_v perceive_v to_o stir_v therefore_o though_o we_o can_v persuade_v people_n to_o believe_v never_o so_o confident_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o teach_v they_o no_o more_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v believe_v this_o then_o any_o other_o book_n to_o be_v that_o word_n as_o it_o will_v prove_v in_o they_o no_o right_a way_n of_o believe_v so_o be_v it_o in_o we_o no_o right_a way_n of_o teach_v 8._o there_o be_v many_o a_o one_o who_o feel_v his_o faith_n shake_v here_o who_o never_o discover_v it_o to_o doubt_v of_o our_o evidence_n be_v take_v for_o no_o great_a disgrace_n and_o therefore_o man_n more_o free_o profess_v such_o doubt_n nay_o and_o some_o perhaps_o who_o be_v not_o much_o trouble_v with_o they_o because_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v humble_a christian_n but_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o reproachful_a blalphemy_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a here_o speak_v not_o their_o doubt_n 9_o be_v not_o the_o great_a battery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n especial_o make_v against_o this_o foundation_n the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o praelatos_fw-la papist_n assault_n you_o in_o be_v here_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o seeker_n who_o be_v the_o jesuit_n by_o blow_n though_o they_o yet_o know_v not_o their_o own_o father_n will_v accost_v you_o with_o the_o like_a question_n how_o know_v you_o that_o your_o scripture_n and_o your_o ministry_n be_v of_o god_n the_o familist_n and_o libertine_n do_v spit_v their_o venom_n here_o and_o some_o christian_n by_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o satan_n temptation_n be_v most_o violent_a here_o yea_o and_o our_o own_o carnal_a delude_a reason_n be_v apt_a of_o all_o to_o stumble_v here_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o some_o desire_n that_o the_o 170._o jew_n may_v have_v free_a commerce_n among_o we_o it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n for_o we_o i_o think_v to_o be_v well_o arm_v at_o this_o point_n let_v the_o ordinary_a professor_n of_o our_o time_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o fiery_a spirit_n look_v to_o it_o how_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o such_o assault_n lest_o as_o now_o when_o they_o can_v answer_v a_o separatist_n they_o yield_v to_o he_o and_o when_o they_o can_v answer_v a_o antinomian_a they_o turn_v antinomian_o so_o then_o when_o they_o can_v much_o less_o answer_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o a_o jew_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v as_o easy_o turn_v jew_n and_o deny_v christ_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o libertine_n among_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o toleration_n to_o discover_v the_o unsound_a who_o hold_v their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n and_o custom_n i_o be_o no_o more_o of_o their_o mind_n in_o this_o then_o of_o his_o who_o will_v have_v a_o fair_a virgin_n to_o lie_v with_o he_o and_o try_v his_o chastity_n and_o make_v its_o victory_n more_o honourable_a but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o have_v such_o a_o trial_n its_o time_n to_o look_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n 3.15_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n 10._o however_o though_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o all_o this_o yet_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v a_o exceed_a help_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o will_v advance_v their_o confident_a hope_n of_o rest._n for_o myself_o if_o my_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n have_v no_o imperfection_n if_o i_o do_v as_o very_o believe_v the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v again_o when_o it_o be_v set_v o_o how_o will_v it_o raise_v my_o desire_n and_o my_o joy_n what_o haste_n shall_v i_o make_v how_o serious_a shall_v i_o be_v how_o shall_v i_o trample_v on_o these_o earthly_a vanity_n and_o even_o forget_v the_o thing_n below_o how_o restless_a shall_v i_o be_v till_o i_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o rest_n and_o then_o how_o restless_a till_o i_o do_v possess_v it_o how_o shall_v i_o delight_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o my_o heart_n leap_v at_o the_o tiding_n of_o its_o approach_n how_o graseri_fw-la glad_a shall_v i_o be_v of_o the_o body_n decay_n to_o feel_v my_o prison_n moulder_v to_o dust_n sure_o this_o will_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o perfect_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o eternal_a rest._n which_o though_o it_o can_v be_v here_o expect_v yet_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o most_o strengthen_v mean_n and_o press_v on_o till_o we_o have_v attain_v sect_n ii_o 2._o thus_o much_o i_o have_v purposely_o speak_v as_o to_o stir_v up_o christian_n to_o look_v to_o their_o faith_n so_o especialiy_v to_o provoke_v some_o choice_n servant_n of_o christ_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o bestow_v their_o labour_n on_o this_o most_o needful_a subject_n and_o all_o minister_n to_o preach_v it_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o to_o their_o people_n some_o think_v it_o be_v faith_n honour_n to_o be_v as_o credulous_a as_o may_v be_v and_o the_o weak_a be_v the_o rational_a ground_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o not_o dispute_v indeed_o when_o it_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n than_o the_o most_o credulous_a soul_n be_v the_o best_a but_o when_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n or_o no_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v over-credulous_a else_o why_o be_v we_o bid_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o how_o shall_v the_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v who_o will_v deceive_v be_v it_o possible_a the_o very_a elect_n to_o be_v give_v up_o of_o god_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n some_o think_v august_n the_o only_a way_n to_o deal_v with_o such_o temptation_n to_o blasphemy_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o dispute_v they_o and_o i_o think_v the_o direction_n be_v very_o good_a so_o it_o be_v use_v with_o some_o distinction_n and_o caution_n the_o rule_n hold_v good_a against_o real_a blasphemy_n know_v to_o be_v such_o but_o if_o the_o person_n know_v it_o not_o how_o shall_v he_o make_v use_n of_o this_o rule_n against_o it_o further_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v blasphemy_n have_v argument_n whereby_o to_o prove_v it_o such_o else_o how_o do_v he_o know_v it_o therefore_o here_o lie_v the_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n be_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n convince_v or_o at_o least_o have_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o yet_o be_v still_o cherish_v doubt_n or_o harken_v to_o temptation_n which_o may_v feed_v those_o doubt_n when_o a_o man_n like_a balaam_n will_v take_v no_o answer_n but_o he_o who_o will_v therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o doubt_n before_o he_o have_v argument_n sufficient_a against_o they_o or_o can_v ever_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n he_o do_v indeed_o cast_v aside_o the_o temptation_n but_o not_o overcome_v it_o and_o may_v expect_v it_o shall_v short_o return_v again_o it_o be_v a_o methodical_a cure_n which_o prevent_v a_o relapse_n such_o a_o neglecter_n of_o temptation_n may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o he_o because_o not_o right_o believe_v i'faith_o always_o imply_v a_o testimony_n and_o the_o knowledge_n usual_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n divine_a faith_n have_v ever_o a_o divine_a 〈…〉_o testimony_n and_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o the_o faith_n be_v particular_a but_o always_o of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o testimony_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o god_n that_o be_v a_o believe_a that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o he_o testify_v though_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o true_a believer_n but_o to_o believe_v implicit_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a or_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v god_n