then_o be_v it_o to_o plead_v that_o they_o can_v do_v good_a if_o they_o will_v when_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n itself_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n a_o four_o property_n be_v subjection_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v not_o 2._o cor._n 4.4_o and_o will_v certain_o conquer_v all_o that_o he_o sight_v with_o upon_o his_o own_o dunghill_n that_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o from_o all_o these_o property_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v the_o property_n never_o to_o be_v good_a to_o be_v stark_o dead_a in_o sin_n ephes_n 2.1_o according_a to_o the_o sentence_n denounce_v against_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o mankind_n in_o adam_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2.17_o for_o you_o can_v no_o more_o bring_v it_o to_o holiness_n by_o any_o the_o most_o vehement_a motive_n and_o endeavour_n than_o you_o can_v bring_v a_o dead_a carcase_n to_o life_n by_o chafe_v and_o rub_v it_o you_o can_v stir_v up_o no_o strength_n or_o fortify_v grace_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n by_o such_o motive_n and_o endeavour_n because_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o he_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o rom._n 5.6_o though_o you_o do_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o you_o to_o the_o utmost_a while_o you_o be_v in_o this_o flesh_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o good_a lie_v in_o you_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n show_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n i_o know_v that_o in_o i_o that_o be_v in_o my_o flesh_n dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n rom._n 7.18_o six_o we_o have_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o trust_v on_o christ_n to_o help_v we_o to_o will_v or_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o natural_a state_n or_o to_o imagine_v that_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o holiness_n be_v restore_v to_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v christ_n aim_v at_o a_o high_a end_n in_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n than_o the_o restore_n the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o our_o natural_a state_n he_o aim_v to_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o new_a state_n more_o excellent_a than_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n ever_o be_v by_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o god_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o natural_a freewill_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n live_v and_o act_v in_o we_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o our_o natural_a state_n be_v irrecoverable_a and_o desperate_a because_o christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o holy_a nor_o happy_a but_o subject_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o all_o misery_n as_o long_o as_o it_o remain_v even_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n and_o do_v serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n with_o their_o mind_n do_v yet_o with_o their_o flesh_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7.25_o as_o far_o as_o it_o remain_v in_o they_o it_o lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.17_o and_o it_o remain_v dead_a because_o of_o sin_n even_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n to_o they_o because_o of_o righteousness_n rom._n 8.10_o and_o must_v be_v whole_o abolish_v by_o death_n before_o we_o can_v be_v perfect_v in_o that_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n after_o god_n have_v promise_v salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n he_o place_v cherubim_n and_o a_o flame_a sword_n to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o paradise_n thereby_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o first_o state_n be_v lose_v without_o hope_n and_o that_o the_o happiness_n intend_v for_o he_o be_v whole_o new_a our_o old_a natural_a man_n be_v not_o revive_v and_o reform_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o crucify_v together_o with_o he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o destroy_v out_o of_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n rom._n 6.6_o it_o be_v like_o the_o part_n of_o a_o garment_n infect_v with_o the_o plague_n of_o leprosy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v rend_v off_o as_o incurable_a that_o the_o garment_n may_v be_v clean_a levit._n 13.56_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o i_o e._n we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n which_o god_n have_v reject_v from_o partake_v of_o his_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o assistance_n from_o god_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a in_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o seven_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o discharge_v those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n from_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o render_v they_o excusable_a for_o their_o sin_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o god_n have_v make_v man_n upright_o but_o they_o seek_v many_o invention_n eccles_n 7.29_o observe_v well_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o all_o they_o who_o have_v seek_v out_o many_o invention_n rather_o than_o upright_o walk_v be_v comprehend_v in_o man_n that_o be_v at_o first_o make_v upright_o and_o man_n in_o the_o text_n signify_v all_o mankind_n the_o first_o adam_n be_v all_o mankind_n as_o jacob_n and_o esau_n be_v two_o nation_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o rebecca_n gen._n 25.23_o god_n make_v we_o all_o in_o our_o first_o parent_n according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n able_a and_o incline_v to_o do_v his_o law_n and_o in_o that_o pure_a nature_n our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n be_v first_o lay_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o first_o wilful_a transgression_n whereby_o our_o first_o parent_n bereave_v themselves_o of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v our_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o in_o one_o man_n adam_n all_o have_v sin_v and_o so_o death_n be_v pass_v upon_o all_o rom._n 5.12_o because_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o adam_n loin_n when_o the_o first_o sin_n be_v commit_v even_o as_o levi_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v pay_v tithe_n in_o abraham_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v because_o when_o his_o father_n abraham_n pay_v tithe_n to_o melchizedeck_v he_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o loin_n heb._n 7.9_o 10._o that_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o charge_v the_o iniquity_n of_o parent_n upon_o their_o child_n be_v a_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o new_a covenant_n confirm_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o to_o we_o only_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o we_o have_v another_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o our_o parent_n convey_v to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v just_o claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o our_o old_a natural_a state_n jer._n 31.29_o 30_o 31._o &_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o those_o that_o account_v their_o impotency_n a_o sufficient_a plea_n to_o excuse_v they_o or_o other_o show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o true_o humble_v for_o that_o great_a wilful_a transgression_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n inability_n to_o pay_v debt_n excuse_v not_o a_o debtor_n that_o have_v lavish_v away_o his_o estate_n neither_o do_v drunkenness_n excuse_v the_o mad_a act_n of_o a_o drunkard_n but_o rather_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n and_o our_o impotency_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a want_n of_o a_o executive_a power_n but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o willing_a mind_n to_o practise_v true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n natural_o we_o love_v it_o not_o we_o like_v it_o not_o but_o lust_n against_o it_o gal._n 5.17_o and_o hate_v the_o light_n john_n 3.20_o if_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a state_n have_v a_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_n to_o true_a holiness_n and_o a_o desire_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o practise_v it_o out_o of_o hearty_a love_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o the_o event_n than_o they_o may_v under_o some_o pretence_n plead_v for_o their_o excuse_n as_o some_o do_v for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o sin_n by_o a_o inevitable_a fate_n but_o none_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o plead_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o their_o excuse_n because_o none_o endeavour_v to_o practise_v true_a holiness_n out_o of_o hearty_a love_n to_o it_o until_o the_o good_a work_n be_v begin_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o god_n have_v begin_v he_o will_v perfect_v it_o phil._n 1.6_o and_o will_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n accept_v their_o ready_a mind_n though_o they_o fall_v short_a in_o performance_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o how_o abominable_a then_o and_o filthy_a be_v man_n that_o drink_v up_o iniquity_n we_o water_n job_n 15.16_o that_o can_v practice_v holiness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o this_o be_v their_o just_a condemnation_n that_o
they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o light_a they_o deserve_v to_o be_v partaker_n with_o the_o devil_n in_o torment_n as_o they_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o evil_a lust_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o do_v good_a will_v no_o more_o excuse_v they_o than_o it_o excuse_v the_o devil_n eight_o neither_o will_v this_o assertion_n make_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o natural_a people_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n for_o the_o design_n of_o our_o preach_a be_v not_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o holiness_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n but_o to_o raise_v they_o above_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o perfect_a in_o christ_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n col._n 1.28_o and_o though_o they_o can_v perform_v those_o duty_n by_o their_o natural_a strength_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_a of_o it_o to_o quicken_v those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o to_o create_v they_o a_o new_a in_o christ_n by_o give_v to_o they_o repentance_n unto_o life_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n the_o gospel_n come_v to_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o such_o assurance_n that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o thess_n 5.6_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v life_n 2._o cor._n 3.6_o 8._o it_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o it_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o our_o freewill_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a for_o our_o conversion_n but_o it_o convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o life_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o christ_n can_v make_v those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o live_v john_n 5.25_o therefore_o he_o can_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o his_o gospel_n and_o command_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v with_o good_a success_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v say_v to_o dead_a carcase_n tabytha_n cumi_fw-la mark_v 5.41_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o john_n 11_o 43_o 44._o and_o to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n arise_v take_v up_o thy_o bed_n and_o go_v unto_o thy_o house_n matth._n 9.6_o nine_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o example_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o jew_n or_o christian_n by_o outward_a profession_n that_o have_v live_v without_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n shall_v move_v we_o by_o their_o wise_a say_n and_o renown_v attainment_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n to_o recede_v from_o this_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v so_o full_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o at_o least_o some_o few_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n attain_v as_o near_o to_o that_o true_a holiness_n as_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n yet_o paul_n after_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n judge_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n in_o his_o high_a former_a attainment_n though_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o he_o be_v blameless_a touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n and_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o begin_v to_o live_v to_o god_n in_o a_o new_a way_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o to_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o phil._n 3.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o none_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o jew_n that_o follow_v after_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n do_v ever_o attain_v unto_o it_o while_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n rom._n 9.31_o 32._o what_o performance_n be_v great_a in_o outward_a appearance_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o true_a charity_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o true_a holiness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n 1_o cor._n 13.3_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a state_n may_v have_v strong_a conviction_n of_o the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o these_o conviction_n may_v stir_v they_o up_o not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n and_o to_o utter_v rare_a say_n concern_v god_n and_o godliness_n but_o also_o to_o labour_v with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o avoid_v all_o know_a sin_n to_o subdue_v their_o lust_n to_o perform_v universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o to_o extort_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n some_o kind_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v escape_v the_o terrible_a torment_n of_o hell_n and_o procure_v everlasting_a happiness_n by_o their_o endeavour_n yet_o all_o their_o love_n to_o god_n be_v but_o force_v and_o feign_v they_o have_v no_o hearty_a like_n to_o god_n or_o his_o service_n they_o account_v he_o a_o hard_a master_n and_o his_o commandment_n grievous_a and_o they_o repine_v and_o fret_v inward_o at_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o everlasting_a fire_n they_o will_v little_o regard_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n without_o danger_n of_o damnation_n the_o high_a preferment_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v only_o after_o the_o flesh_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v but_o to_o be_v child_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n gal._n 4.23_o and_o though_o they_o do_v more_o in_o god_n service_n than_o many_o of_o his_o dear_a child_n yet_o god_n accept_v not_o their_o service_n because_o their_o best_a performance_n be_v slavish_a without_o any_o childlike_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o no_o better_a than_o glister_a sin_n and_o yet_o these_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o these_o counterfeit_n show_v of_o holiness_n or_o for_o the_o least_o abstain_v from_o the_o gross_a sin_n if_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n full_o to_o their_o own_o natural_a corruption_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o deserve_v all_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n will_v be_v quick_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v grow_v past_a feel_n in_o wickedness_n and_o like_a to_o the_o cannibal_n who_o be_v as_o good_a by_o nature_n as_o ourselves_o but_o god_n that_o can_v restrain_v the_o burn_a of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n without_o quench_v it_o and_o the_o flow_a of_o water_n without_o change_v its_o nature_n do_v also_o restrain_v the_o work_n of_o natural_a corruption_n without_o mortify_v it_o and_o through_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o yield_v feign_v obedience_n to_o he_o psal_n 66.3_o and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n good_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o a_o right_n holy_a manner_n he_o have_v appoint_v several_a mean_n to_o restrain_v our_o corruption_n as_o the_o law_n terror_n of_o conscience_n terrible_a judgement_n and_o reward_n in_o this_o life_n magistrate_n humane_a law_n labour_n for_o necessary_n food_n and_o raiment_n and_o those_o gospel_n mean_v that_o be_v effectual_a for_o sanctification_n serve_v also_o for_o restraint_n of_o sin_n god_n have_v gracious_a end_n in_o this_o restraint_n of_o sin_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o his_o gospel_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o these_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o such_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o true_o convert_v may_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o and_o suffer_v the_o less_o torment_n hereafter_o as_o vile_a and_o wicked_a as_o the_o world_n be_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o praise_v and_o to_o magnify_v the_o free_a
we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o after_o they_o believe_v they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o their_o inheritance_n eph._n 1.13_o 14._o i_o e._n they_o be_v seal_v from_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o original_a word_n be_v in_o the_o same_o tense_n if_o this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v ordinary_a to_o believer_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o manner_n of_o argue_v may_v have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n that_o want_v this_o witness_n seal_v and_o earnest_n let_v we_o inquire_v now_o whether_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o direct_a act_n or_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o enthusiasm_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n nor_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o no_o true_a believer_n can_v call_v god_n father_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o those_o few_o that_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o by_o reflect_v upon_o it_o they_o can_v ground_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o christ_n no_o sure_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v rather_o that_o the_o spirit_n work_v this_o in_o we_o by_o give_v we_o save_v faith_n itself_o whereby_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v enable_v to_o trust_v assure_o on_o christ_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n according_a to_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n without_o reflect_v on_o any_o good_a qualification_n in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o they_o that_o assert_v that_o the_o spirit_n witness_v our_o adoption_n only_o by_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n love_n and_o other_o gracious_a qualification_n and_o by_o the_o reflect_v act_n of_o faith_n do_v teach_v also_o common_o that_o you_o must_v again_o try_v whether_o the_o spirit_n thus_o witness_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o delusion_n by_o search_v narrow_o whether_o our_o inward_a grace_n be_v sincere_a or_o counterfeit_a so_o that_o hereby_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v render_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o no_o stead_n but_o all_o our_o assurance_n be_v make_v at_o last_o to_o depend_v on_o our_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n there_o be_v several_a other_o evidence_n to_o show_v that_o believer_n general_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o love_v and_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1.7_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o they_o love_v all_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n col._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o corinthian_n that_o be_v very_o carnal_a and_o but_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3_o 15_o 19_o the_o very_a first_o come_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o much_o assurance_n so_o that_o they_o receive_v it_o with_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o considerable_a time_n to_o get_v assurance_n by_o reflect_v on_o their_o good_a qualification_n 1_o thess_n 1.5_o 6._o likewise_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n when_o they_o be_v illuminate_v at_o their_o first_o conversion_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v their_o confidence_n which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o because_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o confidence_n belong_v necessary_o to_o justify_v save_v faith_n heb._n 10_o 32_o 34_o 35_o 38._o now_o let_v those_o that_o allege_v the_o example_n or_o experience_n of_o many_o modern_a christian_n to_o disprove_v all_o that_o i_o have_v assert_v and_o consider_v well_o whether_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o scripture_n example_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o confess_v that_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v more_o rare_o profess_v by_o christian_n in_o these_o time_n than_o former_o and_o we_o may_v thank_v some_o teacher_n for_o it_o that_o have_v desert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o former_a protestant_n in_o this_o point_n and_o vent_v against_o it_o several_a error_n such_o as_o have_v be_v already_o name_v and_o now_o will_v take_v advantage_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o those_o doubt_n in_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v chief_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o however_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o i_o assert_v that_o in_o these_o day_n as_o well_o as_o former_o it_o always_o have_v in_o it_o some_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o do_v and_o will_v appear_v at_o least_o in_o resist_v and_o condemn_v all_o doubt_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o trust_v assure_o and_o to_o call_v god_n father_n except_o in_o extraordinary_a desertion_n by_o which_o our_o gaze_v must_v not_o be_v try_v we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o concern_v themselves_o they_o will_v judge_v false_o that_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n at_o all_o because_o they_o know_v not_o yet_o by_o mark_n and_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n already_o or_o because_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n when_o there_o be_v many_o doubt_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o much_o oppress_v with_o doubt_v that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v as_o life_n in_o a_o faint_a fit_a but_o if_o their_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o discern_v some_o assurance_n in_o themselves_o we_o be_v also_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v those_o for_o true_a believer_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o of_o judge_v this_o point_n by_o their_o experience_n which_o be_v a_o vulgar_a error_n the_o blind_a charity_n of_o some_o move_v they_o to_o take_v all_o for_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o trouble_v concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o only_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o bring_v to_o some_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o they_o think_v it_o duty_n to_o comfort_v such_o ignorant_a person_n by_o persuade_v of_o they_o that_o their_o state_n be_v good_a and_o their_o faith_n right_a though_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thus_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_v false_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o their_o blind_a charity_n to_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o instead_o of_o comfort_v such_o they_o rather_o take_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o seek_v consolation_n by_o save_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o ruin_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o five_o the_o chief_a office_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o its_o direct_a save_a act_n be_v to_o receive_v christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n actual_o into_o our_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v which_o office_n can_v be_v rational_o perform_v except_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n persuade_v our_o heart_n and_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o the_o body_n receive_v thing_n into_o itself_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n so_o the_o soul_n receive_v these_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o lay_v actual_a hold_n on_o they_o by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o will_n make_v choice_n of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n see_v and_o apprehend_v they_o thus_o the_o soul_n receive_v comfort_n from_o outward_a thing_n as_o a_o righteous_a
but_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v note_v and_o here_o 1._o trust_v not_o upon_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o voice_n as_o if_o that_o please_v god_n who_o delight_v only_o in_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n col._n 3.16_o neither_o let_v the_o recreate_v your_o sense_n be_v your_o end_n which_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a work_n non_fw-la musica_fw-la chordula_fw-la sed_fw-la cor._n this_o spiritual_a music_n be_v typify_v by_o musical_a instrument_n of_o old_a 2._o you_o must_v use_v it_o for_o the_o same_o end_n as_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o what_o be_v sing_v i._n e._n to_o quicken_v faith_n 2_o chron._n 20.21_o 22._o act._n 16.25_o 26._o and_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o lord_n glory_v in_o he_o psal_n 104.33_o 34._o and_o 105.3_o and_o 149.1_o 2._o and_o 33.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o be_v never_o right_a until_o you_o can_v be_v hearty_o merry_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o act_v joy_n and_o mirth_n holy_o jam._n 5.13_o eph._n 5.19_o and_o also_o to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n in_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o in_o your_o duty_n teach_v and_o admonish_v col._n 3.16_o many_o psalm_n be_v maschills_n as_o their_o title_n be_v i._n e._n psalm_n of_o instruction_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o sing_v such_o psalm_n as_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n though_o we_o can_v apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o as_o word_n utter_v by_o ourselves_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o in_o this_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v david_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o of_o himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o affliction_n and_o virtue_n to_o instruct_v other_o and_o we_o sing_v such_o psalm_n not_o as_o our_o word_n but_o word_n foâ—_n our_o instruction_n and_o therein_o we_o do_v not_o lie_v anâ—_n more_o than_o the_o levite_n the_o son_n of_o corah_n or_o jâ—duthun_n or_o other_o musician_n bind_v to_o sing_v theâ—_n psal_n 5._o and_o 39_o and_o 42._o though_o it_o be_v good_a personate_v all_o good_a that_o we_o can_v yet_o we_o have_v much_o liberty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o psalm_n that_o thoâ—_n we_o can_v apply_v all_o to_o ourselves_o as_o speak_v and_o think_v the_o same_o yet_o we_o shall_v answer_v the_o end_n if_o we_o sing_v for_o our_o instruction_n as_o in_o psal_n 6._o &_o 26._o &_o 46._o &_o 101._o &_o 131._o and_o psalm_n have_v a_o peculiar_a fitness_n for_o teach_v and_o instruct_v because_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o metre_n say_v or_o sing_v be_v very_o helpful_a to_o the_o memory_n see_v deut._n 31.19_o 21._o and_o there_o be_v a_o variety_n of_o curious_a artifice_n in_o the_o place_n of_o word_n in_o the_o psalm_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o there_o be_v some_o alphabetical_a psalm_n as_o psal_n 25._o &_o 34._o &_o 37._o &_o 111._o &_o 112._o &_o 119._o &_o 145._o and_o by_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o sound_n the_o instruction_n come_v in_o with_o delight_n as_o a_o physical_a dose_n sugar_v and_o sorrow_n be_v natural_o allay_v to_o fit_v the_o mind_n for_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o distemper_a passion_n appease_v 2_o king_n 3.15_o 1_o sam._n 16.14_o 15_o 16._o so_o that_o orpheus_n amphion_n and_o other_o be_v famous_a for_o civilise_v rude_a barbarous_a people_n by_o music_n 8._o fast_v be_v also_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o end_n and_o be_v commend_v to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n mat._n 9.15_o and_o 17.21_o 1_o cor._n 7.5_o and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o it_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o and_o 14.23_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v frequent_a command_n for_o it_o and_o example_n chief_o upon_o occasion_n of_o extraordinary_a affliction_n 1_o sam._n 7.6_o neh._n 9.1_o dan._n 9.3_o and_o 10.2_o 3._o 2_o sam._n 12.16_o psal_n 35.13_o 2_o sam._n 3.31_o joel_n 2.13_o beside_o the_o anniversary_n great_a day_n of_o atonement_n leu._n 16.29_o 31._o when_o every_o one_o be_v to_o fast_o on_o pain_n of_o cut_v off_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n zech._n 12.12_o it_o be_v use_v most_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o holiness_n by_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v a_o meet_a help_n for_o extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n joel_n 1.14_o and_o 2.12_o but_o the_o great_a matter_n be_v to_o use_v it_o right_o as_o follow_v 1._o trust_v not_o in_o it_o as_o merit_v or_o satisfy_v as_o papist_n and_o pharisee_n do_v luke_n 18.11_o put_v it_o in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o its_o self_n confer_v grace_n and_o mortify_a lust_n as_o many_o do_v who_o may_v soon_o kill_v their_o body_n than_o their_o lust_n or_o any_o purify_n rite_n yea_o or_o in_o or_o for_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o heb._n 12.9_o col._n 2.16_o 17_o 20_o 23._o imagine_v not_o that_o prayer_n be_v not_o acceptable_a without_o it_o for_o this_o be_v against_o faith_n fast_n as_o well_o as_o feast_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n because_o not_o spiritual_a but_o bodily_a though_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v part_n as_o institute_v rite_n figurative_a and_o teach_v but_o that_o use_n be_v now_o cease_v as_o that_o on_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n and_o so_o many_o significative_a rite_n adjoin_v to_o fast_v as_o sackcloth_n ash_n rend_v garment_n pour_v out_o water_n lie_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n rom._n 14._o the_o soul_n be_v harden_v by_o trust_v in_o they_o isa_n 58.3_o 6._o zech._n 7.5_o 10._o 2._o use_v they_o as_o help_v to_o extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n that_o the_o mind-may_a not_o be_v unsuit_v for_o it_o by_o eat_v drink_v or_o bodily_a pleasure_n joel_n 2.13_o isa_n 22_o 12-13_a zech._n 12.10_o 14._o it_o be_v good_a only_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o soul_n remove_v impediment_n the_o best_a fast_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v take_v off_o from_o delight_n as_o in_o john_n the_o baptist_n case_n mat._n 3.4_o when_o heaven_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n take_v off_o the_o soul_n zach._n 12.10_o 14._o 3._o use_v it_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o its_o end_n without_o which_o its_o worth_a nothing_o if_o abstinence_n divert_v your_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o gnaw_a appetite_n than_o you_o have_v better_o eat_v spare_o as_o daniel_n in_o his_o great_a fast_a ch_n 10._o some_o have_v not_o enough_o of_o spiritual-mindedness_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n without_o great_a distraction_n and_o such_o have_v better_o eat_v than_o go_v beyond_o their_o strength_n in_o a_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a which_o produce_v only_o a_o slavish_a act_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o virginity_n 1_o cor._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o 34_o 35_o 36._o christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o weak_a disciple_n necessitate_v to_o the_o duty_n mat._n 9.14_o 15._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o shall_v strive_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n and_o carnality_n that_o hinder_v their_o use_n of_o this_o excellent_a help_n 4._o you_o may_v expect_v here_o something_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o vow_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o of_o they_o think_v not_o to_o bring_v yourselves_o to_o good_a by_o vow_n and_o promise_n as_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o law_n can_v do_v it_o when_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n law_n do_v it_o not_o we_o bring_v child_n to_o make_v promise_n of_o amendment_n but_o we_o know_v how_o well_o they_o keep_v they_o the_o devil_n will_v urge_v to_o vow_n and_o then_o to_o break_v that_o he_o may_v perplex_v your_o conscience_n the_o more_o 8_o another_o great_a mean_n be_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n act_n 2.42_o 1._o this_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v diligent_o whosoever_o god_n save_v shall_v be_v add_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o come_v into_o communion_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n for_o it_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v bend_v towards_o it_o sometime_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o hinder_v from_o visible_a communion_n and_o ordinance_n but_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v always_o willing_a and_o desirous_a so_o to_o add_v and_o join_v themselves_o act_v 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o fellowship_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o and_o god_n bind_v his_o people_n to_o leave_v the_o fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o accompany_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v charity_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n 1_o cor._n 5.9_o this_o communion_n with_o saint_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o private_a converse_n psal_n 101.4_o