and_o at_o length_n that_o they_o shall_v whole_o give_v themselves_o to_o religious_a exercise_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n mean_v time_n they_o conceive_v they_o may_v come_v in_o among_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o young_a beginner_n albeit_o they_o come_v not_o up_o the_o length_n which_o they_o intend_v but_o be_v unde_fw-la the_o power_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o they_o can_v rid_v themselves_o of_o but_o do_v hope_v they_o shall_v betimes_o overcome_v they_o such_o man_n do_v miserable_o mistake_v the_o mater_fw-la first_o in_o that_o they_o think_v their_o purpose_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n breed_v in_o they_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o very_a grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n second_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o lust_n which_o do_v reign_v in_o themselves_o be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o regenerate_v person_n of_o who_o few_o or_o none_o think_v they_o want_v their_o own_o gross_a fault_n three_o they_o conceive_v they_o can_v repent_v more_o serious_o when_o they_o please_v and_o will_v repent_v after_o a_o while_n follow_v of_o their_o belove_a lust_n as_o if_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o they_o do_v daily_o provoke_v by_o their_o vileness_n but_o a_o work_n in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n freewill_n be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n four_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o delay_n of_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o all_o sin_n unto_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o god_n judgement_n harden_v and_o god_n provoke_v to_o punish_v their_o voluntary_a impenitence_n with_o judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v such_o man_n our_o lord_n compare_v to_o the_o disobedient_a son_n who_o promise_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v go_v work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o go_v not_o math._n 21._o 30._o such_o man_n be_v they_o who_o know_v the_o well_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o do_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o double_a punishment_n math_n 12._o 47._o the_o â—â—medy_n of_o this_o evil_a christ_n give_v luk._n 13._o 24_o 25_o 26._o strive_v to_o enter_v at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o â—_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a mâ—n_z know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_v while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n not_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n psal_n 95._o 8._o 2._o other_o some_o be_v who_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a life_n profess_v and_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o indeed_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v certain_o expect_v salvation_n free_o of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o pose_v any_o such_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v present_o answer_v that_o they_o firm_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v their_o sweet_a saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o if_o you_o press_v they_o to_o speak_v in_o earnest_n from_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v present_o be_v ill_o please_v with_o the_o question_n and_o ask_v what_o cause_n of_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v be_v just_o allege_v or_o what_o cause_n have_v any_o man_n to_o suspect_v they_o or_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v say_v they_o if_o not_o in_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o other_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n beside_o he_o if_o a_o man_n please_v to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v forthwith_o affirm_v that_o they_o repent_v day_n and_o night_n and_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o always_o repent_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o man_n be_v these_o of_o who_o christ_n speak_v that_o they_o will_v confident_o come_v to_o he_o and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v but_o servant_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n 3._o such_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o first_o by_o frame_v to_o themselves_o such_o carnal_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o save_a hope_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o in_o their_o fantasy_n they_o conceive_v they_o do_v practice_v which_o conception_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o they_o esteem_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n commend_v these_o duty_n unto_o man_n as_o good_a as_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v take_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o equity_n of_o such_o duty_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o while_o their_o conscience_n say_v why_o shall_v not_o i_o do_v so_o they_o take_v that_o for_o as_o good_a as_o if_o it_o have_v say_v i_o do_v so_o but_o save_v grace_n go_v deep_a than_o civil_a carriage_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o enough_o except_o they_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n also_o in_o daily_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n daily_o to_o be_v washen_n and_o more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v imagine_v a_o faith_n which_o need_v not_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o good_a work_n at_o all_o and_o so_o they_o take_v off_o the_o justify_v man_n from_o all_o necessity_n of_o follow_v good_a work_n as_o far_o as_o they_o take_v off_o good_a work_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o justification_n and_o do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o themselves_o to_o live_v after_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o flesh_n conceive_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v fir_v not_o only_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o our_o lord_n do_v speak_v and_o do_v cut_v off_o such_o libertine_n and_o turner_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o guard_v against_o this_o self-deceit_n heb._n 12._o 14._o command_v to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 5._o some_o there_o be_v who_o pretend_v to_o esteem_v well_o of_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o marriage-supper_n do_v yet_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a when_o they_o have_v much_o ado_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n albeit_o they_o prefer_v the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o thing_n outward_a unto_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o entertain_a communion_n with_o god_n yea_o they_o conceive_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v they_o in_o so_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v insinuat_fw-la in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o guest_n invite_v to_o the_o feast_n answer_v the_o invitation_n with_o i_o pray_v have_v i_o excuse_v luke_n 14._o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o rise_v evil_a in_o great_a personage_n rich_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v much_o implove_v in_o earthly_a affair_n such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o first_o in_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n with_o themselves_o that_o their_o earthly_a affair_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v first_o and_o most_o sensible_o appear_v must_v in_o the_o first_o room_n be_v cared-for_a and_o that_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a may_v be_v follow_v after_o as_o their_o civil_a and_o earthly_a affair_n may_v permit_v second_o they_o reckon_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o for_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v when_o gain_n may_v be_v have_v that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o slip_v the_o occasion_n or_o to_o put_v his_o worldly_a good_n in_o hazard_n by_o defend_v or_o follow_v matter_n of_o religion_n three_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o wise_a as_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o serve_v two_o master_n god_n and_o covetousness_n albeit_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o serve_v not_o god_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n this_o error_n our_o lord_n refute_v and_o give_v warning_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o luke_n 21._o 34._o take_v heed_n
or_o hesitation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o purge_v from_o the_o relic_n of_o incredulity_n and_o backwarddesse_n unto_o godliness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n or_o because_o he_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o effect_n of_o renew_v grace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n in_o himself_o both_o of_o they_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o self_n same_o action_n for_o if_o this_o difference_n shall_v not_o be_v observe_v and_o sentence_n so_o give_v as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o renew_a man_n be_v absolve_v and_o commend_v and_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v disallow_v and_o condemn_v without_o prejudice_n to_o any_o good_a which_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o renew_a man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o conscience_n can_v be_v quiet_a or_o that_o any_o good_a action_n of_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v approven_v by_o reason_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o we_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o apostle_n censure_v of_o himself_o rom._n 7._o 15._o to_o 20._o 10._o for_o remove_v this_o four_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o observe_v the_o inlake_n and_o sinful_a imperfection_n and_o pollution_n of_o his_o best_a work_n as_o he_o observe_v also_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o his_o action_n that_o of_o the_o good_a he_o may_v make_v thankful_a confession_n unto_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o inlake_n and_o pollution_n of_o his_o work_n he_o may_v make_v confession_n also_o and_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o and_o fly_v to_o the_o unsported_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o founta_fw-mi in_o open_v up_o in_o his_o house_n for_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n zech._n 13._o 1._o this_o wisdom_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n possess_v with_o a_o dumb_a and_o deaf_a spirit_n cry_v out_o and_o say_n with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mark_v 9_o 24._o he_o maintain_v the_o begin_v work_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o and_o confess_v the_o evil_a he_o find_v in_o himself_o and_o fly_v by_o prayer_n to_o christ_n to_o help_v he_o 11._o the_o five_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n suspenâ—_n the_o absolution_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o from_o be_v hypocritical_a and_o counterfeit_a until_o he_o find_v himself_o free_v from_o disquietness_n and_o do_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o do_v apprehend_v shall_v always_o accompany_v sound_a sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o on_o this_o ground_n he_o esteem_v that_o faith_n only_o to_o be_v true_a faith_n which_o have_v overcome_v all_o doubt_n and_o now_o be_v victorious_a bring_v peace_n and_o quietness_n with_o it_o and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v toss_v or_o trouble_v with_o doubt_n he_o think_v may_v just_o be_v suspect_v of_o unsoundnesse_n as_o if_o tentation_n to_o doubt_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v a_o question_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o believe_v or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o man_n to_o call_v his_o faith_n in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o because_o satan_n call_v it_o in_o question_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o question_v a_o work_n or_o act_v of_o grace_n in_o a_o man_n no_o work_n of_o grace_n nor_o no_o point_n of_o true_a religion_n shall_v be_v hold_v for_o sound_n and_o true_a because_o satan_n never_o cease_v to_o calumâ—iat_v and_o quarrel_v the_o truth_n both_o of_o god_n word_n and_o work_n for_o he_o be_v so_o malicious_a and_o impudent_a as_o to_o question_v christ_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 4._o 3._o 12._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o enemy_n do_v neither_o diminish_v the_o worth_n nor_o the_o estimation_n of_o faith_n for_o faith_n fight_v be_v no_o less_o solid_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o time_n of_o battle_n than_o it_o be_v after_o victory_n stand_v victorious_a 2._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o a_o warfare_n not_o only_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o also_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n ephes._n 6._o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o freedom_n or_o exemption_n from_o satan_n throw_v fiery_a dart_n at_o we_o â—o_o long_o as_o we_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v warn_v we_o ephes._n 5._o let_v he_o consider_v three_o that_o objection_n and_o question_n move_v against_o the_o convert_n faith_n be_v rather_o a_o token_n of_o the_o sincerity_n thereof_o than_o a_o reason_n for_o bring_v it_o in_o question_n for_o the_o pirate_n satan_n can_v discern_v well_o enough_o between_o a_o empty_a vessel_n and_o a_o ship_n loaden_v with_o precious_a ware_n and_o use_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o rich_a ship_n that_o he_o may_v spoil_v it_o if_o he_o can_v of_o that_o most_o precious_a faith_n and_o not_o trouble_v himself_o to_o molest_v a_o secure_a presumptuous_a person_n lest_o he_o shall_v waken_v he_o by_o such_o mean_n out_o of_o his_o dream_n and_o chase_v he_o unto_o god_n but_o as_o for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o flee_v from_o he_o and_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o follow_v the_o chase_n that_o if_o he_o can_v bring_v he_o back_o yet_o he_o may_v vex_v he_o and_o dog_n he_o at_o the_o heel_n till_o his_o entry_n in_o heaven_n four_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o suffer_v satan_n to_o trouble_v the_o believer_n with_o suggestion_n to_o waken_v his_o faith_n of_o set_a purpose_n to_o teach_v the_o believer_n to_o fight_v his_o battle_n and_o by_o frequent_a exercise_n to_o be_v purify_v more_o and_o more_o like_a gold_n or_o silver_n put_v ofttimes_o in_o the_o furnace_n yea_o and_o that_o the_o wrestler_n may_v be_v make_v valiant_a in_o fight_n heb._n 11._o 34._o whereupon_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v exhort_v not_o only_o to_o take_v courage_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o adversary_n but_o also_o to_o rejoice_v when_o he_o do_v meet_v with_o manifold_a tentation_n as_o we_o be_v charge_v jam._n 1._o 2._o because_o of_o the_o fruit_n follow_v by_o god_n blessing_n on_o such_o exercise_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v he_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o when_o he_o have_v resist_v and_o overcome_v one_o tentation_n he_o may_v stand_v and_o resist_v another_o ephes._n 6._o 13._o the_o six_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v not_o distinguish_v but_o confound_v the_o peace_n he_o have_v with_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n he_o have_v in_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o do_v not_o distinguish_v but_o confound_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o rest_n from_o assault_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d if_o he_o do_v not_o distinguish_v but_o confound_v peace_n of_o mind_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o he_o do_v not_o distinguish_v and_o put_v a_o due_a difference_n between_o these_o sort_n of_o peace_n he_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v disquiet_v by_o suspect_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n because_o he_o have_v not_o rest_v nor_o peace_n from_o satan_n assault_n he_o can_v eshew_v disquietness_n when_o he_o conceive_v that_o his_o peace_n with_o god_n be_v dissolve_v when_o trouble_n arise_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o no_o wonder_n he_o be_v disquiet_v when_o he_o apprehend_v every_o perturbation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n or_o with_o his_o own_o conscience_n 14._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n the_o afflict_a must_v consider_v first_o that_o peace_n with_o god_n do_v follow_v immediate_o upon_o a_o humble_a sinner_n fly_v to_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o conscience_n possible_o may_v be_v go_v on_o pursue_v the_o convert_n with_o challenge_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n for_o he_o that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v justify_v and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n he_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n grant_v decree_v pronounce_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o registrat_n in_o the_o court-book_n of_o the_o evangel_n albeit_o possible_o the_o absolve_v convert_v have_v not_o draw_v forth_o the_o extract_n of_o the_o decreet_a nor_o consider_v it_o when_o he_o have_v read_v it_o nor_o apply_v the_o same_o to_o himself_o according_a as_o the_o general_a sentence_n give_v he_o warrant_n therefore_o the_o humble_a sinner_n flee_v
unto_o christ_n and_o engage_v hearty_o to_o his_o service_n must_v not_o take_v heed_n so_o much_o to_o what_o his_o sickly_a and_o not_o clear_o inform_v conscience_n do_v say_v as_o to_o what_o god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n and_o give_v order_n and_o rule_v to_o the_o conscience_n do_v say_v to_o such_o a_o poor_a soul_n flee_v unto_o christ._n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o his_o peace_n be_v not_o â—arred_v with_o god_n by_o satan_n war_a against_o he_o for_o peace_n with_o god_n stand_v well_o with_o war_n against_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o the_o less_o rest_n he_o have_v from_o satan_n trouble_n and_o molestation_n let_v he_o be_v the_o more_o confident_a of_o his_o peace_n with_o god_n who_o battle_n he_o be_v fight_v against_o satan_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n do_v neither_o hinder_a peace_n with_o god_n nor_o peace_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o a_o man_n for_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v trouble_v and_o disquiet_v when_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v settle_v and_o establish_v for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v trouble_v and_o tempt_v to_o anxiety_n the_o apostle_n show_v how_o to_o remove_v the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n also_o phil._n 4._o 6_o 7._o be_v careful_a say_v he_o or_o anxious_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanks_o give_v let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v manifest_a to_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o his_o own_o experience_n he_o let_v we_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n from_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n also_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 5_o 6._o when_o we_o be_v come_v into_o macedonia_n our_o flesh_n have_v no_o rest_n but_o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n without_o be_v fight_n within_o be_v fear_n nevertheless_o god_n that_o comfort_v these_o that_o be_v cast_v down_o comfort_v we_o in_o the_o come_n of_o titus_n so_o also_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 14._o 15._o the_o seven_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o forgetful_a of_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v maintain_v repair_v and_o recover_v the_o true_a peace_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o change_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o his_o child_n which_o be_v common_a through_o many_o tribulation_n god_n do_v bring_v his_o own_o to_o heaven_n sometime_o he_o show_v they_o his_o countenance_n in_o a_o comfortable_a providence_n sometime_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n but_o do_v not_o change_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o psal._n 30._o 7._o thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n say_v david_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v but_o here_o be_v his_o wisdom_n he_o go_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o recover_v his_o peace_n i_o cry_v to_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o lord_n make_v i_o my_o supplication_n and_o his_o mourning_n be_v turn_v into_o dance_v psal._n 30._o 7_o 8._o to_o the_o end_n but_o many_o weak_a convert_n be_v not_o so_o wise_a who_o by_o their_o inconfiderat_a course_n do_v cast_v themselves_o in_o fear_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n both_o of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o and_o of_o their_o own_o interest_n in_o he_o when_o they_o miss_v feel_v consolation_n they_o fall_v to_o quarrel_v their_o right_n and_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o have_v their_o condition_n help_v they_o prescribe_v their_o own_o time_n way_n and_o measure_n and_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v they_o till_o they_o recover_v possession_n of_o lose_a sense_n with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o stagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n say_v she_o for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o god_n do_v coudescend_v to_o their_o passionate_a put_v suit_n of_o comfort_n but_o their_o not_o believe_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o their_o haste_v to_o have_v their_o condition_n alter_v before_o patience_n have_v wrought_v the_o perfect_a work_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commend_v or_o approven_v 16._o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n neither_o show_v his_o love_a countenance_n to_o the_o weak_a disciple_n nor_o hide_v it_o from_o he_o but_o out_o of_o love_n he_o neither_o corrrect_v nor_o comforteâ—h_v he_o but_o out_o of_o love_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o change_v not_o say_v he_o sensible_a 3._o 6._o therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consult_v if_o he_o give_v consolation_n sensible_o it_o be_v to_o confirm_v their_o weak_a say_v by_o 〈◊〉_d experience_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o consolation_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v excercise_n their_o faith_n and_o train_v they_o to_o belâ—â—ve_v his_o word_n without_o a_o sensible_a pawn_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n by_o all_o 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o afflict_a beware_v to_o mis-construst_a the_o lord_n dâ—aling_v but_o let_v he_o strive_v against_o all_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n or_o 〈◊〉_d own_o misbelieve_a heart_n and_o entertain_v friendly_a 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n for_o a_o true_a friend_n or_o father_n when_o they_o give_v they_o better_o will_v take_v it_o for_o no_o small_a 〈…〉_z or_o fatherly_a affection_n to_o 〈…〉_z physician_n and_o 〈…〉_z from_o their_o patient_n 〈…〉_z potion_n when_o they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o carve_v and_o 〈…〉_z they_o be_v expon_v to_o aim_v at_o the_o 〈…〉_z much_o more_o shall_v every_o man_n whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o god_n he_o meet_v with_o give_v a_o good_a costruction_n of_o his_o work_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n of_o work_v first_o he_o discover_v sin_n and_o misery_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o after_o that_o he_o discover_v his_o grace_n mercy_n and_o power_n in_o christ_n to_o relieve_v first_o he_o humble_v and_o then_o list_v up_o first_o he_o wound_v and_o then_o he_o heal_v first_o he_o smite_v and_o then_o bind_v up_o first_o he_o bring_v down_o to_o death_n and_o then_o restoretâ—â—unto_o life_n hâ—s_n 6._o 1._o and_o ps._n 9_o 3._o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v humble_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o apprehend_v â—_z of_o hiâ—_n disquietness_n and_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o restore_n of_o whaâ—_n be_v lose_v or_o want_v and_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o wound_n inâ—â—â—ted_v in_o due_a order_n now_o god_n order_n be_v this_o he_o will_v fiâ—_n have_v the_o law_n magnify_v and_o his_o justice_n acknowleâ—ed_v by_o all_o afflict_a sinner_n even_o by_o they_o who_o be_v in_o thâ—tate_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o under_o the_o covenant_n or_o cuse_v of_o the_o law_n to_o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o law_n musâ—till_o be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o wâ—n_o the_o lord_n justice_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o all_o fret_a â—d_a murmur_a against_o his_o deal_n stop_v than_o comeâ—_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n in_o christâ—_n for_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n god_n have_v always_o be_v iâ—_n christ_n go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o transgression_n to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o and_o when_o god_n have_v draw_v the_o sinner_n by_o faith_n to_o the_o mediator_n christ_n god_n incarnate_a then_o there_o be_v a_o matrimonial_a contract_n make_v betwixt_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcile_v and_o the_o believer_n and_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o judicial_a manner_n and_o so_o the_o believer_n be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o right_n unto_o christ_n person_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2._o 16._o my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o believer_n be_v make_v to_o have_v right_a unto_o christ_n purchase_n and_o benefit_n and_o to_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o his_o saint_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 32._o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o after_o right_n give_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o due_a time_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o the_o inheritance_n ephes._n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o also_o you_o be_v seal_v with_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n who_o real_o renew_v the_o believer_n and_o give_v he_o peace_n joy_n consolation_n strength_n and_o other_o gift_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o ebb_a and_o flow_v thereof_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o
this_o doubt_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v pre-supposed_n and_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o that_o be_v afflict_v with_o this_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o follow_v duty_n howbeit_o heartles_o do_v live_v blameless_a in_o a_o evil_a world_n and_o so_o be_v not_o idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a only_o this_o do_v trouble_v they_o that_o they_o find_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o do_v expect_v they_o miss_v joy_n in_o god_n consolation_n in_o their_o prayer_n patience_n in_o affection_n cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n in_o follow_v their_o call_n they_o do_v not_o find_v sensible_a approbation_n of_o their_o work_n from_o god_n as_o they_o do_v promise_n to_o themselves_o and_o do_v expect_v hence_o flow_v their_o tear_n lamentation_n and_o complaint_n of_o themselves_o and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o all_o without_o just_a cause_n for_o as_o in_o bodily_a sickness_n sometime_o more_o malady_n than_o one_o be_v complicat_fw-la and_o to_o each_o of_o they_o respect_n must_v be_v have_v for_o perfect_v the_o cure_n so_o in_o this_o case_n more_o practical_a error_n do_v concur_v and_o each_o of_o they_o must_v be_v decipher_v and_o remove_v we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o four_o the_o first_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v the_o suspending_a of_o his_o faith_n upon_o a_o tacit_a condition_n that_o such_o and_o such_o effect_n be_v produce_v and_o that_o god_n sensible_a approbation_n of_o his_o diligence_n and_o work_n be_v feel_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o warrantable_a act_n of_o faith_n for_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n except_o after_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o trial_n take_v whether_o it_o shall_v produce_v such_o or_o such_o fruit_n or_o not_o and_o here_o three_o deceit_n do_v concur_v the_o first_o be_v a_o faith_n with_o a_o secret_a reservation_n if_o such_o fruit_n follow_v be_v by_o suggestion_n of_o the_o tempter_n thrust_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o absolute_a believe_v without_o reservation_n and_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o try_v of_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o through_o temptation_n the_o afflict_a tacit_o crave_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o god_n that_o when_o god_n perform_v the_o prescribe_a condition_n than_o the_o man_n faith_n after_o that_o may_v rest_v upon_o he_o other_o way_n not_o for_o when_o a_o sinner_n come_v to_o christ_n he_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o sense_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n see_v it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o reveal_v thyself_o to_o i_o a_o blind_a impotent_a sinner_n run_v towards_o hell_n and_o have_v offer_v thyself_o to_o i_o for_o a_o saviour_n in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n behold_v o_o lord_n i_o hearty_o receive_v the_o grace_n offer_v i_o embrace_v thy_o word_n and_o thyself_o offer_v to_o i_o in_o thy_o word_n and_o do_v give_v up_o myself_o whole_o to_o thy_o government_n that_o thou_o may_v repair_v in_o i_o the_o lose_a image_n of_o god_n and_o powerful_o carry_v i_o on_o unto_o salvation_n instead_o of_o say_v thus_o and_o close_a absolute_o the_o bargain_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o the_o tempter_n will_v have_v the_o poor_a afflict_a man_n to_o speak_v as_o it_o be_v to_o this_o sense_n o_o lord_n the_o condition_n whereupon_o thou_o do_v offer_v to_o be_v my_o god_n and_o saviour_n do_v please_v i_o well_o but_o because_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v deceive_v myself_o in_o perform_v that_o condition_n i_o require_v another_o condition_n of_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v first_o let_v i_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v find_v within_o sometime_o hence_o then_o will_v i_o count_v myself_o a_o believer_n and_o will_v rest_v on_o thou_o but_o if_o i_o find_v not_o such_o fruit_n as_o may_v evidence_n true_a faith_n in_o i_o i_o must_v pronounce_v my_o say_v either_o no_o faith_n or_o a_o dead_a faith_n which_o have_v a_o name_n of_o faith_n but_o neither_o power_n nor_o life_n in_o it_o for_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a as_o james_n say_v ch_n 2._o 26._o now_o what_o be_v this_o else_o in_o effect_n then_o to_o make_v a_o new_a condition_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n if_o god_n shall_v do_v as_o the_o sinner_n give_v he_o direction_n that_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v make_v he_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n first_o when_o it_o become_v he_o absolute_o to_o embrace_v christ_n that_o he_o may_v both_o be_v forgive_v of_o sin_n and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o faith_n another_o fault_n be_v here_o also_o which_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a person_n do_v require_v mature_a fruit_n from_o a_o weak_a faith_n from_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o fix_v but_o suspend_v on_o a_o condition_n which_o be_v no_o less_o unreasonable_a then_o if_o a_o foolish_a gardner_n shall_v require_v fruit_n of_o a_o young_a tree_n late_o plant_v yea_o before_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v well_o settle_v in_o the_o ground_n yea_o and_o will_v not_o let_v it_o stand_v in_o his_o garden_n except_o it_o shall_v first_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n whereby_o it_o may_v evidence_n itself_o worthy_a of_o pain_n take_v on_o it_o a_o three_o fault_n be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a in_o this_o case_n do_v pre-suppose_a that_o true_a faith_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n both_o in_o nature_n and_o time_n for_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n till_o after_o he_o perceive_v and_o feel_v in_o himself_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n upon_o this_o ground_n he_o can_v never_o believe_v till_o he_o first_o find_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o effect_n then_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o effect_n must_v go_v before_o its_o cause_n unto_o this_o threefold_a self-deceit_n we_o offer_v this_o one_o remedy_n in_o general_n that_o the_o afflict_a person_n in_o the_o foresay_a case_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o barrenness_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v small_a or_o no_o fruit_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o fasten_v himself_o the_o more_o on_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n without_o delay_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v virtue_n and_o furniture_n from_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v he_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o abundance_n as_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o he_o and_o he_o only_o can_v make_v a_o good_a tree_n of_o a_o evil_a imp_n and_o cause_v it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a vine_n wherein_o it_o be_v ingraft_v and_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o canticle_n ch_n 2._o 13._o do_v make_v no_o small_a account_n of_o the_o green_a fig_n and_o tender_a grape_n let_v not_o the_o afflict_a despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n 4._o the_o second_o practical_a error_n in_o the_o afflicted_n foresay_a case_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a person_n have_v imagine_v in_o himself_o that_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n will_v present_o follow_v upon_o his_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v forthwith_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n able_a to_o pray_v eloquent_o make_v cheerful_a in_o sing_v song_n of_o praise_n unto_o god_n ready_a and_o expedit_fw-la to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v feel_v constant_o a_o uninterrupted_n peace_n in_o his_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o after_o that_o by_o experience_n he_o have_v find_v that_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o enter_v upon_o any_o good_a work_n without_o a_o fight_n with_o satan_n and_o with_o his_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o other_o impediment_n and_o withal_o he_o do_v feel_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with-drawn_a hereupon_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n unrenewed_a 5._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a know_v that_o the_o hope_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v not_o be_v disappoint_v albeit_o according_a to_o his_o childish_a fore-conception_n they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o in_o a_o time_n due_a and_o acceptable_a god_n shall_v perform_v all_o his_o promise_n
than_o the_o sensible_a comfort_n thereof_o remain_v with_o he_o but_o either_o do_v retreat_v his_o judgement_n of_o his_o bless_a estate_n or_o do_v not_o defend_v his_o right_n do_v not_o resist_v satan_n by_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n no_o wonder_n his_o disquietness_n and_o dejection_n of_o courage_n return_v upon_o he_o 6._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v that_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o sensible_a feel_n of_o god_n favour_n be_v grant_v to_o god_n child_n to_o make_v they_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o when_o sensible_a comfort_n be_v with-drawn_a and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o faith_n under_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o afflicted_a once_o be_v make_v clear_a of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o keep_n on_o he_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n do_v find_v a_o change_n in_o his_o condition_n let_v he_o present_o humble_a himself_o before_o god_n in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o and_o of_o whatsoever_o evil_a fruit_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o whereby_o he_o have_v procure_v the_o change_n of_o his_o own_o comfortable_a condition_n and_o let_v he_o 〈◊〉_d the_o act_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d in_o christ_n strive_v against_o all_o temptation_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d once_o give_v to_o he_o and_o dispute_v for_o his_o right_n and_o interest_n unto_o god_n grace_n in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v with_o patience_n obtain_v the_o victory_n over_o his_o temptation_n and_o be_v able_a not_o only_o with_o dâ—vid_n to_o charge_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o help_n and_o health_n of_o his_o countenance_n ps._n 42._o and_o 43._o but_o also_o to_o glory_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o say_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 22._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n and_o so_o may_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v remove_v 7._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o a_o sincere_a convert_n find_v himself_o come_v short_a both_o of_o his_o purpose_n and_o hope_n of_o make_v progress_n in_o the_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o conversation_n shall_v in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o be_v more_o humble_v and_o beat_v more_o out_o of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o work_n and_o in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o lay_v 〈◊〉_d hold_v on_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n 〈…〉_z discouragement_n and_o so_o open_a a_o 〈…〉_z call_n his_o own_o conversion_n in_o question_n in_o this_o case_n the_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o true_a convert_n be_v augment_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o couversion_n wherein_o he_o renounce_v the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o all_o sin_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worth_n or_o work_n do_v fly_v unto_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o christ_n and_o receive_v he_o hearty_o and_o purpose_v honest_o to_o serve_v god_n thereafter_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n which_o make_v he_o say_v in_o himself_o i_o can_v never_o put_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o purpose_n of_o new_a obedience_n more_o sincere_o in_o exercise_n than_o i_o have_v do_v and_o now_o see_v i_o come_v short_a of_o my_o purpose_n and_o hope_n of_o profit_v and_o can_v never_o more_o sincere_o repent_v of_o sin_n or_o believe_v in_o christ_n then_o i_o have_v do_v have_v i_o not_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o my_o estate_n and_o of_o discouragement_n and_o disquietness_n 8._o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o purpose_n and_o practice_n a_o holy_a and_o sincere_a purpose_n oâ—t_a time_n come_v short_a in_o practice_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 7_o 18._o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o the_o inlake_n here_o be_v of_o strength_n to_o perform_v and_o not_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o will_n and_o purpose_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o well-informed_n conscience_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o the_o practical_a come_n up_o of_o the_o not_o well-reformed_n heart_n unto_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n for_o ofttimes_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n that_o disappoint_v the_o archer_n therefore_o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a deny_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o purpose_n but_o let_v he_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o have_v not_o answer_v his_o purpose_n and_o expectation_n three_o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a think_v that_o he_o have_v so_o full_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n as_o he_o conceive_v we_o may_v be_v clear_o convince_v not_o to_o lean_v to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o so_o more_o easy_o in_o our_o judgement_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o good_a behaviour_n but_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o misbelieve_a jew_n be_v not_o easy_o purge_v out_o of_o we_o wherein_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 9_o and_o 10._o 3._o as_o he_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o he_o lean_v his_o weight_n on_o his_o staff_n and_o yet_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o his_o staff_n do_v slide_v be_v find_v to_o have_v lean_v more_o weight_n on_o his_o staff_n then_o he_o pretend_v so_o he_o be_v find_v to_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o his_o own_o work_n who_o be_v cast_v down_o because_o his_o performance_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o hope_n humble_v indeed_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o to_o lament_v his_o misery_n under_o the_o body_n of_o death_n but_o not_o be_v so_o deject_v and_o discourage_v as_o to_o loose_v or_o sâ—cken_v his_o grip_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n especial_o when_o he_o do_v consider_v that_o the_o lord_n by_o this_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n be_v teach_v he_o thereafter_o to_o have_v a_o more_o high_a estimation_n and_o make_v better_a use_n of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o to_o lean_v less_o to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o promise_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n that_o so_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o ability_n from_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n for_o without_o i_o say_v christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o neither_o say_v nor_o think_v that_o he_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o repentance_n or_o say_v or_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n more_o sincere_o than_o he_o have_v do_v for_o no_o man_n have_v attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o act_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o there_o be_v room_n for_o he_o to_o receive_v a_o great_a measure_n both_o of_o activity_n and_o sincerity_n in_o act_v than_o he_o have_v attain_v already_o but_o rather_o let_v he_o examine_v more_o narrow_o and_o find_v out_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o lean_v to_o its_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o subject_v itself_o whole_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o â—aith_n and_o sanctification_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o do_v the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o to_o do_v philip._n 3._o 12_o 13_o 14._o he_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o already_o perfect_a but_o reach_v himself_o forth_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o he_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o press_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o sin_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_o discover_v that_o as_o sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n even_o so_o may_v grace_v reign_n through_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n râ—m_n 5._o 20_o 21._o 9_o the_o four_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a conuâ—rt_n be_v frequent_o convince_v of_o the_o manifold_a deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o this_o cause_n shall_v begin_v to_o call_v in_o question_n all_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o which_o inconvenience_n do_v flow_v from_o his_o not_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o true_a consent_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o holiness_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v renew_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o doubt_v
of_o eternal_a life_n other_o some_o doubt_v of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n because_o the_o â—error_n of_o god_n and_o fear_n of_o condemnation_n and_o hell_n prevail_v more_o with_o they_o for_o change_v their_o course_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o true_a holiness_n do_v and_o both_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o the_o other_o do_v conceive_v the_o chief_a rise_n of_o their_o change_n to_o have_v be_v natural_a or_o carnal_a self-love_n fear_v harm_n and_o love_a life_n 2._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o after_o some_o notable_a delivery_n from_o death_n or_o some_o notable_a benefit_n receive_v or_o after_o some_o sharp_a rod_n of_o chastisement_n for_o their_o sin_n have_v change_v their_o outward_a way_n of_o live_v leave_v off_o gross_a vice_n and_o lead_v a_o more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a outward_a life_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o serious_o repent_v they_o of_o sin_n nor_o serious_o flee_v in_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n neither_o know_v what_o save_a faith_n be_v nor_o careful_a to_o know_v it_o but_o of_o such_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o for_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o renew_a man_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n be_v flee_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n make_v the_o grace_n offer_v his_o refuge_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o indigence_n look_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o seek_v supply_v of_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v strive_v against_o sin_n endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o conversion_n for_o the_o reason_n foresay_a to_o this_o soldier_n and_o wrestler_n we_o say_v as_o before_o we_o say_v to_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o his_o conversion_n because_o he_o can_v design_v the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n it_o be_v not_o material_a by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n or_o motive_n a_o man_n be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n provide_v he_o do_v come_v and_o indeed_o adhere_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o man_n turn_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v love_v allure_a or_o terror_n drive_v he_o whether_o a_o benefit_n or_o a_o sharp_a rod_n whether_o fear_n or_o hope_n do_v at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o his_o change_n move_v he_o to_o seek_v god_n provide_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n christ_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n of_o sinner_n be_v now_o his_o belove_a lord_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n for_o he_o that_o be_v most_o sweet_o allure_v to_o come_v to_o god_n and_o without_o much_o fear_n be_v convert_v who_o possible_o after_o serious_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a death_n be_v not_o keep_v long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n but_o forthwith_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o tender_o entertain_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o consolation_n may_v fall_v in_o hard_a exercise_n afterward_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o who_o his_o brethren_n live_v in_o the_o same_o family_n with_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v any_o sign_n of_o a_o sorrowful_a or_o heavy_a heart_n as_o his_o brother_n eliab_n word_n do_v show_v 1_o sam._n 17._o 28._o i_o know_v thy_o pride_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o thy_o heart_n thus_o do_v eliab_n judge_v of_o david_n cheerful_a carriage_n whereof_o also_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o david_n be_v of_o a_o ruddy_a and_o beautiful_a countenance_n and_o for_o some_o year_n of_o his_o youth_n do_v pass_v the_o time_n pleasant_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o song_n and_o harp_n while_o he_o be_v feed_v his_o sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o none_o can_v just_o question_v his_o conversion_n all_o this_o time_n or_o his_o sincerity_n in_o this_o service_n yet_o afterward_o he_o be_v otherways_o exercise_v for_o ofttimes_o he_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v toss_v with_o the_o terror_n thereof_o and_o make_v to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v heavy_o such_o do_v iob_n condition_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v job_n 29._o but_o afterward_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n what_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n he_o have_v the_o sacred_a history_n do_v testify_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o in_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a israelit_fw-la be_v find_v in_o any_o measure_n shall_v suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o have_v be_v gentle_o handle_v in_o his_o conversion_n for_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o same_o person_n may_v fall_v in_o fiery_a trial_n and_o so_o hard_a temptation_n as_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o doubt_n of_o his_o conversion_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o sad_a affliction_n inward_a and_o outward_a whereby_o he_o be_v exercise_v in_o which_o case_n he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v mistake_v no_o less_o than_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o condition_n for_o some_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o both_o in_o their_o conversion_n and_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o retain_v fast_o hold_v by_o faith_n on_o christ_n grace_n in_o their_o deep_a affliction_n for_o instance_n we_o offer_v that_o precious_a soul_n heman_n the_o ezrait_n who_o come_v near_o unto_o solomon_n in_o the_o point_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o king_n 4_o 31._o and_o yet_o how_o bitter_a his_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o 88_o psalm_n bear_v witness_v special_o v_o 13._o 14_o 15._o but_o unto_o thou_o have_v i_o cry_v o_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n shall_v my_o prayer_n prevent_v thou_o and_o why_o cast_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o hide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n that_o any_o in_o who_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v shall_v call_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o conversion_n in_o question_n how_o hardly_o soever_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v handle_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o will_v neither_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v drive_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o will_v endure_v sin_n to_o remain_v in_o himself_o uncontrolled_a be_v certain_o a_o true_a convert_n as_o for_o these_o who_o for_o some_o temporal_a cause_n be_v come_v to_o christ_n as_o many_o do_v come_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o some_o temporal_a evil_n or_o obtain_v some_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n do_v doubt_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o sincerity_n thereof_o they_o need_v not_o dispute_n much_o about_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o seek_v after_o god_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v what_o christ_n grace_n be_v and_o do_v seek_v righteousness_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o evangel_n that_o sundry_a that_o they_o may_v be_v cure_v of_o leprosy_n palsy_n blindness_n etc._n etc._n come_v unto_o christ_n who_o afterward_o come_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o in_o such_o doubt_n let_v not_o the_o afflict_a trouble_n himself_o nor_o call_v his_o conversion_n in_o question_n but_o let_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v in_o holiness_n make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n for_o if_o he_o do_v this_o he_o shall_v neither_o be_v find_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o apostle_n promise_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 8._o chap._n xi_o wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o heavy_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a tentation_n be_v solve_v some_o true_a convert_n sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a suspicion_n of_o their_o regeneration_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o sore_a outward_a affliction_n and_o be_v assault_v also_o possible_o with_o horrible_a inward_a tentation_n which_o do_v befall_v they_o unexpected_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v they_o up_o for_o whereas_o after_o divers_a conflict_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n follow_v after_o these_o sad_a exercise_n of_o mind_n they_o hope_v to_o have_v enjoy_v god_n peace_n still_o after_o
set_v to_o his_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o a_o hink_v or_o fear_v and_o suspicion_n of_o his_o right_n to_o apply_v the_o grace_n offer_v in_o which_o case_n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v and_o do_v not_o rest_v his_o sinful_a soul_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n offer_v grace_n to_o every_o soul_n sensible_a of_o sin_n who_o shall_v fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o wonder_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v withhold_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o man_n faith_n for_o this_o be_v god_n order_n hold_v forth_o ephes._n 1._o 13._o that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v first_o six_z his_o faith_n on_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o after_o he_o have_v believe_v not_o before_o he_o do_v believe_v wait_v for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o remove_v this_o cause_n 1._o let_v the_o afflict_a acknowledge_v that_o his_o hesitation_n doubt_v and_o suspicion_n be_v just_o chastise_v of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v not_o firm_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n embrace_v by_o he_o and_o because_o he_o have_v not_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n without_o a_o pawn_n and_o yet_o do_v in_o effect_n quarrel_n and_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o find_v these_o consolation_n which_o be_v give_v and_o but_o rare_o it_o may_v be_v even_o to_o the_o sound_n and_o strong_a in_o the_o faith_n 2._o let_v he_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n hereafter_o consider_v well_o how_o strong_a and_o solid_a a_o foundation_n faith_n have_v to_o lean_v unto_o even_o god_n promise_n and_o oath_n give_v unto_o all_o that_o do_v fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n heb._n â—_o 17_o 18._o that_o the_o afflict_a may_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 56._o 10._o sing_v in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o word_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a study_n to_o be_v so_o fast_o glue_v unto_o christ_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o case_n he_o find_v himself_o and_o go_v about_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n in_o his_o call_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o dispensation_n which_o direction_n if_o he_o shall_v aim_v to_o follow_v he_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n for_o psal._n 97._o 11._o light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n chap._n xxi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o convert_v because_o he_o can_v confident_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o albeit_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v already_o flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v hide_v themselves_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a in_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a mediator_n and_o be_v already_o begin_v in_o earnest_a to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o fall_v in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o that_o partly_o because_o they_o can_v confident_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o absolute_a such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o elect_n jer._n 31_o 31._o or_o conditional_a such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o believer_n in_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o qualify_v promise_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a mat._n 5._o which_o qualify_v promise_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o conditional_a exclude_v they_o as_o they_o conceive_v who_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o such_o qualification_n and_o partly_o because_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a about_o their_o right_n to_o receive_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v fitness_n in_o themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o be_v they_o ofttimes_o vex_v with_o doubt_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n sundry_a thing_n be_v already_o say_v by_o the_o way_n in_o answer_v other_o doubtful_a case_n but_o because_o many_o do_v meet_v with_o this_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o first_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o afflict_a be_v confirm_v about_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o he_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o this_o intent_n we_o commend_v the_o afflict_a that_o be_v sensible_a of_o sin_n and_o fear_v for-wrath_n he_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o refuge_n next_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o do_v purpose_n to_o follow_v on_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v enable_v and_o three_o we_o commend_v he_o that_o albeit_o he_o can_v attain_v that_o near_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o dare_v forsake_v christ_n nor_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n with_o peter_n joh._n 6._o 68_o to_o who_o shall_v i_o go_v for_o christ_n have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n hitherto_o all_o be_v right_a and_o the_o afflict_a must_v resolve_v to_o cleave_v close_o to_o this_o foundation_n because_o christ_n have_v say_v joh._n 6._o 37._o these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 3._o for_o his_o doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n absolute_a conditional_a and_o qualify_v look_v upon_o by_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v conditional_a we_o answer_v 1._o that_o these_o qualify_a promise_n have_v some_o mark_n in_o they_o of_o true_a believer_n be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o qualification_n but_o they_o be_v inductive_a unto_o all_o believer_n to_o study_v the_o attain_n of_o that_o qualification_n and_o be_v corroborative_n of_o these_o believer_n who_o find_v in_o any_o sensible_a measure_n these_o qualification_n for_o example_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o merciful_a to_o the_o peacemaker_n to_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n do_v not_o exclude_v these_o who_o find_v themselves_o short_a in_o these_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a of_o all_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o daily_a beggar_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o they_o want_v mat._n 5._o for_o these_o qualification_n sound_v in_o a_o weak_a believer_n be_v sign_n and_o effect_n of_o sound_n say_v in_o they_o and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o of_o these_o grace_n specify_v in_o these_o qualify_a promise_n some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o other_o some_o of_o they_o more_o eminent_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o other_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n one_o of_o these_o qualification_n may_v sometime_o shine_v more_o clear_o and_o at_o another_o time_n by_o some_o tentation_n or_o mistake_v be_v overclouded_n and_o not_o shine_v so_o clear_o as_o before_o yet_o the_o qualification_n be_v comfortable_a to_o all_o they_o who_o find_v the_o same_o in_o themselves_o and_o be_v inductive_a to_o make_v every_o believer_n to_o aim_v to_o excel_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v their_o own_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o as_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o we_o be_v exhort_v again_o these_o qualification_n be_v sign_n of_o a_o believer_n already_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o begin_v to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n for_o than_o none_o can_v enter_v in_o covenant_n till_o first_o these_o qualification_n in_o exercise_n be_v sound_a in_o they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o disannul_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o there_o be_v not_o another_o condition_n of_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n but_o say_v in_o christ_n only_o whereby_o the_o humble_a sinner_n renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o any_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o from_o himself_o do_v betake_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o unto_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o condition_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v now_o perform_v and_o by_o the_o
conscience_n and_o feel_v wrath_n pursue_v i_o for_o sin_n may_v be_v clear_a to_o i_o by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o scriptural_a evidence_n albeit_o it_o be_v possible_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o my_o conversion_n i_o can_v produce_v any_o fruit_n or_o evidence_n of_o my_o conversion_n past_a or_o else_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o malefactor_n on_o the_o scaffold_n present_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o possible_o not_o waken_v in_o conscience_n before_o not_o flee_v to_o christ_n before_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o sick_a person_n near_o unto_o death_n who_o be_v self-condemned_n do_v betake_v themselves_o in_o their_o last_o agony_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n offer_v to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o a_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v and_o must_v now_o believe_v the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v believe_v be_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o prove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o wit_n faith_n to_o be_v in_o i_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v now_o and_o must_v believe_v be_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o infer_v the_o effect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o i_o the_o cause_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v god_n command_n to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n which_o command_n i_o must_v now_o obey_v leave_v i_o perish_v and_o so_o if_o i_o find_v fruit_n i_o prove_v i_o have_v believe_v because_o i_o feel_v the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o my_o heart_n and_o that_o i_o love_v god_n who_o have_v free_o love_v i_o and_o here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o fruit_n to_o wit_n saâ—ing_v faith_n have_v precede_v and_o be_v go_v before_o again_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o shall_v believe_v because_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o free_a grace_n in_o christ_n make_v to_o all_o self-condemned_n person_n renounce_v confidence_n in_o their_o own_o worth_n or_o work_n be_v make_v to_o i_o with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o grace_n who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a fly_v to_o he_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o my_o have_a fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o my_o observe_n and_o find_v these_o fruit_n in_o i_o for_o a_o true_a convert_n may_v have_v both_o faith_n and_o fruit_n and_o for_o the_o time_n be_v under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n may_v be_v so_o darken_v that_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o sin_n and_o apparent_a wrath_n pursue_v he_o for_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o jonah_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o and_o david_n ps._n 51_o 9_o 10._o 4._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a convert_n and_o a_o sincere_a believer_n and_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v right_a reason_n and_o good_a warrant_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o my_o low_a condition_n howsoever_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o empty_v of_o all_o sign_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o i_o for_o the_o time_n yet_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o sad_a condition_n fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o do_v serve_v to_o make_v i_o consent_v hearty_o unto_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n do_v serve_v to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o justification_n and_o lose_v all_o doubt_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n tempt_v i_o to_o mis-believe_a and_o to_o run_v away_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o offer_a mercy_n in_o he_o 5._o and_o last_o of_o all_o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o make_v use_n of_o good_a fruit_n bring_v forth_o by_o i_o for_o confirmation_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o my_o put_a confidence_n in_o or_o lay_v weight_n on_o these_o good_a fruit_n for_o many_o true_a convert_n do_v here_o fail_v and_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o mistake_n for_o when_o they_o find_v love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n with_o fear_n and_o holy_a reverence_n and_o such_o other_o like_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o outward_a fruit_n thereof_o in_o their_o life_n than_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o but_o when_o at_o another_o time_n they_o find_v hardness_n of_o heart_n profanity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o a_o wicked_a nature_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v like_a to_o quit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o stand_v aloof_o from_o christ_n like_o stranger_n when_o they_o shall_v most_o be_v humble_v and_o creep_v in_o to_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n aâ—d_v hide_v of_o their_o nakedness_n by_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o what_o be_v this_o in_o effect_n else_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o lean_v on_o their_o work_n and_o holy_a disposition_n as_o if_o there_o be_v merit_n in_o they_o and_o then_o after_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o have_v furnish_v they_o those_o fruit_n whereas_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n first_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n that_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n they_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n according_a as_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o l_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n in_o some_o point_n of_o doctrine_n delude_v and_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n to_o speak_v of_o delusion_n and_o bewitch_a in_o the_o general_n require_v a_o large_a treatise_n it_o shall_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v place_n in_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n erroneous_a which_o we_o describe_v thus_o delusion_n be_v a_o powerful_a operation_n of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o obtrude_v to_o man_n some_o noisome_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o true_a doctrine_n faird_v over_o with_o sophistical_a deceit_n and_o do_v persuade_v inconsiderate_a soul_n effectual_o to_o receive_v the_o error_n for_o truth_n and_o to_o defend_v and_o spread_v it_o in_o their_o rash_a zeal_n for_o explication_n of_o which_o description_n we_o say_v 1._o delusion_n be_v a_o powerful_a operation_n of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n wherein_o satan_n in_o god_n judgement_n be_v permit_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o lie_v effectual_o therefore_o in_o all_o his_o effectual_a delusion_n there_o be_v a_o concur_v righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o lose_v reins_o to_o the_o rempter_n that_o by_o delusion_n one_o sin_n in_o one_o degree_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o a_o follow_a sin_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o lie_a spirit_n do_v work_v more_o effectual_o when_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o god_n 2._o we_o say_v that_o delusion_n be_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hazard_v of_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o say_v not_o as_o if_o we_o do_v think_v that_o any_o sin_n do_v not_o draw_v with_o it_o the_o merit_n of_o death_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o because_o satan_n be_v not_o so_o busy_a to_o spread_v and_o foment_n such_o error_n as_o be_v less_o perilous_a as_o he_o be_v active_a in_o such_o error_n which_o do_v most_o tend_v to_o pester_v the_o church_n and_o divert_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o path_n way_n of_o save_a doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o essay_n all_o mean_n that_o he_o may_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n and_o devise_v and_o spread_v abroad_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n mean_a time_n he_o be_v not_o idle_a in_o sow_v and_o spread_v lesser_a error_n that_o he_o may_v stir_v up_o contention_n and_o jangle_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o precious_a time_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v for_o mutual_a edification_n may_v be_v idle_o waste_v in_o needless_a dispute_n and_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v grosser_n error_n three_o we_o put_v some_o difference_n between_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o error_n in_o practice_n albeit_o there_o can_v be_v one_o error_n in_o practice_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o external_a worship_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o outward_a conversation_n which_o be_v stiff_o maintain_v have_v not_o some_o error_n of_o judgement_n and_o doctrine_n join_v with_o it_o or_o else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n
they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o we_o insist_v not_o too_o long_o in_o this_o argument_n whereof_o the_o orthodox_n divine_n have_v write_v abundant_o in_o their_o disputation_n against_o the_o foresay_a error_n because_o the_o adversary_n take_v their_o pretend_a argument_n from_o the_o instability_n of_o man_n will_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o perseverance_n and_o from_o the_o freedom_n and_o power_n of_o man_n changeable_a will_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o conversion_n and_o save_a faith_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o mix_a multitude_n of_o both_o call_v and_o not_o choose_v and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v both_o call_v and_o choose_v we_o shall_v content_v our_o self_n for_o clear_v this_o covenant_n betwixt_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n mediator_n and_o redeemer_n to_o make_v the_o mater_fw-la fast_o concern_v the_o elect_a sound_v their_o conversion_n faith_n repentance_n perseverance_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o unchangeable_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n fix_v upon_o the_o settle_a agreement_n between_o god_n and_o god_n the_o son_n mediator_n and_o redeemer_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v from_o five_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o first_o proof_n be_v from_o vers_n 13._o of_o isa._n 52._o to_o the_o end_n of_o chap._n 53._o the_o first_o place_n be_v isa._n 52._o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o chapter_n 53._o where_o we_o have_v first_o the_o two_o party_n contracter_n god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o father_n bring_v forth_o his_o confederate_a son_n to_o be_v incarnate_a by_o covenant_n his_o servant_n who_o he_o employ_v in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o redemption_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n and_o accomplisher_n of_o it_o behold_v my_o servant_n say_v god_n the_o father_n by_o his_o spirit_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n chap._n 52._o 13._o next_o both_o party_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o event_n of_o the_o paction_n and_o of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n glorious_o behold_v say_v he_o my_o servant_n shall_v deal_v prudent_o and_o prosperous_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o extol_v and_o be_v very_o high_a vers_fw-la 13._o three_o he_o tell_v the_o proper_a price_n which_o christ_n the_o son_n shall_v pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o people_n agree_v upon_o by_o paction_n to_o wit_n the_o exinanition_n and_o humble_v of_o the_o son_n incarnate_a unto_o the_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o his_o visage_n shall_v be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n vers_fw-la 14._o and_o more_o particular_o chap._n 53._o 2._o he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n vers_fw-la 5._o he_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n vers_fw-la 10._o four_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v assure_v and_o confirm_v of_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o his_o passion_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o nation_n who_o he_o shall_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o water_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n 52._o 15._o he_o shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n etc._n etc._n five_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v agree_v and_o well_o please_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o so_o many_o as_o be_v elect_v and_o give_v to_o christ_n to_o have_v in_o he_o the_o right_a of_o adoption_n chap._n 53._o 10._o he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v regenerate_v the_o elect_a and_o make_v they_o his_o child_n and_o see_v they_o so_o to_o his_o satisfaction_n six_o no_o meritorious_a nor_o impulsive_a cause_n be_v find_v in_o the_o person_n redeem_v for_o which_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o shall_v be_v transfer_v upon_o the_o mediator_n christ_n our_o redeemer_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o themselves_o but_o despiser_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o his_o suffering_n chap._n 53._o 4._o sure_o he_o have_v bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n yet_o we_o do_v esteem_v he_o strike_v smite_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_a seven_o no_o sin_n nor_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o punishment_n be_v find_v in_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n for_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v smite_v chap._n 53._o 5._o 9_o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o have_v do_v no_o violence_n neither_o be_v any_o deceit_n in_o his_o mouth_n eigth_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o heal_n of_o our_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a sickness_n and_o deliverance_n from_o wrath_n be_v purchase_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n chap._n 53._o 5._o the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v nine_o these_o suffering_n christ_n do_v not_o endure_v unwitting_o or_o unwilling_o but_o by_o consent_n by_o covenant_n deliberate_o chap._n 53._o 7._o he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o his_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n ten_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereby_o the_o price_n be_v call_v for_o a_o yield_v unto_o and_o pay_v be_v the_o only_a free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n chap._n 53._o 10._o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o bruise_v he_o he_o have_v put_v he_o to_o grief_n eleven_o it_o be_v agree_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n that_o our_o sin_n shall_v be_v impute_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n impute_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o the_o redeem_v shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o be_v justify_v chap._n 53._o 11._o he_o shall_v see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o knowledge_n or_o faith_n in_o he_o shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n twelve_o it_o be_v agree_v between_o the_o party_n that_o for_o who_o christ_n shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n he_o shall_v stand_v intercessor_n also_o for_o bring_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o purchase_a grace_n and_o blessing_n chap._n 53._o 11._o he_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o transgressor_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o elect_a he_o intercee_v not_o for_o joh._n 17._o 9_o 10._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o bargain_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n no_o not_o for_o the_o redemption_n conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v for_o many_o be_v to_o be_v call_v who_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o who_o the_o gift_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n be_v never_o to_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o the_o evangelist_n make_v upon_o the_o 1._o of_o isa._n 53._o joh._n 12._o 37._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o he_o have_v do_v so_o many_o miracle_n before_o they_o yet_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o he_o that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o he_o speak_v lord_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o isaiah_n say_v again_o isa._n 6._o 9_o 10._o he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n second_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o election_n and_o redemption_n be_v not_o for_o the_o foresee_a faith_n or_o work_v of_o the_o elect_v redeem_v but_o of_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o goodwill_n of_o god_n and_o all_o do_v for_o they_o and_o in_o they_o contrair_a to_o their_o deserve_n for_o it_o be_v say_v isa._n 53._o 6._o all_o we_o like_o sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o three_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o that_o save_a grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n shall_v infallible_o and_o invincible_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_v isa._n 52._o 13._o behold_v my_o servant_n shall_v deal_v prudent_o and_o prosperous_o and_o vers_n 15._o be_v shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n and_o isa._n 53._o 11._o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o four_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o agreement_n be_v pass_v for_o their_o final_a perseverance_n
to_o light_n by_o his_o long_a continue_a preach_v of_o his_o word_n the_o obstinate_a enimity_n of_o the_o reprobat_fw-la multitude_n against_o he_o open_v up_o his_o decree_n against_o all_o that_o sort_n in_o the_o sad_a message_n commit_v to_o isaiah_n chap._n 6._o 9_o 10._o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o and_o understand_v not_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v vers_fw-la 13._o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o ten_o part_n the_o holy_a seed_n to_o wit_n the_o elect_a shall_v be_v the_o substance_n thereof_o and_o of_o this_o pprophecy_n use_n be_v make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o misbeliever_n be_v like_a to_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n job._n 12._o 37_o 38._o to_o 42._o they_o hear_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n preach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o see_v his_o manifold_a wonder_n yet_o they_o believe_v not_o neither_o can_v they_o believe_v because_o god_n have_v reject_v they_o as_o john_n do_v prove_v from_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n second_o be_v it_o not_o fair_a deal_n when_o the_o lord_n profess_v that_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v preach_v and_o his_o wonder_n manifest_v for_o the_o elect_v cause_n albeit_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o ten_o part_n to_o a_o curse_a and_o reprobat_fw-la multitude_n who_o shall_v hear_v and_o see_v without_o his_o blessing_n and_o in_o his_o dispensation_n do_v in_o effect_n as_o he_o have_v profess_v as_o it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n of_o a_o husband_n man_n and_o gardener_n to_o his_o child_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o beat_v the_o whole_a sheaf_n and_o water_v all_o the_o garden_n see_v the_o sheaf_n be_v most_o part_n straw_n and_o chaff_n and_o the_o garden_n full_a of_o weed_n to_o say_v to_o his_o child_n that_o he_o beat_v the_o shâ—af_n that_o he_o may_v sever_v the_o corn_n from_o the_o straw_n and_o chaff_n and_o that_o he_o water_v the_o ground_n where_o herb_n and_o weed_n do_v grow_v together_o that_o he_o may_v make_v both_o to_o come_v up_o above_o ground_n and_o after_o that_o may_v pull_v out_o the_o weed_n and_o foster_v the_o herb_n for_o the_o master_n use_n so_o it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o such_o as_o cavil_v against_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o mix_a multitude_n of_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la to_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o both_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o hatred_n of_o the_o reprobat_fw-la against_o god_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o his_o grace_n three_o we_o grant_v the_o lord_n know_v man_n wickedness_n and_o inability_n to_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o their_o natural_a enimity_n against_o he_o but_o he_o know_v also_o that_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v proud_a and_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o ability_n so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o sinfulness_n nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o misery_n and_o danger_n of_o perdition_n but_o do_v entertain_v a_o high_a esteem_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o in_o special_a this_o that_o they_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n command_v at_o least_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o may_v reasonable_o satisfy_v god_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o israelit_v undertake_v exod._n 19_o therefore_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n before_o he_o convert_v any_o man_n do_v pull_v down_o this_o false_a conceit_n by_o put_v his_o ability_n to_o proof_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o as_o the_o lord_n know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n so_o man_n may_v know_v it_o also_o both_o in_o his_o own_o and_o other_o man_n experience_n and_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v yet_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o albeit_o god_n make_v the_o precious_a offer_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o every_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o christ_n yet_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o will_v either_o believe_v or_o receive_v the_o offer_n but_o will_v go_v on_o in_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o way_n till_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n convert_v he_o this_o sickness_n be_v common_a both_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o reprobat_fw-la but_o when_o the_o natural_a perverseness_n of_o both_o be_v manifest_v god_n come_v and_o make_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o out_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n by_o draw_v the_o elect_a powerful_o to_o christ_n and_o let_v the_o rest_n go_v on_o to_o their_o own_o perdition_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o our_o lord_n do_v so_o expound_v the_o mater_fw-la joh._n 8._o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n four_o the_o lord_n profess_v plain_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_n of_o providence_n he_o intend_v the_o trial_n of_o man_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o and_o what_o fair_a deal_v can_v there_o be_v then_o this_o for_o exod._n 16._o 4._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v rain_v down_o manna_n upon_o they_o to_o prove_v they_o whither_o they_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o law_n or_o not_o and_o exod._n 20._o 20._o he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v give_v they_o his_o law_n and_o preach_v of_o his_o word_n to_o prove_v they_o that_o his_o fear_n may_v be_v before_o they_o and_o deut._n 8._o 2._o that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o they_o all_o the_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v to_o humble_v they_o and_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n whether_o they_o will_v keep_v his_o command_n or_o not_o and_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o that_o he_o will_v suffer_v false_a prophet_n to_o arise_v among_o they_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o same_o intent_n we_o be_v advertise_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v not_o only_o a_o try_a stone_n but_o also_o a_o stone_n for_o trial_n set_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o some_o and_o raise_v up_o of_o other_o some_o isa._n 28._o 16_o 17._o and_o 8._o 14._o compare_v with_o luke_n 2._o 34_o 35._o for_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o dispensation_n the_o lord_n make_v manifest_a that_o both_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n of_o themselves_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o this_o manner_n of_o probation_n of_o man_n by_o a_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n unto_o all_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o prudence_n whereby_o christ_n by_o his_o conditional_a promise_n and_o exhortation_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o hearer_n make_v all_o these_o that_o be_v outward_o call_v to_o be_v without_o excuse_n and_o fish_v forth_o the_o elect_a out_o of_o the_o sea_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v of_o which_o prudence_n isaiah_n speak_v chap._n 52._o 13._o behold_v my_o servant_n shall_v deal_v prudent_o and_o prosper_v and_o be_v extol_v and_o be_v very_o high_a wherefore_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v the_o elect_a without_o give_v cause_n of_o stumble_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o praise_v then_o to_o be_v dispute_v against_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v rom._n 11._o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o obj._n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o carnal_a wisdom_n of_o proud_a man_n be_v such_o as_o neither_o be_v it_o subject_a to_o god_n nor_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o stand_v in_o hostile_a enimity_n against_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a but_o when_o it_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v rom._n 9_o 18._o that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v will_v say_v as_o it_o be_v vers_n 19_o why_o do_v god_n yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n this_o doctrine_n say_v they_o do_v hinder_v man_n repentance_n
variable_a contingency_n or_o difference_n of_o man_n will_n but_o can_v work_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n what_o please_v he_o and_o by_o second_o cause_n whether_o work_v free_o and_o contingent_o or_o by_o a_o natural_a necessity_n can_v wise_o holy_o and_o powerful_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o purpose_n in_o his_o set_a time_n the_o day_n come_v say_v he_o wherein_o i_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n wherein_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o covenant_v promise_v not_o only_a for_o his_o own_o part_n but_o also_o for_o the_o elect_a of_o israel_n and_o judah_n part_n for_o his_o promise_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o incline_v their_o will_n unto_o reconciliation_n they_o shall_v willing_o consent_v unto_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o he_o say_v i_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o they_o he_o say_v not_o if_o they_o will_v but_o absolute_o i_o will_v make_v they_o close_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o hearty_o 9_o the_o party_n to_o be_v convert_v and_o to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n be_v not_o all_o man_n nor_o every_o society_n but_o the_o church_n god_n own_o family_n not_o every_o nation_n but_o god_n people_n choose_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n on_o the_o whole_a earth_n i_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v also_o clear_v deut._n 7._o 6_o 7_o 8._o 10._o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n look_v on_o this_o place_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n partly_o because_o israel_n have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o people_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o partly_o because_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n which_o be_v christ_n tribe_n whereof_o he_o come_v who_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o head_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o confederate_a person_n reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o partly_o because_o the_o israelit_n or_o jew_n have_v this_o prerogative_n above_o all_o other_o people_n and_o nation_n on_o the_o earth_n that_o of_o that_o race_n of_o people_n the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o age_n some_o elect_a person_n till_o the_o great_a bulk_n of_o the_o now_o scatter_a people_n turn_n christian_n and_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 11._o 5._o 11._o no_o age_n old_a nor_o young_a no_o sex_n man_n nor_o woman_n nor_o any_o external_a difference_n of_o man_n that_o can_v be_v put_v between_o one_o and_o another_o in_o this_o life_n do_v exclude_v any_o man_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o covenant_n or_o commend_v a_o man_n to_o god_n that_o his_o person_n shall_v be_v respect_v of_o god_n but_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o god_n shall_v external_o call_v may_v safe_o accept_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n here_o be_v extend_v unto_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a 12._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n god_n know_v his_o own_o man_n be_v man_n both_o great_a and_o small_a and_o with_o the_o same_o love_n do_v embrace_v they_o all_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o all_o those_o elect_v who_o be_v know_v to_o god_n shall_v know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a even_n to_o the_o least_o 13._o the_o great_a obstacle_n which_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v any_o from_o come_v in_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n be_v here_o remove_v to_o wit_n the_o greatness_n and_o multitude_n of_o bygone_a sin_n cast_v up_o against_o the_o incoming_a of_o some_o when_o they_o be_v call_v the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n the_o testator_n take_v this_o doubt_n out_o of_o the_o way_n say_v i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o their_o sin_n i_o will_v no_o more_o remember_v jer._n 31._o 34._o 14._o this_o promise_a remission_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v limit_v nor_o abridge_v neither_o by_o the_o number_n of_o sin_n nor_o grievousness_n thereof_o nor_o kind_n of_o sin_n but_o he_o purpose_v and_o promise_v to_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n by_o forgiveness_n and_o to_o forget_v their_o bygone_a sin_n ver_fw-la 34._o and_o confirm_v this_o by_o repeat_v the_o promise_n of_o not_o cast_v they_o off_o who_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o ver_fw-la 37._o 15._o from_o this_o promise_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 10._o draw_v this_o consequence_n that_o under_o the_o gospel_n or_o new_a covenant_n there_o be_v but_o one_o offering_n for_o sin_n which_o offering_n can_v be_v repeat_v in_o regard_n that_o full_a remission_n thereby_o be_v purchase_v for_o ver_fw-la 14._o he_o say_v by_o one_o offering_n he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o this_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n ver_fw-la 15_o 16_o 17._o whence_o he_o conclude_v ver_fw-la now_o where_o remission_n of_o these_o be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o offering_n for_o sin_n 16._o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o rich_a mercy_n and_o grace_v covenant_v he_o shall_v find_v none_o in_o man_n at_o all_o the_o only_a cause_n be_v set_v down_o here_o to_o wit_n the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v i_o remember_v no_o more_o that_o be_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n 17._o because_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o mediator_n be_v here_o make_v his_o testament_n wherein_o also_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v executor_n of_o his_o own_o latter_a will_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v promise_v therefore_o in_o confirmation_n he_o subscribe_v and_o set_v down_o his_o name_n jer._n 31._o 35._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o his_o subscription_n may_v be_v of_o weight_n with_o all_o man_n he_o design_v himself_o by_o his_o stately_a style_n or_o title_n take_v from_o his_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o creature_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n which_o give_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o light_n by_o day_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o of_o the_o star_n for_o a_o light_n by_o night_n which_o divide_v the_o sea_n when_o the_o wave_n thereof_o roar_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n this_o he_o say_v lest_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v shake_v by_o their_o look_v to_o impediment_n and_o difficulty_n and_o that_o they_o may_v gather_v strength_n and_o courage_n to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o lord_n way_n constant_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o workmanship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 18._o unto_o his_o subscription_n he_o add_v both_o witness_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o promise_n ver_fw-la 36._o if_o those_o ordinance_n depart_v from_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n than_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n which_o comprehend_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n faith_n shall_v cease_v from_o be_v a_o nation_n before_o i_o forever_o ver_fw-la 36._o 19_o last_o of_o all_o lest_o any_o man_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grievousness_n of_o his_o sin_n or_o of_o the_o apparent_a impossibility_n of_o perform_v these_o promise_n shall_v doubt_v of_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o confederate_a or_o of_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n or_o of_o the_o perpetuation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n bid_v his_o people_n that_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v confident_a and_o quiet_a ver_fw-la 37._o saying_n if_o heaven_n above_o can_v be_v measure_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n search_v out_o beneath_o i_o will_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n for_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v say_v the_o lord_n now_o both_o these_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o can_v measure_v the_o heaven_n or_o search_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o earth_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n make_v therein_o shall_v fail_v the_o manner_n of_o dispense_n the_o new_a covenant_n outward_o and_o inward_o as_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o this_o covenant_n both_o outward_o and_o inward_o first_o this_o promise_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o challenge_n against_o the_o mis_fw-fr believe_v father_n who_o slight_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n seek_v righteousness_n by_o work_n which_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o it_o serve_v unto_o they_o only_o for_o their_o condemnation_n this_o the_o apostle_n do_v collect_v from_o this_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n heb._n 8._o 8._o he_o find_v fault_n with_o
the_o father_n second_o the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o while_o he_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o father_n who_o live_v under_o this_o old_a covenant_n he_o will_v avenge_v this_o their_o incredulity_n ignorance_n foolishness_n and_o ingratitude_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n and_o give_v they_o that_o be_v then_o live_v a_o taste_n of_o it_o for_o recover_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v the_o day_n come_v that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n three_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n mâ—de_v with_o the_o church_n be_v procure_v by_o christ_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o a_o real_a accomplishment_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o observation_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o this_o better_a covenant_n heb._n 8._o 6._o for_o he_o will_v draw_v up_o a_o clear_a covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o his_o people_n that_o the_o blessing_n purchase_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n may_v be_v apply_v unto_o they_o by_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n four_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a mean_a to_o draw_v on_o and_o close_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n this_o observation_n be_v gather_v from_o jeremiahs_n preach_v and_o paul_n preach_v of_o this_o unto_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n five_o in_o the_o promise_a and_o preach_v of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n opinion_n thought_n and_o conception_n about_o this_o mystery_n limit_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o his_o mouth_n alone_o reveal_v the_o same_o in_o his_o word_n this_o observation_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o lord_n invitation_n of_o all_o man_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o he_o be_v to_o say_v and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o let_v forth_o in_o this_o mater_fw-la behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n wherein_o i_o will_v do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o now_o i_o foretell_v i_o will_v do_v six_o both_o the_o make_n and_o way_n of_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o man_n depend_v absolute_o on_o god_n either_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n or_o not_o to_o make_v what_o covenant_n he_o please_v to_o make_v upon_o what_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o with_o what_o person_n he_o please_v to_o make_v his_o covenant_n no_o man_n ever_o prevened_a god_n desire_v he_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n but_o god_n do_v preveen_v all_o man_n he_o preven_v adam_n once_o before_o his_o fall_n and_o again_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o his_o audience_n after_o the_o fall_n he_o preven_v the_o father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o preven_v his_o posterity_n that_o have_v live_v or_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n promise_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o be_v to_o come_v long_o after_o the_o promise_n seven_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o end_n of_o his_o covenant_v with_o man_n both_o in_o that_o old_a dark_a form_n and_o in_o the_o new_a clear_a form_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n for_o he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n this_o observation_n be_v gather_v partly_o from_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o his_o sovereignty_n for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o reject_v of_o the_o misbelieve_a father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o despise_v they_o i_o regard_v they_o not_o i_o lord_v it_o over_o they_o as_o the_o original_n may_v bear_v and_o partly_o from_o this_o that_o he_o bring_v forth_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o show_a grace_n to_o their_o posterity_n i_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n etc._n etc._n 8._o he_o show_v also_o that_o in_o his_o work_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n but_o that_o all_o his_o work_n be_v know_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o himself_o what_o and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n he_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n this_o may_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o he_o do_v foretell_v what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v about_o the_o save_n of_o his_o elect_a jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v no_o less_o certain_a to_o do_v what_o he_o promise_v about_o the_o posterity_n to_o come_v than_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o be_v pass_v already_o about_o their_o incredulous_a father_n 9_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o decree_n it_o be_v simple_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v sin_n in_o who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o pardon_v sin_n through_o a_o mediator_n to_o who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v to_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o pardon_v who_o he_o will_v pardon_v this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o father_n do_v sin_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o just_o perish_v and_o the_o posterity_n do_v sin_n and_o be_v gracious_o pardon_v 10._o in_o all_o this_o proceed_n no_o violence_n be_v use_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n whether_o of_o they_o that_o perish_v or_o of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v the_o save_v do_v walk_v free_o and_o willing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n as_o their_o hearty_a choice_n and_o these_o that_o perish_v walk_v willing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perdition_n god_n proceed_v with_o both_o by_o a_o voluntary_a covenant_n as_o this_o place_n do_v show_v 11._o in_o they_o that_o perish_v the_o meritorious_a and_o culpable_a cause_n of_o their_o perdition_n be_v in_o themselves_o but_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v no_o cause_n be_v find_v at_o all_o but_o the_o cause_n be_v find_v in_o god_n grace_n alanerly_a this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o perdition_n of_o the_o misbelieve_a father_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o covenant_n they_o transgress_v my_o covenant_n and_o i_o despise_v they_o and_o of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o posterity_n no_o other_o cause_n but_o this_o their_o sin_n i_o will_v not_o remember_v any_o more_o 12._o the_o lord_n justice_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o perdition_n of_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o he_o give_v precept_n and_o promise_n and_o other_o moral_a motive_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o sin_v and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o keep_v his_o way_n albeit_o he_o do_v not_o effectual_o impede_fw-la their_o running_n on_o to_o sin_n according_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o proneness_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o their_o father_n and_o they_o do_v break_v it_o 13._o it_o please_v god_n not_o only_o to_o give_v his_o precept_n unto_o man_n concern_v their_o duty_n but_o also_o to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o they_o as_o to_o open_v up_o in_o a_o part_n his_o decree_n and_o deep_a design_n about_o man_n salvation_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v somewhat_o near_o to_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o the_o more_o stir_v up_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o dispensation_n this_o we_o collect_v from_o his_o reveal_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o israel_n and_o draw_v they_o effectual_o into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o himself_o 14._o the_o lord_n do_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n unto_o life_n only_o in_o the_o general_n and_o do_v not_o descend_v to_o the_o nomination_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a this_o be_v collect_v from_o this_o that_o he_o do_v promise_n to_o convert_v and_o draw_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o posterity_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n without_o name_a particular_o these_o that_o be_v design_v for_o that_o salvation_n 15._o albeit_o the_o lord_n keep_v up_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_a except_o of_o some_o few_o before_o their_o conversion_n yet_o he_o give_v forth_o mark_n and_o evidence_n whereby_o after_o their_o conversion_n they_o may_v be_v know_v both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o this_o we_o collect_v from_o this_o that_o he_o set_v down_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o elect_a who_o be_v to_o be_v god_n covenant_v people_n or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v know_v god_n and_o have_v his_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n 16._o as_o for_o the_o reprobation_n of_o
the_o pastor_n have_v speak_v to_o all_o these_o head_n short_o and_o repeat_v again_o and_o inculcat_fw-la at_o some_o other_o few_o meeting_n till_o the_o people_n have_v somewhat_o understand_v the_o business_n than_o he_o may_v draw_v forth_o these_o seven_o head_n in_o some_o few_o question_n take_v answer_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o own_o word_n as_o they_o have_v conceive_v the_o purpose_n these_o ground_n be_v lay_v the_o pastor_n shall_v find_v by_o god_n blessing_n some_o desire_n and_o appetite_n raise_v in_o the_o people_n after_o more_o knowledge_n of_o these_o ground_n and_o hope_v put_v in_o they_o to_o overtake_v a_o form_v catechise_v and_o to_o have_v it_o by_o heart_n as_o may_v be_v to_o which_o end_n the_o people_n must_v be_v encourage_v by_o promise_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o as_o be_v joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o 2_o thess._n 1._o 7_o 8._o and_o other_o like_o place_n now_o when_o the_o people_n or_o any_o ignorant_a before_o be_v begin_v to_o understand_v these_o seven_o ground_n they_o must_v be_v press_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o and_o that_o 1._o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o curse_v every_o sinner_n for_o every_o sin_n 2._o that_o they_o shall_v fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o 3._o that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n must_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n of_o his_o holy_a command_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o furniture_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o second_o impediment_n the_o second_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n which_o be_v a_o unrenewed_a man_n infection_n with_o some_o deadly_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v not_o easy_o remove_v for_o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v deceive_v by_o error_n absolve_v the_o sinner_n from_o the_o crime_n whereof_o the_o error_n make_v he_o guilty_a how_o grievous_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o he_o lie_v in_o the_o error_n he_o secure_o contemn_v all_o accuâ—ations_n and_o threaten_n for_o his_o error_n and_o erroneous_a practice_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o error_n and_o usual_o four_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o obdure_v he_o in_o his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v the_o cunningness_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v altogether_o obscure_v and_o suppress_v all_o the_o article_n of_o save_a doctrine_n nor_o banish_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o use_v by_o his_o emissary_n of_o old_a destinat_fw-la to_o this_o damnation_n to_o spread_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n whereby_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v he_o may_v detain_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v enimity_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o very_o bend_v to_o defend_v every_o lust_n whereunto_o man_n be_v incline_v and_o to_o sight_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contrair_n to_o their_o lust_n the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o these_o who_o consent_n with_o the_o pervert_v conscience_n and_o avouch_v the_o same_o error_n the_o four_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o such_o as_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n send_v powerful_a delusion_n and_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o pastor_n can_v know_v any_o man_n reprobation_n in_o particular_a and_o therefore_o must_v take_v the_o best_a course_n he_o can_v for_o every_o man_n salvation_n who_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n if_o the_o erroneous_a person_n can_v be_v content_a to_o fall_v upon_o christian_a conference_n in_o private_a with_o the_o pastor_n it_o seem_v not_o expedient_a to_o fall_v flat_a at_o the_o first_o upon_o the_o error_n wherewith_o he_o be_v infect_v but_o to_o hold_v upon_o agree_v unto_o principle_n and_o from_o these_o ground_n lay_v open_a the_o merit_n of_o these_o sin_n whereof_o the_o erroneous_a party_n will_v grant_v himself_o no_o less_o guilty_a than_o other_o man_n will_v be_v â—ound_v to_o be_v and_o labour_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o for_o these_o common_a sin_n no_o ransom_n can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n save_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o name_n of_o all_o that_o flee_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o redemption_n if_o the_o erroneous_a party_n can_v condescend_v to_o cast_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n mercy_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o pardon_n of_o acknowledge_v sin_n then_o at_o another_o time_n the_o conference_n may_v be_v further_o follow_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o error_n may_v be_v lay_v out_o before_o the_o erroneous_a and_o he_o no_o more_o urge_v for_o the_o time_n but_o that_o he_o will_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v tell_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n for_o christ_n cause_n beg_v light_n from_o god_n in_o the_o point_n question_v and_o so_o go_v on_o with_o he_o in_o all_o meekness_n and_o evidence_n of_o love_n to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o lord_n open_v a_o door_n for_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n that_o may_v reclaim_v the_o party_n erroneous_a 3._o but_o if_o the_o error_n be_v likely_a to_o infect_v the_o flock_n let_v the_o pastor_n open_o refute_v the_o error_n or_o heresy_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o hint_v at_o some_o argument_n against_o it_o but_o of_o set_a purpose_n once_o at_o least_o solid_o show_v how_o contrair_a it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o fearful_a consequence_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v become_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o judicious_a no_o less_o vile_a and_o odious_a then_o gross_a transgression_n against_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v more_o hate_a of_o natural_a reasonable_a man_n than_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n for_o nature_n light_n be_v sharp_a sight_v in_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o man_n then_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o a_o man_n have_v no_o light_n at_o all_o in_o special_a save_o that_o which_o be_v by_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n whereof_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o shall_v mistake_v it_o the_o conscience_n run_v headlong_o without_o the_o least_o secret_a check_n after_o the_o error_n and_o darkness_n which_o man_n natural_o love_v more_o than_o truth_n and_o light_n for_o remove_v the_o three_o impediment_n the_o three_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n to_o wit_n infidelity_n dissemble_v and_o cover_v with_o gross_a hypocrisy_n whereof_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v conscious_a and_o study_v to_o hide_v and_o delight_v himself_o in_o his_o cheat_v of_o other_o of_o all_o evil_n be_v most_o hard_o cure_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v they_o who_o think_v they_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o their_o way_n to_o any_o man_n and_o because_o they_o respect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o they_o live_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o cover_v over_o all_o their_o avarice_n and_o cruelty_n with_o practice_n of_o law_n that_o beholder_n think_v what_o they_o please_v can_v say_v nothing_o against_o their_o follow_v of_o the_o civil_a law_n for_o such_o man_n fear_v not_o god_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a for_o his_o judgement_n and_o albeit_o they_o large_o commend_v the_o piety_n of_o holy_a man_n before_o some_o auditor_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v their_o speech_n will_v be_v plausible_a yet_o under_o hand_n and_o among_o such_o as_o themselves_o be_v they_o do_v but_o laugh_v and_o scorn_v all_o such_o piety_n as_o put_v man_n in_o hazard_n of_o any_o worldly_a inconvenience_n for_o in_o those_o man_n eye_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v foolishness_n and_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n in_o their_o estimation_n be_v madness_n especial_o if_o for_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n they_o suffer_v persecution_n these_o hypocrite_n the_o psalmist_n call_v unwise_a and_o foolish_a psal._n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o vers_n 6._o you_o have_v shame_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o poor_a because_o the_o lord_n be_v his_o refuge_n such_o man_n as_o these_o albeit_o they_o feign_v themselves_o to_o be_v holy_a yet_o in_o heart_n they_o be_v hater_n of_o all_o true_a saint_n in_o who_o the_o spark_n of_o grace_n and_o solid_a religion_n do_v appear_v for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o psal._n 14._o
4._o they_o eat_v up_o my_o people_n as_o they_o eat_v bread_n and_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o lord_n they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o in_o their_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o they_o believe_v never_o a_o word_n of_o what_o be_v preach_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v themselves_o nor_o receive_v any_o accusation_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o any_o sin_n of_o this_o sort_n which_o concern_v godliness_n 2._o the_o cause_n of_o such_o man_n harden_v of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n grant_v to_o they_o and_o other_o like_o themselves_o above_o common_a people_n with_o the_o conceit_n whereof_o they_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o that_o they_o care_v for_o nothing_o save_o this_o present_a world_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o holiness_n but_o civil_a observance_n of_o humane_a law_n as_o if_o scripture_n and_o all_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o only_a end_n that_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n receive_v into_o the_o society_n they_o live_v into_o shall_v study_v to_o make_v the_o best_a they_o can_v of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v call_v psal._n 1._o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a because_o all_o ungodly_a person_n do_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o wisdom_n then_o to_o be_v hem_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o their_o obduration_n be_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o worldly_a prosperity_n which_o they_o hope_v always_o to_o enjoy_v and_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n psal._n 10._o 6._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v in_o adversity_n the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n wherewith_o they_o perceive_v the_o godly_a usual_o to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o which_o offence_n they_o stumble_v the_o more_o ready_o because_o they_o judge_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a proceed_v from_o their_o own_o imprudency_n and_o do_v ascribe_v their_o own_o prosperity_n to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o their_o own_o estimation_n that_o they_o despise_v all_o man_n in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o psal._n 10._o 5._o as_o for_o his_o enemy_n he_o puff_v at_o they_o the_o four_o cause_n be_v the_o not_o observe_v the_o slight_n and_o despise_v of_o god_n judgement_n concern_v which_o they_o do_v not_o give_v credit_n unto_o god_n when_o he_o speak_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n psal._n 10._o 5._o thy_o judgement_n be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n 3._o albeit_o there_o be_v very_o small_a hope_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o such_o because_o they_o can_v abide_v free_a deal_n from_o any_o man_n in_o private_a for_o to_o give_v they_o any_o admonition_n be_v to_o they_o a_o reproach_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v it_o and_o nothing_o can_v cut_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o atheism_n yet_o because_o no_o pastor_n may_v despair_v of_o any_o man_n or_o judge_v he_o a_o reprobat_fw-la so_o long_o as_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n of_o god_n invit_v he_o to_o repentance_n therefore_o the_o pastor_n must_v deal_v with_o such_o man_n in_o the_o general_a in_o his_o sermon_n that_o from_o the_o scripture_n he_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n way_n and_o of_o their_o atheism_n to_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n first_o he_o must_v point_v such_o man_n forth_o in_o their_o colour_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v they_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o hold_v himself_o in_o general_a in_o deal_v with_o all_o such_o person_n without_o particular_a description_n of_o any_o man_n by_o particular_a circumstance_n whereby_o such_o a_o man_n one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o auditor_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v pick_v out_o and_o shot_n at_o second_o he_o must_v denounce_v grave_o and_o with_o compassion_n the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o three_o he_o must_v pull_v the_o mask_n of_o civil_a honesty_n off_o their_o face_n and_o let_v they_o know_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o humble_a sinner_n fly_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a garment_n to_o hide_v nakedness_n if_o possible_o the_o hearer_n may_v conceive_v hope_n he_o may_v be_v forgive_v his_o former_a hypocrisy_n and_o be_v allure_v unto_o christ._n four_o let_v he_o often_o against_o such_o person_n make_v use_v of_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n five_o let_v the_o pastor_n observe_v the_o occasion_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o lay_v calamity_n on_o such_o a_o man_n and_o then_o let_v he_o wise_o labour_n with_o all_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o awaken_v up_o his_o conscience_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o spark_n of_o wrath_n lest_o he_o perish_v in_o god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o do_v not_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o draw_v in_o to_o christ_n upon_o which_o condition_n let_v he_o make_v the_o fair_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n can_v yield_v to_o he_o if_o possible_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v he_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o remove_v the_o four_o impediment_n the_o four_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n be_v the_o stupidity_n and_o senslesness_n of_o the_o conscience_n past_a feeling_n as_o it_o be_v burn_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n this_o disease_n may_v be_v see_v in_o besotted_a epicure_n give_v to_o their_o brutish_a lust_n who_o be_v so_o carry_v on_o after_o their_o furious_a beastly_a affection_n that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o themselves_o then_o beast_n and_o such_o monster_n of_o man_n by_o frequent_a sin_v have_v extinguish_v all_o sense_n of_o sin_n for_o albeit_o by_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o light_n in_o fall_v man_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v find_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a when_o they_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o albeit_o there_o be_v leâ—t_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n some_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o vex_v he_o that_o rebell_v against_o it_o to_o restrain_v he_o thereafter_o from_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o some_o have_v so_o sell_v themselves_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n of_o their_o flâ—sh_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o admonition_n or_o check_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o may_v make_v any_o remorse_n but_o do_v run_v mad_o after_o all_o sort_n of_o uncleanness_n corrupt_v themselves_o as_o brute_n beast_n the_o like_a disposition_n may_v be_v see_v in_o open_o profane_a person_n who_o not_o only_o in_o their_o deed_n have_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o all_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o shameless_o foam_v forth_o their_o ungodliness_n as_o a_o open_a rot_a grave_n cast_v forth_o the_o stink_n thereof_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o when_o they_o do_v blaspheme_v will_v not_o be_v reprove_v psal._n 12._o 4._o our_o tongue_n be_v our_o own_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o we_o and_o who_o as_o dog_n do_v trample_v underfoot_n all_o holy_a thing_n and_o rend_v they_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o who_o insult_v over_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o affliction_n say_v with_o david_n enemy_n where_o be_v their_o god_n and_o who_o open_o scorn_v all_o religion_n like_o these_o desperate_a scoffer_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 4._o saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n such_o as_o these_o be_v practical_o atheist_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n also_o in_o their_o mind_n for_o albeit_o they_o have_v some_o natural_a principle_n of_o a_o godhead_n imprint_v on_o they_o yet_o they_o smother_v all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o belch_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a 2._o of_o man_n fall_v unto_o such_o a_o fearful_a abomination_n four_o cause_n may_v be_v render_v the_o first_o be_v the_o man_n violence_n use_v against_o his_o conscience_n frequent_o in_o commit_v of_o grievous_a
2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o except_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o god_n without_o mercy_n but_o see_v here_o we_o speak_v to_o pastor_n or_o to_o such_o as_o aim_v at_o the_o holy_a ministry_n we_o need_v not_o insist_v but_o with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 17._o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v his_o servant_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o remove_v the_o six_o impediment_n the_o six_o impediment_n be_v a_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a put_v off_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sinful_a solly_n who_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o set_v their_o conscience_n on_o work_n for_o trial_n of_o their_o state_n or_o condition_n but_o like_o ill_a debtor_n who_o promise_v to_o pay_v as_o oft_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o their_o creditor_n do_v notwithstanding_o put_v off_o time_n and_o delay_v the_o work_n from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o man_n disposition_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v well_o resemble_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o sluggard_n prov._n 6._o 10._o how_o long_o will_v thou_o sleep_v o_o sluggard_n when_o will_v thou_o arise_v out_o of_o thy_o sleep_n yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v so_o shall_v thy_o poverty_n come_v as_o one_o that_o travail_v and_o thy_o want_n as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o prov._n 26._o 14_o 15_o 16._o as_o the_o door_n turn_v upon_o his_o hinge_n so_o do_v the_o slothful_a man_n upon_o his_o bed_n the_o slothful_a hide_v his_o hand_n in_o his_o bosom_n it_o grieve_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o again_o to_o his_o mouth_n the_o sluggard_n be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n than_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n such_o be_v our_o lazy_a dâ—layers_n of_o examination_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o search_v their_o way_n or_o commune_v with_o their_o heart_n but_o so_o long_o as_o god_n suffer_v their_o conscience_n to_o sleep_v so_o long_o they_o put_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o search_v themselves_o and_o lie_v still_o in_o security_n esteem_v it_o a_o torture_n to_o have_v their_o sluggish_a sleep_v any_o way_n interrupt_v by_o any_o person_n 2._o of_o this_o evil_a disease_n five_o cause_n may_v be_v give_v the_o first_o be_v the_o abhor_v of_o all_o pain_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n how_o profitable_a so_o ever_o diligence_n may_v prove_v the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o bewitch_a sense_n of_o sweetness_n they_o conceive_v they_o feel_v in_o this_o their_o idle_a carriage_n the_o three_o be_v the_o deceit_n of_o the_o sluggard_n heart_n still_o promise_v to_o follow_v his_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o yet_o albeit_o deceive_v a_o thousand_o time_n he_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o own_o false_a heart_n the_o four_o be_v a_o false_a opinion_n which_o the_o sluggard_n entertain_v of_o his_o own_o spiritual_a ability_n as_o if_o he_o be_v sure_o he_o can_v repent_v at_o any_o time_n and_o that_o if_o any_o sickness_n or_o appearance_n of_o death_n shall_v befall_v he_o he_o will_v then_o undoubted_o make_v his_o reckon_v with_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n and_o so_o be_v save_v and_o in_o such_o pleasant_a dream_n he_o count_v himself_o a_o much_o wise_a man_n than_o many_o who_o do_v put_v themselves_o to_o daily_a toil_a and_o vexation_n by_o keep_v their_o conscience_n on_o the_o rack-stock_n when_o with_o less_o misery_n they_o may_v follow_v his_o sluggish_a way_n of_o it_o the_o five_o but_o sinless_a cause_n be_v the_o lord_n lengthen_v of_o prosperity_n to_o the_o sluggard_n which_o although_o it_o shall_v lead_v he_o to_o repentance_n yet_o he_o become_v hereby_o more_o and_o more_o drunken_a and_o â—ulleth_v himself_o over_o in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n 3._o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o easy_o cure_v except_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o a_o rod_n and_o rouse_v the_o sluggard_n out_o of_o his_o sleep_n but_o as_o for_o the_o pastor_n part_n he_o shall_v do_v well_o in_o private_a if_o the_o sluggard_n confess_v his_o fault_n and_o howsoever_o to_o set_v a_o edge_n on_o the_o law_n in_o public_a that_o all_o such_o sluggard_n may_v apprehend_v the_o real_a danger_n their_o soul_n be_v into_o by_o delay_v their_o repentance_n because_o the_o endurance_n of_o this_o brittle_a and_o frail_a life_n be_v most_o uncertain_a for_o the_o fool_n know_v not_o whether_o the_o very_a next_o follow_v night_n after_o admonition_n be_v give_v to_o he_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o second_o he_o must_v know_v that_o the_o long_o he_o delay_v the_o number_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o do_v daily_o grow_v to_o a_o high_a measure_n let_v the_o sluggard_n then_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o madness_n if_o he_o shall_v delay_v for_o a_o hour_n by_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n to_o vomit_v up_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o his_o sweet_a sin_n and_o to_o have_v the_o hot_a burn_a wrath_n of_o god_n against_o he_o extinguish_v three_o let_v the_o deceit_n wherewith_o he_o beguile_v himself_o be_v lay_v open_a and_o refute_v and_o a_o offer_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v choose_v that_o his_o conscience_n be_v torment_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o society_n of_o unclean_a devil_n after_o a_o short_a while_n sleep_n in_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n rather_o than_o while_o he_o have_v time_n while_o christ_n offer_v himself_o mediator_n in_o his_o gospel_n while_o he_o may_v have_v the_o sweet_a fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o conscience_n to_o it_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o so_o be_v save_v for_o ever_o for_o remove_v the_o seven_o impediment_n the_o seven_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n be_v the_o too_o earnest_a care_n for_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o man_n involve_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o do_v not_o refuse_v the_o duty_n of_o try_v their_o own_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n who_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o involve_v and_o carry_v headlong_o that_o they_o pass_v perfunctorious_o all_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v neither_o wait_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n or_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n about_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v nor_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o what_o be_v past_a do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o this_o sort_n arâ—_n these_o of_o who_o christ_n do_v speak_v luke_n 14._o 18._o who_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o free_a supper_n answer_v some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v buy_v land_n another_o i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n another_o i_o have_v buy_v a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o seek_v to_o be_v excuse_v for_o their_o not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n all_o pretend_v their_o earthly_a affair_n as_o a_o just_a reason_n of_o their_o slip_n of_o the_o invitation_n give_v they_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n speak_v christ_n math._n 13._o 22._o he_o that_o receive_v seed_n among_o the_o thorn_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n chock_v the_o word_n and_o he_o become_v unfruitful_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v complain_v of_o jer._n 8._o 6._o i_o hearken_v and_o beard_n but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n 2._o of_o this_o evil_a four_o cause_n among_o other_o may_v be_v give_v first_o inordinat_fw-la concupiscence_n of_o earthly_a thing_n which_o eat_v up_o all_o the_o time_n and_o travel_n which_o the_o love_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a do_v call_v for_o and_o as_o it_o be_v spur_v the_o man_n to_o the_o immoderate_a pursue_v of_o thing_n temporal_a the_o second_o cause_n be_v the_o beguile_a of_o the_o conscience_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o seek_v what_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n well-being_n in_o this_o life_n as_o if_o a_o man_n spend_v of_o his_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o time_n in_o earthly_a business_n in_o itself_o lawful_a be_v sufficient_a excuse_n for_o neglect_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n point_v out_o the_o way_n of_o man_n salvation_n to_o prefer_v that_o one_o
professor_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o seem_v zealous_a worshipper_n cry_v lord_n lord_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o miss_v heaven_n but_o also_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o prophet_n yea_o and_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n not_o a_o few_o shall_v be_v disclaim_v by_o christ_n and_o condemn_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o can_v be_v their_o mistake_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n reject_v of_o they_o we_o answer_v such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o 1._o because_o both_o they_o and_o beholder_n also_o think_v they_o holy_a than_o they_o who_o be_v inferior_a in_o place_n and_o gift_n unto_o they_o 2._o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o those_o they_o live_v among_o and_o not_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3._o they_o put_v not_o due_a difference_n between_o common_a gift_n and_o save_a grace_n 4._o they_o consider_v not_o that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v much_o will_v be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o after_o trial_n they_o will_v be_v find_v pu_v up_o with_o the_o estimation_n of_o gift_n enduement_n employment_n and_o success_n which_o they_o have_v have_v as_o if_o these_o be_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o of_o god_n special_a love_n towards_o they_o they_o will_v be_v find_v man_n void_a of_o repentance_n and_o far_o from_o humble_a walk_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o natural_a habitual_a and_o actual_a sin_n they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o fear_n of_o wrath_n which_o may_v drive_v they_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o blindness_n poverty_n and_o misery_n unto_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o justifier_n of_o sinner_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v void_a of_o all_o care_n of_o and_o endeavour_v after_o new_a obedience_n conceive_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o success_n in_o their_o employment_n be_v sufficient_a holiness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o work_v by_o they_o for_o otherways_o christ_n will_v never_o disclaim_v they_o who_o have_v flee_v to_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o haunt_v he_o as_o their_o refuge_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o study_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o to_o be_v furnish_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v repute_v righteous_a by_o man_n and_o esteem_v so_o by_o a_o man_n own_o self_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n another_o thing_n save_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v other_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whereby_o the_o hearer_n may_v be_v save_v another_o thing_n to_o apply_v save_v doctrine_n to_o themselves_o and_o make_v right_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outer_a side_n of_o the_o plater_n and_o reform_v the_o man_n outward_a carriage_n another_o thing_n to_o be_v inward_o renew_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o teach_v repentance_n and_o mortification_n of_o lust_n another_o thing_n by_o he_o spirit_n of_o christ_n ro_o mortify_v inbred_a pride_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n vain_a glory_n and_o other_o carnal_a lust_n the_o course_n which_o paul_n follow_v be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n most_o laborious_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o live_v most_o sensible_a of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o body_n of_o death_n he_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o his_o holy_a life_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o he_o so_o make_v use_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o mortification_n of_o his_o sinful_a nature_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 27._o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o under_o subjection_n lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n the_o five_o and_o last_o sort_n of_o self-deceiver_n by_o absolve_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o lord_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n be_v temporizer_n who_o for_o their_o temporary_a believe_v temporary_a repent_v temporary_a motion_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o temporary_a amendment_n of_o their_o manner_n do_v seem_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o true_a believer_n this_o sort_n however_o it_o be_v in_o sundry_a case_n coincident_a with_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o former_a four_o self-absolvers_a yet_o because_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a of_o seed_n matth._n 13._o 21._o and_o luke_n 4._o 17_o do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o stony_a ground_n and_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o ground_n we_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o room_n by_o itself_o special_o because_o it_o may_v have_v the_o own_o proper_a consideration_n temporizer_n then_o we_o call_v such_o as_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n from_o temporary_a principle_n for_o temporary_a end_n do_v embrace_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ready_o but_o slight_o and_o do_v as_o ready_o and_o light_o pass_v from_o it_o upon_o temporary_a motive_n in_o special_a when_o persecution_n arile_v for_o the_o word_n mark_v 4._o 16._o when_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n immediate_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n and_o afterward_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n immediate_o they_o be_v offend_v light_o they_o take_v up_o truth_n deliver_v and_o light_o do_v they_o pass_v from_o it_o again_o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o or_o solid_a believe_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o truth_n cause_n but_o what_o please_v other_o please_v they_o and_o what_o displease_v other_o do_v displease_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o way_n of_o god_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o yea_o they_o think_v it_o good_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o because_o it_o show_v unto_o they_o a_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o natural_a gladness_n which_o sort_n of_o believe_v do_v endure_v for_o a_o time_n to_o wit_n so_o long_o as_o the_o way_n of_o other_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o prosperity_n and_o good_a estimation_n with_o other_o go_v along_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n receive_v but_o when_o the_o wind_n of_o another_o doctrine_n blow_v and_o do_v carry_v with_o it_o power_n to_o trouble_v and_o persecute_v they_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o by_z and_o by_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o renounce_v the_o truth_n controvert_v because_o it_o draw_v trouble_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o such_o person_n suppose_v that_o gain_n ease_n and_o applause_n be_v very_a godliness_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o the_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a tentation_n to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n for_o fear_v of_o death_n as_o peter_n example_n do_v show_v we_o but_o true_a faith_n recover_v strength_n and_o arise_v after_o a_o fall_n and_o endure_v persecution_n for_o that_o truth_n as_o temporary_a belief_n do_v not_o but_o fail_v altogether_o and_o the_o temporizer_n repentance_n faill_v also_o because_o it_o arise_v from_o natural_a principle_n and_o be_v for_o natural_a motive_n and_o end_n such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o saul_n in_o weep_v and_o justify_v david_n for_o spare_v his_o life_n 1_o sam._n 27._o 21._o such_o be_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o carnal_a israelit_v psal._n 78._o 36._o and_o the_o humiliation_n of_o ahab_n and_o such_o be_v their_o amendment_n of_o life_n all_o nothing_o but_o temporary_a and_o which_o do_v not_o continue_v as_o hosea_n chap._n 6._o 4._o show_v o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o judah_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o thy_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o like_v the_o early_a dew_n that_o pass_v soon_o away_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o unrenewed_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o something_o like_a unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o outward_a amendment_n of_o manner_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o humane_a write_n find_v so_o much_o credit_n with_o man_n as_o not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a for_o experience_n testify_v that_o their_o affection_n be_v move_v sometime_o with_o delight_n and_o sometime_o with_o indignation_n and_o pity_n not_o only_a when_o they_o read_v history_n but_o also_o when_o
senseless_a and_o secure_a and_o do_v please_v himself_o in_o his_o pollution_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o may_v be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n point_v he_o forth_o among_o the_o unregenerat_a as_o a_o dog_n or_o sow_v if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o a_o time_n shall_v repent_v and_o bewail_v his_o condition_n and_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o seek_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o draw_v grace_n out_o of_o christ_n to_o mortify_v his_o lust_n we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v or_o determine_v of_o his_o former_a estate_n whether_o he_o be_v before_o that_o time_n regenerate_v or_o not_o but_o for_o the_o present_a case_n of_o his_o repent_v he_o be_v on_o the_o way_n to_o evidence_n his_o regeneration_n more_o clear_o than_o before_o only_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n to_o humble_v himself_o in_o earnest_n before_o god_n and_o to_o repent_v more_o serious_o that_o so_o he_o may_v confirm_v himself_o and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o course_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o evangel_n strengthen_v his_o brethren_n as_o peter_n be_v command_v to_o do_v by_o our_o lord_n luk._n 22._o 22._o 3._o but_o if_o corruption_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o break_v forth_o to_o defile_v the_o whole_a man_n but_o inward_o stir_v and_o striveeth_n to_o bring_v its_o old_a servant_n into_o bondage_n again_o unto_o which_o tentation_n albeit_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o succumb_v yet_o he_o be_v shake_v and_o stagger_v in_o his_o faith_n doubt_v of_o his_o state_n and_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n because_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o more_o vigorous_a than_o he_o have_v find_v it_o before_o the_o change_n of_o his_o old_a conversation_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o case_n be_v ready_o incident_a unto_o such_o as_o be_v late_o convert_v from_o formality_n in_o religion_n and_o fair_a civil_a carriage_n before_o man_n to_o true_a repentance_n and_o inward_a holiness_n beseem_v christian_n this_o case_n because_o it_o may_v have_v sundry_a cause_n do_v require_v also_o sundry_a cure_n 4._o first_o this_o case_n may_v befall_v a_o young_a convert_n who_o because_o he_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o get_v the_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n be_v somewhat_o puff_v up_o in_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o be_v more_o confident_a than_o he_o have_v reason_n that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o purpose_n shall_v bear_v down_o and_o overcome_v all_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n so_o oft_o as_o they_o shall_v oppose_v his_o holy_a resolution_n in_o this_o case_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o new_a proof_n of_o the_o man_n weakness_n let_v he_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v or_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o have_v mercy_n to_o the_o intent_n his_o pride_n may_v be_v break_v down_o and_o that_o he_o be_v humble_v in_o himself_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o trust_v any_o more_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o god_n to_o christ_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n make_v his_o child_n to_o mortify_v sin_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 8._o 13._o saying_n if_o you_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o spirit_n you_o shall_v live_v therefore_o the_o afflict_a in_o this_o case_n must_v beware_v to_o fret_v or_o murmur_n or_o entertain_v suspicion_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o himself_o but_o rather_o let_v he_o after_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n humble_v himself_o and_o renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o resolve_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o lean_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v help_v his_o soldier_n in_o their_o conflict_n against_o sin_n and_o satan_n either_o by_o give_v they_o the_o victory_n quick_o or_o else_o sustain_v they_o in_o the_o conflict_n by_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o to_o who_o christ_n do_v not_o grant_v the_o victory_n till_o he_o despair_v of_o his_o own_o ability_n to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n do_v humble_o beg_v deliverance_n from_o the_o tentation_n and_o then_o he_o give_v he_o assurance_n that_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n shall_v prove_v sufficient_a to_o sustain_v he_o in_o the_o conflict_n and_o to_o deliver_v he_o in_o due_a time_n second_o this_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o by_o the_o mere_a malice_n of_o satan_n who_o do_v set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o young_a and_o â—ender_a convert_n late_o take_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n to_o the_o intent_n he_o may_v make_v he_o repent_v his_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o by_o lead_v out_o against_o he_o a_o new_a army_n of_o temptation_n may_v move_v he_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o victory_n and_o so_o bring_v he_o back_o to_o the_o flesh_n pot_n and_o take_v on_o again_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n if_o he_o can_v 2._o and_o here_o consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o god_n wise_a and_o holy_a permission_n who_o suffer_v satan_n to_o put_v a_o young_a convert_n to_o so_o hard_a trial_n that_o in_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o child_n he_o may_v make_v evident_a his_o great_a power_n in_o uphold_v his_o young_a soldier_n against_o the_o forest_n assault_v of_o satan_n and_o his_o wisdom_n in_o break_v by_o this_o mean_a the_o strength_n of_o inborn_a corruption_n rage_v against_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o child_n in_o this_o case_n let_v the_o afflict_a remember_v he_o be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n that_o he_o may_v acquit_v himself_o manful_o and_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n but_o bear_v out_o stout_o resist_v satan_n be_v confident_a of_o the_o victory_n and_o of_o tramp_a satan_n under_o his_o foot_n short_o yea_o pre-suppose_a with_o inward_a temptation_n external_a persecution_n be_v join_v let_v the_o lord_n soldier_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o godly_a hebrew_n who_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o after_o spoliation_n of_o their_o good_n to_o meet_v with_o grievous_a affliction_n under_o hope_n to_o overcome_v heb._n 10._o 32._o 36._o and_o 12._o 4._o 3._o this_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o grow_a power_n of_o corruption_n as_o from_o the_o grow_a light_n of_o grace_n discover_v sin_n more_o clear_o then_o before_o regeneration_n for_o he_o who_o before_o regeneration_n be_v lie_v dead_a in_o sin_n do_v not_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n at_o all_o or_o be_v sensible_a only_o of_o gross_a out-breaking_n but_o when_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o law_n do_v come_v open_v up_o the_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o nature_n corruption_n out_o of_o which_o come_v forth_o legion_n of_o sinful_a motion_n and_o among_o these_o sundry_a monster_n of_o unperceived_a wickedness_n be_v discover_v to_o the_o young_a convert_n what_o wonder_v he_o be_v afraid_a and_o cast_v in_o many_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n for_o if_o even_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o inherent_a sin_n and_o of_o the_o bond_n thereof_o wherewith_o he_o do_v find_v himself_o bind_v be_v compel_v with_o tear_n to_o cry_v out_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n rom._n 7._o 24._o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o a_o novice_n in_o religion_n do_v tremble_v when_o he_o see_v and_o smell_v the_o dunghill_n and_o filthy_a stable_n of_o his_o own_o unclean_a heart_n in_o this_o case_n all_o the_o comfort_n which_o the_o gospel_n do_v furnish_v be_v to_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o afflict_a hope_n be_v to_o be_v foster_v in_o he_o of_o victory_n over_o all_o those_o evil_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o before_o his_o eye_n under_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o latent_fw-la corruption_n of_o nature_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v yoke_v his_o young_a soldier_n in_o combat_n with_o it_o and_o give_v he_o the_o victory_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n over_z not_o only_o those_o evil_n which_o do_v trouble_v he_o for_o the_o time_n but_o also_o all_o other_o sin_n and_o so_o promove_v the_o mortification_n and_o abolition_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o corruption_n in_o he_o 4._o the_o four_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v not_o such_o estimation_n of_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v requisite_a but_o with_o the_o slight_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n purchase_v to_o the_o believer_n by_o christ_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v his_o own_o righteousness_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n discover_v his_o short-coming_a in_o sanctification_n which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v imperfect_a and_o shall_v indeed_o be_v follow_v after_o careful_o
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
some_o true_a convert_n be_v find_v who_o have_v for_o a_o time_n enjoy_v pâ—eace_n of_o conscience_n have_v call_v their_o conversion_n in_o question_n by_o occasion_n of_o hear_v or_o read_v some_o sermon_n of_o some_o zealous_a preacher_n press_v the_o mark_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a conversion_n and_o make_v self-denial_n and_o love_v of_o god_n for_o himself_o the_o main_a mark_n of_o conversion_n and_o without_o circumspect_a and_o wise_a difference_n put_v by_o he_o betwixt_o legal_a perfection_n and_o evangelical_a sincerity_n press_v self-denial_n and_o the_o love_a of_o god_n abstract_o further_a than_o any_o saint_n do_v attain_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n whereupon_o some_o tender_a soul_n do_v fall_n in_o question_n with_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v among_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a convert_n because_o they_o know_v that_o our_o lord_n require_v self-denial_n in_o every_o person_n who_o will_v follow_v he_o and_o do_v condemn_v they_o all_o for_o unbeliever_n who_o seek_v glory_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o preacher_n possible_o have_v make_v the_o love_a of_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n to_o be_v too_o too_o mercenary_a and_o have_v press_v without_o respect_n to_o benefit_n that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v for_o himself_o therefore_o the_o weak_a convert_n begin_v to_o be_v trouble_v as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a convert_n at_o all_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o myself_o and_o of_o my_o follow_v of_o christ_n see_v i_o feel_v so_o little_a of_o self-denial_n in_o i_o see_v i_o have_v love_v christ_n for_o my_o own_o good_a and_o many_o a_o time_n in_o my_o best_a action_n i_o have_v seek_v the_o commendation_n of_o man_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o have_v be_v ill_o please_v when_o i_o do_v not_o obtain_v it_o 2._o for_o solve_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n who_o will_v follow_v christ_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v himself_o and_o true_a it_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficile_a then_o to_o forsake_v our_o own_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o estimation_n of_o our_o own_o worth_n work_n and_o ability_n how_o small_a â—oever_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o more_o dangerous_a evil_n then_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o christian_a duty_n to_o seek_v or_o accept_v our_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n for_o he_o that_o in_o this_o point_n do_v foster_v his_o natural_a corruption_n certain_o do_v not_o in_o so_o far_o favour_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n but_o serve_v his_o own_o flesh_n therefore_o because_o the_o relic_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o sin_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o regenerate_a the_o lord_n by_o variety_n of_o exercise_n set_v his_o child_n daily_o to_o learn_v this_o lesson_n over_o and_o over_o for_o mortify_v their_o corrupt_a lust_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n therefore_o when_o any_o spark_n of_o this_o evil_n of_o self-seeking_a do_v appear_v to_o cast_v themselves_o down_o humble_o at_o christ_n foot_n and_o confess_v the_o sin_n lest_o some_o spark_n of_o wrath_n break_v forth_o upon_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o exercise_n yea_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o remove_v full_o indwelling_a sin_n be_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n lest_o if_o he_o shall_v otherways_o deal_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v grow_v proud_a and_o not_o make_v such_o use_n as_o become_v we_o of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o the_o believer_n mean_v time_n we_o must_v not_o yield_v to_o satan_n tentation_n colour_v with_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v discharge_v we_o to_o seek_v any_o good_a from_o he_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v purchase_v to_o we_o and_o which_o he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n bestow_v on_o we_o for_o when_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o he_o require_v indeed_o the_o renounciation_n of_o our_o own_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o wisdom_n worth_a and_o work_n but_o he_o do_v not_o require_v of_o we_o to_o renounce_v the_o sanctify_a love_n of_o our_o own_o well-being_n or_o the_o seek_v our_o sanctification_n consolation_n and_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o seek_v that_o god_n will_v glorify_v his_o own_o grace_n and_o truth_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o sanctify_v comfort_v and_o save_v we_o be_v a_o subordinat_a mean_n unto_o god_n glory_n yea_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v our_o righteousness_n consolation_n and_o salvation_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o glorify_v god_n and_o do_v say_v in_o substance_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o felicity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a to_o grant_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o do_v seek_v grace_n for_o grace_n from_o he_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o love_v he_o more_o than_o ourselves_o and_o love_v he_o though_o he_o shall_v slay_v we_o but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o for_o any_o cause_n the_o more_o we_o esteem_v of_o he_o the_o more_o we_o magnify_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o what_o be_v love_n to_o and_o seek_v of_o god_n but_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o emptiness_n and_o his_o all-sufficiency_n and_o what_o be_v our_o seek_a communion_n with_o he_o but_o a_o refound_a of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o fountain_n whence_o we_o have_v our_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o be_v and_o full_o well-being_n and_o so_o our_o spiritual_a love_n of_o god_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o goodness_n which_o be_v let_v forth_o in_o do_v good_a to_o we_o be_v not_o mercenary_a love_n but_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o who_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n in_o christ_n even_o all_o in_o all_o to_o we_o in_o he_o as_o for_o seek_v of_o man_n applause_n whensoever_o whether_o upon_o receive_v of_o any_o benefit_n or_o discharge_v of_o any_o duty_n the_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o vain_a glory_n do_v mix_v itself_o which_o can_v but_o obscure_v and_o hinder_v the_o shine_a of_o his_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o we_o incontinent_a upon_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o this_o our_o sinful_a corruption_n perceive_v let_v out_o sin_n be_v humble_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v unto_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o let_v supplication_n in_o our_o spirit_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o mortify_v the_o bitter_a root_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o evil_n in_o we_o chap._n xix_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o convert_v arise_v from_o this_o that_o he_o know_v no_o child_n of_o god_n so_o hardly_o exercise_v as_o he_o be_v some_o convert_n be_v who_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o seek_v their_o relief_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o discipline_n and_o yet_o fall_v in_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v convert_v because_o they_o do_v find_v such_o inequality_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o such_o change_n in_o their_o condition_n and_o variety_n of_o tentation_n as_o they_o can_v find_v no_o example_n of_o the_o like_a in_o scripture_n and_o where_o it_o please_v they_o to_o be_v free_a with_o their_o pastor_n or_o confident_a christian_a friend_n do_v fall_v out_o in_o question_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v in_o scripture_n any_o like_a unto_o they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n as_o they_o please_v to_o condescend_v upon_o and_o if_o their_o pastor_n or_o christian_a friend_n shall_v give_v they_o some_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n child_n so_o exercise_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o find_v such_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o scripture_n and_o their_o case_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n and_o if_o possible_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o their_o caâ—e_n be_v not_o singular_a but_o such_o as_o have_v befall_v sundry_a of_o their_o christian_a acquaintance_n in_o this_o present_a age_n yet_o they_o can_v receive_v satisfaction_n for_o all_o this_o but_o still_o do_v insist_v that_o their_o case_n be_v not_o like_a to_o any_o of_o the_o godly_a whereupon_o they_o foster_v the_o suspicion_n of_o their_o not_o
sorrow_n indeed_o three_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o grief_n of_o mind_n or_o heaviness_n in_o affliction_n and_o anguish_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n commit_v for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o grieve_a mind_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n at_o one_o time_n four_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o our_o sinful_a sickness_n of_o indisposition_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v humble_v and_o god_n dispensation_n for_o the_o time_n partly_o chastise_v we_o with_o a_o less_o and_o more_o spare_a measure_n of_o ability_n for_o these_o duty_n and_o partly_o teach_v we_o thereby_o to_o make_v better_a use_n of_o christ_n office_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o help_v and_o heal_v our_o infirmity_n than_o we_o have_v make_v five_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o god_n part_n and_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n part_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n god_n part_n be_v ever_o wise_a holy_a just_a and_o gracious_a tend_v to_o bring_v his_o child_n unto_o a_o good_a and_o better_a condition_n satan_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n part_n be_v to_o procure_v and_o hold_v on_o and_o make_v worse_o an_o evil_a condition_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v variable_a as_o it_o fall_v forth_o in_o the_o battle_n against_o the_o flesh_n which_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o against_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v the_o victory_n always_o till_o the_o warfare_n be_v end_v and_o grace_n be_v crown_v with_o glory_n for_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n these_o difference_n be_v observe_v the_o conscience_n may_v discern_v between_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a condition_n so_o much_o the_o better_o 6._o one_o and_o the_o same_o convert_n may_v observe_v in_o himself_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o the_o most_o notable_a change_n of_o a_o spiritual_a condition_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o some_o especial_o of_o his_o minister_n of_o who_o exercise_n he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n for_o the_o consolation_n of_o his_o afflict_a people_n which_o minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 6._o whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v effectual_a in_o the_o endure_a of_o the_o same_o suffering_n which_o we_o also_o suffer_v or_o whether_o we_o be_v comfort_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n 7._o sundry_a convert_n may_v be_v diverse_o dispose_v and_o exercise_v about_o the_o same_o evil_a or_o spiritual_a disease_n for_o one_o under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o evil_a case_n may_v wrestle_v against_o it_o and_o not_o call_v his_o own_o bless_a state_n in_o question_n another_o under_o the_o same_o disease_n may_v fall_v in_o question_n and_o doubt_n whether_o he_o who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v be_v a_o true_a convert_n or_o not_o and_o his_o person_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o convert_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o ill_a condition_n while_o he_o first_o enter_v in_o conflict_n with_o his_o evil_a condition_n may_v for_o a_o time_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o true_a convert_n notwithstanding_o of_o his_o present_a ill_a condition_n but_o afterward_o when_o he_o find_v his_o evil_a condition_n to_o remain_v and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v remove_v he_o may_v fall_v in_o doubt_n about_o the_o state_n of_o his_o person_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n or_o not_o in_o which_o case_n let_v he_o make_v use_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a book_n 8._o the_o variety_n of_o change_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n arise_v from_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o sometime_o in_o the_o warfare_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o new_a creature_n prevail_v sometime_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o both_o of_o they_o prevail_v sometime_o more_o sometime_o less_o whence_o vicissitude_n of_o change_n of_o condition_n can_v but_o follow_v 2._o sometime_o satan_n temptation_n set_v on_o in_o his_o assault_n more_o or_o less_o furious_o or_o more_o or_o less_o subtle_o do_v make_v diversity_n of_o condition_n as_o satan_n be_v more_o or_o less_o wise_o resist_v 3._o sometime_o the_o lord_n hide_v his_o countenance_n from_o his_o child_n more_o or_o less_o sometime_o in_o adversity_n sometime_o in_o outward_a prosperity_n as_o his_o wisdom_n find_v it_o meet_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o belove_a child_n 9_o sometime_o the_o conscience_n do_v discern_v a_o evil_a condition_n and_o do_v give_v forth_o a_o right_a sentence_n about_o it_o in_o which_o case_n let_v use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o ordinar_n remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o 1._o let_v the_o afflict_a search_n into_o the_o cause_n which_o have_v procure_v his_o evil_a condition_n as_o the_o lord_n after_o prayer_n shall_v furnish_v light_n 2._o let_v he_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n and_o the_o lord_n holy_a wise_a and_o righteous_a dispensation_n 3._o let_v he_o grow_v in_o humiliation_n and_o in_o diffidence_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n ability_n and_o righteousness_n 4._o let_v he_o renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o mortify_v the_o root_n of_o it_o and_o for_o let_v forth_o his_o help_a hand_n for_o ability_n to_o make_v he_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n 10._o when_o the_o convert_v conscience_n fail_v in_o right_o judge_v of_o its_o own_o ill_a condition_n 1_o it_o either_o take_v a_o ill_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v silent_a and_o say_v nothing_o but_o lie_v secure_a and_o well_o please_v without_o cause_n or_o 2._o it_o judge_v a_o good_a condition_n to_o be_v altogether_o bad_a or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o good_a as_o it_o be_v indeed_o or_o 3._o it_o do_v not_o distinguish_v a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n simple_o from_o a_o condition_n partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a or_o 4._o it_o stand_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o man_n condition_n be_v uncertain_a what_o to_o pronounce_v of_o it_o till_o light_v dispel_v the_o mist_n and_o confusion_n wherein_o it_o lie_v for_o the_o time_n let_v we_o instance_n some_o case_n and_o example_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o four_o kind_n chap._n two_o wherein_o be_v handle_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v well_o please_v in_o this_o case_n the_o first_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o some_o case_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o convert_n be_v deceive_v by_o judge_v the_o man_n evil_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a enough_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v sundry_a time_n that_o the_o renew_a man_n seem_v both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o also_o to_o go_v on_o in_o bring_v forth_o external_a fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n his_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v much_o abate_v and_o cool_v towards_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o fervency_n which_o in_o his_o first_o conversion_n he_o have_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o his_o work_n in_o his_o call_n be_v discharge_v without_o that_o eye_n and_o affection_n towards_o christ_n which_o sometime_o he_o carry_v towards_o he_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n when_o remission_n of_o sin_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o his_o state_n through_o christ_n be_v green_a and_o fresh_a in_o his_o present_a sense_n how_o dear_a christ_n be_v unto_o he_o can_v be_v express_v but_o this_o fervour_n ofttimes_o do_v cool_a when_o his_o wont_a estimation_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o entertain_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o galatian_n who_o at_o their_o conversion_n be_v carry_v with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n towards_o christ_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o christ_n cause_n gal._n 4._o 15._o and_o yet_o this_o love_n do_v soon_o cool_a both_o towards_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o ofttimes_o that_o the_o renew_a man_n content_v himself_o with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o consolation_n which_o once_o he_o feel_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o christian_a duty_n in_o his_o call_n and_o either_o do_v not_o observe_v this_o cool_n of_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n or_o lay_v it_o not_o to_o heart_n but_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n as_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v a_o convert_a man_n to_o heaven_n and_o so_o usual_o three_o fault_n do_v concur_v in_o this_o sickness_n the_o first_o be_v
thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o favour_n pray_v for_o they_o find_v themselves_o come_v short_a of_o their_o purpose_a promise_a and_o hoped-for_a chearfulnessâ—_n and_o alacrity_n in_o praise_v and_o thank_v the_o lord_n whereupon_o they_o not_o only_o fall_v in_o heaviness_n but_o also_o in_o a_o sort_n of_o indignation_n against_o themselves_o and_o quarrellous_a complain_v of_o their_o condition_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v so_o far_o from_o perform_v their_o vow_n that_o by_o their_o imprudence_n they_o do_v involve_v themselves_o in_o no_o small_a guiltiness_n and_o for_o this_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o indignation_n against_o themselves_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v just_a reason_n partly_o because_o they_o find_v their_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n receive_v nothing_o answerable_a to_o their_o earnest_n pray_v for_o it_o partly_o because_o the_o benefit_n receive_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o estimation_n it_o have_v before_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o partly_o because_o they_o find_v even_o that_o small_a measure_n of_o joy_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n after_o some_o few_o day_n to_o grow_v cold_a and_o lik_o to_o evanish_v hence_o do_v suspicion_n begin_v to_o get_v foot_v in_o they_o that_o for_o their_o ingratitude_n the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o and_o have_v bestow_v the_o benefit_n on_o they_o not_o in_o mercy_n but_o in_o wrath_n and_o so_o they_o fall_v in_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o ingratitude_n more_o and_o more_o 2._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o evil_n five_o practical_a error_n must_v be_v remove_v which_o ordinary_o concur_v in_o this_o sickness_n the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a in_o his_o promise_v unto_o god_n to_o be_v thankful_a will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v have_v too_o much_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n trust_v that_o in_o his_o resolution_n his_o heart_n can_v not_o but_o melt_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n grant_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o his_o indignation_n against_o himself_o when_o he_o find_v that_o in_o his_o resolution_n his_o heart_n have_v deceive_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v expect_v the_o benefit_n from_o god_n and_o the_o thanksgiving_n from_o himself_o whereas_o he_o shall_v have_v distinguish_v these_o two_o benefit_n to_o wit_n the_o gift_n pray_v for_o and_o the_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o and_o shall_v have_v depend_v upon_o god_n for_o bestow_v of_o both_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o a_o benefit_n ask_v and_o receive_v be_v great_a than_o the_o benefit_n pray_v for_o which_o if_o the_o afflict_a have_v consider_v well_o he_o shall_v have_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o his_o not_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n rather_o than_o fall_v in_o a_o proud_a quarrel_v for_o his_o inability_n to_o be_v thankful_a 3._o the_o second_o error_n be_v a_o unequal_a comparison_n between_o the_o desire_n he_o have_v to_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n and_o the_o rejoice_v in_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n receive_v for_o the_o desire_n to_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n ofttimes_o have_v in_o it_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o natural_a and_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o seek_v of_o some_o part_n of_o self-perfection_n but_o the_o rejoice_v in_o god_n which_o the_o convert_n purpose_v to_o offer_v for_o the_o benefit_n be_v spiritual_a and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o seek_v these_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o commodity_n of_o this_o life_n then_o to_o perform_v spiritual_a duty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o our_o desire_n in_o part_n natural_a be_v not_o follow_v with_o equal_a affection_n spiritual_a 4._o the_o three_o error_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n do_v not_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o joy_n in_o god_n for_o bestow_v of_o it_o but_o measure_v they_o with_o the_o same_o line_n not_o consider_v that_o estimation_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o intellect_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o joy_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n exercise_v about_o divers_a object_n the_o estimation_n respect_v the_o benefit_n itself_o the_o affection_n of_o rejoice_v in_o god_n who_o do_v bestow_v it_o respect_v the_o giver_n of_o the_o benefit_n now_o the_o estimation_n of_o and_o delight_v in_o the_o benefit_n may_v be_v less_o or_o more_o while_o the_o estimation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o bestow_v of_o it_o remain_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o convert_n shall_v not_o charge_v himself_o for_o lake_n of_o estimation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o gift_n albeit_o he_o feel_v much_o variety_n in_o the_o respective_a motion_n of_o his_o affection_n 5._o the_o four_o error_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n count_v all_o the_o estimation_n of_o and_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o benefit_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a receive_v as_o nothing_o because_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o what_o be_v receive_v or_o to_o the_o kindness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v grant_v it_o which_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v of_o weight_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o acceptable_a thanksgiving_n from_o any_o saint_n on_o earth_n during_o this_o present_a life_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o measure_n of_o thankfulness_n from_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v answerable_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n whether_o manifest_v in_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o consideration_n the_o psalmist_n ps._n 116._o 11._o cry_v our_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o 6._o the_o â—ifth_o error_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n take_v it_o for_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o unthankful_a mind_n if_o the_o fervour_n of_o praise_v god_n once_o kindle_v after_o the_o fresh_a receipt_n of_o the_o mercy_n shall_v after_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o cool_v or_o decay_v which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a no_o room_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o any_o holy_a affection_n except_o only_o to_o the_o expression_n of_o joy_n for_o benefit_n receive_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o one_o duty_n must_v so_o be_v study_v as_o other_o duty_n have_v their_o time_n and_o place_n also_o for_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rejoice_v and_o tremble_v also_o to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o to_o mourn_v with_o they_o that_o mourn_v again_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n become_v the_o convert_n upon_o the_o fresh_a receipt_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v always_o afterward_o continue_v we_o read_v of_o the_o impotent_a cripple_n restore_v to_o his_o limb_n by_o peter_n act._n 3._o 8._o and_o that_o for_o joy_n he_o leap_v and_o cry_v out_o but_o no_o man_n will_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v always_o thereafter_o have_v dance_v and_o cry_v out_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o number_n of_o thankful_a receiver_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n 7._o these_o error_n then_o be_v remove_v let_v the_o convert_v 1._o with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 103._o charge_v his_o soul_n to_o bless_v god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o remember_v all_o his_o benefit_n and_o not_o forget_v any_o of_o they_o and_o to_o confess_v his_o obligation_n to_o god_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o special_o in_o the_o psalm_n be_v put_v for_o blessing_n praise_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v in_o the_o original_a to_o confess_v and_o praise_v or_o thank_v be_v ofttimes_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 2._o let_v he_o beg_v grace_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o benefit_n no_o less_o earnest_o than_o he_o do_v beg_v the_o promise_a benefit_n themselves_o 3._o let_v he_o put_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanks_o and_o praise_n in_o christ_n hand_n by_o who_o the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n be_v make_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n 4._o let_v the_o convert_n comfort_v himself_o that_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o shall_v be_v take_v up_o with_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o chap._n xxiv_o concern_v the_o convert_n imprudent_a censure_n of_o himself_o for_o his_o feel_a impatiency_n in_o bear_v lesser_a trouble_n after_o his_o patient_a bear_n of_o great_a trouble_n sundry_a convert_n when_o great_a trouble_n do_v assault_v they_o do_v humble_a themselves_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o inability_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o patience_n and_o strength_n to_o bear_v their_o burden_n but_o when_o lesser_a trouble_n surprise_v they_o they_o be_v foil_v and_o overcome_v by_o their_o passion_n for_o example_n in_o the_o small_a pain_n of_o body_n loss_n of_o good_n injury_n do_v to_o they_o unexpected_a by_o word_n or_o deed_n and_o here_o they_o fume_n and_o fret_v and_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o expression_n of_o impatiency_n
renew_v accusation_n against_o they_o and_o so_o order_v that_o mater_fw-la as_o neither_o satan_n shall_v prevail_v nor_o his_o child_n suffer_v damnage_n by_o the_o mean_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o satan_n renew_v of_o accusation_n for_o sin_n forgive_v and_o god_n make_v null_a the_o remission_n grant_v the_o lord_n can_v suffer_v the_o one_o to_o be_v but_o the_o other_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v to_o be_v for_o when_o a_o true_a convert_n grow_v negligent_a and_o fall_v in_o such_o sin_n after_o conversion_n as_o he_o live_v in_o before_o conversion_n no_o wonder_n satan_n be_v permit_v to_o call_v his_o former_a conversion_n in_o question_n yea_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o cast_v up_o to_o his_o child_n his_o former_a fault_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o shame_n he_o from_o go_v on_o albeit_o he_o do_v not_o disannul_v the_o former_o grant_v remission_n 3_o when_o thanksgiving_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n grant_v for_o christ_n cause_n begin_v to_o cool_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o convert_n what_o wonder_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o suffer_v but_o also_o present_a the_o vileness_n of_o by_o past_a sin_n to_o make_v the_o convert_v sensible_a of_o the_o remission_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n bypass_a as_o ezek._n 16._o 63._o and_o 36._o 32._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o your_o do_n which_o be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o for_o your_o iniquity_n and_o abomination_n when_o the_o convert_n grow_v remiss_a in_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o way_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v back_o into_o these_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o before_o what_o wonder_v the_o lord_n by_o remember_v he_o of_o his_o natural_a inclination_n and_o former_a way_n do_v warn_v he_o of_o his_o danger_n to_o make_v he_o preveen_v his_o fall_n 4._o wherefore_o let_v the_o convert_v maintain_v the_o solidity_n of_o former_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o former_a sin_n which_o go_v before_o his_o conversion_n and_o let_v he_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o paul_n who_o do_v not_o suffer_v his_o former_a siâ—s_n go_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n but_o do_v renew_v the_o confession_n of_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o his_o own_o daily_a humiliation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o for_o magnify_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o suspect_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n receive_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o convert_n shall_v preveen_v accusation_n and_o stop_v satan_n mouth_n and_o make_v his_o accusation_n have_v no_o force_n by_o this_o mean_n the_o convert_n shall_v possess_v firm_a and_o stable_a confidence_n of_o god_n unchangeable_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n grant_v the_o six_o question_n be_v of_o a_o convert_n casten_z not_o only_o in_o a_o uncertainty_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o also_o in_o a_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v elect_v or_o not_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n some_o convert_v fall_v in_o heman_n the_o ezrait_n his_o exercise_n whereof_o we_o read_v ps._n 88_o especial_o ver_fw-la 14._o 15_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v say_v he_o counsel_n have_v be_v offer_v by_o some_o to_o the_o afflict_a to_o follow_v the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o some_o eminent_a theologue_n who_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o strait_n with_o good_a success_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o save_v they_o or_o destroy_v they_o as_o he_o please_v after_o which_o submission_n they_o have_v feel_v the_o marvellous_a sweet_a embracement_n of_o god_n love_a kindness_n make_v they_o sure_a both_o of_o their_o conversion_n and_o election_n whether_o to_o follow_v this_o example_n and_o experience_n of_o some_o notable_a saint_n be_v the_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o know_v nor_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o towards_o god_n in_o this_o case_n 2._o for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v free_a for_o god_n to_o comfort_v a_o soul_n casten_z down_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v it_o be_v free_a for_o god_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o infirmity_n and_o error_n of_o a_o terrify_a soul_n come_v to_o he_o not_o in_o the_o wise_a way_n prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o man_n consolation_n and_o not_o to_o his_o way_n of_o seek_v of_o it_o but_o howsoever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o comfort_v some_o extraordinary_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o afflict_a to_o come_v with_o such_o a_o unrequire_v submission_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o limit_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o manner_n either_o to_o comfort_v the_o man_n speedy_o or_o suffer_v he_o upon_o apparent_a refusal_n for_o the_o time_n to_o despair_v for_o god_n order_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o sinner_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n for_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v he_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o after_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o seal_v the_o believer_n with_o the_o stamp_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o earnest-penny_n of_o the_o inheritance_n which_o be_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v abroad_o in_o his_o heart_n 3._o wherefore_o as_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n straighten_a in_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o fear_n of_o everlasting_a wrath_n and_o tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v it_o be_v a_o more_o safe_a way_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o disputation_n about_o god_n decree_n because_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o look_v to_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o to_o his_o own_o duty_n of_o fly_v unto_o christ_n so_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o convert_n fall_v in_o jonahs_n case_n and_o make_v to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobat_fw-la cast_v off_o of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o more_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o dispute_v for_o the_o time_n either_o his_o election_n or_o conversion_n whatsoever_o suggestion_n may_v be_v cast_v in_o by_o satan_n then_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o be_v save_v or_o destroy_v as_o he_o please_v and_o then_o to_o lie_v in_o sorrow_n till_o god_n give_v a_o answer_n of_o consolation_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o submission_n but_o call_v for_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o be_v save_v second_o in_o this_o submission_n the_o heart_n will_v be_v find_v deceitful_a which_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v submit_v to_o be_v destroy_v three_o this_o offer_n of_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o this_o be_v lord_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o have_v choose_v i_o or_o reject_v i_o in_o thy_o decree_n but_o i_o submit_v myself_o to_o thou_o absolute_o if_o thou_o will_v destroy_v i_o thou_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v just_a and_o i_o do_v confess_v so_o much_o unto_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v save_v i_o i_o shall_v proclaim_v thy_o grace_n such_o a_o submission_n i_o say_v be_v but_o in_o effect_n a_o tempt_a of_o god_n speedy_o to_o reveal_v his_o secret_a counsel_n either_o by_o consolation_n if_o the_o submitter_n be_v a_o elect_a or_o refusal_n of_o consolation_n if_o he_o be_v a_o reprobat_fw-la the_o only_a safe_a way_n in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v to_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o fly_v to_o christ_n by_o prayer_n as_o heman_n do_v ps._n 88_o and_o as_o jonah_n do_v who_o choose_v to_o look_v again_o to_o his_o holy_a temple_n where_o the_o mediator_n sit_v upon_o the_o mercy_n seat_n between_o the_o cherubim_v and_o not_o suffer_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o reprobation_n thus_o do_v heman_n ps._n 88_o 13_o 14._o but_o unto_o thou_o have_v i_o cry_v o_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n shall_v my_o prayer_n prevent_v thou_o lord_n why_o cast_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o bide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o let_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o every_o self-condemned_n sinner_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n prevail_v against_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrair_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seven_o question_n be_v how_o to_o satisfy_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o forbear_v or_o go_v on_o in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o in_o