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certain_a to_o perform_v answ_n 1._o i_o suppose_v you_o have_v read_v the_o many_o scripture_n and_o argument_n which_o our_o divine_n ordinary_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o true_a believer_n shall_v not_o fall_v quite_o away_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o the_o opposer_n can_v answer_v that_o text_n which_o themselves_o use_v to_o allege_v for_o the_o contrary_a mat._n 13.6_o 21._o those_o that_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o depth_n of_o earth_n the_o word_n never_o take_v root_a in_o their_o heart_n whence_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o infer_v that_o those_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n in_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o that_o be_v in_o they_o in_o who_o heart_n or_o will_n christ_n have_v a_o strong_a interest_n than_o the_o creature_n or_o those_o that_o have_v a_o well-grounded_n unreserved_a 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if_o you_o careful_o observe_v your_o own_o heart_n you_o may_v discern_v whether_o the_o spirit_n and_o your_o resolution_n be_v prevalent_a by_o their_o daily_a subdue_a and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n nay_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o victory_n of_o god_n spirit_n over_o the_o flatter_a entice_a world_n in_o prosperity_n be_v as_o great_a and_o glorious_a if_o not_o more_o then_o that_o over_o the_o frown_a persecute_v world_n in_o adversity_n and_o therefore_o find_v the_o one_o and_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o other_o though_o i_o confess_v that_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o fall_v so_o visible_o and_o shameful_o always_o in_o prosperity_n as_o in_o adversity_n for_o they_o have_v more_o pretence_n advantage_n and_o carnal_a shift_n to_o hide_v the_o shame_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o for_o that_o in_o the_o parable_n in_o mat._n 13._o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v one_o thing_n christ_n seem_v to_o speak_v of_o every_o several_a sort_n of_o hearer_n by_o a_o 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be_v drink_v or_o may_v murder_v or_o commit_v adultery_n or_o steal_v or_o forswear_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o be_v save_v or_o just_o so_o far_o a_o man_n may_v go_v in_o neglect_v duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o in_o cherish_v his_o flesh_n hide_v his_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n and_o be_v save_v this_o will_v 1._o embolden_v man_n in_o sin_v and_o make_v they_o think_v i_o may_v yet_o venture_v for_o i_o stand_v on_o safe_a ground_n 2._o and_o it_o will_v hinder_v repentance_n indeed_o it_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o multiply_v provocation_n against_o he_o and_o keep_v his_o child_n in_o disobedience_n and_o hinder_v their_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o cause_v a_o deformity_n in_o christ_n body_n and_o a_o shame_n to_o his_o religion_n and_o sacred_a name_n as_o for_o those_o that_o say_v assurance_n never_o encourage_v man_n in_o sin_n but_o tend_v to_o destroy_v it_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a of_o god_n assurance_n seasonable_o give_v to_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o use_v by_o they_o according_o but_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v tell_v all_o the_o world_n just_o how_o far_o they_o may_v sin_v and_o yet_o be_v certain_a of_o salvation_n this_o will_v have_v breed_v assurance_n in_o those_o that_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o put_n of_o new_a wine_n into_o old_a crack_a bottle_n or_o a_o new_a piece_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n that_o will_v break_v they_o or_o make_v worse_o the_o rent_n i_o must_v therefore_o free_o tell_v these_o objector_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o so_o many_o of_o my_o old_a acquaintance_n now_o harp_n so_o much_o on_o this_o antinomian_a string_n that_o ignorance_n or_o error_n have_v so_o blind_v they_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v or_o know_v not_o 1._o what_o a_o imperfect_a piece_n the_o best_a be_v in_o this_o life_n much_o more_o the_o worst_a true_a christian_a 2._o nor_o what_o a_o subtle_a devil_n we_o have_v to_o tempt_v we_o 3._o nor_o what_o a_o active_a thing_n corruption_n be_v and_o what_o advantage_n it_o will_v take_v on_o unseasonable_a assurance_n 4._o nor_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n be_v and_o how_o much_o of_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n of_o ourselves_o and_o apprehension_n of_o our_o danger_n and_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n see_v heb._n 4.1_o nay_o 5._o they_o have_v forget_v what_o a_o man_n be_v and_o how_o inseparable_a from_o his_o nature_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o how_o necessary_a the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o so_o to_o his_o preservation_n 8._o yea_o if_o they_o know_v but_o what_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o a_o family_n be_v they_o will_v know_v that_o fear_n of_o evil_a and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o very_a motive_n to_o association_n and_o the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o all_o obedience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v full_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n can_v help_v man_n to_o assurance_n in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v what_o comfort_n be_v there_o in_o this_o to_o a_o poor_a weak_a christian_a this_o be_v rather_o the_o way_n to_o put_v he_o quite_o out_o of_o heart_n and_o hope_n i_o answer_v no_o such_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o use_n of_o this_o observation_n in_o the_o follow_a direction_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v say_v but_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o unseasonable_a assurance_n and_o out_o of_o god_n way_n be_v a_o very_a great_a cause_n of_o keep_v many_o in_o languish_v and_o distress_n and_o of_o cause_v other_o to_o turn_v antinomian_o and_o snatch_v at_o comfort_n which_o god_n never_o give_v they_o and_o to_o feign_v and_o frame_v a_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o make_n or_o build_v upon_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n direction_n xiii_o 13._o from_o the_o last_o mention_v observation_n there_o be_v one_o plain_a consectary_n arise_v which_o i_o think_v you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o note_v by_o the_o way_n viz._n that_o according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o give_v grace_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o christian_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o very_a time_n of_o their_o first_o receive_v or_o act_v true_a save_a grace_n or_o just_o when_o they_o be_v pardon_v justify_v adopt_a and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v undeniable_a if_o you_o grant_v the_o former_a point_n that_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n yield_v not_o assurance_n of_o its_o sincerity_n which_o be_v prove_v and_o withal_o if_o you_o grant_v this_o plain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o give_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n at_o the_o first_o this_o i_o prove_v thus_o 1._o christ_n liken_v god_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o be_v at_o first_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o after_o come_v to_o a_o tree_n and_o to_o a_o little_a leaven_n which_o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o visible_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o appliable_a also_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o 2._o the_o scripture_n oft_o call_v such_o young_a beginner_n babe_n child_n novice_n etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o be_v all_o command_v still_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n which_o imply_v that_o we_o have_v our_o small_a measure_n at_o the_o first_o 4._o heb._n 5.12_o sheweth_z that_o strength_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o time_n and_o mean_n 5._o common_a experience_n be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n for_o this_o man_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n when_o he_o first_o call_v they_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o many_o step_n they_o have_v towards_o he_o before_o they_o reach_v to_o he_o we_o be_v first_o so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o to_o see_v our_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o meaning_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o rouse_v out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o make_v to_o look_v about_o we_o and_o see_v that_o we_o have_v soul_n to_o save_v or_o lose_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o jest_a matter_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o so_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o christ_n term_n of_o save_a man_n but_o alas_o how_o long_o be_v it_o usual_o after_o this_o before_o we_o come_v sincere_o to_o yield_v to_o his_o term_n and_o take_v he_o as_o he_o be_v offer_v and_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o a_o faithful_a covenant_n we_o be_v long_o deliberate_v 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grudge_v against_o our_o sinful_a and_o negligent_a course_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n before_o we_o sincere_o obey_v conscience_n and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o christ_n we_o seldom_o yield_v to_o the_o first_o conviction_n or_o persuasion_n the_o flesh_n have_v usual_o too_o long_a time_n give_v it_o to_o plead_v its_o own_o cause_n and_o to_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n will_v thou_o forsake_v all_o thy_o pleasure_n and_o merry_a company_n and_o course_n will_v thou_o beggar_v thyself_o or_o make_v thyself_o a_o scorn_n and_o mock_a stock_n to_o the_o world_n be_v thou_o ever_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o so_o strict_a a_o course_n and_o to_o be_v undo_v and_o to_o
thy_o pleasure_n will_v thou_o undo_v thyself_o will_v thou_o be_v make_v a_o scorn_n or_o laugh_a stock_n to_o all_o or_o rather_o it_o strong_o draw_v and_o provoke_v when_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v no_o wonder_n if_o this_o poor_a sinner_n be_v here_o in_o a_o strait_a and_o live_v in_o distress_n of_o mind_n but_o as_o long_o as_o the_o flesh_n hold_v so_o fast_o that_o all_o this_o conviction_n and_o trouble_n will_v not_o cause_v it_o to_o lose_v its_o hold_n the_o poor_a soul_n be_v still_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o half-christian_a be_v like_o the_o case_n of_o the_o poor_a papist_n that_o have_v glut_v himself_o with_o flesh_n in_o the_o lent_n be_v in_o this_o strait_a that_o either_o he_o must_v vomit_v it_o up_o and_o so_o disclose_v his_o fault_n and_o undergo_v penance_n or_o else_o he_o must_v be_v sick_a of_o his_o furfeit_n and_o hazard_v his_o life_n but_o he_o resolve_v rather_o to_o venture_v on_o the_o danger_n then_o to_o bear_v the_o penance_n or_o their_o case_n be_v like_a that_o of_o a_o proud_a woman_n that_o have_v get_v on_o a_o strait_a garment_n or_o a_o pinch_a shoe_n and_o because_o she_o will_v not_o be_v out_o of_o the_o fashion_n she_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o bear_v the_o pain_n though_o she_o halt_v or_o suffer_v at_o every_o step_n or_o like_o the_o more_o impudent_a sort_n of_o they_o who_o will_v endure_v the_o cold_a and_o perhaps_o hazard_v their_o life_n by_o the_o nakedness_n of_o their_o neck_n and_o breast_n and_o arm_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v control_v their_o shameless_a pride_n what_o cure_n now_o shall_v a_o wise_a man_n wish_v to_o such_o people_n as_o these_o sure_o that_o the_o shoe_n may_v pinch_v yet_o a_o little_a hard_o till_o the_o pain_n may_v force_v they_o to_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o that_o they_o may_v catch_v some_o cold_a that_o will_v pay_v they_o for_o their_o folly_n so_o it_o will_v but_o spare_v their_o life_n till_o it_o shall_v force_v they_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o pride_n and_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n even_o so_o when_o disobedient_a hypocrite_n do_v complain_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a they_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o afraid_a god_n do_v not_o pardon_v they_o and_o will_v not_o save_v they_o i_o shall_v tell_v they_o if_o i_o know_v they_o that_o i_o be_o afraid_a so_o to_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n and_o desire_v that_o their_o fear_n be_v such_o as_o may_v affright_v they_o from_o their_o disobedience_n and_o force_v they_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o wilful_a sin_v i_o have_v say_v the_o more_o on_o this_o point_n because_o i_o know_v if_o this_o advice_n do_v but_o help_v you_o to_o mortify_v your_o sin_n the_o best_a and_o great_a work_n be_v do_v whether_o you_o get_v assurance_n and_o comfort_n or_o no_o and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a mean_n to_o this_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n i_o shall_v next_o have_v warn_v you_o of_o the_o other_o extreme_a viz._n needless_a scruple_n but_o i_o mean_v to_o make_v that_o a_o peculiar_a direction_n by_o itself_o when_o i_o have_v first_o add_v a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o great_a mean_n of_o peace_n a_o sound_a obedience_n direction_n xxiv_o 24._o my_o next_o advice_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v this_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o content_v not_o yourself_o with_o a_o cheap_a course_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n as_o cost_v you_o little_a or_o nothing_o but_o in_o your_o abstain_v from_o sin_n in_o your_o rise_n out_o of_o sin_n and_o in_o your_o discharge_n of_o duty_n incline_v most_o to_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o self-denying_a and_o displease_v to_o the_o flesh_n so_o you_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o lawful_a way_n and_o when_o you_o be_v call_v out_o to_o any_o work_n which_o will_v stand_v you_o in_o extraordinary_a labour_n and_o cost_n you_o must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o shrink_v and_o draw_v your_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o yoke_n that_o you_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o special_a prize_n that_o be_v put_v into_o your_o hand_n &_o a_o singular_a advantage_n &_o opportunity_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o your_o comfort_n this_o rule_n be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o thorough_o understand_v by_o any_o way_n but_o experience_n libertine_n and_o sensual_a professor_n that_o never_o try_v it_o do_v never_o well_o understand_v it_o i_o can_v find_v in_o my_o heart_n to_o be_v large_a in_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o but_o that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o large_a beyond_o my_o first_o intention_n in_o the_o former_a direction_n that_o i_o will_v cut_v off_o the_o rest_n as_o short_a as_o â—_o well_o can_v let_v none_o be_v so_o wicked_o injurious_a to_o i_o as_o to_o say_v i_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o any_o merit_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o the_o costly_a work_n of_o man_n fasten_v not_o that_o on_o i_o which_o i_o both_o disclaim_v and_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o a_o cheap_a religion_n be_v a_o far_o more_o uncertain_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n than_o a_o dear_a it_o will_v not_o discover_v so_o well_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n whether_o he_o prefer_v christ_n before_o the_o world_n and_o whether_o he_o take_v he_o and_o his_o benefit_n for_o his_o portion_n and_o treasure_n 2._o that_o a_o cheap_a religion_n be_v not_o usual_o accompany_v with_o any_o notable_a degree_n of_o comfort_n although_o the_o person_n be_v a_o sincere-hearted_n christian_n every_o hypocrite_n can_v submit_v to_o a_o religion_n that_o will_v cost_v he_o little_a much_o more_o which_o will_v get_v reputation_n with_o man_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o piety_n yea_o he_o may_v stick_v to_o it_o so_o it_o will_v not_o undo_v he_o in_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v knowledge_n and_o gift_n of_o utterance_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n it_o be_v no_o costly_a matter_n to_o speak_v many_o good_a word_n or_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o oppose_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o preach_v zealous_o and_o frequent_o much_o more_o if_o he_o have_v double_a honour_n by_o it_o reverent_a obedience_n and_o maintenance_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o discern_v sincerity_n in_o such_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o duty_n wo_n to_o those_o persecutor_n that_o shall_v put_v we_o to_o the_o trial_n how_o far_o we_o can_v go_v in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v patient_n in_o tribulation_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o saint_n let_v those_o that_o think_v this_o draw_v man_n to_o rejoice_v too_o much_o in_o themselves_o but_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o say_v and_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n mat._n 5_o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a say_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n jam._n 1.2_o 3_o 12._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n not_o inward_a temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n but_o trial_n by_o persecution_n know_v that_o the_o try_v of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o see_v luk._n 6.23_o 1_o pet._n 4.13_o act._n 5.41_o 2_o cor._n 6.10_o &_o 7.4_o col._n 1.11_o heb._n 10.34_o 2_o cor._n 13.9_o &_o 12.15_o oh_o how_o glorious_o do_v a_o try_a faith_n shine_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o the_o beholder_n how_o easy_o may_v a_o christian_a try_v himself_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o god_n be_v try_v he_o one_o hour_n experience_n when_o we_o have_v find_v that_o our_o faith_n can_v endure_v the_o furnace_n and_o that_o we_o can_v hazard_v or_o let_v go_v all_o for_o christ_n will_v more_o effectual_o resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n of_o our_o sincerity_n than_o many_o a_o month_n trial_n by_o mere_a question_n of_o our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n object_n but_o you_o may_v say_v what_o if_o god_n call_v i_o not_o to_o
suffer_v or_o hazard_n must_v i_o cast_v myself_o upon_o it_o without_o a_o call_n or_o must_v i_o be_v therefore_o without_o comfort_n answ_n no_o you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o cast_v yourself_o upon_o suffer_v nor_o yet_o to_o be_v without_o comfort_n for_o want_n of_o it_o i_o know_v no_o man_n but_o may_v serve_v god_n at_o dear_a rate_n to_o the_o flesh_n than_o most_o of_o we_o do_v without_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o his_o duty_n nay_o he_o must_v do_v it_o except_o he_o will_v avoid_v his_o duty_n never_o have_v the_o church_n yet_o such_o time_n of_o prosperity_n but_o that_o faithful_a duty_n will_v hazard_v man_n and_o cause_v their_o trouble_n in_o the_o flesh_n can_v you_o not_o nay_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o put_v yourself_o to_o great_a labour_n for_o man_n soul_n if_o you_o shall_v but_o go_v day_n after_o day_n among_o the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n where_o you_o live_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v with_o all_o their_o weakness_n and_o rudeness_n and_o continue_v thus_o with_o patience_n this_o may_v cost_v you_o some_o labour_n and_o perhaps_o contempt_n from_o many_o of_o the_o unthankful_a and_o yet_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v more_o than_o your_o duty_n if_o you_o have_v opportunity_n for_o it_o as_o most_o have_v or_o may_v have_v if_o they_o will_n if_o you_o shall_v further_o hire_v they_o to_o learn_v catechism_n if_o you_o shall_v extend_v your_o liberality_n to_o the_o utmost_a for_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a this_o will_v cost_v you_o somewhat_o if_o you_o carry_v on_o every_o just_a cause_n with_o resolution_n though_o never_o so_o many_o great_a friend_n will_v draw_v you_o to_o betray_v it_o this_o may_v cost_v you_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o friend_n if_o you_o will_v but_o deal_v plain_o with_o the_o ungodly_a and_o against_o all_o sin_n as_o far_o as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o ruler_n and_o gentleman_n of_o name_n and_o power_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o somewhat_o nay_o though_o you_o be_v ambassador_n of_o christ_n who_o office_n be_v to_o deal_v plain_o and_o not_o to_o please_v man_n in_o evil_a upon_o pain_n of_o christ_n displeasure_n you_o may_v perhaps_o turn_v your_o great_a friend_n to_o be_v your_o great_a enemy_n go_v to_o such_o a_o lord_n or_o such_o a_o knight_n or_o such_o a_o gentleman_n and_o tell_v he_o free_o that_o god_n look_v for_o another_o manner_n of_o spend_v his_o time_n then_o in_o hunt_v and_o hawk_v and_o sport_v and_o feast_v and_o that_o this_o precious_a time_n must_v be_v dear_o reckon_v for_o tell_v he_o that_o god_n look_v he_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o eminent_a in_o holiness_n and_o in_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o give_v a_o example_n thereof_o to_o all_o that_o be_v below_o he_o as_o god_n have_v make_v he_o more_o eminent_a in_o worldly_a dignity_n and_o possession_n tell_v he_o that_o where_o much_o be_v give_v much_o be_v require_v and_o that_o a_o low_a profession_n and_o dull_a approbation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a will_v serve_v no_o man_n much_o less_o such_o a_o man_n tell_v he_o that_o his_o riches_n must_v be_v expend_v to_o feed_v and_o clothe_v the_o poor_a and_o promote_v good_a use_n and_o not_o mere_o for_o himself_o and_o family_n or_o else_o he_o will_v make_v but_o a_o sad_a account_n and_o that_o he_o must_v free_o engage_v his_o reputation_n estate_n and_o life_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n when_o he_o call_v he_o to_o it_o yea_o and_o forsake_v all_o for_o he_o if_o christ_n put_v he_o to_o it_o or_o else_o he_o can_v be_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o what_o good_a will_v his_o honour_n and_o riches_n do_v he_o when_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v call_v for_o try_v this_o course_n with_o great_a man_n yea_o with_o great_a man_n that_o seem_v religious_a and_o that_o no_o further_o than_o faithfulness_n and_o compassion_n to_o man_n soul_n do_v bind_v you_o and_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o wisdom_n you_o can_v that_o be_v not_o carnal_a and_o then_o tell_v i_o what_o it_o do_v cost_v you_o let_v those_o minister_n that_o be_v near_o they_o plain_o and_o round_o tell_v both_o the_o parliament-man_n and_o commander_n of_o the_o army_n of_o their_o unquestionable_a transgression_n and_o that_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o what_o it_o do_v cost_v they_o alas_o sir_n how_o great_a a_o number_n of_o professor_n be_v base_a daub_v self-seeking_a hypocrite_n that_o cull_v out_o the_o safe_a the_o cheap_a the_o easy_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o ordinary_o be_v this_o do_v that_o we_o have_v make_v we_o a_o new_a christianity_n by_o it_o and_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n own_o make_v the_o self-denying_a course_n prescribe_v by_o our_o master_n be_v almost_o unknown_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v practise_v it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o madman_n or_o some_o self-conceited_a cynic_n or_o some_o saucy_a if_o not_o seditious_a fellow_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o because_o christ_n have_v not_o prescribe_v we_o a_o more_o self-denying_a hazardous_a laborious_a way_n that_o man_n so_o common_o take_v up_o in_o the_o cheap_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v through_o our_o falseheartedness_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o sensual_a carnal_a interest_n in_o we_o which_o make_v we_o put_v false_a interpretation_n on_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o christ_n which_o charge_n any_o unpleasing_a duty_n on_o we_o and_o familistical_o turn_v they_o into_o allegory_n or_o at_o least_o we_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o true_o i_o think_v that_o our_o shift_v off_o christ_n in_o this_o unworthy_a manner_n and_o even_o alter_v that_o very_a frame_n and_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o turn_v that_o into_o a_o flesh-pleasing_a religion_n which_o be_v more_o against_o the_o flesh_n than_o all_o the_o religion_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o deal_v so_o reserve_o superficial_o and_o unfaithful_o in_o all_o his_o work_n be_v a_o great_a cause_n why_o christ_n do_v now_o appear_v no_o more_o open_o for_o man_n and_o pour_v out_o no_o large_a a_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o gift_n and_o consolation_n when_o man_n appear_v ordinary_o in_o the_o most_o open_a manner_n for_o christ_n in_o great_a danger_n and_o suffering_n then_o christ_n appear_v more_o open_o and_o eminent_o for_o they_o yet_o be_v none_o more_o for_o meekness_n humility_n and_o love_n and_o against_o unmerciful_a or_o divide_v zeal_n than_o christ_n 2._o and_o as_o you_o see_v that_o a_o cheap_a religiousness_n do_v not_o to_o discover_v sincerity_n so_o second_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o that_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v their_o reward_n that_o give_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o water_n in_o his_o name_n so_o he_o have_v more_o full_o engage_v himself_o to_o those_o that_o be_v most_o deep_o engage_v for_o he_o even_o that_o they_o that_o forsake_v all_o for_o he_o shall_v have_v manifold_a recompense_n in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v eternal_a life_n let_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o world_n of_o christian_n be_v produce_v and_o all_o will_v attest_v the_o same_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v god_n usual_a course_n to_o give_v man_n large_a comfort_n in_o dear_a duty_n then_o in_o cheap_a nay_o seldom_o do_v he_o give_v large_a comfort_n in_o cheap_a duty_n and_o seldom_o do_v he_o deny_v they_o in_o dear_a sobeit_v they_o be_v not_o make_v dear_a by_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o foolish_a indiscretion_n but_o by_o his_o command_n and_o our_o faithfulness_n in_o obey_v he_o who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o consolation_n of_o martyr_n be_v usual_o above_o other_o man_n who_o have_v read_v of_o their_o suffering_n and_o strange_a sustentation_n christian_n do_v but_o try_v this_o by_o thy_o own_o experience_n and_o tell_v i_o when_o thou_o have_v most_o resolute_o follow_v christ_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o thou_o have_v stand_v against_o the_o face_n of_o the_o great_a for_o god_n when_o thou_o have_v cast_v thy_o life_n thy_o family_n and_o estate_n upon_o christ_n and_o run_v thyself_o into_o the_o most_o apparent_a hazard_n for_o his_o sake_n have_v not_o thou_o come_v off_o with_o more_o inward_a peace_n and_o comfort_n than_o the_o cheap_a part_n of_o thy_o religion_n have_v afford_v thou_o when_o thou_o have_v stand_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v good_a through_o the_o great_a opposition_n and_o lose_v thy_o great_a and_o dear_a friend_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o
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 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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 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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 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before_o some_o bashful_a or_o proud_a or_o tender_a patient_n will_v open_v their_o disease_n the_o very_a open_n of_o a_o man_n grief_n to_o a_o faithful_a friend_n do_v oft_o ease_v the_o heart_n of_o itself_o 2._o and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v show_v you_o further_o anon_o 2._o but_o you_o must_v understand_v well_o when_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n 1._o not_o in_o every_o small_a infirmity_n which_o accompany_v christian_n in_o their_o daily_a most_o watchful_a conversation_n nor_o yet_o in_o every_o lesser_a doubt_n which_o may_v be_v otherways_o resolve_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o a_o wrong_n to_o physician_n to_o run_v to_o they_o for_o every_o cut_a finger_n or_o prick_v with_o a_o pin_n every_o neighbour_n can_v help_v you_o in_o this_o 2._o nor_o except_o it_o be_v a_o weighty_a case_n indeed_o go_v not_o first_o to_o a_o minister_n but_o first_o study_v the_o case_n yourself_o and_o seek_v god_n direction_n if_o that_o will_v not_o 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own_o understanding_n and_o believe_v any_o man_n when_o you_o know_v he_o be_v deceive_v or_o will_v deceive_v you_o yet_o you_o will_v so_o far_o suspect_v your_o own_o reason_n and_o value_v another_o as_o to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o every_o man_n judgement_n in_o his_o own_o profession_n if_o the_o physician_n tell_v you_o that_o your_o disease_n be_v not_o dangerous_a or_o the_o lawyer_n that_o your_o cause_n be_v good_a it_o will_v more_o comfort_v you_o then_o if_o another_o man_n shall_v say_v as_o much_o it_o may_v much_o stay_v your_o heart_n till_o you_o can_v reach_v to_o clear_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n to_o have_v a_o pastor_n that_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o you_o and_o be_v faithful_a and_o judicious_a to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o very_o think_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n 3._o but_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o think_v of_o you_o as_o to_o give_v you_o direction_n how_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o yourself_o and_o come_v out_o of_o your_o trouble_n beside_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o 4._o next_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o what_o man_n you_o must_v choose_v to_o open_v your_o mind_n to_o and_o they_o must_v be_v 1._o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n and_o not_o the_o ignorant_a be_v they_o never_o so_o honest_a else_o they_o may_v deceive_v you_o not_o know_v what_o they_o do_v either_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o sin_n or_o for_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o deal_v with_o both_o weak_a conscience_n and_o deep_a deceitful_a heart_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v true_o fear_v god_n and_o of_o experience_n in_o this_o great_a work_n for_o a_o trouble_a soul_n be_v seldom_o well_o resolve_v and_o comfort_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o book_n but_o from_o the_o book_n and_o experience_n both_o together_o carnal_a or_o formal_a man_n will_v but_o make_v a_o jest_n at_o the_o doubt_n of_o a_o trouble_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o will_v give_v you_o such_o formal_a remedy_n as_o will_v prove_v no_o cure_n either_o they_o will_v persuade_v you_o as_o the_o antinomian_o do_v that_o you_o shall_v trust_v god_n with_o your_o soul_n and_o never_o question_v your_o faith_n or_o that_o you_o do_v ill_a to_o trouble_v yourself_o about_o such_o thing_n or_o they_o will_v direct_v you_o only_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n and_o tell_v you_o only_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o our_o peace_n but_o will_v not_o answer_v particular_a doubt_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n or_o else_o they_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v that_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n you_o look_v after_o be_v it_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o breed_v all_o your_o scruple_n or_o else_o with_o the_o papist_n they_o will_v send_v you_o to_o your_o merit_n for_o comfort_n or_o to_o some_o vindictive_a penance_n in_o fast_n pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a or_o to_o some_o saint_n depart_v or_o angel_n or_o to_o the_o pardon_n or_o indulgency_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o to_o a_o certain_a formal_a carnal_a devotion_n to_o make_v god_n amends_o 3._o they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o downright_a faithfulness_n that_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o free_o though_o not_o cruel_o and_o not_o like_o those_o tender_a surgeon_n that_o will_v leave_v the_o cure_n undo_v for_o fear_n of_o hurt_v meddle_v not_o with_o men-pleasers_a and_o dauber_n that_o will_v present_o speak_v comfort_n to_o you_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v you_o twenty_o year_n when_o perhaps_o they_o know_v