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
to_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o must_v be_v prove_v also_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n a_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n a_o man_n justify_v and_o a_o adopt_a child_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o know_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o true_o regenerate_v circumcise_v in_o heart_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o sinless_a but_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n as_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o himself_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a of_o accusation_n or_o tentation_n and_o doubt_n but_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n but_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 1._o he_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n 2._o he_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n 3._o he_o put_v on_o christ_n yoke_n math._n 11._o 28_o 29._o if_o a_o man_n have_v these_o three_o property_n joint_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o regenerae_fw-la man_n and_o may_v defend_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o divine_a operation_n and_o save_a grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n repentance_n unto_o life_n hope_v christian_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n go_v together_o in_o time_n by_o god_n gift_n but_o one_o of_o they_o go_v before_o another_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o effectual_a calling_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o faith_n go_v before_o hope_n and_o before_o charity_n or_o love_n again_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_a child_n of_o god_n joint_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o evidence_n alike_o soon_o in_o time_n nor_o do_v they_o equal_o manifest_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v in_o time_n and_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v discern_v in_o not_o a_o few_o convert_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v show_v itself_o in_o they_o clear_o so_o also_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ofttimes_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o himself_o dare_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ._n 4._o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o regenerate_a person_n who_o for_o the_o present_a time_n can_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o to_o their_o own_o unspeakable_a comfort_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o be_v point_v out_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o all_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n clear_a and_o certain_a to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o whether_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o or_o not_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o for_o otherwise_o except_o a_o convert_n know_v certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v make_v a_o reconcile_a subject_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n or_o set_v cheerful_o himself_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o comfortable_o call_v on_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n wherefore_o all_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n shall_v deal_v by_o prayer_n earnest_o with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o they_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n in_o they_o they_o may_v know_v the_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o which_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n own_o regeneration_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o assurance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n wherein_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v may_v be_v for_o many_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o may_v darken_v his_o sight_n and_o hinder_v the_o assurance_n of_o save_a grace_n grant_v unto_o he_o whereof_o sundry_a cause_n may_v be_v find_v and_o in_o special_a these_o four_o among_o other_o 1._o in_o a_o man_n illuminat_fw-la and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o remain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n much_o doubt_v mix_v with_o faith_n by_o reason_n of_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o the_o convert_n to_o examine_v and_o discern_v this_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o he_o where_o through_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o young_a convert_n which_o will_v be_v see_v in_o infant_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o know_v or_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v a_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n of_o discretion_n yea_o many_o sound_a christian_n be_v ofttimes_o at_o a_o stand_n about_o their_o regeneration_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o their_o faith_n or_o repentance_n especial_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o strength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o great_a indisposition_n for_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v force_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o cry_v miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o rom._n 7._o 24._o mean_a time_n for_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o to_o wrestle_v against_o discouragement_n and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o apostle_n thank_v god_n through_o christ._n 2._o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n ofttimes_o the_o persuasion_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v darken_v so_o as_o they_o can_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o regeneration_n clear_o for_o satan_n set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o bond_n who_o albeit_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v they_o that_o at_o least_o he_o may_v make_v they_o some_o way_n unfit_a for_o god_n service_n and_o mar_v their_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o service_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v harm_n from_o they_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n by_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o unconvert_v to_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o find_v they_o work_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o put_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o forbear_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n till_o they_o be_v settle_v themselves_o 3._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n be_v offend_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o special_o by_o their_o gross_a transgression_n for_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v do_v for_o a_o time_n cease_v from_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v 4._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n by_o suffer_a doubt_n to_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n use_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n and_o thereby_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o pursue_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n more_o vigorous_o and_o sincere_o that_o after_o victory_n obtain_v over_o these_o tentation_n they_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o his_o obedience_n 6._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o while_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v most_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o he_o and_o clear_o see_v by_o other_o more_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o howsoever_o the_o weak_a convert_n and_o child_n of_o light_n walk_v
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
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
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
be_v convert_v 2._o this_o ground_n of_o judge_v of_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n exercise_v of_o they_o so_o as_o other_o convert_a saint_n have_v be_v exercise_v before_o they_o and_o of_o judge_v the_o man_n to_o be_v unregenerat_a who_o be_v otherways_o exercise_v than_o they_o know_v any_o convert_n to_o have_v be_v exercise_v do_v deceive_v the_o friend_n of_o job_n who_o in_o job_n face_n avow_v this_o their_o error_n job_n 5._o 1._o call_v now_o say_v they_o if_o their_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v that_o be_v name_v any_o example_n of_o any_o upright_a man_n who_o have_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o god_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o saint_n or_o holy_a man_n can_v thou_o name_v to_o who_o thou_o can_v compare_v thyself_o and_o say_v such_o a_o man_n have_v suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o do_v this_o doubt_n do_v arise_v from_o this_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o afflict_a do_v without_o ground_n suppose_v that_o express_a example_n of_o every_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v example_n of_o many_o case_n which_o may_v befall_v the_o godly_a but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v example_n of_o every_o particular_a exercise_n of_o mind_n wherein_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v for_o as_o the_o evangeh_v say_v if_o all_o particular_n be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o hold_v or_o make_v use_n thereof_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v down_o rule_n whereunto_o the_o saint_n shall_v labour_v to_o conform_v themselves_o and_o that_o it_o have_v open_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o have_v give_v so_o many_o example_n as_o may_v clear_v the_o rule_n it_o be_v also_o a_o mistake_n to_o make_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o most_o exercise_v soldier_n a_o rule_n for_o every_o saint_n exercise_n or_o to_o think_v that_o any_o man_n can_v know_v the_o variety_n of_o case_n which_o befall_v the_o saint_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o case_n be_v not_o reveal_v to_o any_o but_o lay_v open_a unto_o god_n only_o by_o prayer_n and_o be_v help_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n 3._o wherefore_o the_o afflict_a must_v walk_v by_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n whether_o he_o find_v the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o whatsoever_o evil_a condition_n we_o fall_v into_o whatsoever_o tentation_n whatsoever_o pollution_n have_v defile_v our_o conscience_n we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o the_o guiltiness_n for_o wash_v away_o the_o filthiness_n thereof_o for_o break_v down_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n and_o pull_v out_o the_o root_n thereof_o withal_o praise_v and_o thank_v christ_n who_o have_v discover_v unto_o we_o these_o evil_n and_o have_v make_v they_o our_o affliction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o break_v forth_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o other_o and_o whatsoever_o calamity_n or_o temporal_a misery_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v order_n unto_o we_o humble_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a construction_n of_o god_n love_n and_o wisdom_n in_o exercise_v we_o so_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n job_n do_v walk_v defend_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n his_o live_n and_o love_a redeemer_n against_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o friend_n uncharitable_a wrangle_a disputation_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o his_o state_n whether_o he_o have_v ever_o be_v convert_v or_o not_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a hypocrite_n or_o not_o and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o over-came_a the_o temptation_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v and_o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a lie_v it_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o by_o his_o hear_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o another_o like_v unto_o his_o condition_n he_o can_v be_v cure_v because_o no_o example_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o another_o can_v be_v find_v so_o quadrant_a unto_o his_o condition_n as_o he_o can_v thereby_o take_v satisfaction_n for_o as_o in_o compare_v of_o man_n face_n one_o with_o another_o such_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a variety_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o frame_v they_o some_o difference_n and_o dissimilitude_n will_v be_v find_v betwixt_o face_n and_o face_n so_o in_o compare_v of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o saint_n none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o thing_n so_o like_o one_o to_o another_o but_o some_o dissimilitude_n shall_v be_v find_v between_o they_o wherefore_o the_o afflict_a shall_v do_v well_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o draw_v near_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n before_o he_o at_o all_o time_n for_o god_n be_v a_o refuge_n for_o we_o in_o all_o case_n ps._n 62._o 8._o chap._n xx._n wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v convert_v because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o regeneration_n some_o true_a convert_n sometime_o be_v in_o suspense_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v because_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v in_o themselves_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o albeit_o they_o have_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n of_o regeneration_n to_o wit_n the_o daily_a conviction_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v fly_v daily_o by_o faith_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n concern_v love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n yet_o they_o there_fw-mi not_o defend_v the_o sincerity_n of_o these_o evidence_n because_o of_o the_o discern_a imperfection_n thereof_o for_o when_o they_o do_v compare_v these_o mark_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n with_o the_o rule_n they_o find_v much_o halt_n and_o short-coming_a therein_o in_o special_a they_o find_v their_o sense_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v but_o weak_a their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o their_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n to_o be_v many_o so_o that_o they_o scarce_o there_fw-mi allow_v these_o begin_v save_v grace_n the_o name_n of_o save_v grace_n and_o among_o other_o defect_n they_o reckon_v their_o not_o feel_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o convert_a galatian_n gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n say_v he_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o ephes._n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o of_o adoption_n seal_v believer_n they_o conceive_v be_v know_v and_o discern_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o every_o believer_n feel_v in_o himself_o 2._o for_o solve_v of_o this_o doubt_n something_o be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o imperfect_a fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o buddding_n and_o blossom_a whereof_o be_v not_o despise_v by_o christ_n cant._n 2._o 13._o and_o 6._o 12._o but_o that_o this_o doubt_n may_v be_v more_o full_o answer_v let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o cause_n thereof_o 1._o one_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o together_o with_o the_o endeavour_n to_o lead_v a_o blameless_a life_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n and_o look_v on_o god_n as_o his_o father_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o this_o work_n of_o god_n in_o he_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n illuminate_v his_o mind_n about_o duty_n frame_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n unto_o new_a obedience_n stir_v he_o up_o to_o prayer_n and_o help_v he_o in_o prayer_n but_o in_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v to_o find_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o evidence_n he_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o present_a operation_n but_o do_v slight_v it_o as_o nothing_o or_o do_v not_o esteem_v of_o it_o as_o become_v and_o so_o in_o his_o advertance_n raise_v and_o foster_v doubt_n in_o himself_o which_o do_v keep_v his_o faith_n in_o chain_n for_o remove_v of_o which_o cause_n let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a degree_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o comfort_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n as_o narrow_o as_o he_o do_v observe_v in_o himself_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o stir_n of_o corruption_n for_o his_o own_o humiliation_n and_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n for_o wrong_a judgement_n under_o pretext_n of_o humility_n do_v
not_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o injustice_n not_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o praise_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o man_n be_v find_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v thirst_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o a_o more_o intimate_fw-la communion_n with_o christ_n as_o be_v presuppose_v in_o this_o case_n 3._o the_o second_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o he_o have_v have_v oft_o time_n sweet_a and_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v thereby_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n of_o his_o adoption_n for_o the_o time_n yet_o when_o new_a temptation_n do_v arise_v according_a to_o what_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o the_o same_o sweetness_n be_v not_o feel_v but_o heaviness_n for_o the_o while_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 6_o 7._o he_o forget_v the_o consolation_n he_o have_v have_v or_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o remove_v whereof_o whensoever_o the_o afflict_a be_v cut_v short_a in_o the_o point_n of_o sense_n or_o sensible_a consolation_n let_v he_o then_o strive_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o slacken_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o his_o lawful_a call_n and_o his_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n embrace_v be_v a_o firm_a and_o solid_a ground_n for_o â—aith_n to_o fix_v upon_o albeit_o full_a persuasion_n and_o victorious_a consolation_n be_v neither_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o rare_o â—elt_v in_o this_o life_n the_o afflict_a who_o we_o have_v to_o speak_v to_o here_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o stumble_v but_o reason_n to_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n at_o any_o time_n comfort_v he_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o condition_n which_o the_o afflict_a wish_v for_o be_v reserve_v unto_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o 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 not_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 â—_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 beliver_v 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 find_v in_o a_o weak_a believer_n be_v sign_n and_o effect_n of_o sound_a faith_n 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 faith_n 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 presuppose_v the_o afflict_a shall_v have_v what_o he_o wish_v consolation_n always_o run_v like_o a_o river_n where_o be_v place_n for_o try_v exercise_v and_o train_n of_o he_o in_o his_o faith_n but_o let_v he_o work_v and_o wrestle_v on_o and_o among_o hand_n he_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o peace_n as_o may_v suffice_v a_o pilgrim_n 4._o the_o three_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a have_v grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o by_o ascribe_v his_o gracious_a operation_n to_o some_o other_o cause_n then_o grace_n or_o count_v his_o consolation_n to_o be_v but_o flash_n and_o like_v unto_o delusion_n or_o that_o the_o afflict_a by_o corrupt_a communication_n or_o gross_a offence_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n as_o befall_v david_n psal._n 51._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n whether_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o afflict_a have_v be_v more_o or_o less_o provoke_v let_v he_o with_o david_n ps._n 51._o renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n who_o only_o can_v renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o he_o or_o rather_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o formerly-felt_a consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o let_v he_o walk_v more_o wary_o hereafter_o that_o he_o provoke_v not_o to_o wrath_n so_o merciful_a a_o father_n 5._o the_o four_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o he_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v embrace_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n yet_o he_o do_v not_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
and_o when_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o his_o father_n blessing_n content_v himself_o with_o what_o portion_n in_o the_o earth_n he_o can_v have_v beside_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a labour_n to_o understand_v well_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o several_a article_n thereof_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o be_v have_v by_o exclude_v of_o himself_o from_o that_o covenant_n but_o that_o if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v in_o every_o condition_n he_o must_v draw_v near_o to_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o fresh_a furniture_n of_o grace_n for_o every_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v good_a always_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o because_o he_o will_v destroy_v all_o they_o that_o depart_v far_o from_o he_o ps._n 73._o 27._o chap._n xxvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v himself_o not_o only_o far_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o holiness_n which_o he_o observe_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o saint_n commend_v in_o scripture_n but_o also_o short_a of_o the_o measure_n which_o some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n have_v attain_v unto_o some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v about_o to_o strengthen_v their_o say_v by_o all_o mean_n do_v fall_n in_o comparision_n of_o themselves_o with_o other_o convert_v in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o their_o faith_n love_n endeavour_n and_o attainment_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o find_v themselves_o very_o short_a of_o that_o measure_n which_o not_o only_o saint_n commend_v in_o scripture_n have_v attain_v unto_o but_o also_o short_a of_o what_o sundry_a of_o their_o acquaintance_n have_v gain_v and_o give_v proof_n of_o sudden_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o sad_a suspicion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v none_o of_o the_o number_n of_o true_a convert_n as_o for_o example_n when_o they_o read_v what_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o hundred_o and_o nineteen_o psalm_n they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o so_o unlike_o the_o copy_n he_o have_v cast_v unto_o they_o so_o far_o short_a of_o that_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o that_o diligence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n of_o that_o patience_n of_o that_o fortitude_n in_o affliction_n and_o delectation_n in_o god_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v hold_v forth_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o a_o visible_a saint_n or_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n do_v forbear_v under_o this_o exercise_n to_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o the_o precious_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_o i_o say_v the_o afflict_a that_o i_o shall_v presume_v to_o intrude_v myself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v apply_v to_o myself_o what_o be_v promise_v to_o true_a convert_n and_o sincere_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v i_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o person_n or_o that_o person_n be_v i_o may_v then_o for_o my_o consolation_n apply_v promise_n make_v unto_o such_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o can_v apply_v their_o privilege_n except_o for_o conviction_n of_o my_o conscience_n that_o i_o be_o just_o for_o my_o unlikeness_n unto_o they_o seclude_v from_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o comparison_n of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o by_o all_o and_o the_o comparison_n of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v attain_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o growth_n in_o holiness_n be_v very_o profitable_a if_o it_o be_v prudent_o manage_v for_o the_o first_o comparison_n teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v and_o the_o other_o teach_v we_o what_o may_v be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n attain_v unto_o even_o in_o this_o life_n again_o both_o these_o comparison_n do_v serve_v to_o humble_v we_o before_o god_n when_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o not_o only_o short_a of_o perfection_n which_o can_v be_v full_o attain_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o short_a of_o these_o degree_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v and_o have_v be_v attain_v by_o other_o in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v choose_v but_o think_v the_o more_o mean_o of_o ourselves_o and_o put_v down_o the_o sail_n of_o self-estimation_n three_o this_o sort_n of_o comparison_n be_v profitable_a to_o make_v we_o more_o upright_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n impute_v unto_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o according_a as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o privilege_n performance_n suffering_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n count_v they_o all_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 3._o but_o this_o sort_n of_o comparison_n be_v dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a when_o it_o tend_v to_o discouragement_n when_o it_o make_v we_o think_v little_a of_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n grant_v unto_o we_o when_o it_o make_v we_o heartless_a in_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n and_o hopeless_a that_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o the_o measure_n whereunto_o the_o saint_n have_v attain_v 4._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v rev._n 3._o 2._o let_v he_o beware_v lest_o he_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n or_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n wherein_o he_o have_v christ_n help_n to_o look_v unto_o isa._n 42._o 3._o again_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o save_a faith_n divers_a degree_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n for_o some_o be_v old_a man_n some_o young_a and_o strong_a man_n and_o some_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o same_o duty_n in_o the_o same_o measure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o tender_a and_o weak_a beginner_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o strong_a and_o experiment_a soldier_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a remember_v that_o nothing_o be_v give_v nor_o promise_v nor_o do_v unto_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n or_o in_o latter_a age_n for_o any_o merit_n or_o worthiness_n in_o they_o but_o altogether_o of_o free_a grace_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o shall_v this_o be_v remember_v as_o this_o doubt_n of_o the_o afflict_a arise_v from_o comparison_n of_o his_o condition_n with_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n in_o other_o do_v presuppone_v the_o contrary_a as_o if_o god_n do_v deal_v with_o his_o child_n according_a to_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o merit_n of_o their_o good_a work_n which_o be_v a_o false_a supposition_n for_o why_o do_v the_o afflict_a cast_v down_o his_o courage_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n but_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n that_o he_o count_v himself_o a_o much_o more_o unworthy_a man_n and_o of_o less_o merit_n before_o god_n than_o those_o saint_n be_v or_o be_v with_o who_o he_o have_v compare_v himself_o 4._o let_v the_o afflict_a by_o so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v preceive_v himself_o more_o unworthy_a and_o more_o sinful_a than_o those_o saint_n with_o who_o he_o have_v compare_v himself_o thrust_v himself_o the_o more_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o rich_a grace_n let_v he_o so_o much_o the_o more_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n therewith_o and_o employ_v christ_n by_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n he_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o be_v make_v able_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o come_v up_o near_o unto_o conformity_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o renown_v saint_n 5._o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v that_o we_o must_v live_v by_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n aim_v sincere_o at_o obedience_n of_o holy_a precept_n albeit_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o that_o measure_n which_o other_o have_v attain_v unto_o chap._n xxvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a state_n
of_o such_o as_o they_o hate_v hope_v how_o false_a and_o groundless_a soever_o the_o calumny_n be_v that_o yet_o something_o shall_v prove_v likely_a and_o probable_a and_o so_o fasten_v something_o upon_o the_o innocent_a in_o which_o case_n let_v the_o afflict_a lift_n up_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o pray_v he_o to_o rebuke_n satan_n 2._o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n let_v he_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n for_o quench_v that_o dart_n 3._o let_v he_o as_o he_o be_v enable_v contemn_v these_o devilish_a slander_n of_o satan_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n on_o some_o better_a employment_n then_o to_o dispute_v with_o so_o impudent_a and_o restless_a a_o adversary_n for_o we_o have_v other_o business_n to_o go_v about_o then_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o dog_n bark_v at_o we_o but_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o continue_v that_o exercise_n from_o day_n to_o day_n let_v the_o afflict_a in_o patience_n submit_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o direct_v his_o speech_n and_o thought_n unto_o god_n only_o not_o answer_v direct_o such_o a_o shimei_n at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o direct_v our_o speech_n to_o satan_n at_o all_o but_o let_v we_o say_v to_o god_n the_o lord_n rebuke_n satan_n 3._o sometime_o satan_n fall_v on_o with_o suggestion_n blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o father_n all_o these_o blasphemy_n on_o the_o afflict_a as_o his_o proper_a sin_n in_o which_o case_n let_v the_o afflict_a be_v humble_v before_o god_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereof_o satan_n make_v use_v as_o of_o something_o of_o his_o own_o in_o we_o 2._o let_v he_o renew_v the_o grip_n of_o faith_n on_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v reconcile_a the_o elect_a world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o sin_n unto_o they_o 3._o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a look_n upon_o these_o blasphemy_n otherways_o then_o as_o satan_n malice_n against_o god_n for_o so_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o poor_a soul_n vex_v with_o such_o suggestion_n 4._o let_v the_o afflict_a beware_v of_o discouragment_n misbelief_n or_o weaken_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n of_o impatiency_n and_o fret_v under_o this_o sad_a exercise_n for_o there_o be_v more_o cause_n of_o fear_n from_o satan_n second_n subtle_a tentation_n then_o from_o his_o gross_a suggestion_n whereby_o at_o the_o back_n of_o the_o former_a gross_a blasphemy_n he_o go_v about_o to_o draw_v the_o afflict_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o former_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o and_o of_o god_n love_n unto_o he_o his_o wile_n in_o this_o case_n be_v much_o more_o dangerous_a than_o his_o violence_n in_o his_o furious_a lion-like_a assault_n for_o he_o may_v more_o easy_o get_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o afflict_a to_o some_o sit_v of_o misbelief_n and_o impatience_n or_o some_o other_o sin_n then_o to_o admit_v or_o consent_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o gross_a blasphemy_n suggest_v 4._o sometime_o when_o the_o young_a and_o tender_a convert_n be_v read_v or_o hear_v in_o sermon_n the_o sad_a sentence_n of_o god_n against_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n which_o do_v reign_v in_o the_o wicked_a satan_n fly_v on_o he_o with_o a_o false_a application_n say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n and_o do_v not_o a_o little_a disquiet_n the_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o which_o case_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v in_o or_o from_o scripture_n of_o the_o malediction_n of_o the_o law_n be_v speak_v against_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 8._o who_o have_v not_o repent_v their_o sin_n nor_o flee_v to_o christ_n nor_o be_v aim_v at_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o sanctification_n but_o these_o curse_n be_v not_o speak_v against_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v against_o such_o as_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n do_v loath_a themselves_o and_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o have_v take_v on_o his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o already_o justify_v and_o begin_v to_o be_v sanctify_v 5._o sometime_o satan_n do_v abuse_v the_o scripture_n and_o put_v a_o wrong_a sense_n upon_o it_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v wound_v these_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n for_o example_n it_o be_v write_v rom._n 14._o 23._o whosoever_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v but_o thou_o say_v satan_n to_o the_o young_a and_o weak_a convert_n have_v do_v many_o thing_n whereof_o thou_o do_v doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o yea_o thou_o have_v eat_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o doubt_v therefore_o thou_o be_v damn_v again_o it_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o he_o that_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o dink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o condemnation_n but_o thou_o say_v satan_n haste_v eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drunken_a the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o for_o thou_o know_v thou_o be_v very_o unworthy_a therefore_o thou_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a thy_o own_o condemnation_n in_o this_o case_n and_o such_o other_o like_a let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n inquire_v of_o the_o pastor_n or_o some_o faithful_a christian_a better_a acquaint_v with_o scripture_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o he_o that_o the_o word_n be_v well_o understand_v the_o doubt_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o for_o example_n these_o foresay_a abuse_a scripture_n do_v only_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n against_o he_o that_o do_v what_o he_o doubt_v to_o be_v lawful_a but_o do_v not_o exclude_v he_o from_o mercy_n upon_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n offer_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v that_o every_o one_o who_o find_v himself_o unworthy_a fly_v to_o the_o grace_n offer_v and_o seal_v in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n eat_v unworthy_o for_o so_o no_o man_n shall_v eat_v worthy_o for_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n must_v and_o do_v fly_v to_o free_a grace_n offer_v in_o christ_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o these_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o who_o profane_a the_o sacrament_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o this_o holy_a banquet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o common_a supper_n yea_o and_o even_o this_o sin_n of_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o man_n from_o mercy_n for_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n of_o this_o sin_n exhort_v these_o who_o be_v guilty_a to_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v by_o god_n who_o pardon_v the_o penitent_a 1_o cor._n 11._o 31._o and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a for_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n know_v that_o every_o scripture_n which_o speak_v against_o sin_n do_v drive_v the_o guilty_a man_n unto_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n without_o who_o grace_n seek_v after_o and_o embrace_v there_o be_v no_o salvation_n 6._o sometime_o satan_n the_o adversary_n of_o all_o convert_v do_v assault_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n when_o he_o find_v they_o under_o some_o present_a guiltiness_n late_o contract_v or_o under_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o under_o desertion_n and_o disconsolation_n or_o some_o miserable_a condition_n whereof_o he_o take_v advantage_n to_o suggest_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o fantasy_n that_o god_n neither_o love_v he_o nor_o can_v love_v the_o like_a of_o he_o in_o which_o case_n let_v the_o afflict_a humble_a himself_o before_o god_n and_o fly_v to_o he_o in_o christ_n offer_v reconciliation_n let_v he_o 1._o resolve_v firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n through_o christ._n 2._o let_v he_o observe_v his_o present_a condition_n to_o be_v the_o day_n of_o his_o visitation_n trial_n and_o probation_n what_o use_v he_o will_v make_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o difficulty_n and_o strait_n 3._o let_v he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o god_n worship_n wait_v for_o the_o daystar_n of_o divine_a consolation_n promise_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n isa._n 49._o 10._o 11_o and_o hos._n 6._o 3._o and_o isa._n 40._o 31._o and_o last_o of_o all_o lest_o we_o insist_v too_o long_o in_o reckon_v the_o innumerable_a wile_n of_o the_o crafty_a serpent_n let_v every_o convert_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n while_o we_o dwell_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o this_o body_n of_o death_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a
if_o he_o find_v this_o sickness_n from_o day_n to_o day_n cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o he_o fall_v in_o discouragement_n and_o in_o question_n with_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o break_v off_o at_o least_o in_o secret_a such_o ragged_a worship_n or_o to_o go_v on_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o fool_n unto_o god_n for_o so_o he_o do_v esteem_n of_o his_o devotion_n thus_o leaven_v with_o vaige_v and_o vanity_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_n do_v not_o only_a misregard_n what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o devotion_n or_o divine_a service_n but_o also_o by_o fret_v discouragement_n and_o mis-behaviour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v ready_a to_o augment_v his_o sinful_a condition_n and_o to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v wroth_a with_o he_o indeed_o 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o convert_v judge_n wise_o of_o his_o condition_n that_o he_o charge_v not_o himself_o with_o guiltiness_n more_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o be_v free_a of_o guiltiness_n and_o heal_v of_o this_o sickness_n where_o guiltiness_n be_v find_v and_o to_o this_o end_n 1._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o vaige_v of_o mind_n with_o interruption_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o his_o fantasy_n and_o understanding_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o continue_a act_n of_o worship_n for_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n run_v to_o some_o place_n can_v choose_v but_o see_v every_o visible_a thing_n in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o run_v on_o without_o stay_v till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o place_n he_o aim_v at_o so_o the_o fantasy_n and_o understanding_n can_v choose_v but_o take_v up_o and_o discern_v whatsoever_o be_v offer_v unto_o they_o in_o time_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o outward_a sense_n or_o from_o the_o memory_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o interruption_n of_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o natural_a agility_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o natural_a course_n of_o imagination_n or_o fantasy_n must_v not_o be_v charge_v as_o guiltiness_n upon_o the_o worshipper_n who_o follow_v on_o the_o work_n of_o worship_n notwithstanding_o 2._o sundry_a suggestion_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o convert_n mind_n by_o satan_n to_o mar_v his_o worship_n which_o must_v be_v charge_v on_o satan_n chief_o and_o the_o worshipper_n not_o always_o make_v guilty_a thereby_o 3._o when_o the_o worship_n indeed_o be_v interrupt_v and_o the_o mind_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o work_n of_o devotion_n or_o divine_a service_n and_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n about_o vain_a vile_a or_o impertinent_a matter_n let_v the_o convert_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v guiltiness_n here_o but_o also_o examine_v if_o this_o his_o vaige_n of_o mind_n in_o prayer_n and_o divine_a service_n be_v not_o also_o a_o chastisement_n from_o god_n for_o his_o not_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n in_o his_o affair_n and_o and_o for_o lose_v reins_o to_o his_o mind_n to_o roave_fw-it all_fw-mi the_o day_n which_o just_o meet_v he_o at_o night_n in_o his_o devotion_n as_o a_o rod_n on_o his_o back_n for_o his_o voluntar_n vaige_v from_o god_n in_o his_o former_a walk_n 3._o these_o consideration_n be_v premise_v and_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v draw_v on_o this_o evil_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o power_n of_o indwelling-sin_n perceive_v and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n temptation_n notice_v and_o the_o lord_n chastise_v rod_n justify_v and_o his_o own_o culpable_a infirmity_n acknowledge_v 1._o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o and_o fly_v to_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n offer_v in_o christ_n and_o lie_v strong_a hold_n on_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n impute_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o he_o that_o guiltiness_n may_v be_v by_o free_a pardon_n remove_v 2._o let_v he_o pray_v for_o more_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o expect_v a_o gracious_a grant_v thereof_o in_o god_n wise_a dispensation_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n 3._o let_v his_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o make_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o lawful_a affair_n how_o mean_a so_o ever_o 4._o let_v he_o gather_v his_o thought_n before_o every_o religious_a exercise_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n lest_o he_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o vain_a by_o rash_a and_o unreverent_a rush_v in_o upon_o divine_a service_n 5._o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n for_o grant_v he_o grace_n to_o see_v his_o sinful_a vaige_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o and_o to_o confess_v it_o 6._o let_v he_o be_v comfort_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o gather_v the_o ragged_a and_o scatter_a honest_a desire_n of_o supplicant_n and_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o service_n of_o his_o client_n as_o our_o high_a priest_n bearing_z in_o his_o appear_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v on_o his_o forehead_n holiness_n unto_o the_o lord_n chap._n xxii_o concern_v the_o convert_n discour_n agment_n for_o feel_a want_n of_o ability_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n command_v whereunto_o his_o renew_a will_n be_v very_o bend_v sundry_a true_a convert_n find_v a_o will_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o not_o find_v power_n how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v fall_n in_o disquietness_n and_o discouragement_n when_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o seek_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o remeed_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 7._o 18._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o corrupt_a natural_a inclination_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o to_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n ability_n to_o do_v the_o good_a which_o we_o will_v do_v for_o albeit_o the_o convert_v be_v force_v to_o seek_v reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o conversion_n yet_o in_o his_o course_n towards_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n he_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o store-house_n and_o treasure_n of_o strength_n in_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o he_o will_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o in_o his_o carnal_a wisdom_n a_o poor_a shift_n to_o be_v in_o every_o good_a action_n put_v to_o beg_v supply_n from_o christ_n by_o prayer_n and_o to_o stand_v wait_v on_o in_o a_o dependence_n on_o christ_n till_o furniture_n come_v from_o heaven_n unto_o he_o which_o furniture_n of_o strength_n because_o our_o lord_n do_v suspend_v to_o give_v till_o his_o infirm_a and_o humble_a child_n hold_v up_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o empty_a vessel_n to_o receive_v influence_n from_o he_o according_a to_o his_o wise_a pleasure_n the_o inconsider_v at_o convert_n do_v trouble_v himself_o and_o fall_v in_o a_o distemper_n 2._o this_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o evil_a as_o the_o convert_n do_v take_v it_o but_o this_o much_o be_v right_a that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o law_n as_o holy_a spiritual_a and_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v earnest_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o that_o he_o loathe_v himself_o for_o his_o feel_a unconformity_n unto_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v wrong_n in_o he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o but_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o discourage_v that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v christ_n his_o sanctification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v of_o the_o furniture_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n be_v near_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o serve_v his_o turn_n then_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n 3._o therefore_o let_v he_o renounce_v more_o and_o more_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o let_v he_o thank_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o who_o a_o out-gate_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o difficulty_n rom._n 7._o 25_o let_v he_o trust_v christ_n for_o supply_v in_o all_o service_n in_o who_o if_o a_o man_n abide_v he_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o without_o who_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o for_o if_o he_o depend_v on_o christ_n in_o his_o emptiness_n and_o weakness_n he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o when_o he_o be_v weak_a then_o be_v he_o strong_a chap._n xxiii_o concern_v the_o convert_n imprudent_a censure_n of_o himself_o for_o feel_v ingratitude_n some_o convert_v sometime_o do_v pass_v rash_a sentence_n against_o themselves_o for_o ingratitude_n namely_o when_o after_o receive_v some_o notable_a benefit_n for_o which_o they_o have_v make_v earnest_a supplication_n to_o god_n and_o for_o which_o before_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o by_o vow_n to_o a_o