you_o my_o judgement_n before_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o sudden_a looseness_n of_o their_o life_n answer_v their_o ignorant_a loose_a ungospel-like_a doctrine_n do_v certify_v i_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n be_v not_o their_o comforter_n for_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o comfort_v man_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o holy_a gospel_n which_o have_v precept_n and_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o promise_n 2._o and_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n assure_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o certainty_n so_o experience_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o understanding_n show_v we_o that_o few_o of_o they_o be_v immediate_o capable_a of_o it_o for_o how_o few_o believer_n be_v there_o that_o understand_v well_o what_o be_v a_o sound_a evidence_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o how_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o grace_n itself_o as_o some_o say_v or_o at_o least_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o it_o as_o other_o say_v whereas_o alas_o how_o many_o have_v unfeigned_o desire_v many_o grace_n and_o yet_o have_v desire_v the_o glory_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o more_o that_o they_o have_v miscarry_v and_o perish_v how_o many_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o least_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o save_a grace_n whenas_o many_o a_o one_o have_v unfeigned_o love_v god_n and_o the_o brethren_n who_o yet_o have_v love_v house_n land_n credit_n pleasure_n and_o life_n so_o much_o more_o that_o god_n have_v be_v thrust_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o have_v have_v but_o the_o world_n leave_n and_o the_o poor_a saint_n have_v have_v little_a compassion_n or_o relief_n from_o they_o nor_o will_v be_v look_v on_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o disgrace_n as_o austin_n and_o the_o schoolman_n use_v to_o say_v wicked_a man_n do_v uti_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o frui_fw-la creaturis_fw-la use_v god_n and_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n godly_a man_n do_v frui_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o uti_fw-la creaturis_fw-la enjoy_v god_n and_o use_v the_o creature_n the_o meaning_n be_v both_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v have_v some_o will_n or_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v will_n or_o love_v the_o creature_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n and_o they_o only_o love_v god_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o to_o the_o creature_n with_o a_o love_n subordinate_a to_o their_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n whereas_o the_o godly_a do_v will_n or_o love_n god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a with_o their_o chief_a love_n or_o complacency_n and_o love_v the_o creature_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o god_n with_o a_o inferior_a love_n if_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o sincerity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v than_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n can_v be_v very_o common_a more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o common_a among_o true_a christian_n but_o that_o it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a as_o to_o they_o see_v experience_n and_o their_o own_o ready_a confession_n do_v witness_v it_o now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o make_v of_o this_o why_o it_o be_v this_o if_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n and_o justification_n much_o more_o of_o salvation_n be_v so_o rare_a among_o true_a christian_n than_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o prove_v you_o to_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n you_o see_v then_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o justify_v faith_n as_o some_o have_v imagine_v nor_o yet_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a of_o that_o faith_n you_o see_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n because_o you_o have_v no_o assure_v witness_n within_o you_o effective_o testify_v to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n all_o god_n child_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n for_o because_o they_o be_v son_n therefore_o have_v god_n send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o but_o all_o god_n child_n have_v not_o assurance_n of_o their_o adoption_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v not_o always_o assure_v those_o of_o their_o adoption_n in_o who_o it_o abide_v it_o be_v always_o a_o witness-bearer_n of_o their_o adoption_n but_o that_o be_v only_o objective_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o operation_n in_o they_o as_o a_o landmark_n be_v a_o witness_n who_o land_n it_o be_v where_o it_o stand_v or_o as_o your_o sheep-mark_a witness_v which_o be_v your_o sheep_n or_o rather_o as_o a_o sensible_a soul_n witness_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o a_o rational_a soul_n witness_v that_o we_o be_v man_n but_o efficient_o it_o do_v not_o always_o witness_v as_o a_o landmark_n or_o sheep-mark_a be_v not_o always_o discern_v and_o a_o bruit_n know_v not_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o bruit_n and_o a_o man_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o know_v his_o own_o humanity_n nor_o can_v know_v it_o at_o all_o in_o the_o womb_n in_o infancy_n in_o distraction_n in_o a_o epilepsy_n apoplexy_n or_o the_o like_a disease_n which_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n beside_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o tongue_n prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o age_n though_o still_o as_o include_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n you_o see_v then_o that_o you_o need_v not_o be_v always_o in_o disquiet_a when_o you_o want_v assurance_n for_o else_o how_o disquiet_a a_o life_n shall_v most_o christian_n live_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o anon_o that_o all_o a_o man_n comfort_n depend_v not_o so_o on_o his_o assurance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o trouble_v of_o mind_n may_v be_v overcome_v conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v true_a peace_n attain_v yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v without_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o passage_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_v 3_o d_o in_o press_v to_o get_v assurance_n which_o seem_v contrary_a to_o this_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o no_o otherwise_o understand_v this_o shall_v be_v further_o open_v anon_o and_o other_o ground_n of_o comfort_n manifest_v beside_o assurance_n direction_n xv._n 15._o yea_o this_o much_o more_o i_o will_v here_o inform_v you_o of_o that_o very_o many_o even_n of_o the_o strong_a holy_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a christian_n be_v yet_o uncertain_a of_o their_o salvation_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o overcome_v for_o a_o man_n certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o be_v his_o certainty_n of_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o overcome_v that_o you_o may_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o in_o this_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v perseverance_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a in_o itself_o 2._o nor_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o all_o christian_n 3._o but_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o many_o even_o strong_a and_o self-knowing_a christian_n divine_n use_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o former_a be_v either_o of_o the_o object_n of_o god_n knowledge_n or_o of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n know_v certain_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o with_o his_o decree_n do_v cause_n that_o which_o we_o call_v certainty_n of_o the_o object_n as_o to_o man_n understanding_n but_o man_n themselves_o do_v not_o always_o know_v it_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o full_a certainty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v god_n child_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o shall_v so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o that_o many_o eminent_a christian_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o much_o zeal_n and_o obedience_n be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n be_v prove_v by_o two_o infallible_a argument_n 1._o by_o experience_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o censorious_a as_o to_o think_v that_o none_o of_o all_o those_o nation_n and_o church_n abroad_o that_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o certain_a perseverance_n of_o all_o believer_n
have_v any_o strong_a christian_n among_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o at_o home_n 2._o beside_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v a_o clear_a argument_n that_o a_o strong_a christian_a may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o it_o god_n have_v make_v all_o those_o point_n plain_a in_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v believe_v as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o believer_n perseverance_n be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o considerable_a number_n be_v ever_o save_v till_o of_o late_a or_o be_v yet_o save_v but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o country_n it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o the_o church_n never_o do_v put_v into_o their_o creed_n where_o they_o sum_v up_o those_o point_n that_o they_o hold_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v the_o contrary_a do_v make_v the_o point_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o those_o text_n that_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o full_o to_o satisfy_v they_o beside_o that_o the_o example_n of_o these_o ten_o year_n last_o pass_v have_v do_v more_o to_o stagger_v many_o sober_a wise_a christian_n in_o this_o point_n than_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o papist_n arminian_n or_o any_o other_o to_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n in_o some_o place_n have_v fall_v and_o how_o far_o as_o i_o be_o unwilling_a further_o to_o mention_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v of_o this_o myself_o and_o consequent_o what_o assurance_n i_o have_v of_o my_o own_o salvation_n i_o will_v free_o tell_v you_o both_o how_o far_o i_o be_o arrive_v in_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n and_o justification_n and_o how_o far_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o perseverance_n and_o so_o of_o salvation_n i_o lay_v seven_o year_n under_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o sanctification_n especial_o for_o want_v of_o those_o lively_a affectionate_a heart-melting_a effect_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v find_v and_o for_o want_v of_o deep_o apprehension_n of_o god_n christ_n glory_n sin_n misery_n mercy_n duty_n etc._n etc._n which_o make_v i_o still_o fear_v that_o all_o i_o have_v be_v but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o education_n read_v and_o speculative_a knowledge_n and_o so_o that_o i_o have_v only_o a_o notional_a religion_n that_o touch_v my_o fantasy_n and_o swim_v in_o my_o brain_n but_o work_v not_o thorough_o on_o my_o heart_n for_o want_v of_o more_o deep_a and_o serious_a believe_v of_o those_o holy_a truth_n which_o shall_v be_v operative_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n probability_n of_o grace_n afford_v i_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v hope_n do_v bear_v i_o up_o now_o through_o the_o great_a unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o my_o god_n i_o have_v attain_v to_o so_o strong_a a_o probability_n of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o sanctification_n as_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v assurance_n or_o certainty_n but_o not_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n i_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n as_o overcome_v most_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o keep_v i_o in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n and_o some_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o delightful_a thought_n of_o my_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o give_v i_o a_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o yet_o i_o find_v that_o carnal_a security_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o alay_n of_o my_o trouble_n though_o not_o in_o the_o raise_n of_o my_o joy_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o bad_a faith_n assurance_n and_o carnal_a security_n to_o join_v together_o in_o one_o effect_n even_o in_o expelling_a trouble_n from_o the_o heart_n yet_o dare_v i_o scarce_o say_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o so_o of_o my_o justification_n especial_o when_o temptation_n have_v prevail_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n interest_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o my_o estimation_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v appear_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o when_o i_o have_v think_v how_o much_o strong_a trial_n i_o may_v yet_o be_v put_v to_o which_o other_o daily_o undergo_v especial_o the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n do_v often_o make_v i_o fear_v than_o those_o of_o persecution_n and_o adversity_n i_o be_o sometime_o afraid_a lest_o it_o be_v but_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o body_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o object_n and_o smallness_n of_o temptation_n that_o make_v they_o no_o more_o prevail_v with_o i_o and_o that_o if_o i_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o body_n as_o other_o and_o be_v in_o that_o dignity_n wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o some_o be_v whether_o honour_n carâ—al_a pleasure_n sport_n delightful_a meat_n drink_n beauty_n and_o such_o vanity_n may_v not_o carry_v i_o away_o as_o i_o see_v they_o do_v other_o that_o make_v as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o holiness_n yet_o do_v not_o these_o doubt_v much_o affright_n or_o disquiet_v i_o because_o i_o find_v god_n at_o present_a possess_v i_o with_o those_o resolution_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o for_o christ_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o have_v experience_n of_o abundance_n of_o prevent_v and_o sustain_a grace_n and_o because_o i_o find_v at_o the_o present_a that_o god_n enable_v i_o to_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dross_n and_o dung_n for_o he_o and_o easy_o without_o much_o reluctancy_n to_o empty_v my_o purse_n for_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o time_n and_o strength_n for_o he_o and_o his_o church_n and_o with_o some_o good_a success_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n in_o any_o activity_n or_o prevalency_n to_o be_v any_o high_a in_o the_o world_n than_o i_o be_o but_o think_v god_n have_v choose_v out_o for_o i_o the_o best_a condition_n and_o station_n that_o i_o can_v have_v desire_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o then_o for_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v my_o case_n it_o be_v my_o strong_a opinion_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o rootedness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v thorough_o sanctify_v do_v ever_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o which_o christ_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n fall_v away_o in_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o deep_a root_n mat._n 13._o and_o i_o be_o yet_o more_o confident_a that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n shall_v ever_o fall_v away_o and_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o root_v through-christians_a be_v elect._n but_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o this_o that_o all_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n and_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o total_o and_o final_o who_o sincere_o believe_v and_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o put_v it_o into_o my_o creed_n among_o either_o the_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o undoubted_a verity_n i_o know_v how_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o i_o know_v how_o general_o the_o primitive_a father_n think_v otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n can_v know_v their_o mind_n by_o their_o write_n i_o know_v that_o austin_n himself_o the_o mall_n of_o the_o pelagian_n seem_v to_o be_v either_o unresolved_a or_o more_o against_o this_o perseverance_n then_o for_o it_o i_o know_v how_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n do_v differ_v from_o i_o and_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n i_o know_v how_o sad_a and_o shake_a example_n this_o age_n have_v afford_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a proper_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o perseverance_n and_o so_o not_o full_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o salvation_n nor_o so_o near_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o salvation_n as_o i_o be_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o faith_n justification_n adoption_n and_o sanctification_n yet_o be_o i_o so_o strong_o confident_a of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v hold_v out_o and_o be_v save_v that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o overcome_v my_o trouble_n and_o fear_n but_o also_o enable_v i_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o to_o desire_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o to_o think_v of_o death_n with_o much_o more_o contentedness_n and_o
temptation_n why_o christ_n be_v tempt_v to_o cast_v himself_o headlong_o and_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n for_o worldly_a preferment_n yea_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o carry_v his_o body_n up_o and_o down_o to_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mountain_n if_o he_o have_v such_o power_n of_o you_o will_v you_o not_o think_v yourself_o certain_o his_o slave_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o all_o the_o sick_a people_n in_o a_o city_n to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o merciful_a and_o skilful_a physician_n that_o be_v easy_o able_a to_o cure_v they_o and_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v it_o free_o for_o all_o that_o will_v take_v he_o for_o their_o physician_n so_o be_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o exceed_a comfort_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n to_o all_o sinner_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o have_v not_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o know_v what_o a_o merciful_a and_o sufficient_a saviour_n have_v undertake_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n 3._o also_o suppose_v yet_o that_o you_o be_v graceless_a be_v it_o nothing_o that_o a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n be_v give_v for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o solid_a peace_n i_o think_v this_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o know_v that_o god_n look_v now_o for_o no_o satisfaction_n at_o your_o hand_n and_o that_o the_o number_n or_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n as_o such_o can_v now_o be_v your_o ruin_n for_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o the_o payment_n of_o his_o ransom_n or_o of_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o only_o for_o want_v of_o a_o willing_a heart_n to_o accept_v he_o that_o have_v free_o ransom_v they_o 4._o also_o suppose_v you_o be_v graceless_a be_v it_o nothing_o that_o god_n have_v under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v make_v a_o full_a and_o free_a deed_n of_o gift_n to_o you_o and_o all_o sinner_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o he_o of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o all_o this_o on_o condition_n of_o your_o acceptance_n or_o consent_n i_o know_v the_o despiser_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v miserable_a for_o all_o this_o but_o for_o you_o that_o will_v fain_o have_v christ_n be_v it_o no_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v he_o if_o you_o will_v and_o to_o find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o know_v you_o have_v oft_o read_v those_o free_a offer_n rev._n 22.17_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v and_o drink_v etc._n etc._n almost_o all_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v to_o you_o be_v comprise_v in_o that_o one_o text_n joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o you_o in_o the_o cause_n what_o comfort_n even_o general_a mercy_n may_v afford_v so_o let_v i_o a_o little_a show_n it_o you_o in_o the_o effect_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o in_o that_o god_n be_v now_o satisfy_v but_o as_o to_o yourself_o and_o every_o sinner_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v produce_v hereby_o 1._o there_o be_v now_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n to_o you_o and_o certain_o even_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a great_a comfort_n i_o know_v you_o will_v meet_v with_o some_o divine_n who_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v no_o effect_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o else_o christ_n shall_v die_v for_o god_n if_o he_o procure_v he_o a_o power_n to_o save_v which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o but_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o reproach_v of_o our_o redeemer_n suppose_v that_o a_o traitor_n have_v so_o abuse_v a_o king_n that_o it_o will_v neither_o stand_v with_o his_o own_o honour_n nor_o justice_n nor_o law_n to_o pardon_v he_o if_o his_o compassion_n be_v so_o great_a that_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v suffer_v for_o he_o that_o so_o the_o king_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_v he_o without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o honour_n or_o justice_n be_v it_o not_o a_o vile_a reproach_n if_o this_o traitor_n shall_v tell_v the_o prince_n that_o suffer_v for_o he_o it_o be_v for_o your_o father_n that_o you_o suffer_v to_o procure_v he_o a_o power_n of_o pardon_v it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o it_o be_v true_a the_o king_n can_v not_o pardon_v he_o without_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o justice_n but_o this_o be_v not_o through_o any_o impotency_n but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o in_o law_n we_o say_v dishonest_a thing_n be_v impossible_a and_o it_o have_v be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o king_n if_o the_o traitor_n have_v not_o be_v pardon_v so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o case_n and_o therefore_o christ_n suffering_n can_v not_o be_v more_o eminent_o for_o we_o then_o by_o enable_v the_o offend_a majesty_n to_o forgive_v we_o and_o so_o take_v the_o great_a impediment_n out_o of_o the_o way_n for_o when_o impediment_n be_v once_o remove_v god_n nature_n be_v so_o gracious_a and_o prone_a to_o mercy_n that_o he_o will_v soon_o pardon_v we_o when_o once_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o moral_o possible_a in_o the_o full_a sense_n only_a man_n own_a unwillingness_n now_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v not_o full_o fit_a to_o be_v yet_o do_v it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o remote_a sense_n the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v always_o possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a till_o christ_n make_v it_o possible_a by_o his_o satisfaction_n 2._o nay_o though_o you_o be_v yet_o graceless_a you_o have_v now_o this_o comfort_n that_o your_o salvation_n be_v probable_a as_o well_o as_o possible_a you_o be_v very_o fair_a for_o it_o the_o term_n be_v not_o hard_a in_o themselves_o on_o which_o it_o be_v tender_v for_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o his_o command_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o word_n be_v nigh_o you_o even_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n you_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n rom._n 10._o but_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o yea_o this_o exceed_a comfort_n there_o be_v even_o for_o they_o that_o be_v graceless_a that_o their_o salvation_n be_v conditional_o certain_a and_o the_o condition_n be_v but_o their_o own_o willingness_n they_o may_v all_o have_v christ_n and_o life_n if_o they_o will_n now_o i_o desire_v you_o in_o all_o your_o doubt_n that_o you_o will_v well_o consider_v and_o improve_v this_o one_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o comfort_n will_v you_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o groan_n and_o complaint_n and_o fear_n take_v it_o for_o a_o small_a mercy_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o shall_v have_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v when_o you_o be_v pray_v for_o christ_n in_o fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n if_o a_o angel_n or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n shall_v say_v to_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o will_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o thou_o shall_v will_v this_o be_v no_o comfort_n to_o you_o will_v it_o not_o revive_v you_o and_o overcome_v your_o fear_n by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v you_o see_v what_o abundance_n of_o comfort_n general_n mercy_n or_o grace_n may_v afford_v the_o soul_n before_o it_o perceive_v yea_o or_o receive_v any_o special_a grace_n though_o few_o of_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o special_a grace_n can_v make_v much_o use_n of_o general_n yet_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o 1._o all_o the_o terrify_a temptation_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o cruel_a destroyer_n to_o be_v flee_v from_o be_v dispel_v by_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o deep_a settle_a apprehension_n of_o his_o gracious_a merciful_a lovely_a nature_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o very_a master_n radical_a act_n of_o true_a grace_n and_o the_o chief_a maintainer_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o motion_n 2._o all_o these_o temptation_n be_v yet_o more_o effectual_o dispel_v by_o consider_v this_o merciful_a divine_a nature_n dwell_v in_o flesh_n become_v man_n by_o condescend_v to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o come_v near_o we_o and_o assume_v the_o office_n of_o be_v the_o mediator_n the_o redeemer_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o proceed_v from_o your_o former_a sin_n whether_o of_o youth_n or_o
of_o age_n of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o knowledge_n and_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o your_o legal_a unworthiness_n have_v all_o a_o present_a remedy_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n even_o for_o all_o the_o world_n so_o that_o no_o sin_n except_o the_o except_a sin_n be_v so_o great_a but_o it_o be_v full_o satisfy_v for_o and_o though_o you_o be_v unworthy_a yet_o christ_n be_v worthy_a and_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v only_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o strict_a and_o legal_a sense_n 4._o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o god_n unwillingness_n to_o show_v you_o mercy_n and_o to_o give_v you_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o misapprehension_n of_o christ_n unwillingness_n to_o be_v you_o or_o at_o least_o from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o willingness_n these_o have_v all_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n in_o the_o general_a extent_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n can_v you_o doubt_v whether_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v you_o christ_n and_o life_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o already_o even_o by_o a_o deed_n of_o gift_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o by_o a_o law_n of_o grace_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o object_n but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o pardon_v nor_o possess_v of_o christ_n and_o so_o save_v answ_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o so_o that_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v it_o well_o god_n have_v in_o these_o four_o mean_n before_o mention_v give_v even_o to_o the_o graceless_a so_o much_o ground_n of_o comfort_n that_o nothing_o but_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o have_v christ_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v their_o terror_n for_o though_o sin_n be_v not_o actual_o remit_v to_o they_o yet_o be_v it_o conditional_o remit_v viz._n if_o they_o will_v but_o accept_v of_o christ_n offer_v they_o will_v you_o remember_v this_o when_o your_o doubt_n be_v great_a and_o you_o conclude_v that_o certain_o christ_n be_v not_o you_o because_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n suppose_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o still_o know_v that_o christ_n may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v and_o when_o you_o will_n this_o comfort_n you_o may_v have_v when_o you_o can_v find_v no_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o yourself_o so_o much_o for_o that_o direction_n direction_n viii_o 8._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o you_o have_v to_o do_v for_o build_v up_o a_o stable_a comfort_n and_o settle_v your_o conscience_n in_o a_o solid_a peace_n be_v this_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v and_o keep_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o save_v faith_n as_o you_o must_v have_v right_a thought_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n of_o which_o before_o the_o want_n whereof_o do_v puzzle_v and_o confound_v very_o many_o christian_n so_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v right_a thought_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o indeed_o that_o grace_n which_o cause_v you_o to_o perform_v this_o condition_n be_v your_o first_o special_a save_a grace_n which_o you_o may_v take_v as_o a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o your_o justification_n and_o this_o condition_n be_v the_o very_a link_n which_o conjoyn_v all_o the_o general_n forego_v grace_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o follow_v special_a grace_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a and_o plain_a in_o assure_v pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o true_a believer_n that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o be_v a_o believer_n you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o your_o salvation_n see_v therefore_o that_o all_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o you_o have_v true_a faith_n whether_o you_o do_v perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o all_o other_o doubt_v god_n have_v give_v you_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o resolve_v as_o be_v say_v how_o much_o then_o do_v it_o concern_v you_o to_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o that_o you_o may_v have_v let_v i_o tell_v you_o brief_o what_o it_o be_v man_n soul_n have_v two_o faculty_n understanding_n and_o will_n according_o the_o object_n of_o man_n soul_n all_o being_n which_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v have_v two_o modification_n truth_n and_o goodness_n as_o those_o to_o be_v avoid_v be_v evil._n according_o god_n be_v word_n or_o gospel_n have_v two_o part_n the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o some_o good_n this_o offer_v good_a be_v principal_o and_o immediate_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v join_v to_o we_o by_o covenant_n as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n the_o secondary_a consequential_a good_a be_v pardon_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n further_a sanctification_n and_o glorification_n which_o be_v all_o offer_v with_o christ_n by_o this_o you_o may_v see_v what_o save_v faith_n be_v it_o be_v first_o a_o believe_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a and_o then_o a_o accept_n of_o christ_n therein_o offer_v to_o we_o with_o his_o benefit_n or_o a_o consent_n that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o be_v his_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o true_a willingness_n to_o have_v a_o offer_v christ_n remember_v this_o well_o that_o you_o may_v make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o you_o be_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n thousand_o of_o poor_a soul_n have_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o unable_a to_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n mere_o for_o want_v of_o know_v what_o save_a faith_n be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v that_o divine_n who_o shall_v have_v teach_v they_o better_o have_v be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o error_n not_o well_o and_o clear_o understand_v this_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a confession_n but_o the_o world_n know_v it_o already_o the_o papist_n place_n almost_o all_o in_o the_o mere_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n our_o great_a reformer_n make_v it_o to_o be_v either_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o their_o pardon_n exclude_v doubt_v or_o the_o moderate_v a_o persuasion_n of_o our_o particular_a pardon_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o doubt_v the_o antinomian_o strike_v in_o with_o they_o and_o say_v the_o same_o hence_o even_o the_o great_a of_o our_o divine_n chamier_n polanus_fw-la twisse_n etc._n etc._n conclude_v that_o justification_n and_o remission_n go_v before_o faith_n a_o desperate_a error_n because_o the_o act_n do_v always_o suppose_v its_o object_n for_o they_o think_v that_o remission_n already_o past_a be_v the_o object_n of_o justify_v faith_n suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o belief_n that_o we_o be_v pardon_v yea_o ordinary_o it_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o write_n of_o our_o great_a refuter_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o this_o belief_n be_v proper_o a_o divine_a faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o be_v the_o believe_v of_o any_o proposition_n write_v in_o the_o scriture_n a_o foul_a error_n which_o i_o have_v confute_v in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part._n 3._o chap._n 7._o most_o of_o late_o have_v come_v near_o the_o truth_n and_o affirm_v justify_v faith_n to_o consist_v in_o affiance_n or_o recumbency_n or_o rest_a on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n no_o doubt_v this_o be_v one_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n but_o not_o that_o which_o a_o poor_a trouble_a soul_n shall_v first_o search_v after_o and_o try_v itself_o by_o except_o by_o affiance_n any_o shall_v mean_v as_o amesius_n do_v election_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o same_o act_n which_o i_o be_o assert_v but_o very_o unfit_o express_v for_o 1._o affiance_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a act_n nor_o that_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n of_o justify_v faith_n do_v consist_v but_o only_o a_o imperate_a follow_a act_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o vital_a act_n which_o be_v consent_n or_o will_v or_o accept_n christ_n offer_v for_o it_o lie_v main_o in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o sensitive_a part_n or_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o it_o be_v therefore_o less_o constant_a and_o so_o unfit_a to_o try_v by_o for_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o know_v itself_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n yet_o feel_v not_o a_o rest_a on_o he_o or_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o can_v believe_v and_o think_v they_o have_v no_o faith_n for_o recumbency_n affiance_n or_o rest_a on_o christ_n imply_v that_o ease_n of_o themselves_o or_o cast_v off_o their_o fear_n or_o doubt_n or_o care_n which_o true_a believer_n do_v not_o always_o find_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n complain_v o_o i_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n i_o can_v trust_v he_o who_o yet_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o
first_o by_o discern_v that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o deep_o root_v 1._o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o estimation_n 2._o or_o in_o their_o will_n and_o settle_a resolution_n second_o and_o by_o discern_v the_o unmortified_a lust_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o three_o sort_n of_o hearer_n liken_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n go_v further_a than_o these_o for_o here_o it_o be_v only_o say_v by_o luk._n 8.14_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n however_o whether_o these_o go_v far_a than_o the_o other_o or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o also_o have_v their_o trial_n and_o â—ell_o in_o the_o trial_n the_o deceitfullness_n of_o riches_n overturn_v these_o as_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n overturn_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o prosperity_n put_v faith_n to_o the_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o adversity_n but_o mark_v the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o overthrow_n they_o that_o be_v overthrow_v by_o adversity_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v away_o that_o be_v to_o forsake_v christ_n open_o but_o they_o that_o fall_v by_o prosperity_n be_v not_o say_v to_o fall_v away_o but_o only_o that_o the_o deceitfullness_n of_o riches_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n choke_v the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n for_o usual_o these_o do_v not_o open_o forsake_v christ_n but_o continue_v oft_o a_o unfruitful_a and_o hypocritical_a profession_n insomuch_o that_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o the_o word_n be_v choke_v and_o fruitless_a yet_o the_o blade_n of_o profession_n may_v be_v as_o green_a as_o ever_o and_o they_o may_v be_v so_o much_o in_o some_o duty_n and_o have_v such_o golden_a word_n and_o witty_a shift_n to_o plead_v for_o every_o covetous_a practice_n and_o put_v so_o fair_a a_o gloss_n on_o all_o their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o be_v very_o eminent_a christian_n so_o that_o if_o your_o grace_n can_v carry_v you_o well_o through_o prosperity_n you_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o then_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o prove_v true_a and_o save_a you_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v confident_a that_o it_o will_v hold_v out_o in_o adversity_n also_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o overcome_v the_o shake_n of_o tribulation_n i_o think_v most_o man_n be_v better_a in_o adversity_n than_o in_o prosperity_n though_o i_o confess_v no_o adversity_n be_v so_o shake_v as_o that_o which_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o man_n choice_n to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o by_o sin_v as_o for_o a_o man_n in_o health_n to_o be_v persecute_v and_o the_o persecutor_n to_o say_v if_o thou_o will_v turn_v to_o my_o side_n and_o way_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o thy_o life_n and_o preferment_n with_o it_o but_o sickness_n or_o other_o suffering_n impose_v only_o by_o god_n and_o which_o only_a god_n can_v take_v off_o be_v nothing_o so_o shake_v for_o as_o the_o former_a draw_v we_o to_o please_v man_n that_o they_o may_v deliver_v we_o so_o this_o draw_v even_o the_o wicked_a to_o think_v of_o please_a god_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v they_o 17._o observe_v that_o when_o i_o ask_v whether_o this_o resolution_n do_v already_o prevail_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o perfect_a prevail_a nay_o sin_n may_v prevail_v to_o draw_v you_o to_o a_o particular_a act_n and_o how_o many_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o tell_v you_o and_o yet_o still_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v conquer_v in_o the_o main_a for_o you_o will_v say_v that_o general_n and_o army_n get_v the_o victory_n who_o vanquish_v the_o other_o and_o win_v the_o field_n though_o yet_o perhaps_o a_o troop_n or_o regiment_n may_v be_v rout_v and_o many_o slay_v 18._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o your_o overcome_v all_o gross_a sin_n as_o i_o mean_v in_o ordinary_a not_o doubt_v but_o its_o too_o possible_a for_o a_o believer_n to_o commit_v a_o gross_a sin_n so_o i_o confess_v that_o its_o hard_a to_o tell_v just_a which_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v call_v gross_a and_o which_o infirmity_n only_o or_o as_o some_o speak_v which_o be_v mortal_a and_o which_o not_o and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n have_v some_o difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o right_n try_v by_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o 19_o yet_o i_o desire_v that_o you_o join_v they_o all_o together_o in_o trial_n see_v it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o true_a and_o full_a description_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v contain_v the_o same_o description_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n presuppose_v his_o right_a belief_n i_o have_v draw_v up_o in_o our_o public_a church-profession_n which_o in_o this_o county_n the_o minister_n have_v agree_v on_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o consent_n in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v hearty_o take_v this_o one_o god_n for_o my_o only_a god_n and_o chief_a good_a and_o this_o jesus_n christ_n for_o my_o only_a lord-redeemer_n and_o saviour_n and_o this_o holy_a ghost_n for_o my_o sanctifier_n and_o the_o doctrine_n by_o he_o reveal_v and_o seal_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o now_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v i_o tâ—ke_v for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o repent_v unfeigned_o of_o my_o sin_n i_o do_v resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sincere_o to_o obey_v he_o both_o in_o holiness_n to_o god_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n and_o in_o special_a love_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o my_o own_o flesh_n and_o this_o to_o the_o death_n he_o that_o sincere_o can_v speak_v these_o word_n be_v a_o sincere_a christian_a 20._o last_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o those_o five_o which_o i_o lay_v you_o down_o be_v all_o true_a mark_n do_v but_o peruse_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n follow_v for_o the_o first_o psal_n 16.5_o 2._o and_o 73.24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o 4.6_o 7._o and_o 1.1_o 2_o 3._o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18_o 21_o 22_o 24._o mat._n 6.19_o 20_o 21._o rom._n 7.24_o and_o 8.17_o 18_o 23._o heb._n 11.10_o 15_o 16_o 25_o 26_o 27._o psal_n 16.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o the_o second_o see_v joh._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o joh._n 3.16_o mark_n 16.16_o act_n 16.31_o joh._n 14.21_o and_o 16.27_o rom._n 14.9_o luk._n 19.27_o jam._n 1.12_o mat._n 22.37_o 1_o cor._n 16.22_o mat._n 10.37_o rev._n 22.14_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o the_o three_o most_o of_o the_o same_o will_v serve_v and_o heb._n 12.14_o mat._n 7.24_o psal_n 1.2_o 3._o mat._n 5.20_o act_n 10.35_o rom._n 7.22_o for_o the_o two_o last_o beside_o the_o former_a see_v heb._n 11.6_o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o 1._o to_o 14._o gal._n 5.17_o 24._o and_o 26.8_o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o luk._n 8.13_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o and_o 5.4_o 5._o jam._n 1.27_o and_o 4.4_o gal._n 6.14_o and_o 1.4_o rom._n 12.2_o tit._n 2.14_o mat._n 10_o 37._o rom._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o rev._n 14.13_o phil._n 2.14_o col._n 3.23_o 24._o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o 14._o joh._n 12.16_o 1_o joh._n 3.22_o 23._o gen._n 22.16_o mat._n 10_o 22._o and_o 24.13_o heb._n 3.6_o 14._o and_o 6.11_o rev._n 2.26_o 10._o and_o 12.11_o mat._n 16.25_o and_o 10.39_o mar._n 17.33_o rom._n 8.9_o 13._o luk._n 13.3_o 5._o rom._n 6.4_o 5_o 6_o 12_o 14_o 16_o 17_o 22._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o such_o mark_n as_o you_o may_v safe_o try_v yourself_o by_o and_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o you_o now_o let_v i_o advise_v you_o to_o this_o use_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o your_o serious_a self-examination_n try_v only_o by_o these_o and_o not_o by_o any_o uncertain_a mark_n i_o know_v there_o be_v promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o some_o particular_a duty_n and_o single_a qualification_n in_o scripture_n as_o to_o humility_n meekness_n almsdeed_n love_n to_o the_o godly_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v still_o both_o on_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v not_o single_a in_o the_o person_n but_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o flow_v from_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o god_n beforemention_v and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o prevail_a degree_n 2._o when_o ever_o any_o fresh_a doubt_n arise_v in_o you_o upon_o the_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o debility_n of_o grace_n still_o have_v recourse_n to_o these_o former_a mark_n and_o while_o you_o find_v these_o let_v not_o any_o thing_n cause_n you_o to_o pass_v wrong_a judgement_n on_o yourself_o lay_v these_o now_o to_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o tell_v i_o be_v you_o not_o unfeigned_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n on_o the_o term_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v be_v you_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o make_v you_o so_o will_v you_o not_o be_v glad_a if_o your_o soul_n be_v more_o
submission_n then_o else_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o as_o i_o be_o much_o persuade_v that_o the_o root_v in_o grace_n do_v never_o fall_v quite_o away_o so_o if_o i_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o do_v yet_o i_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o his_o covenant_n that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v any_o that_o do_v not_o wilful_o forsake_v he_o and_o i_o have_v so_o full_a a_o resolution_n to_o cleave_v to_o he_o wrought_v in_o i_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o such_o experience_n of_o tender_a love_n and_o his_o preserve_v i_o in_o trial_n that_o i_o have_v a_o strong_a confidence_n that_o he_o will_v never_o permit_v i_o to_o fall_v from_o he_o yet_o do_v i_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o daily_o pray_v to_o he_o not_o to_o lead_v i_o into_o temptation_n but_o to_o deliver_v i_o from_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o live_v in_o continual_a watchfulness_n expect_v daily_a assault_n and_o renew_v daily_o my_o repentance_n and_o resolution_n thus_o have_v i_o as_o true_o as_o i_o be_o now_o able_a open_v my_o very_a heart_n and_o state_n to_o you_o as_o before_o the_o searcher_n of_o my_o heart_n which_o i_o have_v do_v for_o three_o reason_n 1._o that_o my_o judgement_n may_v be_v true_o know_v in_o the_o point_n of_o perseverance_n 2._o because_o i_o find_v the_o communicate_v of_o experience_n of_o each_o other_o heart_n and_o state_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o believer_n 3._o because_o i_o find_v that_o many_o godly_a people_n by_o divers_a passage_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n about_o live_v in_o heavenly_a delight_n do_v think_v that_o i_o have_v attain_v a_o great_a certainty_n than_o i_o have_v and_o that_o themselves_o be_v unhappy_a and_o must_v live_v uncomfortable_o till_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v i_o have_v do_v as_o for_o those_o that_o think_v and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o i_o be_o warp_a to_o arminian_n or_o popish_a doubt_v i_o regard_v not_o their_o word_n or_o censure_n i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o that_o dare_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n affirm_v that_o i_o have_v the_o certainty_n which_o i_o have_v not_o mere_o to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o err_a nor_o dare_v i_o by_o hot_a dispute_n maintain_v that_o which_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o myself_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n do_v contradict_v and_o believe_v my_o author_n before_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o christian_n concern_v themselves_o yet_o remember_v that_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o many_o other_o may_v have_v both_o more_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n and_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n than_o i_o have_v which_o may_v give_v they_o a_o certainty_n that_o no_o true_a believer_n shall_v quite_o fall_v away_o i_o dare_v not_o think_v that_o other_o have_v not_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o certainty_n then_o â—_o have_v but_o i_o think_v by_o this_o time_n i_o have_v persuade_v you_o that_o a_o proper_a certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v not_o so_o common_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o controversal_a doctor_n or_o some_o self-conceited_a prosessor_n do_v take_v it_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o you_o must_v not_o lay_v all_o your_o comfort_n on_o your_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n as_o for_o they_o who_o be_v most_o high_o confident_a both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certain_a perseverance_n of_o every_o believer_n mere_o upon_o tradition_n and_o prejudice_n because_o they_o have_v be_v always_o teach_v so_o or_o else_o upon_o weak_a ground_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o their_o confidence_n and_o be_v as_o confident_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n on_o as_o slender_a ground_n have_v never_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n sincerity_n examination_n nor_o assurance_n nor_o understand_v the_o cause_n of_o doubt_v which_o may_v else_o have_v shake_v they_o i_o will_v not_o call_v their_o great_a confidence_n by_o the_o name_n of_o assurance_n or_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n though_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o never_o so_o great_a boasting_n or_o pretence_n or_o expression_n of_o the_o high_a joy_n and_o for_o yourself_o i_o advise_v you_o first_o use_v those_o comfort_n which_o those_o may_v have_v who_o come_v short_a of_o assurance_n direction_n xvi_o 16._o the_o next_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v have_v you_o learn_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v several_a ground_n of_o the_o great_a probability_n of_o our_o salvation_n beside_o the_o general_a ground_n mention_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o without_o any_o further_a assurance_n a_o christian_a may_v live_v in_o much_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o in_o delightful_a desirous_a thought_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o the_o next_o work_n which_o you_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o discover_v those_o probabilite_n of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o your_o salvation_n and_o then_o to_o receive_v the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o may_v afford_v you_o before_o you_o can_v expect_v assurance_n itself_o i_o shall_v here_o open_v to_o you_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o direction_n distinct_o 1._o i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o ground_n of_o probability_n which_o all_o may_v have_v in_o general_a from_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o god_n 2._o and_o of_o the_o mediator_n and_o his_o office_n 3._o and_o the_o universal_a sufficiency_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n 4._o and_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o offer_v of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n now_o i_o add_v that_o beside_o all_o these_o there_o be_v many_o ground_n of_o strong_a probability_n which_o you_o may_v have_v of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o so_o of_o your_o particular_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n when_o you_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o certainty_n 1._o some_o kind_n of_o probability_n you_o may_v gather_v by_o compare_v yourself_o with_o other_o though_o this_o way_n be_v but_o delusory_a to_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o confidence_n be_v plain_o contradict_v by_o the_o scripture_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o useful_a to_o a_o humble_a soul_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v and_o wait_v on_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o consider_v that_o if_o such_o as_o you_o shall_v perish_v how_o few_o people_n will_v god_n have_v in_o the_o world_n consider_v first_o in_o how_o narrow_a a_o compass_n the_o church_n be_v confine_v before_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o how_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a even_o that_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o most_o learned_a do_v compute_v that_o if_o you_o divide_v the_o world_n into_o thirty_o part_n nineteen_o of_o they_o be_v heathenish_a idolater_n six_o of_o they_o be_v maâ—ometans_n and_o only_o fiâ—e_v of_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o of_o these_o five_o that_o be_v christian_n how_o great_a a_o part_n be_v of_o the_o aethiopian_a greek_a and_o popish_a church_n so_o ignorant_a rude_a and_o superstitious_a and_o erroneous_a that_o salvation_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v near_o so_o easy_a or_o ordinary_a with_o they_o as_o with_o we_o and_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n common_o call_v protestant_n how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n and_o even_o among_o these_o what_o a_o number_n be_v gross_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a and_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v more_o knowledge_n and_o zeal_n how_o many_o be_v gross_o erroneous_a schismatical_a and_o scandalous_a how_o exceed_v small_a a_o number_n be_v leave_v then_o that_o be_v such_o as_o you_o i_o know_v this_o be_v no_o assure_v argument_n but_o i_o know_v withal_o that_o christ_n die_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o he_o will_v see_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o mankind_n will_v have_v a_o multitude_n innumerable_a of_o his_o save_v one_o in_o the_o earth_n 2._o but_o your_o strong_a probability_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o present_a frame_n and_o inclination_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o god_n you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v work_n above_o nature_n in_o you_o and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v alive_a and_o carry_v on_o these_o many_o year_n against_o all_o opposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o mere_a flash_n of_o conviction_n which_o have_v be_v extinguish_v by_o sensuality_n and_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o security_n and_o profaneness_n as_o other_o be_v you_o dare_v not_o give_v up_o your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n for_o all_o the_o world_n you_o will_v not_o part_v with_o christ_n and_o say_v let_v he_o go_v for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n
or_o treasure_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o you_o have_v as_o you_o have_v a_o offer_n of_o god_n christ_n grace_n and_o glory_n on_o one_o side_n and_o worldly_a prosperity_n in_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o will_v choose_v god_n and_o let_v go_v the_o other_o you_o dare_v not_o you_o will_v not_o give_v over_o pray_v hear_v read_v and_o christian_a company_n and_o give_v up_o yourself_o to_o worldly_a fleshly_a pleasure_n yet_o you_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o salvation_n because_o you_o find_v not_o that_o delight_n and_o life_n in_o duty_n and_o that_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o communion_n with_o god_n nor_o that_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n as_o you_o desire_v it_o be_v well_o that_o you_o desire_v they_o but_o though_o you_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o salvation_n do_v not_o you_o see_v a_o great_a likelihood_n a_o probability_n in_o all_o this_o be_v not_o your_o heart_n raise_v to_o a_o hope_n that_o yet_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o you_o and_o mean_v you_o good_a doubtless_o this_v you_o may_v easy_o discern_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o to_o show_v you_o be_v that_o there_o may_v much_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v enjoy_v without_o any_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n give_v upon_o these_o forementioned_a probability_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o 1._o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n in_o innocency_n have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o comfort_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n i_o mean_v either_o of_o continue_v in_o paradise_n or_o be_v translate_v to_o glory_n for_o if_o he_o have_v either_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v in_o innocency_n and_o so_o to_o be_v glorify_v but_o that_o be_v not_o true_a or_o else_o he_o must_v foreknow_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v and_o be_v raise_v again_o and_o save_v by_o christ_n but_o this_o he_o know_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n on_o earth_n do_v enjoy_v that_o peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o have_v without_o any_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o likelihood_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o everlasting_a glory_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o great_a comfort_n if_o a_o poor_a condemn_a prisoner_n do_v but_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o pardon_n special_o if_o very_o probable_a it_o will_v glad_v his_o heart_n indeed_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n it_o will_v be_v sad_a to_o he_o but_o if_o a_o devil_n or_o a_o condemn_a sinner_n have_v such_o hope_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v glad_a news_n to_o they_o the_o devil_n have_v it_o not_o but_o we_o have_v 3._o let_v i_o next_o therefore_o entreat_v you_o to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o your_o probability_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n your_o horse_n or_o dog_n know_v not_o how_o you_o will_v use_v they_o certain_o yet_o will_v they_o love_o follow_v you_o and_o put_v their_o head_n to_o your_o hand_n and_o trust_v you_o with_o their_o life_n without_o fear_n and_o love_n to_o be_v in_o your_o company_n because_o they_o have_v find_v you_o kind_n to_o they_o and_o have_v try_v that_o you_o do_v they_o no_o hurt_n but_o good_a yea_o though_o you_o do_v strike_v they_o sometime_o yet_o they_o find_v that_o they_o have_v their_o food_n from_o you_o and_o your_o favour_n do_v sustain_v they_o yea_o your_o little_a child_n have_v no_o certainty_n how_o you_o will_v use_v they_o and_o yet_o find_v that_o you_o have_v always_o use_v they_o kind_o and_o express_v love_n to_o they_o though_o you_o whip_v they_o sometime_o yet_o be_v glad_a of_o your_o company_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v in_o your_o lap_n and_o can_v trust_v themselves_o in_o your_o hand_n without_o torment_v themselves_o with_o such_o doubt_n as_o these_o i_o be_o uncertain_a how_o my_o mother_n will_v use_v i_o whether_o she_o will_v wound_v i_o or_o kill_v i_o or_o turn_v i_o out_o of_o door_n and_o let_v i_o perish_v nature_n persuade_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o distrustful_a of_o those_o that_o have_v always_o befriend_v we_o and_o especial_o who_o nature_n be_v merciful_a and_o compassionate_a nor_o to_o be_v too_o suspicious_a of_o evil_n from_o they_o that_o have_v always_o do_v we_o good_a every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o good_a will_v do_v good_a and_o the_o evil_n will_v do_v evil_a and_o according_o we_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o natural_o we_o all_o fear_v a_o toad_n a_o serpent_n a_o adder_n a_o mad_a dog_n a_o wicked_a man_n a_o mad_a man_n a_o cruel_a blood_n thirsty_a tyrant_n and_o the_o devil_n but_o no_o one_o fear_v a_o dove_n a_o lamb_n a_o good_a man_n a_o merciful_a compassionate_a governor_n except_o only_o the_o rebel_n or_o notorious_a offender_n that_o know_v he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n to_o destroy_v or_o punish_v they_o and_o none_o shall_v fear_v distrustful_o the_o wrath_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n but_o they_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o therefore_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o justice_n if_o they_o come_v not_o in_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o for_o you_o that_o will_v be_v obedient_a and_o reform_a and_o be_v trouble_v that_o you_o be_v no_o better_o and_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o make_v you_o better_o and_o have_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o you_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o may_v not_o you_o at_o least_o see_v a_o strong_a probability_n that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o you_o o_o make_v use_n therefore_o of_o this_o probability_n and_o if_o you_o have_v but_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v do_v you_o good_a rejoice_v in_o those_o hope_n till_o you_o can_v come_v to_o rejoice_v in_o assurance_n and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o probability_n be_v of_o divers_a degree_n according_a to_o their_o divers_a ground_n where_o man_n have_v but_o a_o little_a probability_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o a_o great_a probability_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a in_o the_o faith_n these_o man_n may_v be_v somewhat_o bear_v up_o but_o it_o behoove_v they_o present_o to_o search_v in_o fear_n and_o to_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o fear_n those_o that_o have_v more_o probability_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n then_o of_o the_o contrary_a may_v well_o have_v more_o peace_n than_o trouble_n of_o mind_n those_o that_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n may_v live_v in_o more_o joy_n and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o probability_n may_v their_o comfort_n still_o arise_v and_o observe_v also_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o this_o probability_n here_o which_o we_o call_v a_o certainty_n for_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a certainty_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n though_o yet_o evidence_n there_o be_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n material_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o probability_n and_o of_o certainty_n only_o sometime_o they_o differ_v gradual_o one_o have_v more_o grace_n and_o another_o less_o and_o sometime_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o he_o that_o have_v more_o grace_n may_v discern_v but_o a_o probability_n in_o it_o through_o some_o other_o defect_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o have_v less_o but_o when_o one_o man_n discern_v his_o grace_n and_o sincerity_n but_o dark_o he_o have_v but_o a_o probability_n of_o salvation_n manifest_v by_o they_o and_o when_o another_o discern_v they_o more_o clear_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a probability_n and_o he_o that_o discern_v they_o most_o clear_o if_o other_o necessary_n concur_v have_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o certainty_n now_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o you_o frequent_o see_v a_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o may_v not_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n to_o your_o soul_n nay_o may_v it_o not_o draw_v out_o your_o heart_n in_o love_n delight_n and_o thankfulness_n suppose_v that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o a_o piece_n of_o paper_n and_o put_v among_o a_o hundred_o or_o fifty_o or_o but_o twenty_o other_o like_a paper_n into_o a_o lottery_n and_o you_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o owner_n of_o this_o whole_a land_n except_o your_o name_n be_v draw_v the_o first_o time_n and_o if_o it_o be_v draw_v you_o shall_v die_v will_v your_o joy_n or_o your_o sorrow_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a nay_o if_o it_o be_v but_o ten_o to_o one_o or_o but_o two_o to_o one_o odds_o on_o
remain_v still_o possible_a 2._o because_o the_o perfect_a certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o election_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n only_o we_o have_v ourselves_o but_o a_o defective_a interrupt_a assurance_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o covenant_n give_v we_o salvation_n but_o on_o condition_n of_o our_o perseverance_n and_o perseverance_n on_o condition_n that_o we_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o lose_v the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o danger_n 4._o according_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n in_o our_o assurance_n between_o all_o the_o several_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o necessary_n thereto_o whereof_o the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n be_v one_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v else_o not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v if_o we_o be_v sure_a faithful_o to_o resist_v temptation_n we_o can_v be_v no_o sure_a of_o faithful_a resist_n of_o temptation_n than_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o apprehension_n of_o our_o danger_n i_o still_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomian_o be_v the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o apostasy_n and_o perdition_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o lead_v to_o the_o licentiousness_n and_o scandal_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v to_o be_v its_o genuine_a fruit_n they_o cry_v down_o the_o weakness_n unbelief_n and_o folly_n of_o poor_a christian_n that_o will_v apprehend_v themselves_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v away_o and_o so_o live_v in_o fear_n after_o they_o be_v once_o justify_v and_o that_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o sin_n as_o whoredom_n drunkenness_n murder_n perjury_n destroy_v the_o ministry_n and_o expel_v the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n will_v present_o question_v or_o fear_v their_o estate_n and_o their_o justification_n such_o like_a passage_n i_o late_o read_v in_o some_o print_a sermon_n of_o one_o of_o my_o ancient_a acquaintance_n who_o will_v never_o have_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o he_o be_v at_o now_o if_o his_o judgement_n and_o humility_n have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o his_o zeal_n i_o entreat_v you_o therefore_o never_o to_o expect_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o shall_v extinguish_v all_o your_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n he_o that_o see_v not_o the_o danger_n be_v near_o it_o and_o likely_a to_o fall_v into_o it_o only_o he_o that_o see_v and_o apprehend_v it_o be_v likely_a to_o avoid_v it_o he_o that_o see_v no_o danger_n of_o fall_v away_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o sedition_n scandal_n heresy_n bloodguiltiness_n destroy_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o most_o horrid_a apostasy_n hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n which_o these_o late_a time_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o they_o apprehend_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o ever_o come_v into_o such_o a_o state_n or_o ever_o do_v such_o thing_n but_o will_v have_v say_v be_o i_o a_o dog_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v foretell_v they_o what_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v wonderful_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o blind_v by_o false_a doctrine_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n be_v make_v in_o the_o very_a fabrication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o very_a engine_n to_o move_v his_o soul_n in_o all_o way_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o salvation_n yea_o it_o be_v that_o very_o suppose_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o every_o nation_n be_v ground_v we_o can_v not_o keep_v the_o very_a bruit_n from_o tear_v we_o in_o piece_n but_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n because_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n by_o it_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n be_v it_o that_o restrain_v they_o but_o for_o this_o no_o man_n life_n will_v be_v in_o any_o safety_n for_o every_o malicious_a man_n will_v be_v a_o murderer_n he_o that_o fear_v not_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o life_n be_v master_n of_o another_o man_n do_v these_o man_n think_v that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o bodily_a danger_n may_v carry_v they_o on_o through_o all_o undertake_n and_o be_v the_o potent_a spring_n of_o most_o of_o their_o action_n and_o warrant_v all_o those_o course_n that_o else_o will_v be_v unwarrantable_a so_o that_o they_o dare_v plead_v necessity_n to_o warrant_v those_o fearful_a thing_n which_o by_o extenuate_a language_n like_a saul_n be_v call_v irregularity_n and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unmeet_a for_o a_o christian_a yea_o the_o weak_a christian_a to_o live_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n to_o their_o soul_n either_o danger_n of_o sin_v or_o fall_v away_o or_o perish_v for_o ever_o no_o wonder_n if_o such_o do_v sin_n and_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v will_v these_o man_n have_v fight_v well_o by_o sea_n or_o land_n if_o they_o have_v apprehend_v no_o danger_n will_v the_o earth_n have_v be_v so_o cover_v with_o carcase_n and_o with_o blood_n yea_o even_o of_o saint_n and_o the_o world_n fill_v with_o the_o doleful_a calamity_n that_o accompany_v and_o have_v follow_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n will_v they_o take_v physic_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a will_v they_o avoid_v fire_n or_o water_n or_o thief_n but_o through_o a_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n let_v they_o talk_v what_o they_o please_v if_o ever_o they_o escape_v hell_n without_o a_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o way_n not_o know_v by_o scripture_n or_o by_o nature_n sure_o i_o be_o paul_n do_v tame_v his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n through_o a_o apprehension_n of_o this_o danger_n lest_o when_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o himself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n or_o reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n who_o yet_o these_o man_n think_v it_o lawful_a to_o fear_v and_o fight_v against_o yet_o charge_v we_o with_o a_o double_a charge_n so_o fear_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v christ_n fear_v he_o luk._n 12.5_o what_o can_v be_v plain_o and_o that_o to_o his_o disciple_n my_o detestation_n of_o these_o destructive_a antinomian_a principle_n make_v i_o to_o run_v out_o further_o against_o they_o than_o i_o intend_v though_o it_o be_v easy_a more_o abundant_o to_o manifest_v their_o hatefulness_n but_o my_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o because_o these_o mountebank_n be_v still_o thrust_v in_o themselves_o and_o impudent_o proclaim_v their_o own_o skill_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o remedy_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o wound_a conscience_n and_o the_o settle_n of_o peace_n when_o indeed_o their_o receipt_n be_v rank_a poison_n guild_v with_o the_o precious_a name_n of_o christ_n and_o freegrace_n 2._o because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v your_o doubt_n cure_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o will_v but_o cure_v one_o disease_n with_o another_o and_o a_o lesser_a with_o a_o far_o great_a if_o he_o can_v so_o cure_v your_o fear_n and_o doubt_n as_o to_o bring_v you_o into_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n he_o will_v lose_v nothing_o by_o the_o cure_n and_o you_o will_v get_v nothing_o if_o he_o can_v turn_v a_o poor_a doubt_v trouble_v christian_a to_o be_v a_o secure_a antinomian_n he_o have_v cure_v the_o smart_n of_o a_o cut_a finger_n by_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o lethargy_n or_o stupefaction_n by_o his_o opium_n to_o go_v to_o antinomian_a receipt_n to_o cure_v a_o trouble_a soul_n be_v as_o go_v to_o a_o witch_n to_o cure_v the_o body_n 3._o i_o will_v have_v you_o sensible_a of_o god_n goodness_n to_o you_o in_o these_o very_a trouble_n that_o you_o have_v so_o long_o lie_v under_o your_o bless_a physician_n know_v your_o disease_n and_o the_o temperature_n of_o your_o soul_n perhaps_o he_o see_v that_o you_o be_v in_o some_o danger_n of_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o will_v have_v be_v entangle_v in_o either_o covetousness_n pride_n voluptuousness_n or_o some_o such_o desperate_a sin_n and_o now_o by_o these_o constant_a and_o extraordinary_a apprehension_n of_o your_o danger_n these_o sin_n have_v be_v much_o keep_v under_o temptation_n weaken_v and_o your_o danger_n prevent_v if_o you_o have_v find_v no_o such_o inclination_n in_o yourself_o yet_o god_n may_v find_v they_o have_v it_o not_o be_v far_o worse_o for_o you_o to_o have_v lie_v so_o many_o year_n in_o pride_n sensuality_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o your_o soul_n then_o to_o have_v lie_v so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v do_v in_o apprehension_n of_o your_o danger_n o_o
you_o will_v draw_v a_o block_n through_o the_o water_n but_o as_o man_n that_o must_v hold_v fast_o and_o be_v command_v and_o threaten_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o lose_v their_o hold_n it_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o drown_v which_o they_o feel_v themselves_o near_o which_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o next_o time_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o a_o possible_a danger_n and_o for_o those_o that_o perish_v they_o have_v none_o to_o blame_v but_o themselves_o they_o perish_v not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o saviour_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o tempest_n and_o wave_n of_o trial_n nor_o can_v they_o quarrel_v with_o he_o because_o he_o do_v more_o for_o other_o and_o do_v not_o as_o much_o for_o they_o as_o long_o as_o he_o offer_v they_o so_o sufficient_a help_n that_o only_o their_o own_o wilful_a refusal_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o their_o perdition_n be_v of_o themselves_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o see_v our_o salvation_n be_v lay_v by_o god_n upon_o our_o faithful_a obedient_a hold_n fast_o to_o christ_n through_o all_o trial_n and_o difficulty_n and_o our_o holy_a fear_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o hold_v fast_o christ_n be_v still_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o safety_n therefore_o never_o look_v for_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n as_o shall_v put_v you_o above_o such_o fear_n and_o moderate_v apprehension_n of_o danger_n for_o then_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o you_o will_v lose_v your_o hold_n you_o read_v in_o scripture_n very_o many_o warning_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o fall_v and_o threaten_n to_o those_o that_o do_v fall_v away_o and_o draw_v back_o what_o be_v all_o these_o for_o but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o those_o moderate_a fear_n and_o care_n and_o holy_a diligence_n which_o may_v prevent_v our_o fall_n away_o and_o remember_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o holy_a fear_n and_o care_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n or_o possibility_n of_o fall_v away_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o act_n without_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o object_n of_o fear_n be_v a_o possible_a hurt_n at_o least_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o that_o fear_v it_o no_o man_n can_v fear_v that_o evil_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v impossible_a direction_n xxi_o 21._o the_o next_o advice_n which_o i_o must_v give_v you_o be_v this_o be_v thankful_a if_o you_o can_v but_o reach_v to_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o composure_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o lay_v not_o too_o much_o on_o the_o high_a rapture_n and_o feeling_n of_o comfort_n which_o some_o do_v possess_v and_o if_o ever_o you_o enjoy_v such_o feel_a joy_n expect_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v either_o long_a or_o often_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o miserable_a languish_v to_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n to_o have_v such_o importunate_a expectation_n of_o such_o passionate_a joy_n that_o they_o think_v without_o these_o they_o have_v no_o true_a comfort_n at_o all_o no_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n no_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o think_v that_o other_o have_v much_o of_o this_o though_o they_o have_v not_o and_o therefore_o 〈…〉_z themselves_o because_o it_o be_v noâ—_n 〈…〉_z as_o with_o other_o when_o alas_o they_o little_a 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o go_v with_o other_o some_o 〈…〉_z rapture_n sometime_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v go_v they_o think_v they_o be_v forsake_v and_o that_o all_o grace_n or_o peace_n at_o least_o be_v go_v with_o they_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o expectation_n and_o to_o satisfy_v you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o settle_a calm_a and_o peace_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o great_a mercy_n and_o not_o to_o be_v undervalue_v and_o look_v at_o as_o nothing_o 2._o the_o high_a rapture_n and_o passionate_a feel_a joy_n be_v usual_o of_o most_o doubtful_a sincerity_n not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v any_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o without_o cause_n but_o such_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o settle_a frame_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n nor_o can_v we_o so_o easy_o know_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o more_o question_v and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o great_a possibility_n of_o deceit_n doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o fantasy_n and_o melancholy_n and_o special_o a_o natural_a weakness_n and_o movable_a temper_n will_v do_v in_o such_o case_n mark_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o have_v or_o pretend_v to_o have_v such_o extraordinary_a rapture_n and_o feeling_n of_o joy_n 1._o woman_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o passionate_a 2._o melancholy_a people_n 3._o man_n that_o by_o erroneous_a opinion_n have_v lose_v almost_o all_o their_o understanding_n in_o their_o fantasy_n and_o live_v like_o man_n in_o a_o continual_a dream_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o solid_a man_n have_v oft_o high_a joy_n and_o more_o we_o may_v all_o have_v if_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o i_o will_v have_v no_o christian_a content_v himself_o with_o a_o dull_a quietness_n of_o spirit_n but_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o be_v much_o in_o labour_v to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o raise_v their_o soul_n to_o heavenly_a delight_n o_o what_o life_n do_v we_o lose_v which_o we_o may_v enjoy_v but_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o look_v at_o these_o joy_n and_o delight_n as_o duty_n and_o as_o mercy_n but_o look_v not_o at_o they_o as_o mark_v of_o trial_n so_o as_o to_o place_v more_o necessity_n in_o they_o then_o god_n have_v do_v or_o to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v ordinary_a thing_n if_o you_o do_v but_o feel_v such_o a_o high_a estimation_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n that_o you_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o all_o the_o world_n take_v this_o for_o your_o sure_a sign_n and_o if_o you_o have_v but_o so_o much_o probability_n or_o hope_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o he_o that_o you_o can_v think_v of_o god_n as_o one_o that_o love_v you_o and_o can_v be_v thankful_a to_o christ_n for_o redeem_v you_o and_o be_v glad_a in_o these_o hope_n of_o your_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o glory_n then_o if_o you_o be_v owner_n of_o all_o the_o world_n take_v this_o for_o a_o happy_a mercy_n and_o a_o high_a consolation_n yet_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o your_o joy_n in_o christ_n will_v be_v always_o so_o sensible_a as_o for_o worldly_a thing_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o rational_a solid_a and_o deep_a at_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v by_o this_o you_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o once_o you_o be_v suppose_v that_o you_o be_v convert_v since_o you_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o memory_n or_o at_o least_o as_o you_o see_v the_o ungodly_a world_n still_o lie_v in_o 3._o and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o common_o those_o that_o have_v the_o high_a passionate_a joy_n have_v the_o sad_a life_n for_o they_o have_v with_o all_o the_o most_o passionate_a fear_n and_o sorrow_n mark_v it_o whether_o you_o find_v not_o this_o prove_v true_a and_o it_o be_v partly_o from_o god_n will_v in_o his_o dispensation_n partly_o from_o their_o own_o necessity_n who_o after_o their_o exaltation_n do_v usual_o need_v a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v they_o lest_o they_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n and_o partly_o and_o most_o common_o it_o be_v from_o the_o temperature_n of_o their_o body_n weak_a pastionate_a woman_n of_o movable_a spirit_n and_o strong_a affection_n when_o they_o love_v they_o love_v violent_o and_o when_o they_o rejoice_v especial_o in_o such_o case_n they_o have_v most_o sensible_a joy_n and_o when_o any_o fear_n arise_v they_o have_v most_o terrible_a sorrow_n i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o all_o of_o that_o sex_n but_o mark_v the_o same_o people_n usual_o that_o have_v the_o high_a joy_n and_o see_v whether_o at_o other_o time_n they_o have_v not_o the_o great_a trouble_n this_o week_n they_o be_v as_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o next_o as_o at_o the_o door_n of_o hell_n i_o be_o sure_a with_o many_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o need_v not_o be_v so_o if_o christian_n will_v but_o look_v at_o these_o high_a joy_n as_o duty_n to_o be_v endeavour_v and_o mercy_n to_o be_v value_v but_o when_o they_o will_v needs_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n by_o they_o and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v go_v from_o they_o or_o forsake_v they_o when_o they_o have_v not_o such_o joy_n than_o it_o leave_v
the_o will_n with_o the_o most_o forcible_a argument_n a_o persuade_v quicken_a ministry_n that_o help_v to_o excite_v your_o grace_n and_o draw_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o christ_n be_v more_o useful_a than_o they_o that_o spend_v most_o of_o their_o time_n to_o persuade_v you_o of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o give_v you_o comfort_n 3._o but_o special_o lay_v out_o your_o thought_n more_o in_o the_o most_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o breed_v and_o feed_v those_o particular_a grace_n which_o you_o will_v have_v increase_v object_n and_o move_a reason_n keep_v much_o upon_o the_o mind_n by_o serious_a thought_n be_v the_o great_a engine_n appoint_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o grace_n to_o turn_v about_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n thought_n be_v to_o your_o soul_n as_o take_v in_o the_o air_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o your_o body_n object_n consider_v do_v turn_v the_o soul_n into_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o most_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o such_o will_v you_o be_v yourself_o consideration_n frequent_a serious_a consideration_n be_v god_n great_a instrument_n to_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o confirm_v it_o to_o get_v grace_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o and_o increase_v it_o if_o any_o soul_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o grace_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o it_o be_v main_o for_o want_v of_o frequent_a and_o serious_a consideration_n that_o the_o most_o of_o we_o do_v languish_v under_o such_o weakness_n and_o attain_v to_o small_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v for_o want_v of_o sober_a frequent_a consideration_n we_o know_v not_o how_o great_a thing_n this_o will_v do_v if_o it_o be_v but_o faithful_o manage_v this_o then_o be_v my_o advice_n when_o you_o feel_v so_o great_a a_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o those_o be_v the_o main_a grace_n for_o trial_n and_o use_n that_o you_o doubt_v whether_o you_o have_v any_o or_o none_o lay_v by_o those_o doubt_a thought_n a_o while_n and_o present_o go_v and_o set_v yourself_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n truth_n goodness_n amiableness_n and_o kindheartedness_n to_o miserable_a unworthy_a sinner_n think_v what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o you_o and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o you_o if_o you_o do_v but_o consent_v and_o then_o think_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o childish_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n how_o soon_o and_o in_o how_o sad_a a_o case_n they_o will_v leave_v we_o and_o what_o silly_a contemptible_a thing_n they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o everlasting_a glory_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o that_o time_n you_o have_v warm_v your_o soul_n a_o little_a with_o such_o serious_a thought_n you_o will_v find_v your_o faith_n and_o love_n revive_v and_o begin_v to_o stir_v and_o work_v within_o you_o and_o then_o you_o will_v feel_v that_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o love_n only_o remember_v what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n suppose_v a_o belief_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a be_v all_o in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o willingness_n or_o consent_n to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v therefore_o if_o you_o doubt_v of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n it_o be_v your_o own_o willingness_n that_o you_o doubt_v of_o or_o else_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o do_v now_o methinks_v if_o you_o take_v but_o a_o sober_a view_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n on_o one_o side_n and_o of_o the_o silly_a empty_a worthless_a world_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o then_o ask_v your_o heart_n which_o it_o will_v choose_v and_o say_v to_o yourself_o o_o my_o soul_n the_o god_n of_o glory_n offer_v thou_o thy_o choice_n of_o dung_n and_o vanity_n for_o a_o little_a time_n or_o of_o the_o unconceivable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n for_o ever_o which_o will_v thou_o choose_v i_o say_v methinks_v the_o answer_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n shall_v present_o resolve_v you_o that_o you_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o you_o love_v god_n above_o this_o present_a world_n for_o if_o you_o can_v choose_v he_o before_o the_o world_n than_o you_o be_v more_o willing_a of_o he_o then_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o have_v more_o of_o your_o will_n for_o certain_a he_o have_v more_o of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n use_v therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o doubt_v of_o your_o faith_n to_o believe_v till_o you_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n and_o if_o yet_o you_o doubt_v study_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o glory_n yet_o better_a and_o keep_v those_o object_n by_o consideration_n close_o to_o your_o heart_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o work_v the_o heart_n to_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o certain_o object_n have_v a_o mighty_a power_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o certain_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v mighty_a object_n as_o able_a to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o deep_a impression_n on_o man_n soul_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o work_v not_o it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o imperfection_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o apply_v and_o by_o consideration_n hold_v upon_o the_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v work_v perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v that_o meditation_n be_v too_o hard_a a_o work_n for_o you_o and_o that_o your_o memory_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o you_o want_v matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o or_o if_o you_o do_v meditate_v on_o these_o yet_o you_o feel_v no_o great_a motion_n or_o alteration_n on_o your_o heart_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v if_o you_o want_v matter_n take_v the_o help_n of_o some_o book_n that_o will_v afford_v you_o matter_n and_o if_o you_o want_v life_n in_o meditation_n peruse_v the_o most_o quicken_a write_n you_o can_v get_v if_o you_o have_v not_o better_o at_o hand_n read_v over_o and_o serious_o consider_v as_o you_o read_v it_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o end_n of_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n which_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n and_o give_v you_o some_o matter_n for_o your_o meditation_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o remember_v that_o if_o you_o can_v increase_v the_o resolve_a choice_n of_o your_o will_n you_o increase_v your_o love_n though_o you_o feel_v not_o those_o affectionate_a work_n that_o you_o desire_v let_v i_o ask_v you_o now_o whether_o you_o have_v indeed_o take_v this_o course_n in_o your_o doubt_n if_o not_o how_o unwise_o have_v you_o do_v doubt_v be_v no_o cure_n but_o actual_a believe_v and_o love_v be_v a_o cure_n if_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v thing_n that_o you_o will_v fain_o get_v but_o can_v than_o you_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o to_o lie_v down_o and_o rise_v in_o trouble_n of_o mind_n from_o one_o year_n to_o another_o but_o it_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v beyond_o your_o reach_n or_o power_n to_o have_v these_o grace_n though_o you_o will_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o your_o very_a willingness_n at_o least_o your_o willingness_n to_o have_v christ_n be_v both_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n it_o may_v be_v say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o your_o will_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o actual_a willingness_n which_o you_o have_v already_o if_o therefore_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v he_o what_o make_v you_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o you_o frequent_o do_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o people_n shall_v make_v so_o many_o complaint_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o spend_v so_o many_o sad_a hour_n in_o fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v if_o you_o be_v not_o will_v be_v will_v now_o if_o you_o say_v you_o can_v do_v as_o i_o have_v before_o direct_v you_o one_o hour_n sober_a serious_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o the_o world_n of_o christ_n and_o satan_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o they_o will_v do_v very_o much_o to_o make_v you_o willing_a yet_o mistake_v i_o not_o though_o i_o say_v you_o may_v have_v christ_n if_o you_o will_v and_o faith_n and_o love_n if_o you_o will_v and_o no_o man_n can_v true_o say_v i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v but_o can_v yet_o this_o gladness_n consent_n or_o willingness_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n before_o you_o have_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o yet_o so_o in_o your_o power_n as_o to_o
he_o will_v move_v a_o scruple_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o too_o good_a or_o too_o much_o you_o shall_v not_o clothe_v yourself_o but_o he_o will_v move_v you_o to_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o you_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o any_o company_n but_o he_o will_v afterward_o vex_v you_o about_o every_o word_n you_o speak_v lest_o you_o sin_v the_o like_a i_o may_v say_v also_o about_o your_o condition_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o direction_n xxvii_o 27._o when_o god_n have_v once_o show_v you_o a_o certainty_n or_o but_o a_o strong_a probability_n of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o his_o special_a love_n labour_v to_o fix_v this_o so_o deep_a in_o your_o apprehension_n and_o memory_n that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a and_o leave_v not_o your_o soul_n too_o open_a to_o change_n upon_o every_o new_a apprehension_n nor_o to_o question_v all_o that_o be_v pass_v upon_o every_o jealousy_n except_o when_o some_o notable_a decline_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n or_o a_o commit_n of_o gross_a sin_n or_o a_o wilfulness_n or_o carelessness_n in_o other_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v avoid_v do_v give_v you_o just_a cause_n of_o question_v your_o sincerity_n and_o bring_v your_o sâ—ul_n again_o to_o the_o bar_n and_o your_o estate_n to_o a_o more_o exact_a review_n some_o antinomian_a writer_n and_o preacher_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o who_o will_v persuade_v you_o whatsoever_o sin_n you_o fall_v into_o never_o more_o to_o question_v your_o justification_n or_o salvation_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o before_o to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n detestable_a their_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n change_v not_o as_o we_o change_v and_o justification_n be_v never_o lose_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o god_n hate_v we_o while_o we_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal_n 11.5_o &_o 5.5_o and_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o afterward_o he_o lay_v by_o that_o hatred_n and_o wrath_n and_o all_o this_o without_o change_n if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o apprehend_v how_o god_n unchangeableness_n can_v stand_v with_o the_o full_a and_o frequent_a expression_n of_o he_o in_o scripture_n must_v we_o therefore_o deny_v what_o those_o expression_n do_v contain_v as_o austin_n say_v shall_v we_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v plain_a because_o we_o can_v reach_v that_o which_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a 2._o but_o if_o these_o man_n have_v well_o study_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v have_v know_v that_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v yesterday_o hate_v as_o a_o enemy_n may_v to_o day_n be_v reconcile_v and_o love_v as_o a_o son_n and_o that_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n even_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o knowledge_n for_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n by_o his_o law_n they_o be_v his_o moral_a instrument_n by_o they_o he_o condemn_v by_o they_o he_o justify_v so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v say_v in_o this_o life_n before_o the_o judgement_n day_n to_o do_v it_o unless_o there_o be_v any_o other_o secret_a act_n of_o justification_n with_o he_o which_o man_n be_v not_o able_a now_o to_o understand_v the_o change_n be_v therefore_o in_o our_o relation_n and_o in_o the_o moral_a action_n of_o the_o law_n when_o we_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o impenitent_a we_o be_v relate_v to_o god_n as_o enemy_n rebel_n unjustified_a and_o unpardoned_a be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n condemn_v and_o pronounce_v enemy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o yet_o justify_v or_o pardon_v and_o so_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n oblige_v according_a to_o that_o law_n which_o we_o be_v under_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o enemy_n by_o destroy_v we_o and_o this_o be_v god_n hate_v wrath_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o repent_v return_v and_o believe_v our_o relation_n be_v change_v the_o same_o law_n that_o do_v condemn_v we_o be_v relax_v and_o disable_v and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n do_v now_o acquit_v we_o it_o pardon_v we_o it_o justfi_v we_o and_o god_n by_o it_o and_o so_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v such_o as_o according_a to_o his_o own_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o and_o to_o use_v as_o son_n be_v not_o all_o this_o apparent_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n can_v he_o make_v a_o law_n that_o shall_v change_v its_o moral_a action_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o action_n or_o inclination_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n and_o so_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v that_o a_o justify_v man_n shall_v fall_v from_o god_n from_o christ_n from_o sincere_a faith_n or_o obedience_n the_o law_n will_v condemn_v he_o again_o and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n will_v justify_v he_o no_o more_o in_o that_o state_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o change_n in_o god_n 3._o if_o this_o antinomian_a argument_n will_v prove_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v prove_v justification_n before_o and_o so_o without_o christ_n satisfaction_n because_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o god_n 4._o the_o very_a point_n that_o no_o justify_v man_n shall_v ever_o fall_v from_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o past_o all_o doubt_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o objection_n as_o that_o a_o poor_a soul_n in_o such_o a_o relapsed_a estate_n shall_v venture_v his_o everlasting_a salvation_n whole_o on_o this_o suppose_v that_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v once_o sincere_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o no_o root_v believer_n that_o be_v habitual_o and_o ground_o resolve_v for_o christ_n and_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n as_o all_o have_v that_o be_v thorough_o christ_n do_v ever_o fall_v quite_o away_o from_o he_o afterward_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o lay_v my_o salvation_n on_o this_o and_o if_o i_o be_v no_o sure_a of_o my_o salvation_n than_o i_o be_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o my_o judgement_n to_o speak_v free_o my_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a condition_n 5._o but_o suppose_v it_o as_o certain_a and_o plain_a as_o any_o word_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o justify_v man_n be_v never_o quite_o unjustified_a yet_o as_o every_o new_a sin_n bring_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o punishment_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v pardon_v as_o need_v no_o pardon_n so_o must_v every_o sin_n have_v its_o particular_a pardon_n and_o consequent_o the_o sinner_n a_o particular_a justification_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o sin_n beside_o his_o first_o general_a pardon_n and_o justification_n for_o to_o pardon_v sin_n before_o it_o be_v commit_v be_v to_o pardon_v sin_n that_o be_v no_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n now_o though_o for_o daily_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n there_o be_v a_o pardon_n of_o course_n upon_o the_o title_n of_o our_o habitual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o whether_o in_o case_n of_o gross_a sin_n or_o more_o notable_a defection_n this_o will_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o particular_a pardon_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o actual_a repentance_n and_o what_o case_n the_o sinner_n be_v in_o till_o that_o actual_a repentance_n and_o faith_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o be_v so_o difficult_a question_n it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n great_a wisdom_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o it_o beseem_v no_o wise_a man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n on_o his_o own_o opinion_n in_o these_o nay_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o gross_a sinner_n have_v opportunity_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o sin_n repent_v not_o they_o shall_v perish_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v a_o justify_v man_n have_v great_a reason_n upon_o such_o fall_v to_o examine_v his_o particular_a repentance_n as_o well_o as_o his_o former_a state_n and_o not_o to_o promise_v himself_o or_o presume_v upon_o a_o pardon_n without_o it_o 6._o and_o beside_o all_o this_o though_o both_o the_o continuance_n of_o faith_n and_o non-intercision_a of_o justification_n be_v never_o so_o certain_a yet_o when_o a_o man_n obedience_n be_v so_o far_o overthrow_v his_o former_a evidence_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o justification_n will_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o though_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v changeable_a or_o justification_n will_v be_v lose_v yet_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o question_v whether_o ever_o he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o so_o be_v ever_o justify_v for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o they_o that_o love_n christ_n will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n libertine_n and_o carnal_a man_n may_v talk_v their_o pleasure_n but_o when_o satan_n maintain_v not_o their_o peace_n sin_n will_v break_v it_o and_o dr._n sibs_n word_n will_v be_v
when_o he_o may_v satisfy_v you_o more_o full_o and_o that_o without_o do_v hurt_v to_o other_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strait_a minister_n be_v in_o that_o have_v so_o many_o of_o so_o different_a condition_n inclination_n and_o conversation_n to_o preach_v to_o direction_n xxix_o 29._o be_v sure_a you_o forget_v not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o your_o sincerity_n and_o cause_n of_o mere_a humiliation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n and_o fear_n where_o god_n call_v you_o but_o to_o humiliation_n amendment_n and_o fresh_a recourse_n to_o christ_n this_o rule_n be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o your_o peace_n that_o you_o will_v have_v daily_o use_v for_o it_o and_o can_v never_o maintain_v any_o true_a settle_a peace_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o what_o more_o common_a then_o for_o poor_a christian_n to_o pour_v out_o a_o multitude_n of_o complaint_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o never_o consider_v all_o the_o while_n that_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n of_o sorrow_n in_o these_o when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o doubt_v of_o their_o sincerity_n i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o in_o gross_a fall_n and_o great_a backslide_n doubt_n will_v arise_v and_o sometime_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n may_v not_o be_v without_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a infirmity_n nor_o every_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v be_v avoid_v that_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v nay_o your_o very_a humiliation_n must_v no_o further_o be_v endeavour_v than_o it_o tend_v to_o your_o recovery_n and_o to_o the_o honour_v of_o mercy_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o you_o may_v exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o grief_n you_o must_v therefore_o first_o be_v resolve_v wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o save_a grace_n do_v consist_v and_o then_o in_o all_o your_o fail_n and_o weakness_n first_o know_v whether_o they_o contradict_v sincerity_n itself_o and_o be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v your_o sincerity_n if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o the_o ordinary_a infirmity_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o than_o you_o may_v and_o must_v be_v humble_v for_o they_o but_o you_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o your_o salvation_n for_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o by_o what_o mark_n you_o may_v discern_v your_o sincerity_n that_o be_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o holiness_n do_v consist_v keep_v that_o in_o your_o eye_n and_o as_o long_o as_o you_o find_v that_o sure_a and_o clear_a let_v nothing_o make_v you_o doubt_v of_o your_o right_n to_o christ_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o how_o people_n do_v contradict_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o when_o you_o have_v sin_v god_n will_v have_v you_o bewail_v your_o folly_n and_o unkind_a deal_n and_o fly_v to_o mercy_n through_o christ_n and_o this_o you_o will_v not_o do_v but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v you_o torment_v yourself_o with_o fear_n of_o damnation_n and_o question_v his_o love_n and_o yet_o this_o you_o will_v do_v you_o may_v discern_v by_o this_o that_o humiliation_n and_o reformation_n be_v sure_a of_o god_n man_n heart_n be_v so_o backward_o to_o it_o and_o that_o vexation_n doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o true_a christian_n that_o shall_v be_v comfortable_a be_v not_o of_o god_n man_n nature_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o they_o though_o the_o ungodly_a that_o shall_v fear_v and_o doubt_n be_v as_o backward_o to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a here_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o particular_a doubt_n that_o usual_o trouble_v sincere_a believer_n and_o see_v how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v just_a and_o how_o far_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a and_o most_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v from_o my_o own_o former_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v be_v most_o trouble_v with_o myself_o and_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o be_v incident_a to_o true_a christian_n and_o too_o usual_a with_o they_o doubt_v i._o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o the_o best_a divine_n that_o grace_n be_v not_o bear_v with_o we_o and_o therefore_o satan_n have_v always_o possession_n before_o christ_n and_o keep_v that_o possession_n in_o peace_n till_o christ_n come_v and_o bind_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o out_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o work_n that_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v observe_v and_o for_o ever_o remember_v by_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v wrought_v yea_o the_o several_a step_n and_o passage_n of_o it_o may_v be_v all_o observe_v first_o cast_v down_o and_o then_o lift_v up_o first_o wound_v and_o kill_v and_o then_o heal_v and_o revive_v but_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o distinct_a part_n and_o passage_n of_o this_o change_n in_o i_o nay_o i_o know_v of_o no_o such_o sudden_a observable_a change_n at_o all_o i_o can_v remember_v that_o ever_o i_o be_v first_o kill_v and_o then_o revive_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v by_o what_o minister_n nor_o at_o what_o sermon_n or_o other_o mean_v that_o work_n which_o be_v upon_o i_o be_v wrought_v no_o nor_o what_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n it_o be_v begin_v i_o have_v slide_v insensible_o into_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v not_o how_o and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o be_o not_o sincere_a and_o the_o work_n of_o true_a regeneration_n be_v never_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o my_o soul_n answer_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o the_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o in_o these_o proposition_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v not_o natural_a to_o we_o or_o convey_v by_o generation_n 2._o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o our_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o be_v so_o with_o some_o all_o will_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o infant_n may_v be_v and_o be_v save_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o infant_n of_o believer_n i_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n but_o mark_v what_o grace_n i_o mean_v the_o grace_n of_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n the_o child_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v at_o least_o a_o high_a probability_n of_o if_o not_o a_o full_a certainty_n their_o parent_n accept_n it_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o christ_n and_o engage_v they_o in_o his_o covenant_n so_o that_o he_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o they_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o inward_a renew_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o disposition_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a to_o we_o utter_o unknown_a whether_o god_n use_v to_o do_v it_o in_o infant_n or_o no._n 3._o god_n first-ordained_n way_n for_o the_o work_n of_o inward_a holiness_n be_v by_o parent_n education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o not_o by_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o 4._o all_o godly_a parent_n do_v acquaint_v their_o child_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o infancy_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v afterward_o inculcate_v it_o on_o they_o more_o and_o more_o 5._o these_o instruction_n of_o parent_n be_v usual_o second_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o child_n open_v their_o understanding_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o make_v a_o impression_n thereby_o upon_o the_o heart_n 6._o when_o these_o instruction_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v just_a past_o the_o preparatory_a part_n and_o above_o the_o high_a step_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o have_v attain_v to_o special_a save_a grace_n be_v ordinary_o undiscernible_a &_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o in_o god_n usual_a way_n of_o work_a grace_n man_n can_v know_v the_o just_a day_n or_o time_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o man_n that_o have_v long_o live_v in_o profaneness_n and_o be_v change_v sudden_o may_v conjecture_v near_o at_o the_o time_n yet_o those_o that_o god_n have_v be_v work_v on_o early_a in_o their_o youth_n yea_o or_o afterward_o by_o slow_a degree_n can_v know_v the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o receive_v the_o spirit_n 8._o the_o memory_n of_o all_o man_n be_v so_o slippery_a and_o one_o think_v so_o sudden_o thrust_v out_o by_o another_o that_o many_o a_o thousand_o soul_n forget_v those_o particular_a work_n which_o they_o have_v true_o feel_v 9_o the_o memory_n of_o child_n be_v far_o weak_a than_o of_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v less_o probable_a that_o all_o the_o spirit_n work_n shall_v by_o they_o be_v remember_v 9_o and_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o various_a sometime_o stir_v one_o affection_n and_o sometime_o another_o sometime_o begin_v with_o small_a motion_n and_o then_o move_a more_o
seven_o or_o eight_o year_n last_o pass_v this_o be_v so_o you_o must_v look_v that_o your_o perseverance_n shall_v be_v by_o be_v preserve_v from_o temptation_n and_o must_v rather_o examine_v whether_o you_o have_v that_o grace_n which_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o avoid_v temptation_n then_o whether_o you_o have_v grace_n enough_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o you_o rush_v into_o they_o but_o if_o god_n avoidable_o cast_v you_o upon_o they_o keep_v up_o your_o watch_n and_o prayer_n and_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o trouble_v yourself_o with_o distrustful_a fear_n doubt_v xiii_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o i_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o my_o salvation_n answer_n it_o seem_v you_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v it_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v real_o work_v those_o glorious_a miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a though_o seal_v with_o all_o those_o miracle_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o do_v blasphemous_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o if_o you_o be_v than_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o gospel_n true_a and_o then_o you_o will_v sure_o oppose_v he_o and_o maintain_v that_o he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o miraculous_a and_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o you_o will_v never_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n nor_o call_v he_o serious_o either_o lord_n or_o saviour_n nor_o tender_v he_o any_o service_n any_o more_o than_o you_o do_v to_o mahomet_n none_o but_o infidel_n do_v commit_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o but_o few_o of_o they_o unbelief_n be_v eminent_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o unbelief_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o blaspheme_v the_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n through_o many_o year_n time_n do_v perform_v for_o a_o testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v call_v singular_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o other_o description_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o may_v occasion_v your_o terror_n but_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n doubt_v fourteen_o but_o i_o great_o fear_v lest_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v and_o lest_o i_o have_v out_o sit_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o now_o mercy_n have_v whole_o forsake_v i_o for_o i_o have_v oft_o hear_v minister_n tell_v i_o from_o the_o word_n now_o be_v the_o accept_v time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o visitation_n to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o i_o have_v stand_v out_o long_o after_o i_o have_v resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o now_o it_o be_v i_o fear_v depart_v from_o i_o answer_n here_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n for_o humiliation_n but_o the_o doubt_v arise_v mere_o from_o ignorance_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v in_o two_o respect_n be_v say_v to_o be_v over_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o a_o sinner_n though_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o return_v this_o be_v never_o in_o this_o life_n for_o certain_a and_o he_o that_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o his_o body_n to_o repent_v and_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o mercy_n be_v mere_o ignorant_a of_o the_o tenor_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n do_v limit_v no_o time_n on_o earth_n for_o god_n accept_n of_o a_o return_v sinner_n true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v as_o sure_o save_v at_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n as_o at_o the_o first_o god_n have_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n he_o have_v no_o where_o except_v late_a believer_n or_o repenter_n show_v any_o such_o exception_n if_o you_o can_v 2._o the_o second_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n have_v so_o long_o resist_v the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o over_o to_o wilful_a obstinate_a refusal_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o christ_n government_n resolve_v that_o he_o will_v never_o give_v he_o the_o prevail_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n where_o note_n 1._o that_o this_o same_o man_n may_v still_o have_v grace_n as_o soon_o as_o any_o other_o if_o he_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o accept_v christ_n and_o grace_n in_o he_o 2._o that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v of_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o that_o god_n have_v thus_o final_o forsake_v he_o for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o no_o sign_n to_o know_v it_o by_o at_o lest_o who_o sin_v not_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o his_o secret_a intent_n concern_v such_o 4._o yet_o some_o man_n have_v far_o great_a cause_n to_o fear_v it_o than_o other_o especial_o those_o man_n who_o under_o the_o most_o search_a lively_a sermon_n do_v continue_v secure_a and_o wilful_a in_o know_a wickedness_n either_o hate_v godliness_n and_o godly_a person_n and_o all_o that_o do_v reprove_v they_o or_o at_o least_o be_v â—â—â—â—pified_v that_o they_o feel_v no_o more_o than_o a_o post_n the_o force_n of_o god_n terror_n or_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o sin_v and_o think_v the_o life_n of_o godliness_n a_o needless_a thing_n especial_o if_o they_o grow_v old_a in_o this_o course_n i_o confess_v such_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o they_o be_v quite_o forsake_v of_o god_n for_o very_o few_o such_o be_v ever_o recover_v 5._o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o all_o man_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n both_o as_o this_o life_n be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o because_o no_o man_n be_v certain_a to_o live_v another_o day_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v nor_o yet_o to_o have_v grace_n to_o repent_v if_o he_o live_v 6._o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o you_o that_o do_v repent_v can_v you_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o that_o have_v receive_v grace_n why_o that_o be_v as_o foolish_a a_o thing_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o market_n and_o buy_v corn_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v go_v home_o lament_v that_o the_o market_n be_v past_a before_o he_o come_v or_o as_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v lament_v that_o the_o sermon_n be_v do_v before_o he_o come_v if_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a tell_v i_o and_o do_v not_o wrong_v god_n where_o have_v you_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n how_o come_v you_o by_o that_o grace_n of_o holy_a desâ—res_n who_o make_v you_o willing_a to_o have_v christ_n for_o your_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o that_o you_o have_v rather_o have_v he_o and_o god_n favour_n and_o a_o holy_a heart_n and_o life_n than_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n how_o come_v you_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o god_n will_v have_v you_o to_o be_v and_o to_o desire_v that_o all_o your_o sin_n be_v dead_a and_o may_v never_o live_v in_o you_o more_o and_o that_o you_o be_v able_a to_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o please_v he_o even_o in_o perfection_n and_o that_o you_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o you_o can_v do_v it_o be_v these_o sign_n that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o do_v god_n spirit_n breath_n out_o groan_v after_o christ_n and_o grace_n within_o you_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n over_o nay_o what_o if_o you_o have_v no_o grace_n do_v you_o not_o hear_v god_n daily_o offer_v you_o christ_n and_o grace_n do_v he_o not_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o and_o will_v he_o not_o compel_v you_o to_o come_v in_o mat._n 22._o do_v you_o not_o feel_v some_o unquietness_n in_o your_o
sinful_a condition_n and_o some_o motion_n and_o strive_n at_o your_o heart_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o certain_o though_o you_o shall_v be_v one_o that_o have_v yet_o no_o grace_n to_o salvation_n yet_o these_o continue_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o your_o heart_n do_v show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o quite_o forsake_v you_o and_o that_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o visitation_n be_v not_o past_a doubt_v xv._n but_o i_o have_v sin_v since_o my_o profession_n and_o that_o even_o against_o my_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n i_o have_v have_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v consider_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_o sober_a deliberation_n i_o have_v resolve_v to_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o have_v any_o true_a grace_n or_o be_v save_v answer_n 1._o if_o you_o have_v not_o true_a grace_n god_n be_v still_o offer_v it_o and_o ready_a to_o work_v it_o 2._o where_o do_v you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n do_v sin_n know_o or_o deliberate_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v in_o heb._n 10.24_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n ans_fw-fr but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o wilful_a sin_n which_o be_v there_o mention_v but_o as_o even_o now_o i_o tell_v you_o unbelief_n be_v peculiar_o call_v sin_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n be_v if_o we_o utter_o renounce_v christ_n by_o infidelity_n as_o not_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n after_o we_o have_v know_v his_o truth_n then_o etc._n etc._n indeed_o none_o sin_n more_o against_o knowledge_n then_o the_o godly_a when_o they_o do_v sin_n for_o they_o know_v more_o for_o the_o most_o part_n than_o other_o do_v and_o passion_n and_o sensuality_n the_o remnant_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o remain_v will_v be_v work_v strong_o in_o your_o very_a deliberation_n against_o sin_n and_o either_o pervert_n the_o judgement_n to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n in_o it_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a little_a sin_n or_o else_o blind_a it_o that_o it_o can_v see_v the_o argument_n against_o the_o sin_n in_o their_o full_a vigour_n or_o at_o least_o prepossess_v the_o heart_n and_o delight_n and_o so_o hinder_v our_o reason_n against_o sin_n from_o go_v down_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o work_n on_o the_o will_n and_o so_o from_o command_v the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n this_o may_v befall_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o moreover_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v from_o peter_n and_o david_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o our_o consideration_n will_v work_v but_o faint_o and_o sensuality_n and_o sinful_a passion_n will_v work_v effectual_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a i_o think_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o david_n can_v be_v so_o long_o about_o so_o horrid_a a_o sin_n and_o after_o contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n and_o all_o this_o without_o deliberation_n or_o any_o reason_n in_o himself_o to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o the_o truth_n be_v though_o this_o be_v to_o good_a cause_n for_o any_o repent_v sinner_n to_o doubt_v of_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n to_o commit_v it_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o upon_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v all_o that_o love_v their_o peace_n or_o salvation_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o as_o they_o will_v find_v that_o no_o sin_n do_v deepâ—ier_n wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o plunge_v the_o sinner_n into_o fearful_a perplexity_n which_o oft_o time_n hang_v on_o he_o very_o long_o so_o the_o often_o such_o zeal_n and_o passion_n but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v in_o these_o and_o not_o grow_v in_o the_o body_n of_o your_o grace_n doubtless_o satan_n himself_o may_v do_v much_o to_o kindle_v your_o zeal_n if_o he_o do_v but_o see_v it_o void_a of_o sound_a knowledge_n as_o he_o do_v in_o james_n and_o john_n when_o they_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o for_o the_o doleful_a case_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o this_o age_n have_v put_v quite_o beyond_o dispute_n that_o none_o do_v the_o devil_n work_v more_o effectual_o nor_o oppose_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n more_o desperate_o than_o they_o that_o have_v the_o hot_a zeal_n with_o the_o weak_a judgement_n and_o as_o fire_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o chimney_n but_o in_o the_o thatch_n it_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o vile_a dung_n so_o be_v zeal_n most_o excellent_a when_o guide_v by_o sound_a judgement_n but_o more_o destructive_a than_o profane_a sensuality_n when_o it_o be_v let_v loose_a and_o misguided_a on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o may_v decay_v much_o in_o feeling_n and_o fervour_n of_o affection_n and_o yet_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o you_o do_v but_o grow_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will._n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o common_a growth_n which_o christian_n have_v in_o their_o age_n examine_v therefore_o whether_o you_o have_v this_o or_o no._n do_v you_o not_o understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n better_o than_o you_o former_o do_v do_v you_o not_o value_n god_n christ_n glory_n and_o grace_n at_o high_a rate_n then_o former_o be_v you_o not_o more_o full_o resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o christ_n to_o the_o death_n then_o former_o you_o have_v be_v i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a work_n for_o satan_n to_o draw_v you_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o flesh_n then_o heretofore_o when_o the_o tree_n have_v do_v grow_v in_o visible_a greatness_n it_o grow_v in_o rootedness_n the_o fruit_n grow_v first_o in_o bulk_n and_o quantity_n and_o then_o in_o mellow_a sweetness_n be_v not_o you_o less_o censorious_a and_o more_o peaceable_a than_o heretofore_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o be_v a_o more_o noble_a growth_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o austere_a and_o bitter_a youthful_a censorious_a divide_v zeal_n of_o many_o will_v prove_v mark_v most_o age_a experience_a christian_n that_o walk_v upright_o and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o quite_o outstrip_v the_o young_a 1._o in_o experience_n knowledge_n prudence_n and_o foundness_n of_o judgement_n 2._o in_o well-setled_n resolution_n for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o cause_n 3._o in_o a_o love_n of_o peace_n especial_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o dissension_n perverse_a contending_n and_o division_n if_o you_o can_v show_v this_o growth_n say_v not_o that_o you_o do_v not_o grow_v 3._o but_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o grow_v shall_v you_o therefore_o deny_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o persuade_v any_o soul_n that_o they_o grow_v when_o they_o do_v not_o but_o if_o you_o do_v not_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v it_o for_o the_o future_a make_v it_o your_o desire_n and_o daily_a business_n and_o spare_v not_o lie_v not_o still_o complain_v but_o rouse_v up_o your_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o set_v upon_o neglect_a duty_n and_o remove_v those_o corruption_n that_o hinder_v your_o growth_n converse_v with_o grow_v christian_n and_o under_o quicken_a mean_n endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o man_n soul_n as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o and_o than_o you_o will_v find_v that_o growth_n which_o will_v silence_v this_o doubt_n and_o do_v much_o more_o for_o you_o then_o that_o doubt_v xvii_o i_o be_o trouble_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a thought_n and_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n even_o against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n answer_n to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o gracelesness_n but_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n nor_o every_o yield_v neither_o but_o to_o be_v overcome_v of_o the_o temptation_n most_o melancholy_a people_n especial_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v frequent_o haunt_v with_o blasphemous_a temptation_n i_o have_v oft_o wonder_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o predominancy_n of_o that_o distemper_n scarce_o one_o person_n of_o ten_o who_o ever_o be_v with_o i_o in_o deep_a melancholy_n either_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o have_v be_v haunt_v with_o these_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o that_o so_o impetuous_o and_o violent_o set_v on_o and_o follow_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n yea_o even_o many_o that_o never_o seem_v godly_a or_o to_o mind_v any_o such_o
from_o principle_n that_o be_v know_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n and_o help_v of_o nature_n and_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o conclusion_n which_o by_o reason_v we_o gather_v from_o those_o principle_n though_o yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v as_o reveal_v in_o nature_n and_o believe_v as_o reveal_v immediate_o of_o supernatural_o and_o so_o we_o both_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n who_o make_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n 4._o but_o our_o assurance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o knowledge_n participate_v of_o faith_n and_o internal_a sense_n or_o knowledge_n reflect_v for_o divine_a faith_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v internal_a sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o say_v but_o i_o believe_v reason_n or_o discursive_a knowledge_n say_v therefore_o i_o be_o justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v only_o i_o must_v advise_v you_o that_o you_o be_v not_o trouble_v when_o you_o meet_v with_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o in_o any_o great_a divine_n for_o it_o be_v only_o our_o former_a divine_n who_o judgement_n be_v partly_o hurt_v by_o hot_a disputation_n with_o the_o papist_n herein_o and_o partly_o not_o come_v to_o that_o maturity_n as_o other_o since_o they_o have_v have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o such_o like_a passage_n in_o the_o text_n they_o eager_o insist_v on_o it_o that_o when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a every_o man_n be_v to_o profess_v that_o he_o believe_v that_o his_o own_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v life_n everlasting_a himself_o but_o our_o late_a divine_v and_o special_o the_o english_a and_o most_o especial_o these_o that_o deal_v most_o in_o practical_o do_v see_v the_o mistake_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o i_o teach_v you_o here_o god_n bid_v we_o not_o believe_v as_o from_o he_o more_o than_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o only_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n testimony_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o write_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v nor_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o thing_n equivalent_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o believe_v either_o of_o these_o how_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v these_o i_o have_v full_o tell_v you_o already_o in_o our_o creed_n therefore_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n death_n and_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o give_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o on_o condition_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n himself_o for_o remission_n but_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v actual_o and_o full_o pardon_v my_o end_n in_o tell_v you_o this_o again_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o elsewhere_o be_v this_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v as_o i_o find_v abundance_n of_o poor_a trouble_a soul_n to_o do_v that_o faith_n much_o less_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o believe_v that_o you_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o fall_v a_o condemn_v your_o self_n unjust_o every_o time_n that_o you_o doubt_v of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o think_v that_o so_o much_o as_o you_o doubt_v of_o this_o so_o much_o unbelief_n you_o have_v and_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n complain_v that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n or_o but_o little_a and_o that_o they_o can_v believe_v because_o they_o believe_v not_o their_o own_o faith_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o when_o they_o whole_o judge_v themselves_o unsanctified_a than_o they_o call_v that_o desperation_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n inconsistent_a with_o true_a grace_n these_o be_v dangerous_a error_n all_o arise_v from_o that_o one_o error_n which_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n do_v carry_v some_o good_a man_n to_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o belief_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v by_o christ_n indeed_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o promise_n to_o themselves_o but_o that_o application_n consist_v in_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o belong_v to_o all_o and_o so_o to_o i_o and_o then_o in_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n as_o a_o offer_a gift_n and_o after_o this_o in_o trust_v on_o he_o for_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n hence_o therefore_o you_o may_v best_o see_v what_o unbelief_n and_o desperation_n be_v and_o how_o far_o man_n may_v charge_v themselves_o with_o they_o when_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o promise_v be_v true_a or_o when_o you_o refuse_v to_o accept_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n offer_v in_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o trust_v he_o as_o one_o that_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v you_o if_o you_o do_v assent_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o accept_v he_o this_o be_v unbelief_n but_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v hearty_o willing_a to_o accept_v christ_n as_o offer_v in_o it_o and_o only_o doubt_v whether_o your_o belief_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o so_o whether_o you_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v not_o unbelief_n but_o ignorance_n of_o your_o own_o sincerity_n and_o its_o consequent_n nay_o and_o though_o that_o affiance_n be_v want_v which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o hinder_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a condition_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o affiance_n in_o the_o habit_n and_o virtual_o be_v there_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o formal_o distrust_v or_o unbelief_n any_o more_o than_o your_o not_o trust_v god_n in_o your_o sleep_n be_v distrust_n if_o a_o friend_n do_v promise_n to_o give_v you_o a_o hundred_o pound_n on_o condition_n that_o you_o thankful_o accept_v it_o if_o you_o now_o do_v believe_v he_o and_o do_v thankful_o accept_v it_o but_o yet_o through_o some_o vain_a scruple_n shall_v think_v my_o thankfulness_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a and_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v i_o do_v not_o perform_v his_o condition_n and_o so_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o gift_n in_o this_o case_n now_o you_o do_v believe_v your_o friend_n and_o you_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o proper_o but_o you_o distrust_v yourself_o that_o you_o perform_v not_o the_o condition_n and_o this_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o confidence_n or_o affiance_n in_o your_o friend_n which_o be_v habitual_o and_o virtual_o in_o you_o just_o so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o present_a case_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o desperation_n which_o be_v a_o privation_n of_o hope_n when_o we_o have_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o accept_v christ_n offer_v we_o be_v then_o bind_v to_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o the_o benefit_n promise_v so_o hope_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o desirous_a expectation_n of_o the_o good_a so_o promise_v and_o believe_v now_o if_o you_o begin_v to_o distrust_v whether_o god_n will_v make_v good_a this_o promise_n or_o no_o either_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a or_o he_o be_v not_o able_a or_o have_v change_v his_o mind_n since_o the_o make_n of_o it_o and_o on_o these_o ground_n you_o let_v go_v your_o hope_n this_o be_v despair_n if_o because_o that_o christ_n seem_v to_o delay_v his_o come_n we_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v wait_v in_o hope_n till_o now_o but_o now_o i_o be_o out_o of_o hope_n that_o ever_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o glorify_v believer_n i_o will_v expect_v it_o no_o long_o this_o be_v despair_n and_o it_o have_v its_o several_a degree_n more_o or_o less_o as_o unbelief_n have_v indeed_o the_o schoolman_n say_v that_o affiance_n be_v nothing_o but_o strengthen_v hope_n affiance_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o hope_n only_o it_o more_o express_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o promiser_n and_o indeed_o be_v faith_n and_o hope_v express_v both_o together_o in_o one_o word_n so_o that_o what_o i_o say_v before_o of_o distrust_n be_v true_a of_o despair_n if_o you_o do_v continue_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o christ_n come_v and_o glorify_v his_o saint_n and_o yet_o you_o think_v he_o will_v not_o glorify_v you_o because_o you_o think_v that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o true_a believer_n or_o saint_n this_o be_v not_o desperation_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n for_o desperation_n be_v the_o privation_n of_o hope_n where_o the_o formal_a cause_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v want_v but_o you_o have_v here_o hope_v in_o the_o habit_n and_o virtual_o do_v hope_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o act_n of_o it_o as_o to_o your_o own_o
particular_a salvation_n be_v hinder_v upon_o a_o accidental_a mistake_n in_o the_o forementioned_a example_n if_o your_o friend_n promise_v to_o give_v you_o a_o hundred_o pound_n on_o condition_n of_o your_o thankful_a acceptance_n and_o promise_v to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o hour_n and_o bring_v it_o you_o if_o now_o you_o stay_v till_o the_o hour_n be_v almost_o come_v and_o then_o say_v i_o â—m_n out_o of_o hope_n of_o his_o come_n now_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o despair_n in_o your_o friend_n but_o if_o you_o only_o think_v that_o you_o have_v overstay_v the_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v past_a and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o gift_n this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o despair_n of_o the_o event_n and_o a_o despair_n of_o yourself_o but_o not_o proper_o a_o despair_n in_o your_o friend_n only_o the_o act_n of_o hope_v in_o god_n be_v hinder_v as_o be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o despair_n in_o themselves_o but_o not_o to_o despair_n in_o god_n except_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o such_o despair_n be_v there_o present_a and_o except_o they_o be_v draw_v to_o it_o by_o not_o believe_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o despair_n be_v express_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n luke_n 24.21_o we_o trust_v that_o this_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v redeem_v israel_n only_o it_o be_v but_o imperfect_a despair_n else_o it_o have_v be_v damnable_a their_o hope_n be_v shake_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v only_o this_o proper_a despair_n in_o god_n which_o be_v the_o damnable_a desperation_n which_o be_v threaten_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o former_a and_o that_o if_o a_o poor_a soul_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n without_o any_o actual_a hope_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n mere_o because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n that_o this_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v and_o prove_v a_o true_a believer_n for_o all_o this_o alas_o the_o great_a sin_n that_o god_n threaten_v be_v our_o distrust_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o not_o the_o doubt_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o distrust_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o know_v they_o to_o be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o be_v jealous_a of_o god_n where_o find_v you_o in_o scripture_n that_o any_o be_v condemn_v for_o hard_a thought_n of_o themselves_o or_o for_o not_o know_v themselves_o to_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o for_o think_v they_o have_v none_o it_o be_v true_a unbelief_n in_o god_n promise_v that_o man_n be_v condemn_v for_o even_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o aversion_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v ask_v be_v doubt_v of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n no_o sin_n i_o answer_v doubt_v be_v either_o take_v in_o opposition_n to_o believe_v or_o in_o opposition_n to_o know_v or_o to_o conjecture_v 1._o doubt_v as_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o not-believing_a that_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v no_o sin_n still_o remember_v that_o i_o take_v believe_v in_o the_o strict_a proper_a sense_n for_o the_o credit_v of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o assertion_n for_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v we_o ordinary_o to_o believe_v either_o of_o these_o i_o say_v ordinary_o as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o proposition_n before_o because_o when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n he_o tell_v a_o man_n personal_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o whether_o he_o mean_v only_o as_o to_o the_o present_a disease_n inflict_v for_o they_o or_o also_o all_o punishment_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a i_o will_v not_o now_o discuss_v so_o nathan_n from_o god_n tell_v david_n his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v but_o these_o be_v privilege_n only_o to_o these_o person_n and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v either_o that_o all_o man_n sin_n be_v actual_o forgive_v or_o that_o you_o or_o i_o by_o name_n be_v forgive_v but_o only_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v forgive_v which_o suppose_v they_o to_o believe_v before_o they_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o they_o be_v forgive_v before_o they_o believe_v and_o therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o believe_a that_o they_o be_v forgive_v but_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n else_o man_n must_v believe_v a_o untruth_n to_o make_v it_o become_v true_a by_o their_o believe_v it_o 2._o but_o now_o doubt_v as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o remission_n and_o justification_n in_o those_o that_o be_v justify_v be_v a_o sin_n for_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n for_o a_o unjustified_a person_n to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v unjustified_a but_o then_o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o godly_a and_o what_o manner_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v part_n of_o our_o natural_a ignorance_n and_o original_a depravedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o a_o fruit_n hereof_o and_o of_o our_o strangeness_n to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o of_o their_o deep_a deceitfulness_n confusion_n mutability_n or_o negligence_n 2._o and_o further_o as_o all_o these_o be_v increase_v by_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_v and_o so_o the_o discern_a of_o our_o state_n be_v become_v more_o difficult_a it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a sin_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o any_o particular_a sin_n by_o which_o we_o have_v obscure_v our_o own_o grace_n and_o provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o so_o all_o ignorance_n of_o any_o truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v be_v a_o sin_n so_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o own_o regeneration_n and_o sincerity_n be_v a_o sin_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o great_a condemn_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n which_o christ_n threaten_v in_o his_o new_a law_n that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o great_a or_o most_o heinous_a sort_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o infirmity_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o let_v i_o further_o acquaint_v you_o with_o this_o difference_n between_o these_o doubt_n and_o your_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o though_o the_o doubt_v itself_o be_v your_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o care_n that_o follow_v it_o may_v be_v your_o duty_n yet_o respective_o and_o by_o remote_a participation_n even_o these_o also_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v sinful_a even_o as_o our_o prayer_n for_o that_o pardon_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o know_v it_o not_o may_v by_o remote_a participation_n be_v call_v sinful_a because_o if_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v ignorant_a we_o shall_v not_o have_v doubt_v of_o the_o least_o true_a grace_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o so_o doubt_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v fear_v or_o sorrow_v or_o pray_v for_o that_o remission_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o yet_o though_o these_o may_v be_v call_v sinful_a as_o they_o come_v from_o sin_n yet_o more_o near_o and_o in_o themselves_o consider_v on_o supposition_n of_o our_o present_a estate_n they_o be_v all_o duty_n and_o great_a duty_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n you_o may_v say_v to_o a_o thief_n that_o beg_v for_o pardon_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o steal_v thou_o have_v not_o need_v to_o have_v beg_v pardon_n yet_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v steal_v it_o may_v be_v his_o duty_n to_o beg_v pardon_n and_o so_o you_o may_v say_v to_o a_o poor_a fear_v soul_n that_o fear_v damnation_n and_o god_n wrath_n thou_o need_v not_o fear_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o sin_v but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o by_o sin_n obscure_v his_o evidence_n and_o necessitate_v doubt_v then_o be_v fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o pray_v for_o justification_n and_o pardon_n his_o duty_n and_o indeed_o not_o fit_o to_o be_v call_v sin_n but_o rather_o a_o fruit_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o so_o have_v some_o participation_n in_o it_o but_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o christ_n command_n in_o another_o respect_n and_o so_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o else_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o love_v he_o as_o redeemer_n for_o you_o may_v say_v to_o any_o sinner_n thou_o need_v not_o to_o have_v