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21._o thus_o it_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 4._o faith_n cause_v a_o man_n deny_v and_o renounce_v his_o own_o judgement_n wisdom_n will_n as_o foolishness_n to_o bless_v god_n as_o well_o when_o he_o deny_v or_o take_v away_o as_o when_o he_o give_v as_o well_o for_o the_o worst_a as_o the_o best_a and_o to_o rest_v persuade_v that_o the_o worst_a estate_n be_v the_o best_a for_o he_o when_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o poverty_n be_v better_a than_o abundance_n when_o god_n will_v have_v he_o poor_a restraint_n than_o liberty_n when_o god_n will_v have_v he_o restrain_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v great_a gain_n to_o lose_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n that_o god_n love_v in_o smite_v heal_v by_o wound_v exalt_v by_o humble_v through_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n bring_v unto_o life_n thus_o faith_n extol_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 5._o faith_n make_v man_n justify_v god_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n judgement_n deal_n subscribe_v to_o the_o equity_n 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justification_n of_o life_n which_o thing_n the_o better_o they_o be_v know_v the_o more_o they_o be_v feel_v and_o seal_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n by_o believe_v the_o more_o be_v the_o heart_n refresh_v with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n 2._o faith_n purify_v and_o sanctifi_v because_o 1._o be_v a_o gift_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n descend_v from_o above_o it_o will_v oppose_v and_o fight_v against_o corruption_n as_o light_n expel_v darkness_n heat_n cold_a and_o antidote_n poison_n 2._o laying_z hold_v on_o christ_n it_o draw_v and_o derive_v from_o he_o the_o fountain_n virtue_n and_o power_n whereby_o corruption_n be_v master_v and_o mortify_v as_o a_o leaden_a pipe_n bring_v water_n from_o the_o spring_n wherein_o vessel_n be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v 3._o faith_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o root_n of_o all_o other_o holy_a grace_n in_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o as_o faith_n increase_v the_o rest_n will_v increase_v the_o more_o perfect_a that_o faith_n grow_v 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debtor_n it_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o good_a we_o have_v or_o receive_v it_o proceed_v from_o his_o only_a kindness_n first_o then_o here_o be_v confute_v use_v 1_o first_o some_o false_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o 1._o that_o a_o sinner_n not_o reconcile_v to_o god_n may_v by_o preparatory_a work_n of_o repentance_n deserve_v in_o some_o sort_n justification_n which_o they_o call_v the_o merit_n of_o congruity_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a how_o one_o of_o the_o master-dawbers_a of_o mystical_a babylon_n go_v about_o to_o salve_v this_o point_n by_o a_o favourable_a interpretation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o snake_n in_o this_o grass_n i_o marvel_v why_o some_o of_o great_a name_n and_o note_n among_o they_o who_o doubtless_o understand_v well_o enough_o the_o tenet_n of_o their_o own_o time_n wish_v the_o abolish_n and_o abandon_v of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n be_v able_a by_o a_o power_n natural_o inherent_a in_o his_o will_n if_o it_o be_v but_o help_v and_o waken_v by_o grace_n to_o believe_v and_o convert_v indeed_o they_o disavow_v this_o opinion_n as_o whoremaster_n be_v sometime_o ashamed_a of_o their_o bastard_n but_o they_o must_v be_v content_a will_v they_o will_v they_o to_o father_n it_o for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jesuit_n who_o in_o this_o point_n be_v hot_o oppose_v by_o their_o own_o puefellow_n the_o dominican_n witness_v that_o beside_o the_o outward_a mean_n they_o acknowledge_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o conversion_n but_o inspiration_n illumination_n excitation_n they_o require_v not_o any_o supernatural_a habit_n or_o principle_n insuse_v into_o the_o will_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v dispose_v and_o elevate_v to_o produce_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n they_o make_v effectual_a grace_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n persuade_v and_o call_v man_n in_o such_o a_o time_n place_n manner_z as_o he_o foresee_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o disposition_n inspire_v such_o motion_n as_o he_o see_v by_o their_o freewill_n they_o will_v embrace_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o first_o radical_a cause_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o co-operation_n of_o man_n will_n 3_o that_o man_n may_v merit_v yea_o other_o for_o they_o increase_v of_o grace_n perseverance_n and_o restauration_n by_o repentance_n when_o they_o have_v fall_v how_o these_o romish_a opinion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n ground_v upon_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o be_v blind_a that_o see_v not_o second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o arminian_o who_o maintain_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n election_n be_v foresight_n of_o say_v and_o perseverance_n in_o person_n to_o be_v elect_v that_o god_n send_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o offer_v his_o grace_n to_o this_o or_o that_o people_n because_o he_o do_v see_v and_o know_v they_o will_v with_o humble_a
that_o â—alled_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o â—ime_n the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o motive_n â—r_n cause_n which_o induce_v and_o stir_v up_o â—he_n apostle_n thus_o to_o pray_v and_o that_o be_v â—is_n thirst_n after_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o thesâ—alonians_n or_o his_o earnest_a desire_n that_o they_o â—ight_n be_v glorify_v among_o other_o believer_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n wherefore_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v and_o now_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v obtain_v without_o fail_v this_o rich_a prize_n of_o heavenly_a happiness_n which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o and_o towards_o which_o you_o be_v already_o march_v that_o you_o may_v be_v sharer_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o that_o admirable_a glory_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n i_o pray_v etc._n etc._n here_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n know_v these_o thessalonian_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o good_a way_n which_o will_v certain_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a and_o assure_v of_o their_o full_a and_o future_a glorification_n yet_o he_o think_v it_o behoveful_a and_o needful_a to_o help_v they_o forward_o by_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o may_v collect_v two_o instruction_n first_o that_o the_o best_a need_n help_v towards_o heaven_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o first_o as_o man_n final_a happiness_n so_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o it_o be_v include_v in_o god_n predestination_n he_o that_o have_v ordain_v certain_a man_n to_o salvation_n have_v ordain_v that_o by_o certain_a mean_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o uphold_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o for_o whosoever_o god_n have_v prepare_v glory_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o ripe_a age_n in_o the_o church_n to_o they_o he_o have_v leave_v and_o commend_v his_o facred_a word_n pastor_n and_o doctor_n sacrament_n prayer_n 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from_o christ_n but_o convey_v and_o minister_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o pipe_n of_o holy_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n which_o himself_o have_v sanctify_v to_o that_o end_n in_o vain_a do_v they_o look_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o strengthen_v by_o christ_n who_o witting_o cast_v away_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o his_o strength_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o who_o see_v not_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o they_o who_o run_v well_o be_v help_v and_o undershore_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n three_o satan_n have_v great_a wrath_n against_o those_o that_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o translate_v towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o labour_v busy_o to_o entangle_v they_o in_o the_o old_a servitude_n and_o bring_v they_o back_o into_o the_o former_a bondage_n in_o regard_n of_o this_o wicked_a one_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v support_v lest_o the_o dragon_n cast_v they_o down_o from_o their_o good_a beginning_n and_o so_o their_o 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plain_o commentary_n do_v but_o mislead_v man_n that_o treatise_n direct_v to_o lead_v a_o godly_a life_n will_v mar_v christian_n how_o i_o say_v can_v these_o think_v that_o mean_n and_o duty_n be_v needful_a and_o do_v any_o man_n now_o expect_v that_o by_o argument_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v oppose_v this_o new_a divinity_n shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o show_v how_o this_o opinion_n fight_v with_o the_o experience_n and_o practice_n of_o david_n and_o daniel_n both_o of_o they_o though_o prophet_n most_o precise_a observer_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o exercise_n and_o one_o of_o they_o bitter_o lament_v the_o want_n of_o public_a mean_n how_o it_o void_v and_o break_v many_o scripture_n as_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n despise_v not_o prophesy_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o thou_o attend_v at_o the_o post_n of_o wisdom_n keep_v thy_o heart_n above_o all_o keep_n ponder_v the_o path_n of_o thy_o foot_n build_v yourselves_o on_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n search_v the_o scripture_n whet_v these_o thing_n ou_fw-fr thy_o child_n hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v watch_n and_o pray_v examine_v your_o way_n and_o almost_o six_o hundae_v such_o like_a place_n unless_o they_o will_v give_v we_o new_a sense_n of_o these_o plain_a text_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o or_o last_o that_o it_o carry_v a_o too_o too_o rank_a favour_n of_o anabaptism_n and_o familism_n no_o no_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o such_o loose_a conceit_n in_o the_o life_n of_o these_o new_a evangelist_n cry_v aloud_o that_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o they_o behold_v here_o a_o marvellous_a policy_n and_o stratagem_n of_o that_o many-headed_a serpent_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o hold_v in_o a_o secure_a and_o dead_a condition_n wherein_o they_o come_v neither_o for_o christ_n nor_o mean_n when_o he_o can_v keep_v man_n from_o mean_n he_o persuade_v and_o cunning_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o rest_v content_v in_o the_o naked_a and_o powerless_a use_n of_o they_o abstract_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o quicken_a spirit_n the_o life_n of_o mean_n when_o this_o plot_n succeed_v not_o he_o will_v push_v man_n into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a persuade_v so_o to_o hang_v upon_o christ_n as_o they_o neglect_v all_o mean_n where_o in_o it_o seem_v some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n sault_v oh_o that_o these_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o which_o the_o devil_n know_v full_a well_o that_o they_o who_o dare_v abandon_v and_o relinquish_v the_o mean_n of_o maintain_v godliness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v in_o time_n cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o godliness_n and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o he_o who_o dare_v bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o execute_v god_n predestination_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o fulfil_v his_o own_o reprobation_n second_o therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o gracious_a help_n which_o god_n offer_v and_o afford_v for_o bring_v we_o on_o in_o our_o spiritual_a journey_n let_v we_o lay_v hold_n upon_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o with_o diligence_n public_a private_a ordinary_a extraordinary_a god_n can_v save_v we_o without_o they_o but_o will_v not_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o not_o to_o need_v these_o staff_n till_o we_o appear_v perfect_a before_o he_o in_o his_o holy_a mountain_n it_o be_v as_o vile_a presumption_n and_o madness_n to_o think_v our_o soul_n can_v be_v in_o good_a plight_n and_o our_o spiritual_a life_n continue_v without_o they_o as_o to_o hope_v for_o a_o crop_n where_o we_o never_o sow_v or_o strength_n and_o life_n without_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o such_o christian_n as_o use_v they_o most_o have_v most_o grace_n take_v heed_n say_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v never_o
fall_v i_o can_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n therefore_o these_o outward_a duty_n be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n will_v make_v no_o such_o conclusion_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n logic_n not_o god_n which_o teach_v to_o reason_n from_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n thus_o of_o the_o former_a instruction_n our_o second_o lesson_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v that_o godly_a man_n prayer_n promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o the_o hearty_a supplication_n of_o the_o faithful_a put_v up_o unto_o god_n for_o their_o brethren_n be_v good_a mean_n further_a and_o help_v forward_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n may_v come_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o that_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o may_v know_v and_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n sincere_o cheerful_o constant_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v say_v i_o know_v this_o shall_v turn_v to_o my_o salvation_n through_o your_o prayer_n my_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o israel_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v the_o lord_n grant_v that_o he_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o that_o day_n if_o a_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n for_o sometime_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a obtain_v for_o other_o the_o beginning_n of_o actual_a salvation_n that_o be_v conversion_n as_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o the_o jew_n who_o crucify_v he_o take_v effect_v when_o so_o many_o of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o peter_n first_o sermon_n and_o stevens_n when_o paul_n be_v convert_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v christian_n to_o pray_v that_o heathenish_a magistrate_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sometime_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o all_o consequent_a blessing_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v preparative_n forerunner_n certain_a prognostic_n of_o perfect_a salvation_n as_o full_a assurance_n comfort_n in_o affliction_n spiritual_a establishment_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o here_o we_o must_v know_v that_o we_o may_v right_o and_o sound_o understand_v the_o point_n that_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o cause_n move_v god_n to_o save_v those_o who_o before_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o save_v or_o make_v he_o more_o willing_a to_o save_v such_o who_o salvation_n he_o former_o will_v for_o divinity_n teach_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n admit_v not_o intention_n or_o remission_n but_o a_o condition_n command_v and_o require_v in_o we_o which_o be_v fulfil_v by_o we_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o show_v and_o shed_v abroad_o upon_o other_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v before_o all_o time_n to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o which_o doctrine_n serve_v first_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o best_a office_n and_o great_a good_a turn_n we_o can_v do_v to_o any_o who_o we_o love_v or_o who_o kindness_n we_o desire_v to_o recompense_v as_o faithful_a friend_n bountiful_a benefactor_n kind_a parent_n dutiful_a child_n love_a yoke-fellow_n lend_v they_o many_o hearty_a prayer_n entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n their_o eye_n enlighten_v their_o sin_n pardon_v their_o heart_n purge_v their_o foot_n guide_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n beg_v these_o thing_n for_o they_o if_o thou_o prevaile_v in_o thy_o suit_n thou_o have_v do_v more_o for_o they_o than_o if_o thou_o have_v make_v they_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o the_o iberian_a nimrod_n do_v either_o possess_v or_o desire_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n oh_o the_o dignity_n utility_n riches_n of_o prayer_n a_o good_a man_n by_o prayer_n may_v do_v that_o for_o his_o friend_n which_o all_o the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v the_o poor_a christian_n on_o who_o god_n have_v pour_v the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n may_v be_v very_o profitable_a to_o the_o rich_a help_v he_o to_o that_o which_o all_o his_o store_n can_v purchase_v for_o by_o the_o heaven-piercing_a prayer_n which_o ascend_v daily_o from_o the_o altar_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o receive_v he_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n that_o be_v of_o save_v his_o soul_n second_o hence_o we_o must_v be_v stir_v up_o 1._o in_o our_o daily_a petition_n not_o only_o to_o speak_v for_o ourselves_o but_o to_o remember_v also_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o they_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n wheresoever_o scatter_v it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o omit_v this_o duty_n altogether_o but_o to_o make_v it_o as_o too_o many_o do_v a_o mere_a matter_n of_o form_n indeed_o our_o wicked_a heart_n out_o of_o sloth_n or_o unbelief_n will_v be_v too_o ready_a to_o say_v alas_o wherein_o can_v our_o prayer_n be_v profitable_a to_o they_o who_o face_n and_o case_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o but_o answer_v they_o from_o this_o doctrine_n our_o prayer_n may_v advance_v the_o business_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o like_o a_o prosperous_a wind_n facilitate_v their_o course_n or_o set_v themsorward_o with_o happy_a speed_n towards_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n how_o be_v we_o friend_n of_o god_n people_n if_o we_o deny_v our_o help_a hand_n to_o procure_v they_o such_o a_o benefit_n as_o be_v the_o further_a of_o their_o best_a preferment_n 2._o to_o crave_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n we_o must_v light_o esteem_v the_o intercession_n of_o our_o godly_a and_o religious_a friend_n nor_o think_v it_o a_o idle_a thing_n much_o less_o condemn_v it_o for_o a_o puritanical_a form_n of_o speech_n to_o say_v when_o we_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o they_o i_o pray_v help_v i_o with_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o mean_a of_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o cry_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n may_v be_v a_o mean_a or_o instrnment_n of_o our_o great_a good_a by_o speak_v to_o our_o common_a father_n in_o our_o behalf_n last_o use_v 3_o this_o instruction_n breathe_v out_o consolation_n to_o such_o poor_a soul_n who_o because_o they_o feel_v great_a weakness_n in_o themselves_o and_o live_v in_o place_n where_o spiritual_a mean_n be_v scarce_o and_o slender_a be_v discourage_v and_o almost_o despair_v of_o attain_v salvation_n let_v such_o know_v for_o their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v part_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n in_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o speak_v good_a for_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o these_o prayer_n can_v be_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a but_o shall_v like_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o palsiemans_n friend_n in_o the_o gospel_n bear_v they_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v strengthen_v and_o heal_v of_o their_o infirmity_n support_v and_o carry_v they_o along_o in_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o minister_v unto_o they_o abundant_a entrance_n into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o three_o point_n now_o follow_v v._o the_o person_n for_o who_o these_o minister_n pray_v thus_o constant_o for_o you_o say_v the_o text_n that_o be_v for_o the_o thessalonian_o who_o at_o this_o time_n be_v under_o persecution_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o of_o their_o patience_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o their_o persecutious_a and_o tribulation_n which_o they_o do_v suffer_v whence_o observe_v we_o doctrine_n that_o christian_n in_o their_o prayer_n must_v remember_v their_o afflict_a brethren_n as_o we_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o intercede_v and_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o his_o disperse_a israel_n call_v uncalled_a so_o in_o special_a sort_n we_o shall_v be_v mindful_a of_o they_o that_o travel_n under_o tribulation_n and_o suffer_v with_o christ_n or_o for_o christ_n this_o duty_n be_v include_v in_o that_o general_a precept_n remember_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o occur_v often_o in_o scripture_n the_o sweet_a psalmist_n sing_v redeem_v israel_n o_o god_n ont_fw-fr of_o all_o his_o trouble_n that_o thy_o belove_a may_v be_v deliver_v save_v with_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o hear_v i_o how_o often_o do_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o psalm_n complain_v to_o god_n of_o the_o church_n distress_n and_o petition_n for_o redress_n 80._o psal_n 74.79_o 80._o daniel_n and_o nehemiah_n
readiness_n embrace_v and_o right_o use_v that_o grace_n and_o come_v when_o he_o call_v 1._o these_o be_v right_a bvilder_n of_o babel_n be_v not_o this_o most_o horrible_a &_o most_o wicked_a confusion_n to_o thrust_v the_o first_o cause_n out_o of_o his_o rank_n and_o seat_v the_o second_o in_o his_o room_n to_o subject_a the_o creator_n or_o make_v he_o inferior_a to_o his_o creature_n to_o fetch_v the_o first_o rise_v or_o spring_n of_o man_n salvation_n from_o man_n it_o be_v no_o less_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v to_o say_v god_n will_v have_v or_o need_v a_o external_a move_a cause_n in_o ordain_v thing_n than_o to_o say_v his_o power_n have_v or_o need_v a_o outward_a help_n in_o create_v thing_n the_o papist_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n and_o condemn_v they_o some_o of_o who_o do_v affirm_v roundly_o and_o confirm_v as_o sound_o that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n in_o we_o of_o god_n predestination_n that_o election_n be_v altogether_o 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and_o glorify_v this_o â—_o free_a mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n 7.21_o 2_o sam._n 7.21_o and_o say_v soâ—_n thy_o own_o sake_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o owâ—_n heart_n o_o god_n have_v thou_o show_v i_o uâ—_n worthy_a wretch_n 5_o neh._n 9_o 5_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n all_o this_o grace_n and_o truth_n bless_a be_v thou_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o glorious_a name_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n let_v this_o suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o lesson_n now_o second_o whenas_fw-la the_o apostle_n pray_v in_o this_o manner_n for_o a_o people_n excel_v many_o in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o set_v down_o this_o conclusion_n fullness_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o give_v at_o once_o doct_n 2_o but_o by_o degree_n god_n be_v able_a enough_o to_o replenish_v his_o child_n with_o all_o holiness_n and_o lift_v they_o from_o the_o hell_n of_o misery_n wherein_o he_o 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of_o his_o spirit_n to_o blow_v upon_o the_o garden_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v forth_o 4._o improve_n 4.16_o song_n 4.16_o and_o blow_v up_o grace_n by_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o read_v singing_z meditation_n conference_n private_a communication_n of_o gift_n 5._o evacuation_n purge_v out_o by_o renew_a repentance_n such_o matter_n as_o may_v cause_v a_o oppilation_n of_o those_o passage_n in_o which_o grace_n shall_v flow_v unto_o we_o for_o christ_n to_o who_o we_o be_v join_v as_o member_n if_o we_o be_v believer_n be_v a_o head_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n full_a of_o grace_n &_o truth_n if_o we_o desire_n to_o receive_v abundant_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n the_o nerve_n of_o faith_n and_o pipe_n of_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o stop_v or_o make_v ineffectual_a in_o we_o by_o our_o worldliness_n deadness_n of_o spirit_n lust_n or_o some_o know_a corruption_n too_o indulgent_o handle_v 6._o lay_v our_o heart_n 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stretch_v himself_o unto_o the_o thing_n before_o yea_o labour_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reach_v a_o entire_a and_o complete_a perfection_n yet_o we_o may_v and_o must_v grow_v still_o more_o and_o more_o perfect_a and_o though_o our_o attainment_n shall_v never_o in_o this_o life_n overtake_v and_o equal_a our_o desire_n yet_o as_o he_o that_o shoot_v at_o the_o noon-sun_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o shall_v never_o hit_v the_o mark_n be_v sure_o to_o shoot_v high_a than_o he_o that_o aim_v at_o a_o bush_n so_o if_o we_o desire_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o outstrip_v our_o fellow_n and_o attain_v such_o a_o measure_n as_o shall_v make_v our_o profession_n both_o comfortable_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n exemplary_a to_o our_o brethren_n and_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o stranger_n and_o thus_o much_o touch_v this_o branch_n of_o paul_n prayer_n for_o though_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v one_o point_n more_o couch_v in_o it_o which_o have_v not_o be_v handle_v yet_o for_o brevity_n i_o will_v refer_v and_o reserve_v it_o to_o be_v wrap_v up_o as_o well_o it_o may_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o next_o member_n which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v open_v wherein_o a_o second_o thing_n be_v crave_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o more_o special_a mean_n of_o make_v they_o worthy_a their_o call_n the_o word_n be_v be_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n where_n consider_v 1._o the_o blessing_n ask_v which_o be_v fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n by_o work_n of_o faith_n may_v either_o be_v mean_v the_o exercise_n operation_n fruit_n of_o faith_n faith_n stir_v act_v labour_a produce_v such_o work_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o she_o or_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v god_n work_n in_o man_n the_o grace_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n wrought_v by_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n i_o take_v this_o latter_a sense_n the_o 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apostle_n witness_v in_o his_o former_a epistle_n that_o this_o people_n receive_v the_o word_n with_o much_o assurance_n that_o their_o faith_n to_o godward_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o other_o place_n in_o this_o very_a chapter_n he_o have_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n that_o their_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o yet_o here_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o that_o god_n will_v perfect_v their_o faith_n a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n do_v further_o confirm_v it_o abraham_n faith_n do_v â—imp_n and_o halt_v a_o little_a when_o he_o hearken_v â—o_o the_o counsel_n of_o sarah_n in_o go_v in_o to_o hagar_n for_o he_o consent_v to_o the_o use_n of_o unlawful_a mean_n for_o bring_v about_o god_n purpose_n likewise_o when_o through_o fear_n he_o sain_v sarah_n to_o be_v his_o sister_n weakness_n appear_v in_o sarahs_n faith_n when_o she_o laugh_v at_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o son_n in_o jacob_n when_o tiding_n of_o esau_n come_n do_v so_o affright_v and_o distress_n he_o though_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n in_o that_o journey_n in_o david_n when_o in_o his_o haste_n and_o fear_v he_o say_v i_o be_o câ—st_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n when_o he_o feign_v himself_o mad_a in_o peter_n when_o be_v afraid_a of_o his_o skin_n in_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n he_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o first_o if_o knowledge_n be_v imperfect_a in_o all_o christian_n confidence_n can_v be_v perfect_a in_o any_o how_o can_v the_o heart_n desire_n or_o cleave_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o further_o than_o the_o mind_n apprehend_v it_o as_o true_a and_o good_a i_o can_v rest_v upon_o a_o man_n believe_v he_o will_v do_v this_o or_o that_o for_o i_o further_o than_o i_o know_v he_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o will_n depend_v upon_o and_o sollow_v the_o measure_n of_o light_n in_o the_o understanding_n 〈◊〉_d mean_v in_o respect_n of_o latitude_n not_o intention_n or_o in_o intrinsical_v vigour_n for_o otherwise_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v great_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v but_o small_a knowledge_n as_o in_o many_o martyr_n a_o man_n may_v know_v more_o than_o he_o believe_v so_o do_v many_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o can_v believe_v more_o than_o he_o know_v now_o its_o certain_a that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n for_o neither_o do_v we_o apprehend_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o divine_a truth_n my_o meaning_n be_v we_o know_v not_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v we_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o now_o we_o know_v so_o full_o clear_o distinct_o as_o we_o shall_v and_o
shall_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v if_o therefore_o we_o know_v but_o imperfect_o we_o must_v needs_o trust_v imperfect_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n may_v partly_o teach_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o consequence_n do_v we_o not_o perceive_v this_o to_o be_v or_o have_v be_v one_o special_a cause_n of_o the_o fail_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o either_o we_o know_v not_o this_o or_o that_o promise_n or_o be_v not_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promiser_n or_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o behold_v the_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v begin_v in_o we_o as_o from_o they_o we_o can_v conclude_v ourselves_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o there_o be_v many_o enemy_n which_o oppugn_v a_o christian_n faith_n from_o without_o satan_n by_o his_o temptation_n sometime_o more_o subtle_a sometime_o more_o violent_a in_o his_o own_o bosom_n carnal_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n natural_a slowness_n or_o untowardness_n of_o heart_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a inordinate_a affection_n and_o passion_n for_o grace_n do_v not_o whole_o expel_v and_o root_v out_o these_o canaanite_n though_o it_o bring_v and_o keep_v they_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o these_o sometime_o dim_a the_o light_n of_o faith_n by_o raise_v mist_n and_o fog_n of_o objection_n and_o doubt_n sometime_o cast_v she_o into_o a_o slumber_n sometime_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o sudden_a vehement_a blow_n astonish_v she_o and_o in_o a_o word_n by_o many_o mean_n hinder_v the_o efficacy_n and_o work_v of_o faith_n no_o marvel_n therefore_o if_o sometime_o the_o best_a faith_n stagger_v and_o waver_v this_o doctrine_n confute_v 1._o the_o papist_n who_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v with_o more_o probability_n maintain_v and_o persuade_v the_o possibility_n of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n teach_v that_o faith_n and_o charity_n be_v perfect_a in_o this_o life_n 2._o some_o in_o our_o church_n at_o home_n who_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n never_o doubt_v after_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n it_o seem_v these_o man_n think_v faith_n to_o be_v like_o certain_a little_a bone_n in_o man_n head_n of_o which_o the_o doctor_n of_o nature_n write_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o bigness_n in_o a_o old_a man_n and_o in_o a_o child_n 3._o our_o common_a people_n and_o silly_a ignorant_o who_o brag_v their_o belief_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o nothing_o can_v shake_v it_o no_o company_n can_v hurt_v no_o devil_n prevail_v against_o they_o they_o never_o sound_v in_o themselves_o any_o want_n or_o weakness_n of_o faith_n they_o never_o disinherit_v god_n in_o all_o their_o life_n they_o can_v believe_v as_o steadfast_o as_o they_o lift_v from_o their_o own_o word_n their_o faith_n be_v evince_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o idle_a sancy_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n seel_v such_o craziness_n in_o his_o faith_n as_o wring_n from_o he_o many_o deep_a sigh_n bitter_a cry_n dolorous_a complaint_n before_o his_o heavenly_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_a he_o who_o never_o groan_v under_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o great_a infidelity_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o infidelity_n and_o death_n and_o have_v no_o more_o true_a faith_n than_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a may_n some_o say_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o deceive_v and_o mistake_v object_n as_o to_o persuade_v himself_o he_o be_v rich_a in_o faith_n when_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o i_o answer_v answ_o yes_o very_o easy_o for_o 1._o the_o heart_n be_v natural_o very_o full_a of_o strong_a presumption_n which_o these_o man_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v from_o say_v do_v therefore_o take_v and_o rest_n in_o the_o one_o instead_o of_o the_o other_o 2._o be_v full_a of_o darkness_n destitute_a of_o spiritual_a light_n they_o see_v not_o that_o mighty_a mass_n that_o sink_v that_o sea_n of_o unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o infidelity_n be_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a symptom_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v continual_o stir_v yea_o rule_v in_o they_o and_o break_v out_o so_o as_o other_o may_v discern_v it_o yet_o they_o see_v it_o not_o themselves_o because_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o nor_o what_o be_v in_o they_o as_o one_o bodily_a blind_a or_o go_v into_o a_o dark_a night_n without_o a_o candle_n into_o a_o room_n can_v discern_v what_o filth_n and_o baggage_n be_v â—n_v it_o 3._o all_o unconvert_v be_v in_o a_o deep_a and_o deadly_a sleep_n for_o repentance_n be_v call_v awake_v therefore_o we_o need_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a or_o impossible_a they_o shall_v dream_v of_o great_a riches_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v while_o their_o soul_n be_v empty_a 4._o the_o devil_n will_v do_v his_o best_a to_o keep_v such_o from_o doubt_v for_o fear_v of_o lose_v they_o for_o well_o he_o know_v that_o to_o doubt_v one_o have_v go_v wrong_a be_v a_o step_n to_o return_v and_o to_o fear_v one_o heart_n be_v faithless_a and_o graceless_a a_o step_n to_o believe_v second_o let_v the_o child_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o number_v himself_o among_o unbeliever_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v void_a of_o faith_n because_o sometime_o he_o find_v his_o heart_n tremble_v and_o shake_v with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n indeed_o satan_n will_v encounter_v a_o christian_a with_o this_o sophistry_n thou_o have_v experience_n oâ—_n much_o waver_v thou_o be_v not_o steadfast_a and_o root_v in_o faith_n therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v answer_n the_o tempter_n bold_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a must_v be_v condemn_v none_o of_o which_o be_v exempt_v and_o privilege_v from_o know_v weakness_n and_o fail_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v object_v object_n christ_n pray_v for_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o for_o peter_n that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v i_o answer_n sol_o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o fail_v either_o in_o regard_n of_o habit_n when_o it_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o extinguish_v and_o this_o fail_n do_v not_o shall_v not_o befall_v a_o true_a believer_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o or_o in_o regard_n of_o act_n and_o operation_n when_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n some_o grievous_a fall_n or_o temptation_n it_o faint_v swoun_v work_v not_o or_o but_o very_o weak_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n and_o manner_n the_o best_a man_n faith_n may_v fail_v as_o peter_n do_v for_o his_o denial_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o strength_n or_o lively_a powerful_a work_v of_o faith_n expel_v viz._n predominancy_n of_o carnal_a fear_n neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n pray_v that_o his_o elect_a might_n be_v preserve_v from_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v again_o object_n abraham_n believe_v without_o stagger_v i_o answer_v 1._o true_o sol_fw-mi when_o god_n promise_v isaac_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o he_o never_o at_o any_o time_n stagger_v 2._o this_o example_n teach_v what_o a_o strong_a faith_n ordinary_o can_v do_v and_o what_o every_o christian_a shall_v labour_v to_o do_v but_o not_o that_o every_o one_o who_o reach_v not_o abraham_n measure_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n i_o speak_v this_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o true_a believer_n not_o to_o nuzzle_v up_o any_o in_o their_o doubt_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o please_v himself_o in_o a_o float_a uncertainty_n hang_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o neglect_v to_o try_v or_o labour_n for_o more_o strength_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o hear_v the_o best_a faith_n have_v weakness_n he_o pervert_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n but_o may_n some_o man_n say_v see_v a_o good_a christian_a may_v be_v trouble_v quest_n and_o toss_v with_o doubt_n shall_v not_o i_o conclude_v i_o be_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o happy_a case_n if_o i_o feel_v doubt_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o deceit_n answ_n a_o right_a believer_n may_v doubt_v and_o he_o may_v doubt_v that_o never_o be_v believer_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v this_o first_o the_o doubt_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n touch_v his_o salvation_n be_v cause_v or_o confirm_v by_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o god_n word_n right_o divide_v and_o apply_v discover_v his_o unsoundness_n and_o so_o convince_a his_o conscience_n that_o its_o force_a to_o give_v sentence_n against_o he_o and_o roundly_o to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v not_o qualifr_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o enjoy_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n they_o come_v not_o from_o satan_n ordinary_o for_o his_o
custom_n be_v and_o he_o know_v it_o for_o his_o profit_n to_o apply_v false_a comfort_n to_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n have_v terrify_v and_o wound_v they_o not_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o unbelief_n i_o mean_v still_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o salvation_n except_o when_o he_o get_v they_o at_o a_o dead_a lift_n as_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o in_o some_o great_a extremity_n wherein_o he_o hope_v to_o push_v they_o headlong_o into_o desperation_n because_o then_o he_o shall_v minister_v occasion_n of_o seek_v that_o precious_a faith_n of_o which_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a as_o the_o lion_n of_o fire_n and_o consequent_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o himself_o his_o own_o enemy_n but_o the_o doubt_n of_o a_o sound_a christian_a come_v principal_o from_o satan_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o help_n of_o natural_a ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n by_o mean_n whereof_o he_o have_v great_a advantage_n to_o work_v who_o policy_n be_v when_o he_o can_v keep_v the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o grace_n then_o by_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n by_o extenuate_v or_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n the_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o hold_v and_o deter_v he_o from_o believe_v to_o make_v he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a whole_o to_o cast_v away_o his_o hope_n or_o else_o to_o languish_v in_o a_o heavy_a uncomfortableness_n great_o displease_v and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o how_o may_v one_o know_v that_o his_o doubt_n be_v from_o satan_n 1._o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a privy_a search_n in_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o find_v such_o sign_n of_o faith_n as_o certain_o declare_v its_o there_o present_a though_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v not_o present_o feel_v and_o discern_v as_o namely_o a_o turn_n of_o the_o stream_n and_o bend_v of_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n after_o heavenly_a thing_n a_o ingenuous_a and_o lovely_a melt_a of_o the_o heart_n into_o sorrow_n for_o offend_v to_o the_o lord_n strong_a desire_n of_o honour_v and_o please_v god_n with_o resolution_n of_o cleave_v to_o and_o follow_v him_z though_o he_o shall_v never_o receive_v comfort_n from_o he_o a_o hearty_a hatred_n of_o join_v with_o a_o serious_a strife_n against_o secret_a hypocrisy_n and_o carnal_a end_n in_o well-doing_n and_o the_o like_a 2._o if_o he_o feel_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n fight_v against_o his_o doubt_n sweet_o persuade_v and_o draw_v he_o to_o believe_v comfort_v and_o rejoice_v his_o heart_n not_o beat_v and_o batter_v down_o his_o confidence_n as_o ordinary_o it_o do_v the_o hypocrite_n but_o better_v and_o strengthen_v it_o for_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o doubt_n be_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o echo_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o just_a verdict_n of_o conscience_n speak_v from_o the_o word_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o satan_n second_o a_o believer_n find_v doubt_n in_o himself_o be_v exceed_o grieve_v for_o they_o bewail_v want_n of_o faith_n as_o his_o great_a misery_n willing_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o these_o pang_n and_o qualm_n of_o unbelief_n as_o for_o great_a sin_n they_o be_v very_o burdensome_a to_o he_o chief_o because_o they_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o make_v he_o less_o cheerful_a in_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n praise_n and_o other_o obedience_n but_o the_o hypocrite_n doubt_v trouble_v he_o and_o he_o wish_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o only_o because_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o inward_a disquietness_n terror_n fear_n of_o the_o lord_n judgement_n not_o because_o they_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o sufflcient_a proof_n that_o if_o he_o enjoy_v a_o kind_n of_o peace_n and_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o his_o evil_a heart_n full_a of_o infidelity_n secret_o deny_v or_o call_v into_o question_n a_o hundred_o thing_n in_o divinity_n one_o after_o another_o he_o relent_v not_o he_o be_v not_o trouble_v tush_o these_o be_v but_o flit_a motion_n nor_o worthy_a check_n or_o controlment_n three_o doubt_v drive_v a_o true_a believer_n first_o to_o god_n by_o earnest_a request_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o diminish_v of_o his_o unbelief_n strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n then_o into_o himself_o by_o a_o more_o exact_a and_o impartial_a scrutiny_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o estate_n they_o quicken_v he_o unwearied_o and_o constant_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o resist_v and_o subdue_a they_o in_o seek_v and_o lament_v after_o christ_n and_o never_o to_o sit_v down_o till_o god_n have_v bring_v his_o heart_n into_o the_o harbour_n of_o a_o establish_v assurance_n till_o he_o see_v feel_v and_o as_o it_o be_v handle_v eternal_a life_n in_o himself_o till_o he_o know_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n in_o christ_n as_o undoubted_o to_o be_v his_o own_o as_o his_o apparel_n money_z house_n land_n till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v sign_v seal_v and_o deliver_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o word_n till_o he_o have_v get_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o can_v glory_v in_o god_n insult_v over_o hell_n death_n devil_n sin_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o out-wrestle_a all_o difficulty_n but_o the_o unsound_a christian_a either_o build_v himself_o a_o castle_n of_o imaginary_a assurance_n upon_o the_o sand_n of_o false_a ground_n or_o lie_v under_o his_o doubt_n irrecoverable_o give_v over_o seek_v before_o he_o receive_v a_o sound_n certain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n from_o the_o lord_n either_o out_o of_o sloth_n or_o despair_n of_o obtain_v or_o because_o he_o have_v learn_v the_o strong_a faith_n be_v subject_a to_o some_o faint_n and_o therefore_o judge_v it_o needless_a to_o strive_v any_o long_o or_o labour_n for_o more_o faith_n see_v that_o which_o he_o have_v will_v serve_v his_o turn_n and_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o with_o he_o than_o it_o be_v with_o a_o true_a christian_a three_o we_o must_v hence_o be_v admonish_v not_o to_o disdain_v or_o condemn_v such_o christian_n as_o sometime_o bewray_v some_o feebleness_n of_o faith_n in_o word_n or_o work_n thou_o see_v or_o hear_v thy_o brother_n be_v impatient_a in_o affliction_n fear_v poverty_n shrink_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o persecution_n or_o death_n be_v discourage_v by_o reproach_n and_o slander_n not_o so_o zealous_a and_o valiant_a in_o maintain_v god_n glory_n and_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n omit_v some_o necessary_a good_a defile_v himself_o with_o the_o do_v of_o some_o evil_n do_v not_o now_o think_v or_o say_v such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o faithless_a temporizer_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o judgement_n lest_o thou_o be_v judge_v see_v the_o true_o faithful_a have_v do_v as_o much_o thou_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o be_v spare_v in_o thy_o censure_n till_o thou_o can_v show_v a_o persect_n faith_n four_o use_v 4_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o sometime_o the_o life_n of_o very_o godly_a man_n be_v blemish_v with_o some_o fault_n alas_o the_o tree_n be_v imperfect_a therefore_o the_o fruit_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o though_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v free_a from_o notorious_a sin_n yet_o they_o can_v obey_v perfect_o because_o they_o believe_v but_o in_o part_n why_o then_o do_v carnal_a man_n if_o they_o spy_v but_o a_o spot_n in_o a_o godly_a man_n face_n a_o frailty_n in_o his_o conversation_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o moat_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o beam_n why_o do_v they_o present_o cry_v out_o these_o that_o make_v so_o much_o profession_n be_v naught_o they_o be_v naught_o all_o of_o they_o they_o be_v dissembler_n they_o be_v not_o what_o they_o seem_v etc._n etc._n absurd_a unreasonable_a man_n do_v you_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v perfect_o holy_a when_o they_o be_v but_o imperfect_o faithful_a if_o one_o of_o your_o child_n have_v a_o slow_a or_o unseemly_a pace_n by_o reason_n of_o lameness_n or_o debility_n in_o some_o member_n you_o think_v he_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v pity_v than_o upbraid_v if_o you_o will_v not_o learn_v to_o judge_v merciful_o of_o the_o godly_a when_o they_o fall_v and_o to_o impute_v their_o slip_n rather_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o condition_n than_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o naughtiness_n of_o their_o disposition_n you_o shall_v but_o prove_v yourselves_o to_o be_v hater_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n 3.15_o 1_o john_n 3.15_o and_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o five_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v use_v 5_o that_o believer_n must_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o
christ_n which_o give_v power_n to_o merit_v from_o justice_n because_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o just_a judge_n will_v in_o the_o last_o day_n give_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n to_o all_o that_o love_v he_o i_o answer_v 1._o their_o goliâ—h_n seem_v here_o to_o stagger_v for_o though_o sometime_o he_o maintain_v that_o good_a work_n do_v merit_v eternal_a life_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o inherent_a dignity_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o seven_o most_o silly_a sophism_n yet_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v we_o attribute_v not_o to_o work_v such_o merit_n as_o have_v a_o answerable_a wage_n due_a unto_o it_o from_o justice_n and_o again_o set_v aside_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v so_o to_o accept_v our_o work_n as_o to_o reward_v they_o 2._o that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o justice_n commutative_a or_o distributive_a respect_v man_n merit_n but_o of_o god_n verity_n or_o fidelity_n who_o have_v promise_v this_o crown_n to_o all_o that_o strive_v lawful_o the_o faithful_a fulfil_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o else_o the_o apostle_n shall_v manifest_o contradict_v himself_o as_o who_o in_o other_o place_n have_v teach_v most_o plain_o that_o grace_n and_o debt_n grace_n and_o man_n work_n in_o respect_n of_o causation_n of_o salvation_n can_v never_o stand_v together_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n not_o wage_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v other_o construction_n of_o paul_n word_n yea_o â—uch_v a_o gift_n of_o grace_n as_o be_v not_o any_o way_n from_o ourselves_o all_o the_o wit_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o clude_v so_o perspicuous_a a_o passage_n 3._o this_o will_v better_o appear_v if_o we_o do_v brief_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o know_v but_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n merit_n for_o themselves_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o expound_v scripture_n to_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o first_o therefore_o the_o faithful_a israelite_n do_v not_o merit_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n 3_o deut_n 9.4_o 5_o 6._o psal_n 4â—_n 3_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v merit_v by_o pay_v his_o debt_n but_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v for_o god_n in_o this_o present_a world_n its_o debt_n 3._o they_o that_o be_v but_o instrument_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o and_o continue_v by_o another_o can_v merit_v at_o his_o hand_n but_o such_o be_v we_o 4._o can_v we_o merit_v we_o may_v by_o our_o work_n make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o we_o but_o this_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v my_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o thou_o say_v david_n which_o phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expound_v by_o that_o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o god_n that_o be_v have_v make_v i_o oblige_v and_o indebt_v to_o thou_o 5._o if_o the_o best_a man_n best_a work_n can_v endure_v the_o strict_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o best_a man_n shall_v need_v mercy_n in_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o merit_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a 6._o we_o can_v deserve_v the_o least_o morsel_n of_o bread_n but_o must_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n like_o beggar_n last_o if_o we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v and_o grant_v much_o less_o heaven_n bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o merit_n but_o the_o first_o the_o scripture_n teach_v 9.18_o dan._n 9.18_o and_o papist_n confess_v and_o therefore_o in_o one_o of_o their_o missal-prayer_n they_o entreat_v god_n not_o to_o weigh_v their_o merit_n but_o to_o pardon_v their_o offence_n second_o let_v we_o look_v and_o trust_v only_o to_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v find_v salvation_n renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o merit_a cause_n of_o salvation_n in_o ourselves_o and_o all_o creature_n let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o challenge_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o desert_n much_o less_o the_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v they_o that_o put_v confidence_n in_o their_o work_n be_v like_o little_a child_n begin_v to_o go_v by_o themselves_o who_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v more_o firm_o take_v fast_o hold_v on_o their_o own_o clothes_n but_o alas_o they_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n further_o from_o fall_v nay_o well_o be_v it_o if_o it_o be_v no_o worse_o but_o further_o they_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n and_o be_v abolish_v from_o christ_n indeed_o we_o must_v labour_v strive_v run_v sight_n before_o we_o be_v crown_v but_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o still_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o confess_v that_o heaven_n be_v god_n free_a gift_n call_v a_o reward_n not_o because_o by_o our_o work_n it_o be_v deserve_v but_o because_o by_o god_n gracious_o promise_v hold_v this_o fast_n that_o if_o satan_n object_n thus_o unto_o thou_o on_o thy_o deathbed_n how_o can_v thou_o hope_v for_o any_o part_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o of_o so_o great_a sin_n so_o many_o halting_n and_o imperfection_n thou_o may_v have_v what_o to_o answer_v indeed_o satan_n it_o be_v something_o thou_o fay_v and_o may_v shake_v i_o terrible_o if_o i_o do_v challenge_v or_o expect_v salvation_n for_o my_o own_o work_n my_o own_o preach_n pray_v holiness_n zeal_n serve_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o abhor_v myself_o my_o worthiness_n be_v none_o my_o righteousness_n be_v spot_v my_o merit_n be_v hell_n 〈◊〉_d depend_v and_o rely_v only_o on_o the_o lord_n mercy_n and_o christ_n purchase_n this_o be_v my_o rock_n and_o portion_n for_o ever_o notwithstanding_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o if_o satan_n assault_v we_o another_o way_n we_o may_v lawful_o look_v at_o god_n image_n grace_n and_o work_n in_o we_o as_o testimony_n of_o our_o faith_n seal_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o call_n evidence_n that_o god_n grace_n have_v not_o be_v ineffectual_a in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o salvation_n be_v promise_v finis_fw-la