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cause_n good_a great_a think_v 4,338 5 3.9369 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27009 The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1653 (1653) Wing B1373A; ESTC R17485 252,137 602

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of_o most_o christian_n that_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n be_v feed_v by_o some_o sin_n ibid._n the_o sin_n which_o trouble_a christian_n shall_v most_o search_v after_o be_v 1._o contrary_a carnal_a interest_n encroach_a on_o christ_n interest_n 1._o in_o the_o understanding_n enumerate_v as_o against_o each_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 2._o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n 1._o pride_n 2._o covetousness_n 3._o voluptuousness_n these_o be_v consider_v here_o as_o against_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o as_o against_o the_o first_o commandment_n 286_o 2._o actual_a sin_n against_o the_o other_o commandment_n especial_o suspect_v 1._o unmercifulness_n and_o rigid_a censoriousness_n of_o other_o 2._o unpeaceableness_n in_o family_n neighbourhood_n church_n etc._n etc._n 301_o direction_n xxiv_o content_v not_o yourself_o with_o a_o cheap_a religiousness_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o that_o which_o cost_v you_o little_a or_o nothing_o and_o take_v every_o call_v to_o costly_a duty_n or_o suffering_n for_o christ_n as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n for_o advance_v your_o comfort_n 313_o remember_v this_o 1._o in_o prevent_v sin_n 2._o in_o rise_v from_o sin_n 3._o in_o performance_n of_o duty_n 325_o direction_n xxv_o study_v the_o great_a art_n of_o do_v good_a and_o let_v it_o be_v your_o every-day_n contrivance_n care_n and_o business_n how_o to_o lay_v out_o all_o your_o talent_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 332_o apply_v to_o our_o ruler_n and_o to_o rich_a man_n 337_o direction_n xxvi_o trouble_v not_o your_o soul_n with_o needless_a scruple_n nor_o make_v yourself_o more_o work_n than_o god_n have_v make_v you_o by_o feign_v that_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o by_o place_v your_o religion_n in_o will-worship_n or_o overmuch_a rigour_n to_o your_o body_n etc._n etc._n 346_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_a the_o question_n answer_v whether_o all_o virtue_n be_v in_o the_o middle_a and_o whether_o we_o can_v love_v or_o serve_v god_n too_o much_o 347_o all_o overdoing_a in_o god_n work_n be_v un-doing_a the_o devil_n be_v most_o zealous_a in_o overdoing_a a_o sad_a instance_n how_o much_o the_o devil_n have_v get_v by_o overdoing_a 1._o in_o doctrine_n against_o heretic_n by_o add_v to_o the_o creed_n and_o forsake_v scripture-phrase_n 2._o in_o discipline_n 3._o in_o government_n or_o church-power_n 4._o in_o worship_n 5._o in_o reformation_n especial_o of_o late_a the_o devil_n go_v beyond_o christ_n in_o all_o these_o when_o he_o once_o fall_v to_o work_v 354_o direction_n xxvii_o when_o god_n have_v discover_v your_o sincerity_n to_o you_o fix_v it_o in_o your_o memory_n that_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o leave_v not_o your_o soul_n open_a to_o new_a apprehension_n except_o in_o case_n of_o notable_a declining_n or_o gross_a sin_v 376_o prove_v that_o in_o these_o except_a case_n even_o the_o justify_v may_v question_v their_o sincerity_n and_o justification_n 377_o direction_n xxviii_o beware_v of_o perplex_v misinterpretation_n of_o 1._o scripture_n 2._o providence_n 3._o sermon_n and_o be_v willing_a that_o minister_n shall_v preach_v most_o search_o and_o rouzing_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o mis-applying_a it_o to_o yourself_o 387_o direction_n xxix_o distinguish_v careful_o between_o cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o cause_n of_o mere_a humiliation_n and_o amendment_n god_n call_v you_o very_o often_o to_o humiliation_n when_o he_o call_v you_o not_o to_o doubt_v 403_o twenty_o ordinary_a doubt_n resolve_v 1._o about_o know_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o conversion_n 406_o 2._o about_o humiliation_n 411_o 3._o of_o receive_v religion_n by_o education_n 417_o 4._o about_o deadness_n hardheartedness_n and_o not_o weep_v for_o sin_n 423_o 5._o about_o backwardness_n to_o duty_n and_o not_o delight_v in_o it_o 434_o 6._o about_o do_v all_o out_o of_o slavish_a fear_n 439_o 7._o not_o able_a to_o believe_v 443_o 8._o strangeness_n to_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n 444._o 9_o want_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n 446_o 10._o unprofitableness_n through_o want_n of_o gift_n 450_o 11._o greatness_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n 452_o a_o twofold_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n 453_o 12._o want_v of_o a_o deep_a hatred_n to_o sin_n fear_v lest_o strong_a temptation_n will_v overthrow_v we_o 456_o 13._o fear_v of_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 459_o 14._o lest_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v time_n of_o grace_n pass_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 461_o 15._o sin_v since_o profession_n against_o conscience_n on_o deliberation_n 465_o 16._o not_o overcome_v corruption_n and_o not_o grow_v in_o grace_n 469_o 17._o blasphemous_a and_o unbelieving_a thought_n 476_o 18._o fear_n of_o death_n 481_o 19_o heavy_a affliction_n 483_o 20._o not_o be_v afflict_a 484_o direction_n xxx_o careful_o discern_v whether_o your_o doubt_n be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o general_n or_o of_o special_a grace_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o when_o you_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o certain_a evidence_n that_o you_o let_v not_o go_v probability_n or_o at_o the_o worst_a when_o you_o be_v beat_v from_o both_o and_o judge_v yourself_o graceless_a yet_o lose_v not_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n 489_o direction_n xxxi_o in_o all_o press_a necessity_n take_v the_o advice_n of_o your_o pastor_n 1._o keep_v it_o not_o secret_a 2._o in_o what_o case_n to_o seek_v advice_n 3._o to_o what_o ends._n 4._o of_o what_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o who_o to_o avoid_v 5._o in_o what_o manner_n to_o open_v your_o case_n objection_n answer_v against_o confess_v sin_n to_o pastor_n reason_n why_o minister_n have_v not_o full_o acquaint_v their_o people_n with_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o confess_v and_o open_v their_o case_n to_o they_o 499_o direction_n xxxii_o understand_v that_o the_o height_n of_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o duty_n lie_v in_o a_o love_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o a_o thankful_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n which_o you_o must_v be_v still_o endeavour_v and_o subordinate_a all_o other_o duty_n to_o these_o 523_o minister_n and_o christian_n shall_v keep_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o spend_v more_o of_o it_o in_o praise_n psalm_n hymn_n etc._n etc._n and_o less_o in_o confess_v etc._n etc._n 533_o how_o christian_n wrong_v christ_n and_o religion_n and_o contradict_v the_o main_a design_n of_o grace_n by_o their_o sad_a deject_a life_n 536_o stand_v not_o complain_v and_o doubt_v but_o cheerful_o amend_v and_o obey_v 537_o errata_fw-la pag._n 16._o lin_v 3._o for_o quit_v r._n quiet_a p._n 44._o l._n 22._o before_o arise_v put_v or_o p._n 67._o l._n 26_o 27._o for_o define_v put_v explain_v p._n 164._o l._n 5._o after_o bad_a make_v a_o stop_n p._n 174._o l._n 2._o for_o give_v r._n even_o p._n 186._o l._n 10._o for_o their_o r._n the._n p._n 204._o l._n 21._o for_o and_o r._n be_v p._n 259._o l._n 23._o for_o nobility_n r._n mobility_n p._n 455._o l._n 17._o for_o our_o faith_n r._n one_o say_v p._n 482._o l._n 28._o between_o the_o two_o it_o be_v put_v as_o p._n 526._o l._n 27._o r._n thankful_o the_o right_a method_n for_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o xxxii_o direction_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v that_o the_o case_n here_o to_o be_v resolve_v be_v not_o how_o a_o unhumble_v profane_a sinner_n that_o never_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o misery_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n their_o carnal_a peace_n must_v first_o be_v break_v and_o they_o must_v be_v so_o far_o humble_v as_o to_o find_v the_o want_n and_o worth_a of_o mercy_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o consolation_n may_v not_o seem_v contemptible_a in_o their_o eye_n it_o be_v none_o of_o my_o business_n now_o to_o give_v any_o advice_n for_o the_o further_a of_o this_o conviction_n or_o humiliation_n but_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n be_v how_o a_o sinner_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o some_o competent_a measure_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o long_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o holiness_n but_o live_v in_o continual_a doubt_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n because_o of_o a_o exceed_a deadness_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o want_n of_o that_o love_n to_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o sweetness_n in_o duty_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o other_o the_o like_a evidence_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o saint_n how_o far_o
sad_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v thus_o add_v to_o our_o own_o affliction_n and_o the_o heavy_a we_o judge_v the_o burden_n the_o more_o we_o lie_v on_o as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o do_v enough_o or_o will_v not_o sufficient_o afflict_v we_o we_o may_v more_o comfortable_o bear_v that_o which_o god_n lay_v on_o we_o then_o that_o which_o we_o immediate_o lie_v upon_o ourselves_o cross_n be_v not_o great_a or_o small_a according_a to_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o according_a chief_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o sufferer_n or_o else_o how_o can_v holy_a man_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n reproach_n wrong_n loss_n be_v all_o without_o you_o unless_o you_o open_v they_o the_o door_n wilful_o yourself_o they_o can_v come_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n god_n have_v not_o put_v the_o joy_n or_o grief_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o any_o other_o man_n power_n but_o in_o your_o own_o it_o be_v you_o therefore_o that_o do_v yourselves_o the_o great_a mischief_n god_n afflict_v your_o body_n or_o man_n wrong_v you_o in_o your_o state_n of_o name_n a_o small_a hurt_n if_o it_o go_v on_o further_o and_o therefore_o you_o will_v afflict_v your_o soul_n but_o a_o sad_a thing_n yet_o be_v it_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o man_n fear_v god_n shall_v so_o high_o value_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n they_o who_o in_o their_o convenant_n with_o christ_n be_v engage_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o that_o have_v take_v god_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o portion_n for_o their_o all_o and_o have_v resign_v themselves_o and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o christ_n dispose_n who_o very_a business_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o christian_a life_n consist_v so_o much_o in_o resist_v the_o devil_n mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v god_n business_n in_o his_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o 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we_o then_o be_v and_o how_o happy_o will_v most_v of_o our_o disquiet_n be_v remove_v alas_o if_o we_o be_v so_o unfit_a to_o part_v with_o one_o outward_a comfort_n now_o upon_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o father_n providence_n how_o shall_v we_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n or_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v at_o death_n when_o all_o must_v be_v part_v with_o as_o ever_o therefore_o you_o will_v live_v in_o true_a christian_a peace_n set_v more_o by_o christ_n and_o less_o by_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o hold_v all_o that_o you_o possess_v so_o loose_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o you_o when_o you_o must_v leave_v they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o trouble_n that_o arise_v from_o your_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v direct_v for_o the_o cure_v of_o those_o trouble_n that_o arise_v immediate_o from_o more_o spiritual_a cause_n direction_n iii_o 3._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o first_o lie_v sound_a apprehension_n of_o 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nor_o reprove_v nor_o submit_v to_o reproof_n nor_o turn_v from_o the_o way_n of_o temptation_n or_o the_o like_a action_n must_v discover_v true_a willingness_n the_o son_n that_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n be_v not_o accept_v or_o justify_v if_o therefore_o you_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o your_o willingness_n be_v sincere_a inquire_v into_o your_o practice_n and_o performance_n god_n command_v you_o to_o pray_v to_o instruct_v your_o family_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a to_o forgive_v those_o that_o wrong_v you_o etc._n etc._n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n persuade_v you_o from_o these_o do_v you_o perform_v they_o or_o do_v you_o not_o though_o you_o may_v do_v it_o with_o backwardness_n and_o dullness_n and_o weakness_n yet_o do_v you_o do_v it_o and_o desire_v you_o can_v do_v it_o better_o and_o lament_v your_o misdo_n it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o better_o than_o you_o have_v former_o 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also_o the_o case_n may_v much_o differ_v with_o several_a person_n place_n and_o season_n concern_v duty_n that_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n to_o one_o man_n that_o i●_n not_o to_o another_o and_o in_o one_o place_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o at_o one_o season_n which_o be_v not_o at_o another_o and_o that_o may_v be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o of_o indispensable_a necessity_n to_o one_o which_o to_o another_o be_v not_o so_o great_a it_o may_v stand_v with_o true_a grace_n to_o omit_v that_o duty_n which_o man_n know_v not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o they_o except_o where_o the_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o be_v itself_o of_o absolute_a neeessity_n to_o salvation_n but_o it_o can_v so_o stand_v with_o grace_n in_o those_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 ●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 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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 t●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
dispose_v help_n or_o hinder_v the_o mind_n let_v we_o hear_v one_o man_n reason_n the_o case_n and_o we_o think_v he_o make_v all_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n let_v we_o hear_v another_o solve_v all_o his_o argument_n and_o dispute_v for_o the_o contrary_a and_o then_o we_o see_v that_o our_o apprehension_n be_v abuse_v let_v we_o hear_v he_o reply_v and_o confute_v all_o again_o and_o confirm_v his_o cause_n and_o then_o we_o think_v he_o in_o the_o right_a again_o nothing_o more_o changeable_a than_o the_o conceiving_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n till_o he_o be_v thorough_o resolve_v and_o habituate_v now_o in_o this_o case_n how_o shall_v those_o that_o have_v but_o little_a grace_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o it_o will_v not_o keep_v the_o mind_n from_o fluctuate_a if_o they_o seem_v resolve_v for_o obedience_n to_o christ_n to_o day_n to_o morrow_n they_o be_v so_o shake_v by_o some_o entice_a object_n and_o force_v of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v undiscernible_a nay_o actual_o they_o prefer_v sin_n at_o that_o time_n before_o obedience_n it_o be_v impossible_a then_o but_o the_o soul_n shall_v stagger_v and_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o it_o will_v judge_v of_o itself_o as_o it_o find_v itself_o and_o it_o can_v discern_v the_o habitual_a prevalency_n of_o christ_n interest_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o actual_a prevalency_n of_o the_o flesh_n interest_n for_o the_o act_n be_v the_o only_a discoverer_n of_o the_o habit_n and_o if_o peter_n himself_o shall_v then_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o heart_n whether_o he_o prefer_v christ_n before_o his_o life_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o be_v deny_v and_o forswear_v christ_n to_o save_v his_o life_n do_v you_o think_v he_o can_v have_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o even_o then_o christ_n interest_n be_v great_a in_o he_o habitual_o if_o david_n shall_v have_v go_v to_o search_v whether_o he_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o god_n before_o his_o fleshly_a pleasure_n when_o he_o be_v commit_v adultery_n or_o before_o his_o credit_n when_o he_o be_v plot_v the_o death_n of_o vriah_n what_o discovery_n do_v you_o think_v he_o will_v have_v make_v 7._o add_v to_o all_o these_o that_o as_o these_o several_a distemper_n be_v they_o but_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n in_o a_o weak_a christian_a as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a or_o in_o most_o will_v yet_o make_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n undiscernible_a if_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o small_a grace_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o such_o a_o frame_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n to_o discover_v in_o himself_o he_o have_v proportionable_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o ability_n and_o help_n to_o discover_v it_o and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a hindrance_n he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o very_a little_a repentance_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n sincere_a when_o he_o go_v to_o find_v it_o out_o he_o have_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n a_o dark_a understanding_n to_o discern_v it_o than_o other_o have_v and_o a_o great_a strangeness_n and_o disacquaintance_n with_o himself_o and_o more_o deceitfulness_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o a_o great_a confusion_n and_o hurlyburly_n in_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o all_o more_o out_o of_o order_n and_o to_o seek_v also_o he_o have_v a_o great_a backwardness_n to_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o can_v hardly_o get_v his_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o more_o hardly_o to_o do_v it_o thorough_o and_o search_v to_o the_o quick_a and_o most_o hard_o to_o hold_v on_o against_o all_o withdraw_a temptation_n till_o he_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n and_o last_o his_o soul_n be_v more_o mutable_a than_o strong_a christian_n be_v and_o therefore_o when_o cross_a act_n be_v so_o frequent_a he_o can_v discern_v the_o small_a prevail_a habit._n if_o when_o you_o be_v weigh_v gold_n the_o scale_n be_v turn_v but_o with_o one_o grain_n every_o little_a jog_v or_o wind_n or_o unsteadfast_a hold_v will_v actual_o lift_v up_o the_o heavy_a end_n and_o its_o preponderation_n be_v with_o great_a waver_a and_o mobility_n 8._o yet_o further_o consider_v those_o that_o have_v least_o grace_n have_v most_o sin_n habitual_a and_o actual_a and_o they_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o transgress_v that_o their_o fail_n be_v still_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o thereby_o the_o prevalency_n of_o christ_n interest_n be_v make_v more_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a for_o when_o he_o ask_v his_o own_o conscience_n do_v i_o will_v or_o love_v most_o the_o world_n and_o my_o fleshly_a delight_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n present_o conscience_n remember_v he_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o such_o a_o time_n thou_o do_v choose_v thy_o fleshly_a pleasure_n profit_n or_o credit_n and_o refuse_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v so_o oft_o and_o so_o foul_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o 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that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o you_o and_o have_v forgive_v you_o for_o you_o be_v justify_v before_o you_o be_v bear_v if_o you_o be_v one_o of_o the_o elect_n and_o can_v but_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o your_o own_o by_o which_o you_o can_v be_v justify_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o sin_n of_o you_o that_o can_v unjustifie_v it_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o persuade_v you_o of_o your_o justification_n and_o adoption_n that_o can_v give_v you_o assurance_n and_o fetch_v it_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o yourself_o be_v but_o a_o rest_n on_o your_o own_o righteousness_n and_o forsake_v christ_n when_o the_o antinomian_n have_v but_o sing_v this_o ignorant_a charm_n to_o a_o poor_a soul_n as_o ignorant_a as_o himself_o and_o prepare_v by_o terror_n to_o entertain_v the_o impression_n present_o it_o oft_o take_v and_o the_o sinner_n without_o a_o wonder_n of_o mercy_n be_v undo_v this_o doctrine_n which_o subvert_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o 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a_o better_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o self-judging_a conscience_n to_o say_v he_o speak_v now_o to_o i_o this_o be_v my_o case_n then_o to_o say_v he_o speak_v now_o to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o one_o this_o be_v their_o case_n for_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o hypocrite_n to_o have_v their_o eye_n most_o abroad_o and_o in_o every_o duty_n to_o be_v mind_v most_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o you_o may_v much_o discern_v such_o in_o their_o prayer_n in_o that_o they_o will_v fill_v their_o confession_n most_o with_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o you_o may_v feel_v they_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o neighbour_n when_o you_o may_v even_o feel_v a_o sincere_a man_n speak_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o most_o open_v his_o own_o bosom_n to_o god_n but_o though_o self-applying_a and_o self-searching_a be_v far_o the_o better_a sign_n yet_o must_v not_o any_o wise_a christian_a do_v it_o mistake_o for_o that_o may_v breed_v abundance_n of_o very_a sad_a 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your_o head_n under_o every_o stroke_n that_o we_o give_v against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o if_o you_o smart_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n be_v we_o in_o by_o such_o misapplication_n we_o have_v but_o two_o message_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o be_v usual_o lose_v by_o misapplication_n the_o wicked_a say_v i_o be_o the_o righteous_a and_o therefore_o it_o sh●ll_v go_v well_o with_o i_o the_o righteous_a say_v i_o be_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v go_v ill_a with_o i_o the_o unbeliever_n say_v i_o be_o a_o believer_n and_o therefore_o be_o justify_v the_o believer_n say_v i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d vnbeliever_n ●nd_v therefore_o be_o condemn_v nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o preach_n but_o we_o oft_o do_v they_o much_o harm_n for_o they_o be_v harden_v that_o shall_v be_v humble_v and_o they_o be_v wound_v more_o that_o shall_v be_v heal_v a_o minister_n now_o must_v needs_o tell_v they_o who_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o believer_n and_o who_o 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trouble_n as_o to_o fit_v almost_o all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o application_n to_o you_o what_o a_o fearful_a guilt_n shall_v we_o draw_v upon_o our_o own_o soul_n nay_o what_o a_o snare_n may_v you_o thus_o prove_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n alas_o we_o have_v seldom_o past_o one_o or_o two_o or_o three_o trouble_a conscience_n in_o a_o auditory_a and_o perhaps_o some_o of_o their_o trouble_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o wilful_a sin_v that_o they_o have_v more_o need_n of_o great_a humble_v yet_o shall_v we_o now_o neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o poor_a soul_n to_o preach_v only_o to_o you_o o_o how_o many_o a_o ignorant_a hard-hearted_a sinner_n come_v before_o god_n every_o day_n shall_v we_o let_v such_o go_v away_o as_o they_o come_v without_o ever_o a_o blow_n to_o awaken_v they_o and_o stir_v their_o heart_n when_o alas_o all_o that_o ever_o we_o can_v do_v be_v too_o little_a when_o we_o preach_v you_o into_o tear_n and_o tremble_a we_o 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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 deep●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
require_v you_o to_o desire_v the_o blessedness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v after_o death_n and_o that_o so_o earnest_o as_o may_v make_v death_n itself_o the_o easy_a to_o you_o thank_v god_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v somewhat_o abate_v in_o you_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sweeten_v man_n may_v pretend_v what_o they_o please_v but_o nature_n will_v abhor_v death_n as_o long_o as_o its_o nature_n and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v man_n else_o temporal_a death_n have_v be_v no_o punishment_n to_o adam_n if_o his_o innocent_a nature_n have_v not_o abhor_v it_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o it_o tell_v i_o but_o this_o if_o death_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o that_o you_o can_v travel_v to_o heaven_n as_o easy_o as_o to_o london_n will_v not_o you_o rather_o go_v thither_o and_o be_v with_o christ_n then_o stay_v in_o sin_n and_o vanity_n here_o on_o earth_n so_o be_v it_o you_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v with_o christ_n if_o you_o can_v say_v yea_o to_o this_o than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o your_o loathness_n to_o die_v be_v either_o from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o your_o salvation_n or_o from_o the_o natural_a averseness_n to_o a_o dissolution_n or_o both_o and_o not_o from_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n or_o a_o prefer_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n before_o the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o to_o come_v last_o it_o may_v be_v god_n may_v lay_v that_o affliction_n on_o you_o or_o use_v some_o other_o necessary_a mean_n with_o you_o yet_o before_o you_o die_v that_o may_v make_v you_o willing_a than_o now_o you_o be_v doubt_v xix_o god_n lay_v upon_o i_o such_o heavy_a affliction_n that_o i_o can_v believe_v he_o love_v i_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o take_v i_o for_o his_o enemy_n i_o be_o afflict_v in_o my_o health_n in_o my_o name_n in_o my_o child_n and_o near_a friend_n and_o in_o my_o state_n i_o live_v in_o continual_a poverty_n or_o pinch_a distress_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o yea_o my_o very_a soul_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o terorr_v and_o night_n and_o day_n be_v his_o hand_n heavy_a upon_o i_o answer_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o this_o before_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o say_v any_o more_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v say_v so_o much_o but_o only_o to_o desire_v you_o to_o read_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o heb._n 12._o and_o job_n throughout_o and_o psal_n 37._o and_o 73._o and_o divers_a other_o the_o next_o doubt_n be_v contrary_a doubt_n xx._n i_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o that_o he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o so_o follow_v christ_n can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o correct_v we_o be_v bastard_n and_o not_o son_n but_o i_o never_o have_v any_o affliction_n from_o god_n but_o have_v live_v in_o constant_a prosperity_n to_o this_o day_n christ_n say_v woe_n to_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o but_o all_o man_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v speak_v well_o of_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v of_o my_o sincerity_n answer_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v this_o doubt_n but_o that_o i_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o myself_o and_o perhaps_o some_o other_o may_v be_v as_o foolish_a as_o i_o though_o i_o think_v but_o few_o in_o these_o time_n our_o great_a friend_n have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o resolve_v they_o more_o effectual_o than_o word_n can_v have_v do_v 1._o some_o of_o those_o text_n speak_v only_o of_o man_n duty_n of_o bear_v persecution_n and_o tribulation_n when_o god_n lay_v it_o on_o we_o rather_o than_o of_o the_o event_n that_o it_o shall_v certain_o come_v 2._o yet_o i_o think_v it_o ordinary_o certain_a and_o to_o be_v expect_v as_o to_o the_o event_n doubtless_o tribulation_n be_v god_n common_a road_n to_o heaven_n every_o ignorant_a person_n be_v so_o well_o ware_n of_o this_o that_o they_o delude_v themselves_o in_o their_o suffering_n say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o their_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o in_o another_o if_o any_o soul_n be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o fear_v and_o doubt_n for_o want_v of_o affliction_n if_o none_o else_o will_v do_v the_o cure_n let_v they_o but_o follow_v my_o counsel_n and_o i_o dare_v warrant_v they_o for_o this_o and_o i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v honest_a yea_o and_o necessary_a and_o what_o i_o have_v try_v effectual_o upon_o myself_o and_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o it_o cure_v i_o and_o i_o can_v give_v it_o a_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la and_o first_o see_v that_o you_o be_v faithful_a in_o your_o duty_n to_o all_o sinner_n within_o your_o reach_n be_v they_o great_a or_o small_a gentleman_n or_o beggar_n do_v your_o duty_n in_o reprove_v they_o meek_o and_o love_o yet_o plain_o and_o serious_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o god_n everlasting_a wrath_n and_o when_o you_o find_v they_o obstinate_a tell_v the_o church-officer_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o duty_n and_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v unreformed_a they_o may_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o all_o christian_a familiarity_n try_v this_o course_n a_o while_n and_o if_o you_o meet_v with_o no_o affliction_n and_o get_v no_o more_o fist_n about_o your_o ear_n then_o your_o own_o nor_o more_o tongue_n against_o you_o then_o former_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o mistake_v man_n base_o bawk_v and_o shun_v almost_o all_o the_o displease_a ungrateful_a work_n of_o christianity_n of_o purpose_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v suffering_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o then_o they_o doubt_v of_o their_o sincerity_n for_o want_v of_o suffering_n my_o second_o advice_n be_v do_v but_o stay_v a_o while_n in_o patience_n but_o prepare_v your_o patience_n for_o a_o sharp_a encounter_n and_o do_v not_o tie_v god_n to_o your_o time_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v you_o when_o your_o affliction_n shall_v come_v if_o he_o deal_v easy_o with_o you_o then_o other_o and_o give_v you_o a_o long_a time_n to_o prepare_v for_o they_o be_v not_o you_o offend_v at_o that_o and_o do_v not_o quarrel_v with_o your_o mercy_n it_o be_v about_o seventeen_o year_n since_o i_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o doubt_n think_v i_o be_v no_o son_n because_o i_o be_v not_o afflict_v and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v have_v few_o day_n without_o pain_n for_o this_o sixteen_o year_n since_o together_o nor_o but_o few_o hour_n if_o any_o one_o for_o this_o six_o or_o seven_o year_n and_o thus_o my_o scruple_n be_v remove_v and_o if_o yet_o any_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o doubt_n if_o the_o church_n and_o common_a trouble_n be_v any_o trouble_n to_o they_o shall_v i_o be_v bold_a to_o tell_v they_o my_o thought_n only_o understand_v that_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o prophesy_v but_o to_o conjecture_n at_o effect_n by_o the_o position_n of_o their_o moral_a cause_n i_o think_v that_o the_o righteous_a king_n of_o saint_n be_v even_o now_o for_o our_o over-admiring_a rash_a zeal_n and_o high_a profession_n make_v for_o england_n so_o heavy_a a_o affliction_n and_o sharp_a a_o scourge_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o seduce_v proud_a self-conceited_a professor_n as_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n do_v ever_o yet_o bear_v except_o it_o shall_v prove_v the_o merciful_a intent_n of_o our_o father_n only_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o ripen_v for_o their_o own_o destruction_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a monument_n for_o the_o effectual_a warning_n of_o all_o after-age_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o pride_n and_o heady_a zeal_n may_v bring_v professor_n of_o holiness_n and_o when_o they_o be_v full_a ripe_a to_o do_v by_o they_o as_o at_o munster_n and_o in_o new-england_n that_o they_o may_v go_v no_o further_o but_o their_o folly_n may_v be_v know_v to_o all_o amen_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o of_o my_o thought_n of_o this_o long_a ago_o in_o my_o book_n of_o baptism_n all_o these_o doubt_n i_o have_v here_o answer_v that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o in_o all_o your_o trouble_n you_o be_v sure_a to_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o doubt_v and_o matter_n of_o humiliation_n alas_o what_o soul_n be_v so_o holy_a on_o the_o earth_n but_o must_v daily_o say_v forgive_v as_o our_o trespass_n and_o cry_v out_o with_o paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o may_v thank_v god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o every_o sin_n shall_v make_v
no_o great_a likelihood_n or_o hope_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v sincere_a if_o you_o do_v as_o i_o think_v many_o christian_n easy_o may_v that_o yet_o receive_v not_o a_o proportionable_a comfort_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v no_o small_a mercy_n but_o matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n but_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o see_v no_o grace_n in_o yourself_o yet_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a you_o have_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v there_o and_o you_o not_o see_v it_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o you_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o yet_o remember_v that_o you_o have_v still_o abundant_a cause_n of_o comfort_n in_o god_n general_n grace_n do_v you_o think_v you_o must_v needs_o despair_v or_o give_v up_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n or_o conclude_v yourself_o irrecoverable_o lose_v because_o you_o be_v graceless_a why_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o there_o be_v that_o ground_n of_o consolation_n in_o general_a grace_n that_o may_v make_v 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come_v not_o among_o they_o or_o pity_v they_o not_o as_o you_o shall_v and_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o think_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o you_o but_o to_o other_o do_v you_o use_v to_o deal_v with_o servant_n and_o neighbour_n about_o you_o and_o tell_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o remedy_n and_o seek_v to_o draw_v their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o duty_n i_o doubt_v you_o do_v little_a in_o this_o and_o that_o be_v sad_a unmercifulness_n for_o if_o you_o do_v true_o you_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o find_v such_o miserable_a ignorance_n such_o senselesness_n and_o blockishness_n such_o hate_v reproof_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v reform_v such_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o slavery_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o little_a savour_n of_o christ_n grace_n heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o especial_o such_o a_o unteachableness_n intractableness_n as_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o 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and_o all_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n or_o that_o he_o set_v we_o a_o pattern_n too_o low_o for_o our_o imitation_n i_o desire_v they_o sober_o to_o read_v mat._n 5.6_o 7_o 10_o 25._o rom._n 8._o from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o 14._o rom._n 2._o heb._n 2._o &_o 4._o &_o 5._o &_o 10_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o we_o preach_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o do_v set_v forth_o god_n love_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o and_o the_o freeness_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o offer_n and_o promise_v of_o mercy_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o welcome_v return_v sinner_n this_o we_o do_v first_o mix_v with_o this_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o natural_a misery_n by_o sin_n which_o must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o next_o we_o show_v they_o the_o 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all_o perish_v be_v his_o doctrine_n luke_n 13.3_o 5._o go_v into_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n what_o be_v that_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.16_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o stay_v they_o before_o i_o luke_n 19.27_o do_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o of_o hellfire_n and_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o be_v quench_v their_o christ_n himself_n do_v and_o do_v not_o his_o apostle_n go_v the_o same_o way_n even_o paul_n the_o great_a preacher_n of_o faith_n 2_o thess_n 1_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o 2.12_o etc._n etc._n what_o more_o common_a alas_o what_o work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o we_o shall_v stroke_n and_o smooth_a all_o man_n with_o antinomian_a language_n it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o please_v all_o the_o sensual_a profane_a multitude_n but_o 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