grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v bestow_v they_o and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v chastisement_n they_o serve_v for_o sharp_a eye-salue_n to_o clear_v our_o dim_a sight_n so_o as_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o serve_v for_o sour_a sauce_n to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o love_n with_o our_o sweet_a sin_n and_o for_o fire_n and_o file_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v and_o scour_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o rust_n of_o our_o corruption_n they_o be_v sharp_a prune_a knife_n to_o lop_v and_o trim_a we_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o godliness_n they_o be_v spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o hedge_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v sharp_a salve_n to_o draw_v out_o our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o bitter_a potion_n to_o cure_v our_o desperate_a disease_n they_o be_v that_o wormwood_n whereby_o the_o lord_n wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n who_o please_a delight_n we_o will_v ever_o suck_v without_o weariness_n if_o our_o mouth_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v rod_n wherewith_o be_v scourge_v we_o be_v make_v more_o circumspect_a in_o our_o way_n and_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o run_v headlong_o in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a woe_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o see_v our_o momentany_a affliction_n do_v serve_v for_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o further_a of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n let_v not_o satan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n because_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o repute_v they_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o sign_n of_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o he_o have_v over_o us._n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v that_o this_o i_o speak_v be_v true_a of_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n affliction_n satan_n temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n for_o thereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n exercise_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o but_o thy_o affliction_n will_v he_o say_v be_v far_o different_a for_o thy_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o horror_n and_o fear_n thy_o conscience_n be_v mortal_o sting_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o weight_n thereof_o overwhelm_v thou_o thou_o see_v thyself_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v already_o torment_v with_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n thy_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o child_n with_o a_o amiable_a countenance_n frown_v upon_o thou_o like_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o thou_o taste_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o have_v not_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a consolation_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o god_n spirit_n with_o which_o those_o that_o be_v god_n child_n be_v full_o replenish_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o abide_v all_o affliction_n but_o thy_o inward_a vexation_n be_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o flashing_n of_o hell_n fire_n wherewith_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v eternal_o be_v burn_v to_o this_o temptation_n we_o must_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n hatred_n that_o our_o spiritual_a affliction_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n cause_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n fearful_a wrath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v god_n three-stringed_n whip_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentle_a rod_n of_o outward_a affliction_n for_o a_o sorrowful_a mind_n dry_v up_o the_o bone_n 18.14_o pro._n 17.12_o pro._n 18.14_o as_o it_o be_v pro._n 17.12_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o other_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prou._n 18.14_o nevertheless_o though_o these_o correction_n be_v more_o sharp_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o also_o be_v the_o chastisement_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n inflict_v upon_o his_o child_n sometime_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o sometime_o for_o their_o trial_n or_o chastisement_n when_o more_o light_a correction_n will_v not_o reclaim_v they_o for_o first_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o quote_v be_v speak_v general_o of_o all_o affliction_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o outward_a affliction_n of_o the_o body_n see_v they_o extend_v themselves_o also_o to_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o mind_n neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n correct_v all_o alike_o but_o some_o he_o rebuke_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o go_v no_o further_a when_o as_o this_o reclaim_v they_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o go_v a_o step_n further_o and_o chastize_v they_o with_o gentle_a correction_n as_o with_o outward_a cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o he_o take_v his_o whip_n into_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o grievous_o scourge_v they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o sensible_o taste_v of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o amend_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o make_v they_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o sin_n 12.6_o reu._n 3.19_o heb._n 12.6_o and_o appehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n which_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v just_o incur_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o still_o remain_v their_o gracious_a father_n who_o seek_v not_o their_o destruction_n but_o their_o reformation_n neither_o need_v this_o deal_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o see_v earthly_a parent_n take_v the_o same_o course_n with_o their_o child_n who_o they_o tender_o love_v for_o when_o they_o offen_n they_o they_o first_o seek_v their_o amendment_n by_o word_n and_o fatherly_a admonition_n and_o when_o this_o will_v do_v no_o good_a they_o proceed_v to_o blow_n and_o in_o a_o gentle_a manner_n do_v correct_v they_o and_o if_o this_o prevail_v not_o with_o they_o than_o they_o use_v more_o sharp_a and_o severe_a chastisement_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o will_v they_o disguise_v their_o fatherly_a affection_n under_o the_o vizard_n of_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n they_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o countenance_n all_o sign_n of_o love_n and_o assume_v terrible_a look_n and_o bitter_a frown_n yea_o they_o will_v sometime_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o reject_v they_o a_o while_n leave_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o endure_v all_o misery_n and_o whence_o proceed_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o from_o hatred_n but_o from_o love_n and_o tender_a care_n which_o they_o have_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o this_o make_v they_o use_v the_o bridle_n of_o correction_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v into_o all_o licentiousness_n this_o cause_v they_o to_o pretend_v wrath_n in_o the_o countenance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o lewdness_n force_v to_o entertain_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n this_o move_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v reclaim_v and_o retain_v they_o for_o ever_o neither_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v infinite_a in_o love_n deal_v otherwise_o with_o his_o disobedient_a child_n he_o use_v but_o his_o word_n if_o his_o word_n will_v suffice_v he_o go_v no_o further_a than_o gentle_a chastisement_n if_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o if_o he_o sharp_o scourge_v we_o yea_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o show_v nothing_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n if_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o be_v torment_v by_o satan_n yet_o undoubted_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o that_o fatherly_a care_n he_o have_v over_o we_o for_o our_o everlasting_a good_a and_o salvation_n he_o seek_v not_o our_o destruction_n but_o amendment_n he_o frown_v on_o we_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v look_v gracious_o on_o we_o for_o ever_o he_o seem_v to_o reject_v we_o for_o a_o while_n that_o like_o the_o prodigal_a
that_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n but_o subject_a to_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o this_o he_o enforce_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o argument_n the_o one_o draw_v from_o his_o manifold_a corruption_n whereby_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n love_n the_o other_o from_o those_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o cross_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o life_n inflict_v on_o he_o both_o which_o he_o thus_o urge_v against_o he_o can_v thou_o vild_a wretch_n conceive_v the_o least_o hope_n that_o thou_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n why_o do_v but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o thyself_o and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o original_a corruption_n have_v overspread_v both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n like_o a_o filthy_a leprosy_n unto_o which_o thou_o have_v add_v actual_a transgression_n more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n or_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o daily_o nay_o hourly_o thou_o omitte_v some_o duty_n which_o thy_o god_n have_v command_v thou_o and_o commit_v some_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v can_v therefore_o the_o lord_n who_o abhor_v wickedness_n love_v the_o wicked_a can_v thou_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o but_o displease_v he_o he_o that_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o thou_o by_o transgress_v they_o all_o do_v show_v that_o thou_o love_v he_o not_o and_o will_v the_o lord_n love_v they_o who_o hate_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o can_v justice_n itself_o love_v wickedness_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n impure_a corruption_n no_o very_o for_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v threaten_v his_o wrath_n against_o all_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o he_o be_v no_o less_o true_a in_o his_o threaten_n then_o in_o his_o promise_n but_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n abhor_v thou_o yet_o at_o least_o be_v persuade_v by_o thy_o own_o experienc_n for_o have_v not_o thy_o just_a god_n begin_v already_o to_o make_v thou_o taste_v the_o cup_n of_o his_o wrath_n of_o which_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v drink_v in_o full_a measure_n have_v he_o not_o spoil_v thou_o of_o thy_o good_n take_v away_o thy_o good_a name_n make_v thou_o a_o abject_a among_o man_n afflict_v thou_o in_o body_n with_o grievous_a and_o continual_a sickness_n and_o fill_v thy_o soul_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o despair_n be_v not_o thy_o conscience_n sting_v with_o sin_n and_o have_v not_o the_o poison_n thereof_o drink_v up_o thy_o spirit_n do_v thou_o not_o plain_o apprehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o rack_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o thou_o either_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o full_a of_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n do_v not_o therefore_o fond_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o god_n love_n but_o believe_v if_o not_o my_o word_n yet_o at_o least_o thy_o own_o sense_n and_o see_v thou_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n love_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a love_n thyself_o follow_v thy_o pleasure_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o cheer_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o vain_o macerate_v and_o turmoil_n thyself_o in_o labour_v after_o impossibility_n and_o in_o strive_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n of_o which_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o can_v yet_o shall_v thou_o never_o be_v assure_v §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o satan_n temptation_n temptation_n how_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o former_a temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o must_v most_o careful_o arm_v ourselves_o as_o be_v most_o odious_a and_o injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o most_o pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o injurious_a unto_o god_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v he_o have_v give_v we_o innumerable_a pledge_n and_o most_o certain_a testimony_n thereof_o and_o omit_v nothing_o which_o may_v do_v we_o good_a he_o have_v create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n he_o have_v continual_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v we_o give_v we_o our_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o oft_o time_n have_v succour_v and_o defend_v we_o before_o we_o crave_v his_o help_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v give_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v a_o bitter_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n he_o our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n and_o lest_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v he_o have_v add_v to_o his_o word_n his_o sacrament_n which_o like_a seal_n may_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n what_o injury_n therefore_o shall_v we_o offer_v unto_o god_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n of_o which_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o by_o so_o many_o pledge_n testimony_n and_o seal_n we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a friend_n will_v take_v it_o most_o unkind_o if_o after_o he_o have_v heap_v upon_o a_o man_n innumerable_a benefit_n and_o show_v all_o testimony_n of_o true_a love_n he_o notwithstanding_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o suspect_v his_o friendship_n and_o so_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v it_o ill_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o think_v himself_o much_o abuse_v if_o after_o he_o have_v bestow_v such_o infinite_a benefit_n even_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o we_o now_o suspect_v his_o good_a will_n and_o grow_v jealous_a of_o his_o love_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 4.8_o §_o sect._n 5_o but_o against_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v two_o objection_n thereof_o that_o carnal_a man_n have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n though_o they_o boast_v thereof_o the_o first_o be_v make_v by_o the_o worldling_n the_o other_o by_o satan_n the_o worldly_a man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v he_o also_o partaker_n of_o all_o these_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o he_o shall_v doubt_v of_o his_o love_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v censure_v or_o condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o reprehend_v for_o his_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n nor_o for_o his_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n but_o for_o his_o boast_n of_o this_o faith_n persuasion_n and_o assurance_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o in_o truth_n but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n of_o faith_n carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n for_o true_a faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o it_o be_v plentiful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o not_o love_v he_o again_o it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o love_v god_n if_o we_o show_v no_o care_n in_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o let_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n nor_o any_o desire_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o word_n as_o it_o be_v john_n 14.23_o 24._o if_o therefore_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o show_v no_o zeal_n in_o glorify_v god_n name_n if_o our_o faith_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n then_o be_v our_o persuasion_n but_o fond_a presumption_n our_o assurance_n carnal_a security_n our_o faith_n dead_a and_o like_o a_o carcase_n which_o breathe_v not_o as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 2.26_o we_o do_v not_o then_o reprehend_v any_o for_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n gather_v his_o assurance_n out_o of_o god_n manifold_a mercy_n and_o innumerable_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n nay_o contrariwise_o we_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n yea_o and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n when_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o either_o in_o ourselves_o but_o this_o we_o maintain_v that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o assurance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n begin_v in_o he_o do_v true_o love_n
the_o take_n away_o of_o his_o precious_a life_n by_o a_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a death_n but_o also_o inward_o in_o his_o soul_n he_o sustain_v far_o more_o heavy_a cross_n they_o that_o which_o he_o outward_o carry_v on_o his_o shoulder_n though_o the_o weight_n thereof_o cause_v he_o to_o faint_v for_o weariness_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o satan_n temptation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v set_v against_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o that_o bitter_a agony_n which_o he_o sustain_v in_o the_o garden_n where_o the_o burden_n of_o god_n anger_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o heavy_a upon_o he_o that_o it_o press_v out_o of_o his_o bless_a body_n a_o sweat_n of_o water_n and_o blood_n neither_o be_v he_o present_o case_v of_o this_o unsupportable_a weight_n but_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o bear_v it_o even_o unto_o his_o cross_n neither_o be_v he_o comfort_v in_o mind_n when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o his_o body_n but_o even_o then_o he_o be_v so_o vex_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o father_n displeasure_n that_o in_o bitterness_n of_o soul_n he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o not_o that_o he_o despair_v utter_o of_o god_n love_n and_o assistance_n or_o think_v himself_o a_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n for_o he_o call_v he_o still_o his_o god_n but_o the_o deity_n have_v for_o a_o time_n withdraw_v itself_o to_o the_o end_n the_o humane_a nature_n may_v suffer_v that_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v even_o unto_o death_n itself_o which_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o utter_v this_o speech_n true_o according_a to_o his_o present_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o grievous_o afflict_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o hate_v of_o god_n but_o his_o only_a beget_v and_o best_a belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v well_o please_v matth._n 3.17_o 3.17_o matth._n 3.17_o see_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o natural_a son_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o so_o tender_o belove_v of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o in_o he_o he_o love_v all_o his_o child_n do_v notwithstanding_o endure_v not_o only_o grievous_a affliction_n of_o body_n but_o the_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o his_o father_n displeasure_n in_o his_o soul_n also_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o either_o our_o outward_a or_o inward_a affliction_n be_v any_o sign_n or_o argument_n that_o god_n hate_v or_o have_v reject_v we_o especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v make_v like_o to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n not_o only_o in_o his_o glory_n but_o also_o in_o his_o affliction_n so_o that_o first_o we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o &_o after_o reign_n with_o he_o 2.22_o rom._n 8.29_o 2._o tim._n 2.12_o objection_n 1._o pet._n 2.22_o as_o it_o be_v ro._n 8.29_o 2._o tim._n 2.12_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n suffer_v all_o this_o not_o for_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v their_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n 1._o pet._n 2.22_o but_o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v break_v for_o our_o iniquity_n as_o it_o be_v esa_n 53.5_o 53.5_o esa_fw-la 53.5_o and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o hate_v sin_n even_o when_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n do_v take_v it_o upon_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o hate_v it_o in_o we_o 3.18_o answer_n 1._o pet._n 3.18_o if_o he_o so_o severe_o punish_v his_o dear_a darling_n when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o upon_o he_o how_o fearful_a punishment_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o sinner_n themselves_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o christ_n who_o be_v just_a do_v suffer_v for_o we_o who_o be_v unjust_a as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 3.18_o and_o that_o sin_n be_v so_o odious_a to_o god_n eye_n that_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v punish_v he_o will_v punish_v it_o in_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v we_o also_o to_o hate_n and_o fly_v from_o it_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n but_o yet_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o of_o from_o discourage_v we_o or_o from_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n love_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n do_v more_o assure_v we_o thereof_o no_o consolation_n can_v be_v imagine_v more_o comfortable_a for_o what_o great_a testimony_n of_o god_n love_n can_v be_v imagine_v then_o that_o when_o we_o be_v stranger_n yea_o enemy_n to_o god_n 5.10_o rom._n 5.10_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o dear_a belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o justice_n may_v be_v satisfy_v his_o wrath_n appease_v and_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o grace_n &_o favour_n may_v be_v make_v heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o then_o that_o they_o be_v already_o punish_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o same_o sin_n twice_o what_o strong_a argument_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n wrath_n nor_o be_v cast_v away_o in_o his_o heavy_a displeasure_n than_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v bear_v his_o father_n anger_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v reconcile_v we_o unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v these_o outward_a and_o inward_a affliction_n not_o as_o he_o be_v the_o dear_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v satisfy_v his_o father_n justice_n yet_o see_v he_o endure_v these_o thing_n in_o our_o stead_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v be_v free_v from_o they_o hence_o arise_v unto_o every_o true_a christian_n sound_n comfort_n and_o certain_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n towards_o he_o affliction_n ¶_o sect._n 7._o a_o dangerous_a temptation_n ground_v upon_o our_o not-profiting_a by_o affliction_n but_o the_o tempter_n will_v further_o urge_v his_o objection_n after_o this_o manner_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_n he_o say_v that_o god_n do_v chastise_v sometime_o his_o child_n who_o he_o love_v both_o with_o outward_a and_o inward_a affliction_n and_o that_o they_o suffer_v even_o the_o same_o misery_n which_o thou_o indure_v yet_o see_v they_o be_v sometime_o punishment_n also_o which_o he_o inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a hence_o thou_o can_v not_o gather_v that_o they_o be_v fatherly_a chastisement_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o love_n to_o thou_o nay_o contrariwise_o thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o they_o be_v fearful_a punishment_n and_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n which_o god_n in_o justice_n inflict_v on_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n that_o other_o may_v be_v warn_v by_o thy_o example_n for_o if_o they_o be_v chastisement_n and_o fatherly_a correction_n than_o will_v they_o indeed_o correct_v thou_o that_o be_v reform_v and_o amend_v thou_o for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n why_o god_n inflict_v they_o on_o his_o child_n and_o his_o end_n can_v be_v frustrate_a but_o in_o thou_o there_o be_v no_o reformation_n wrought_v nor_o any_o increase_n of_o patience_n whereas_o in_o the_o faithful_a tribulation_n bring_v forth_o patience_n 5.3_o rom._n 5.3_o as_o even_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v manifest_a nay_o contrariwise_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o thou_o thou_o bewraie_v great_a impatiency_n and_o utter_v inconsiderate_a speech_n which_o tend_v to_o god_n dishonour_n give_v offence_n to_o the_o world_n and_o wound_n thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o howsoever_o to_o other_o these_o be_v fatherly_a chastizement_n yet_o to_o thou_o they_o be_v severe_a punishment_n which_o move_v thou_o rather_o to_o despare_v than_o assure_v thou_o of_o god_n love_n temptation_n that_o it_o be_v no_o fit_a time_n to_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o the_o conslict_n of_o temptation_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n correction_n do_v correct_v and_o amend_v his_o child_n and_o that_o affliction_n serve_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o patience_n faith_n and_o other_o grace_n but_o yet_o let_v we_o know_v that_o satan_n play_v the_o false_a deceaver_n when_o he_o move_v we_o to_o look_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o for_o our_o amendment_n &_o increase_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o while_o the_o conflict_n last_v and_o the_o temptation_n grievous_o shake_v and_o batter_v we_o
unrepentancie_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o join_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n than_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o carnal_a security_n and_o fond_a presumption_n last_o presumption_n no_o long_o persuade_v man_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n than_o they_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a benefit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n lay_v upon_o they_o any_o grievous_a affliction_n either_o outward_o in_o body_n and_o state_n or_o inward_o in_o mind_n then_o this_o persuasion_n vanish_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o doubt_v which_o common_o end_v in_o utter_a despair_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o howsoever_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o grievousnesse_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o violent_a noise_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n hear_v the_o voice_n thereof_o at_o some_o time_n yet_o afterward_o again_o it_o cry_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n abba_n father_n and_o witness_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o chief_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o see_v we_o have_v it_o not_o natural_o in_o ourselves_o how_o may_v we_o attain_v unto_o it_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o have_v our_o recourse_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n 11.13_o jam._n 1.17_o matth._n 7.7_o luk._n 11.13_o from_o who_o descend_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n have_v our_o faith_n ground_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n namely_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o more_o especial_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o as_o it_o be_v luk._n 11.13_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manife_v his_o grace_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o believe_v and_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o whereby_o also_o he_o ordinary_o beget_v this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o all_o his_o child_n for_o howsoever_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n alone_o give_v the_o increase_n yet_o god_n blessing_n ordinary_o accompany_v his_o own_o ordinance_n make_v it_o effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o and_o though_o the_o word_n may_v long_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n before_o it_o pierce_v the_o heart_n or_o beget_v any_o save_a grace_n in_o we_o unless_o the_o lord_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n fruitful_a yet_o those_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o diligence_n reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o may_v become_v profitable_a to_o their_o salvation_n may_v constant_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o they_o careful_o use_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n whereas_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v god_n word_n have_v no_o such_o assurance_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o beget_v faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n in_o us._n though_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o after_o long_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n feel_v this_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o our_o election_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o give_v it_o over_o but_o expect_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o wait_v his_o leisure_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v make_v this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n effectual_a for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o §_o sect._n 3_o the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n sacrament_n the_o three_o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o frequent_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v the_o in_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v add_v these_o seal_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o thorough_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o conscionable_o frequent_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o lord_n will_v bless_v also_o this_o his_o own_o ordinance_n moreover_o they_o who_o worthy_o receive_v these_o holy_a mystery_n do_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o they_o more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v for_o he_o that_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o he_o 6.56_o joh._n 6.56_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 6.56_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom_n 8.1_o 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o four_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n 2._o the_o four_o mean_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o election_n zanch._n the_o attrib_n l._n 5._o c._n 2._o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n predestination_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sign_n thereof_o for_o the_o effect_n argue_v the_o cause_n as_o the_o cause_n the_o effect_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o natural_a thing_n but_o also_o in_o those_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o as_o certain_o as_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v fire_n because_o it_o cast_v forth_o heat_n and_o the_o son_n by_o his_o cast_v forth_o of_o bright_a ray_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v lighten_v and_o that_o a_o tree_n be_v good_a by_o the_o good_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o also_o may_v we_o as_o certain_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n neither_o be_v these_o effect_n bare_a sign_n only_o of_o our_o election_n but_o also_o manifest_a seal_n which_o by_o their_o plain_a impression_n do_v evident_o assure_v we_o thereof_o so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o know_v god_n election_n predestination_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o god_n himself_o elect_v predestinate_v and_o decree_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v apparent_a seal_n and_o impression_n hereof_o in_o ourselves_o lively_o resemble_v that_o which_o be_v secret_a in_o god_n hide_a council_n and_o as_o we_o not_o see_v the_o seal_n which_o make_v the_o impression_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o form_n fashion_n and_o quantity_n thereof_o by_o the_o print_n which_o it_o have_v make_v so_o we_o not_o see_v god_n secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n may_v notwithstanding_o attain_v to_o the_o evedent_a knowledge_n thereof_o by_o that_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v in_o us._n this_o also_o may_v further_o be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n namely_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o we_o with_o his_o bright_a beam_n do_v imprint_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o be_v reflect_v back_o again_o to_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v before_o all_o eternity_n be_v secret_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v not_o understand_v it_o direct_o but_o yet_o while_o god_n do_v acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o elect_a he_o do_v express_v the_o image_n and_o form_n of_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v whereby_o we_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v he_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o have_v elect_v we_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o our_o god_n and_o father_n we_o also_o know_v his_o foreknowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o first_o god_n know_v we_o and_o then_o by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o knowledge_n communicate_v unto_o we_o he_o inlightn_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o as_o
to_o send_v his_o ambassador_n not_o only_o to_o offer_v peace_n but_o also_o to_o beseech_v we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2._o cor._n 5.20_o 5.20_o 2._o cor._n 5.20_o and_o upon_o this_o reconciliation_n he_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o therefore_o receive_v and_o believe_v this_o ambassage_n will_v not_o love_v the_o ambassador_n that_o bring_v these_o bless_a tiding_n unto_o they_o who_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o yet_o show_v no_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n towards_o they_o who_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o ministry_n the_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n ministry_n a_o sign_n that_o few_o prosit_fw-la by_o their_o ministry_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v note_v how_o few_o the_o number_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o receive_v the_o lord_n ambassage_n to_o their_o spiritual_a comfort_n how_o few_o they_o be_v to_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n in_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n how_o few_o hereby_o come_v to_o the_o true_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n see_v the_o number_n be_v so_o exceed_v small_a who_o love_n and_o respect_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o ambassage_n nay_o rather_o the_o most_o even_o for_o their_o ministry_n sake_n do_v contemn_v those_o who_o otherwise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o learning_n wisdom_n and_o other_o excellent_a gift_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n they_o will_v respect_v and_o high_o esteem_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o ministry_n so_o that_o their_o honourable_a call_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v commend_v they_o do_v above_o all_o thing_n make_v they_o base_a &_o contemptible_a and_o no_o marvel_n see_v the_o most_o be_v flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n the_o child_n of_o mammon_n and_o not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o savour_v only_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o not_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o preacher_n of_o they_o fool_n and_o man_n of_o shallow_a conceit_n but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a 1.27.28_o 1._o cor._n 1.27.28_o and_o weak_a thing_n to_o confound_v mighty_a thing_n &_o vile_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 1.27.28_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o their_o contempt_n or_o at_o least_o small_a regard_n of_o god_n ambassador_n be_v a_o most_o manifest_a sign_n that_o they_o never_o receive_v good_a by_o their_o ambassage_n for_o have_v they_o receive_v from_o they_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o will_v never_o grudge_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o their_o worldly_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o true_a christian_n estimation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o they_o and_o much_o less_o will_v they_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n defraud_v they_o of_o their_o own_o right_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whereas_o all_o man_n be_v industrious_a and_o frugal_a may_v live_v plentiful_o even_o of_o their_o mean_a trade_n only_o the_o lord_n ambassador_n though_o never_o so_o painful_a in_o their_o calling_n live_v in_o want_n and_o misery_n §_o sect._n 11_o the_o last_o sign_n of_o god_n child_n elect_v to_o salvation_n which_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o 6.10_o the_o ten_o sign_n a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n revel_v 22.20_o matth._n 6.10_o be_v their_o earnest_a desire_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n whence_o proceed_v that_o pathetical_a prayer_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o revel_v 22.20_o and_o that_o prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o pray_v daily_o let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v matth._n 6.10_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n it_o appear_v plain_o 2._o tim_n 4.8_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o all_o those_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v 8.23_o 2._o tim._n 4.8_o rom._n 8.23_o and_o rom._n 8.23_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v even_o sigh_v in_o themselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n even_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o body_n when_o as_o their_o corruption_n shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o the_o mortal_a body_n immortality_n as_o he_o speak_v 1._o cor._n 15.53_o 15.53_o 1._o cor._n 15.53_o so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o faithful_a child_n shall_v at_o his_o come_n look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n 21.28_o luk._n 21.28_o because_o their_o redemption_n draw_v near_o luk._n 21.28_o and_o on_o the_o otherside_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v mourn_v and_o that_o the_o profane_a worldling_n and_o reprobate_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n 6.16_o matth._n 24.30_o revel_v 6.16_o fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n revel_v 6.16_o so_o that_o by_o these_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o we_o love_v the_o appear_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n endue_v with_o his_o spirit_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n for_o natural_o we_o abhor_v to_o think_v of_o this_o fearful_a day_n and_o tremble_v with_o fear_n when_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o judge_n because_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v deserve_v everlasting_a damnation_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v beget_v faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o merit_n by_o who_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v friend_n who_o before_o be_v enemy_n and_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o before_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n then_o do_v we_o earnest_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o judge_n shall_v be_v our_o saviour_n then_o can_v we_o go_v bold_o to_o his_o judgement_n seat_n without_o fear_n of_o condemnation_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o belove_a spouse_n of_o christ_n than_o we_o long_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o bridegroom_n when_o we_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o by_o god_n spirit_n we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v become_v lively_a member_n of_o his_o body_n then_o do_v we_o hearty_o wish_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n our_o head_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n where_o together_o with_o he_o we_o shall_v receive_v and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o such_o incomparable_a joy_n 2.9_o 1._o cor._n 2.9_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v chap._n xi_o the_o objection_n allege_v against_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n allege_v answer_n unto_o testimony_n allege_v now_o i_o will_v answer_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v bring_v against_o this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n and_o second_o reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v diverse_a 11.20_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o pro._n 28.14_o rom._n 11.20_o first_o they_o object_v such_o place_n as_o these_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v pro._n 28.14_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o rom._n 11.20_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n phil._n 2.12_o make_v a_o end_n of_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 1.17_o phil._n 2.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.17_o 1._o pet._n 1.17_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o dwell_n here_o in_o fear_n to_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a place_n we_o may_v answer_v general_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o hereby_o take_v away_o our_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o carnal_a security_n he_o will_v not_o deprive_v
undertake_v above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o power_n for_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n in_o former_a time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o still_o at_o this_o day_n oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o his_o curse_a instrument_n ungodly_a man_n the_o more_o they_o exceed_v in_o wickedness_n the_o more_o bend_v their_o whole_a power_n malicious_o to_o oppugn_v this_o truth_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o that_o they_o be_v professor_n and_o practizer_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o whence_o proceed_v this_o malicious_a opposition_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n himself_o so_o also_o against_o his_o word_n and_o because_o they_o know_v that_o by_o this_o light_a their_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v discover_v therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o put_v it_o clean_o out_o that_o their_o wickedness_n may_v not_o be_v descry_v because_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a they_o can_v endure_v it_o they_o themselves_o be_v corrupt_a and_o wicked_a because_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n which_o show_v the_o crookedness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v able_a burn_v it_o or_o cut_v it_o in_o piece_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o they_o loathe_v as_o much_o to_o hear_v it_o as_o the_o prisoner_n do_v abhor_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o just_a judge_n and_o hence_o proceed_v their_o opposition_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o might_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o more_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n rage_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o more_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n support_v it_o the_o glory_n thereof_o appear_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o keep_v it_o down_o the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o as_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n do_v but_o make_v it_o to_o swell_v the_o high_a and_o overflow_v all_o the_o country_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o bank_n so_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n do_v seek_v to_o stay_v this_o heavenly_a stream_n which_o flow_v from_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o labour_n may_v and_o main_a to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n &_o propagation_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o more_o it_o spread_v itself_o maugre_o their_o malice_n and_o overflow_v the_o whole_a earth_n and_o whence_o can_v the_o defeat_n and_o frustrate_v of_o this_o powerful_a violence_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o great_a power_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v combine_v themselves_o together_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v satan_n rage_n or_o protect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o utter_a ruin_n only_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a can_v thus_o uphold_v it_o and_o make_v it_o prevail_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n unto_o this_o day_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n so_o also_o by_o punish_v even_o in_o this_o life_n with_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n all_o those_o who_o have_v most_o violent_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o the_o profession_n hereof_o as_o may_v appear_v notable_o in_o the_o example_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n herod_n nero_n domitian_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la and_o many_o other_o who_o by_o their_o shameful_a and_o horrible_a death_n testify_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v oppugn_v and_o persecute_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n §_o sect._n 7_o six_o the_o lord_n have_v approve_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v his_o truth_n by_o wonderful_a miracle_n miracle_n the_o sixth_o reason_n take_v from_o miracle_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imitate_v as_o by_o give_v the_o blind_a their_o sight_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n turn_v back_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n divide_v the_o sea_n in_o two_o part_n and_o such_o like_a which_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o wicked_a convince_a but_o against_o this_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o in_o hug_a mugger_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n otherwise_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v have_v labour_v in_o vain_a to_o have_v persuade_v man_n to_o have_v embrace_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n especial_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o affection_n if_o they_o have_v only_o themselves_o report_v or_o bring_v some_o few_o witness_n of_o their_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o not_o public_o show_v they_o to_o all_o the_o people_n moreover_o see_v this_o doctrine_n have_v have_v so_o many_o enemy_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v exclame_v and_o write_v against_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v publish_v for_o write_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o do_v but_o among_o all_o those_o who_o have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o impudent_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v do_v of_o which_o so_o many_o be_v eye-witness_n nay_o contrariwise_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o neither_o know_v god_n nor_o his_o true_a religion_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o this_o day_n withstand_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n do_v notwithstanding_o confess_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v they_o able_a to_o gainsay_v they_o see_v they_o have_v receive_v this_o truth_n by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n though_o not_o the_o promise_a messiah_n §_o sect._n 8_o seventhly_a the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n who_o have_v seal_v this_o truth_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n martyr_n the_o seven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o martyr_n be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o will_v so_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o certain_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o support_v they_o in_o suffer_v these_o torment_n above_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o strength_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v suffer_v also_o for_o their_o sect_n opinion_n and_o heresy_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a differece_n between_o they_o first_o because_o the_o number_n have_v be_v few_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o heresy_n but_o the_o martyr_n almost_o innumerable_a who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n second_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n constancy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n have_v not_o be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o error_n which_o have_v always_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n saint_n and_o last_o these_o heretic_n have_v always_o be_v confute_v and_o convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o heresy_n before_o their_o suffering_n whereas_o god_n saint_n direct_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n word_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v resist_v and_o through_o violent_a rage_n be_v unconuict_v have_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n chap._n xx._n other_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o §_o sect._n 1_o the_o eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n handle_v the_o eight_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o argument_n which_o
and_o foist_v in_o by_o some_o cunning_a fellow_n after_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v the_o like_a objection_n also_o he_o make_v against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o either_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o moses_n or_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o some_o cunning_a fellow_n who_o write_v of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n never_o do_v to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o law_n which_o he_o have_v publish_v or_o if_o he_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o his_o time_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o these_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v perfect_a as_o he_o leave_v they_o or_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a have_v many_o thing_n alter_v add_v &_o detract_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o keep_n of_o they_o and_o so_o also_o he_o object_v against_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v great_a absurdity_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o writing_n of_o cicero_n seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o heathen_a man_n whether_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o any_o such_o man_n or_o no_o because_o the_o next_o age_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o next_o ensue_a and_o so_o by_o tradition_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n they_o be_v come_v unto_o we_o so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o absurdity_n to_o call_v into_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o live_v in_o their_o several_a time_n see_v the_o church_n have_v receive_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o their_o successor_n to_o this_o day_n moreover_o the_o law_n publish_v by_o moses_n be_v not_o in_o secret_a or_o in_o a_o corner_n before_o some_o few_o witness_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o strange_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o god_n full_a of_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o better_a confirmation_n of_o his_o law_n give_v be_v do_v and_o perform_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o thousand_o who_o make_v relation_n of_o they_o to_o their_o posterity_n and_o they_o to_o they_o to_o this_o day_n neither_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o be_v corrupt_v alter_v or_o change_v see_v the_o lawgiver_n do_v straight_o charge_v all_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o add_v detract_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n upon_o pain_n of_o present_a death_n in_o this_o world_n and_o everlasting_a death_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v who_o therefore_o will_v incur_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o fearful_a punishment_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o fruitless_a fantasy_n moreover_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v safe_o keep_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o after_o in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a and_o diverse_a authentical_a copy_n write_v out_o of_o it_o for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n which_o be_v every_o sabbaoth_v day_n read_v and_o expound_v in_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o so_o familiar_a be_v these_o writing_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v write_v in_o their_o house_n and_o upon_o their_o garment_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o falsify_v they_o but_o it_o will_v present_o be_v espy_v yea_o will_n the_o tempter_n say_v but_o though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deprave_a or_o corrupt_a yet_o they_o may_v at_o first_o be_v invent_v by_o some_o more_o subtle_a than_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o thrust_v upon_o man_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o be_v the_o writing_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o age_n this_o man_n shall_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n how_o then_o can_v he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n how_o then_o can_v he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n what_o then_o can_v he_o write_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n and_o so_o fain_o a_o relation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o go_v before_o why_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o king_n or_o else_o he_o can_v not_o have_v pen_v their_o history_n also_o but_o before_o this_o time_n there_o be_v many_o copy_n abroad_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o diverse_a nation_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o through_o their_o captivity_n where_o they_o as_o constant_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o own_o country_n beside_o if_o these_o writing_n have_v be_v feign_v in_o what_o age_n can_v they_o come_v to_o light_v but_o man_n diligent_o inquire_v into_o they_o as_o be_v matter_n import_v no_o less_o than_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o condemnation_n will_v have_v find_v they_o counterfeit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v pen_v in_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v who_o will_v have_v believe_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o assure_o know_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o certain_a truth_n if_o in_o a_o after_o age_n who_o will_v have_v straight_o subscribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n be_v assure_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n furthermore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v make_v mention_n of_o such_o a_o author_n if_o they_o have_v know_v he_o or_o if_o they_o have_v by_o some_o accident_n find_v they_o write_v in_o this_o form_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o have_v build_v their_o faith_n so_o firm_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o suffer_v all_o torment_n than_o be_v bring_v to_o deny_v any_o one_o part_n of_o they_o §_o sect._n 7_o last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n antiochus_n that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n perish_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o his_o tyranny_n and_o extreme_a cruelty_n whole_o abolish_v and_o these_o which_o we_o have_v afterward_o invent_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o grace_v their_o religion_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v so_o sotrish_o foolish_a that_o it_o savour_v not_o of_o common_a sense_n much_o less_o of_o any_o force_n of_o reason_n for_o see_v now_o there_o be_v extant_a almost_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n what_o mean_n can_v be_v invent_v by_o with_o and_o rage_v utter_o to_o suppress_v they_o especial_o see_v the_o jew_n make_v far_o more_o precious_a account_n of_o they_o than_o of_o their_o life_n so_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v even_o in_o this_o tyrant_n time_n cruel_a death_n beside_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v in_o his_o time_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o present_o after_o his_o death_n they_o be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v pull_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n and_o reviue_v or_o how_o can_v other_o be_v put_v in_o their_o place_n see_v innumerable_a man_n live_v before_o and_o after_o his_o persecution_n who_o have_v the_o sight_n and_o peruse_n of_o the_o same_o book_n before_o they_o be_v suppress_v and_o afterward_o again_o when_o they_o come_v to_o light_v last_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v be_v utter_o deface_v in_o all_o the_o dominion_n of_o antiochus_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o tempter_n purpose_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v now_o scatter_v far_o and_o wide_a and_o have_v their_o synagogue_n and_o school_n in_o sundry_a nation_n where_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n &_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o place_n of_o his_o kingdom_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o in_o other_o place_n where_o he_o bear_v no_o sway_n neither_o be_v they_o now_o in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n alone_o but_o also_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a by_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n at_o the_o request_n of_o ptolomey_n philadelphus_n and_o the_o translation_n careful_o keep_v in_o his_o library_n long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o antiochus_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v pen_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n inspire_v with_o his_o divine_a spirit_n confirm_v with_o so_o many_o and_o wonderful_a miracle_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n to_o this_o which_o have_v
yield_v a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n §_o sect._n 5_o and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n now_o after_o we_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o have_v present_v ourselves_o into_o god_n holy_a assembly_n presence_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v perform_v in_o hear_v it_o to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n there_o be_v also_o other_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o end_n that_o satan_n may_v not_o distract_v our_o mind_n and_o so_o make_v the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v fruitless_a first_o we_o be_v to_o set_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o look_v upon_o we_o &_o behold_v all_o our_o behaviour_n in_o this_o action_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o good_a cornelius_n act._n 10.33_o here_o say_v he_o we_o be_v all_o present_a before_o god_n to_o hear_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v thou_o of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o careless_o and_o negligent_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o in_o his_o presence_n before_o who_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o mountain_n move_v and_o shake_v as_o it_o be_v psal_n 18.7_o second_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n god_n 2._o we_o must_v hear_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1._o thes_n 2.13_o when_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o you_o hear_v of_o we_o you_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o his_o own_o spokesman_n but_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o message_n which_o he_o bring_v but_o the_o lord_n embassage_n &_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n prefix_v before_o their_o writing_n these_o &_o such_o like_a speech_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n profess_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o god_n true_a minister_n that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n who_o in_o christ_n stead_n beseech_v their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2._o cor._n 5.20_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o look_v upon_o the_o man_n but_o on_o god_n who_o send_v he_o nor_o on_o the_o earthen_a vessel_n but_o on_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o it_o bring_v nor_o on_o the_o simpleness_n of_o the_o casket_n but_o on_o the_o precious_a pearl_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o nor_o upon_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o ambassador_n but_o upon_o the_o glorious_a royalty_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o send_v he_o and_o on_o his_o ambassage_n which_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o life_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o then_o his_o foot_n will_v seem_v beautiful_a and_o none_o shall_v be_v better_a welcome_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v their_o ministry_n but_o receive_v joyful_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o remember_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o §_o sect._n 6_o three_o let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o reverend_a attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_v 3._o we_o must_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o meditation_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o hear_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lively_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v unto_o god_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n that_o spiritual_a physic_n whereby_o we_o be_v purge_v from_o our_o corruption_n that_o light_n which_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a meditation_n come_v to_o our_o remembrance_n they_o will_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o from_o our_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n fasten_v our_o eye_n on_o god_n minister_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n hearer_n luke_n 4.20_o and_o even_o hang_v upon_o they_o like_o the_o child_n on_o the_o mother_n breast_n to_o suck_v our_o soul_n nourishment_n as_o the_o people_n hang_v on_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 19.48_o four_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n as_o if_o we_o be_v nevermore_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o who_o can_v tell_v whither_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o next_o sabbath_n or_o though_o he_o do_v yet_o how_o know_v he_o whether_o he_o shall_v have_v his_o sense_n understanding_n and_o memory_n see_v he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o good_a or_o though_o he_o have_v yet_o may_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o such_o a_o famine_n be_v of_o this_o heavenly_a food_n that_o he_o may_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n 8.11_o am._n 8.11_o and_o from_o north_n to_o east_n seek_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o we_o today_o let_v we_o harken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v we_o to_o morrow_n that_o we_o shall_v hear_v it_o whilst_o we_o enjoy_v this_o heavenly_a light_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n for_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v short_o set_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o unto_o we_o and_o then_o what_o will_v follow_v but_o eternal_a darkness_n last_o let_v we_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o attention_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n judgment_n which_o he_o inflict_v on_o the_o contemner_n and_o neglectour_n of_o his_o word_n which_o he_o may_v just_o every_o minute_n pour_v upon_o we_o whilst_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o wandringe_n not_o regard_v that_o which_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o he_o may_v sudden_o strike_v we_o with_o frenzy_n and_o madness_n or_o with_o death_n itself_o and_o then_o how_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a be_v our_o state_n if_o such_o a_o judgement_n shall_v seize_v upon_o us._n 20._o act_n 20._o let_v we_o remember_v what_o happen_v to_o drowsy_a eutichus_n and_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o that_o which_o befall_v unto_o one_o may_v happen_v unto_o another_o §_o sect._n 7_o and_o thus_o be_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o effectual_a for_o our_o conversion_n and_o call_n unto_o god_n word_n how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o when_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o we_o must_v not_o here_o rest_n for_o if_o our_o enemy_n sathan_n can_v no_o hinder_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n from_o fall_v into_o our_o heart_n then_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o steal_v it_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v that_o it_o may_v never_o take_v root_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n as_o appear_v by_o lamentable_a experience_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o their_o approbation_n and_o be_v somewhat_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o yet_o soon_o after_o it_o vanish_v away_o and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o whenc_n do_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n who_o when_o he_o find_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n not_o thorough_o enter_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therein_o cover_v like_o a_o ravenous_a bird_n devour_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v a_o little_a root_n yet_o he_o choke_v it_o with_o the_o thorny_a care_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o it_o never_o spring_v up_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o into_o a_o blade_n of_o profession_n or_o if_o it_o be_v so_o far_o grow_v up_o yet_o he_o indeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o from_o ever_o thrive_v further_o by_o cause_v the_o hot_a sun_n of_o persecution_n to_o arise_v and_o with_o the_o heat_n thereof_o to_o make_v it_o wither_v
call_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v every_o minute_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o first_o of_o all_o desire_v a_o parley_n he_o who_o may_v well_o abhor_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n earnest_o desire_v conference_n with_o they_o say_v ver_fw-la 18._o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n §_o sect._n 6_o christ_n the_o example_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o same_o jew_n most_o wicked_o rebel_v against_o the_o lord_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o rich_a mercy_n send_v the_o promise_a messiah_n to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o nay_o they_o continual_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v he_o they_o mock_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o hale_v he_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v condemn_v who_o come_v to_o justify_v and_o acquit_v they_o they_o buffet_v and_o whip_v he_o and_o prefer_v a_o wicked_a murderer_n before_o he_o who_o prefer_v their_o salvation_n before_o his_o own_o life_n last_o in_o most_o ignominious_a sort_n they_o crucify_v and_o kill_v he_o after_o all_o which_o outrageous_a wickedness_n offer_v against_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n they_o continue_v in_o their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o impaenitencie_n never_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n not_o desire_v pardon_n nay_o rather_o as_o they_o have_v persecute_v the_o head_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o when_o they_o can_v offer_v no_o more_o wrong_a unto_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o satisfy_v and_o glut_v their_o malicious_a rage_n in_o persecute_v his_o poor_a member_n now_o what_o more_o hellish_a impiety_n be_v ever_o commit_v what_o more_o outrageous_a sin_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o who_o will_v ever_o have_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o such_o rebellious_a bloody_a wretch_n but_o o_o the_o infinite_a and_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o god_n mercy_n while_o their_o wickedness_n be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n and_o their_o hand_n still_o embrue_v in_o the_o guiltless_a blood_n of_o this_o innocent_a lamb_n when_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o course_n and_o run_v headlong_o forward_o in_o their_o wickedness_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o sin_n or_o desire_v of_o pardon_n the_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n unto_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o assure_v they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v 2.38_o act._n 2.38_o see_v therefore_o these_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o pardon_n who_o earnest_o desire_v it_o for_o do_v the_o lord_n gratioussy_a offer_n forgiveness_n to_o such_o rebellious_a wretch_n and_o will_v he_o not_o grant_v it_o to_o less_o offender_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o do_v he_o offer_v they_o mercy_n before_o they_o seek_v it_o and_o will_v he_o deny_v mercy_n unto_o any_o who_o earnest_o seek_v and_o sue_v for_o it_o do_v he_o seek_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v he_o not_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o do_v repent_v be_v he_o so_o exceed_o merciful_a in_o time_n past_a and_o shall_v we_o now_o think_v his_o arm_n shorten_v or_o his_o mercy_n abate_v nay_o assure_o he_o be_v immutable_a ever_o like_o himself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o most_o gracious_a most_o merciful_a &_o full_a of_o all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n towards_o all_o they_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o our_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o and_o grievous_a they_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o we_o receive_v into_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n §_o sect._n 7_o to_o these_o example_n of_o whole_a multitude_n mercy_n particular_a example_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o may_v add_v the_o example_n of_o particular_a sinner_n who_o have_v be_v receyve_v to_o mercy_n and_o obtain_v pardon_n though_o their_o sin_n have_v be_v many_o and_o grievous_a as_o matthew_n zacheus_n levi_n who_o be_v sinful_a publican_n that_o get_v their_o live_n by_o pill_v &_o poll_n oppression_n and_o extortion_n man_n so_o notorious_o wicked_a that_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v join_v together_o as_o though_o they_o be_v sinner_n by_o profession_n and_o therefore_o as_o synonimon_n or_o diverse_a word_n of_o one_o signification_n they_o interpret_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n that_o even_o these_o profess_a sinner_n be_v convert_v and_o receive_v remission_n of_o all_o their_o outrageous_a wickedness_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o mary_n magdalene_n who_o though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o woman_n of_o lewd_a behaviour_n and_o loose_a life_n though_o she_o be_v possess_v of_o many_o devil_n and_o common_o note_v for_o a_o infamous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n yet_o upon_o her_o true_a repentance_n obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o while_o she_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n with_o her_o tear_n he_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v her_o body_n and_o soul_n from_o the_o filthy_a leprosy_n of_o sin_n with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n while_o she_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n he_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v she_o with_o the_o rich_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n yea_o she_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n so_o as_o she_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o pre-eminence_n before_o his_o chief_a apostel_n for_o after_o christ_n rise_n again_o he_o first_o vouchsafe_v she_o his_o presence_n and_o use_v she_o as_o his_o messenger_n to_o certify_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o resurrection_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n before_o his_o call_n be_v not_o only_o no_o lover_n but_o a_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a persecuter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o all_o the_o professor_n thereof_o imprison_a ston_a and_o cruel_o murder_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n but_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n even_o while_o his_o imbrue_a hand_n be_v yet_o red_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n faithful_a child_n and_o while_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o burn_a rage_n that_o he_o breathe_v out_o still_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o please_v god_n wonderful_o to_o convert_v he_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o these_o his_o horrible_a sin_n and_o to_o make_v he_o of_o a_o bloody_a persecuter_n a_o most_o excellent_a preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o ravenous_a devour_a wolf_n a_o most_o vigilant_a and_o painful_a shepherd_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o example_n of_o the_o thief_n who_o though_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n wicked_o &_o profane_o yet_o be_v convert_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v present_o assure_v of_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o heap_v up_o many_o particular_n only_o i_o can_v not_o pass_v that_o notable_a example_n of_o manasses_n one_o of_o the_o most_o outrageous_a sinner_n and_o profane_v wretch_n that_o ever_o live_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v describe_v he_o in_o the_o 21._o 21._o 2._o king_n 21._o chap._n of_o the_o 2._o book_n of_o the_o king_n for_o there_o he_o affirm_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a idolater_n a_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n and_o cruel_a persecuter_n of_o god_n truth_n a_o defiler_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n a_o sacrificer_n of_o his_o own_o child_n unto_o idol_n that_o be_v devil_n a_o notable_a witch_n and_o wicked_a sorcerer_n a_o bloody_a murderer_n of_o exceed_v many_o the_o dear_a saint_n and_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n one_o who_o do_v not_o run_v headlong_o alone_a into_o all_o hellish_a impiety_n but_o also_o lead_v the_o people_n under_o his_o government_n out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o do_v more_o wicked_o than_o do_v the_o heathen_a people_n who_o the_o lord_n destroy_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o a_o word_n wrought_v more_o abomination_n and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n than_o the_o curse_a amorites_n and_o canaanite_n of_o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o land_n surfeit_v and_o spew_v they_o out_o for_o their_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o this_o manasses_n this_o wretch_n more_o like_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a than_o a_o saint_n of_o god_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v receive_v i_o can_v speak_v
nor_o any_o reformation_n at_o all_o of_o their_o former_a sinful_a life_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o any_o profit_n nay_o that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v it_o the_o more_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a they_o be_v and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v much_o better_o not_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n at_o all_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o in_o crease_n their_o condemnation_n for_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o let_v not_o such_o poor_a mourn_a soul_n deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o true_a comfort_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o word_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v of_o their_o imperfection_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v they_o know_v first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n of_o those_o child_n of_o god_n which_o profit_n most_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v therein_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o in_o complain_v that_o they_o profit_v not_o they_o show_v they_o profitt_a for_o whereas_o man_n natural_o blind_v with_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n never_o discern_v any_o such_o want_n and_o corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o profit_v nothing_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o never_o trouble_v they_o nay_o they_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o present_v their_o body_n into_o god_n assembly_n and_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o their_o outward_a ear_n though_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o nor_o retain_v it_o in_o memory_n nor_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n thereof_o these_o humble_a soul_n by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v free_v from_o this_o self_n love_n and_o carnal_a security_n and_o have_v the_o blind_a eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n open_v so_o as_o they_o see_v their_o fault_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v their_o hard_a heart_n soften_v so_o as_o they_o be_v grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o they_o &_o their_o will_n also_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n sanctify_v so_o that_o they_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o their_o corruption_n and_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o more_o profit_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o they_o can_v profit_v so_o much_o as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v perfect_v that_o good_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o they_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o this_o desire_n of_o profit_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n will_v also_o accomplish_v it_o &_o so_o open_v their_o dull_a ear_n and_o soften_v their_o hard_a heart_n that_o they_o shall_v profit_v and_o reap_v manifold_a fruit_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o furrow_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n feed_v they_o for_o a_o time_n with_o a_o spare_a hand_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v true_o humble_v they_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o that_o he_o may_v hereby_o so_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o hunger_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n feed_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n of_o his_o word_n but_o as_o this_o shall_v increase_v their_o diligence_n so_o it_o shall_v not_o decrease_v their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n for_o most_o assure_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o while_n whet_v their_o stomach_n and_o by_o pull_v back_o his_o hand_n move_v they_o more_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o more_o high_o to_o esteem_v this_o precious_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n he_o will_v full_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_a desire_n nourish_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o make_v they_o who_o be_v but_o babe_n strong_a man_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o not_o faint_a but_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v sure_o comfort_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 27.16_o §_o sect._n 4_o second_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n hear_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o bewail_v their_o want_n of_o feel_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o any_o save_a grace_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o howsoever_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o rest_v content_v in_o this_o estate_n but_o be_v to_o labour_n more_o and_o more_o not_o only_o to_o have_v but_o also_o to_o discern_v a_o increase_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o a_o progress_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n for_o otherwise_o though_o they_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o for_o a_o time_n live_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o attain_v unto_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o nor_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o there_o own_o conscience_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v despair_v or_o be_v utter_o discourage_v for_o though_o they_o find_v no_o fruit_n of_o their_o hear_n yet_o if_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n they_o will_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n continue_v still_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n they_o shall_v undoubted_o in_o the_o end_n attain_v unto_o their_o desire_n and_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o godliness_n we_o know_v that_o the_o seed_n do_v not_o present_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n but_o first_o it_o seem_v to_o rot_v and_o perish_v and_o then_o it_o sprout_v up_o in_o a_o green_a blade_n and_o then_o it_o bear_v a_o ear_n and_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o much_o fruit_n and_o so_o it_o fare_v oftentimes_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v quite_o lose_v and_o perish_v be_v sow_v in_o some_o ground_n and_o yet_o afterwards_o it_o bring_v forth_o not_o only_o a_o fair_a green_a blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o a_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o true_a godliness_n so_o also_o the_o sick_a patient_a take_v sovereign_a physic_n be_v not_o present_o cure_v nay_o in_o stead_n of_o feel_v any_o ease_n thereby_o he_o be_v make_v much_o more_o sick_a in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o yet_o after_o the_o physic_n have_v a_o while_n wrought_v with_o he_o and_o purge_v he_o of_o some_o superfluous_a and_o hurtful_a humour_n he_o find_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o by_o little_a and_o little_o he_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o former_a health_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o spiritual_a sick_a patient_n he_o do_v not_o always_o present_o find_v ease_n and_o quiet_a peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o many_o time_n he_o be_v torment_v and_o vex_v after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spiritual_a physic_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o word_n of_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o in_o former_a time_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o this_o physic_n have_v effectual_o wrought_v with_o he_o it_o purge_v he_o from_o his_o filthy_a corruption_n and_o strengthen_v he_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o feel_v present_o no_o profitable_a fruit_n of_o hear_v let_v not_o this_o discourage_v we_o from_o hear_v nay_o rather_o let_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o sharp_a spur_n to_o prick_v we_o forward_o to_o more_o diligence_n and_o let_v we_o join_v therewith_o hearty_a prayer_n desire_v the_o lord_n to_o water_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n sow_v in_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o undoubted_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o end_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o to_o our_o exceed_a comfort_n show_v unto_o we_o the_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n §_o sect._n 5_o three_o whereas_o they_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n sin_n consolation_n for_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o the_o more_o they_o hear_v the_o more_o they_o abound_v in_o sin_n in_o this_o they_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o more_o sinful_a but_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o live_v in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v so_o as_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v manifold_a and_o grievous_a now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o
accompany_v with_o loss_n as_o when_o we_o be_v in_o hope_n to_o gain_v thereby_o these_o and_o many_o other_o the_o branch_n of_o sanctification_n be_v the_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o after_o due_a examination_n find_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o they_o may_v also_o be_v assure_v notwithstanding_o all_o satan_n suggestion_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o have_v faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o root_n from_o which_o these_o fruit_n spring_n and_o they_o can_v be_v sever_v chap._n xliii_o satan_n tentation_n ground_v upon_o our_o want_n of_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o faith_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o sign_n by_o which_o every_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n not_o satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v we_o than_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o we_o feel_v it_o not_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o faithful_a man_n yet_o not_o at_o all_o time_n for_o oftentimes_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o believe_a christian_n do_v neither_o feel_v his_o faith_n nor_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o especial_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o cumbate_n of_o tentation_n which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o satan_n of_o suggest_v into_o his_o mind_n a_o dangerous_a tentation_n thou_o brag_v much_o will_v he_o say_v of_o thy_o faith_n and_o thou_o confirme_v this_o thy_o persuasion_n that_o thou_o be_v endue_v therewith_o with_o many_o sign_n and_o fruit_n which_o have_v accompany_v it_o but_o if_o now_o thou_o examine_v thyself_o a_o right_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o thou_o no_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o other_o argument_n i_o appeal_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n whether_o at_o this_o present_a thou_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o lively_a feel_n of_o faith_n or_o can_v discern_v those_o fruit_n thereof_o which_o before_o thou_o have_v speak_v of_o if_o not_o then_o do_v not_o flatter_v thyself_o in_o vain_a with_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n for_o though_o thou_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o yet_o at_o least_o believe_v thou_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n which_o plain_o tell_v thou_o that_o either_o thou_o never_o have_v any_o true_a faith_n indeed_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v yet_o that_o now_o it_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o perish_v tertation_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a tertation_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o which_o tentation_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o between_o faith_n itself_o and_o the_o work_n &_o function_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n merit_n and_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_a favour_n with_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v a_o habitual_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o always_o continue_v &_o abide_v in_o god_n child_n after_o it_o be_v once_o wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o function_n act_n or_o work_v thereof_o it_o have_v many_o intermission_n and_o oftentimes_o seem_v to_o be_v cast_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n now_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o we_o can_v sensible_o discern_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o habitual_a virtue_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n although_o we_o have_v it_o in_o great_a measure_n in_o we_o but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o manife_v itself_o in_o his_o action_n work_n &_o fruit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o unsound_a and_o false_a manner_n of_o reason_v to_o infer_v because_o we_o do_v not_o sensible_o feel_v and_o discern_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n therefore_o we_o be_v destitute_a thereof_o for_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n or_o faith_n itself_o may_v be_v in_o we_o &_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n may_v be_v so_o hinder_v by_o outward_a accident_n that_o it_o can_v show_v itself_o in_o his_o action_n and_o fruit_n by_o which_o alone_o it_o be_v sensible_o discern_v §_o sect._n 2_o but_o i_o will_v make_v this_o more_o clear_a and_o manifest_a by_o some_o familiar_a similitude_n and_o example_n similitude_n the_o former_a answer_n make_v plain_a by_o similitude_n we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o sickness_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n nature_n be_v so_o enfeeble_v and_o overcome_v that_o sometime_o the_o party_n affect_v fall_v into_o a_o dead_a swoon_n wherein_o he_o be_v deprive_v for_o a_o time_n not_o only_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n reason_n and_o memory_n but_o also_o of_o his_o sense_n motion_n and_o vital_a function_n so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o sense_n and_o outward_a appearance_n he_o be_v quite_o deprive_v of_o all_o his_o vital_a sensitive_a and_o intellectual_a faculty_n but_o yet_o a_o while_n after_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o outward_a mean_n use_v or_o by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o nature_n work_v in_o he_o he_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o again_o and_o live_v feel_v much_o and_o understand_v as_o in_o former_a time_n because_o he_o have_v not_o lose_v these_o faculty_n but_o only_o by_o some_o grievous_a impediment_n be_v hinder_v of_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o their_o action_n and_o function_n so_o that_o here_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v appear_v absurd_a and_o false_a these_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v sensible_o discern_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v quite_o destitute_a of_o they_o and_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o other_o habitual_a virtue_n oftentimes_o through_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o sin_n or_o the_o outward_a violence_n of_o satan_n tentation_n it_o seem_v cast_v into_o a_o swoon_n &_o deprive_v of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a faculty_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o faith_n love_n zeal_n hope_v patience_n and_o the_o rest_n but_o yet_o soon_o after_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o godly_a admonition_n instruction_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n make_v effectual_a by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v reviue_v and_o all_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n thereof_o show_v themselves_o again_o in_o their_o wont_a strength_n so_o that_o this_o inference_n be_v no_o less_o false_a than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o these_o sanctify_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o perish_v for_o the_o grace_n themselves_o remain_v though_o for_o a_o time_n they_o appear_v not_o in_o their_o action_n and_o fruit_n so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o winter_n the_o fruitful_a tree_n be_v so_o nip_v with_o the_o cold_a frost_n and_o so_o weatherbeaten_a with_o tempestuous_a storm_n that_o they_o appear_v naked_a &_o bare_a not_o only_o without_o fruit_n but_o also_o leave_v so_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v according_a to_o sense_n &_o outward_a appearance_n we_o shall_v false_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a for_o by_o experience_n we_o know_v that_o they_o live_v and_o suck_v nourishment_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o spoil_v of_o their_o summer_n beauty_n and_o though_o they_o be_v toss_v with_o the_o wind_n yet_o hereby_o they_o be_v not_o hurt_v but_o rather_o take_v deep_a root_n and_o so_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o more_o nourishment_n and_o though_o they_o be_v nip_v with_o cold_a frost_n yet_o hereby_o they_o be_v not_o make_v barren_a nay_o rather_o hereby_o their_o worm_n and_o canker_n be_v kill_v and_o they_o prepare_v and_o make_v fit_a to_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o summer_n when_o the_o comfortable_a spring_n approach_v and_o the_o sweet_a shower_n and_o warm_a sun_n beam_n fall_v and_o descend_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o the_o poor_a christian_n in_o the_o winter_n of_o affliction_n they_o be_v nip_v with_o the_o cold_a frost_n of_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o weatherbeaten_a with_o the_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o satan_n tentation_n so_o as_o they_o seem_v even_o dead_a at_o the_o very_a root_n if_o we_o shall_v judge_v according_a to_o outward_a sense_n &_o appearance_n but_o yet_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o hereby_o they_o be_v not_o overturn_v though_o they_o be_v shake_v and_o this_o shake_n make_v they_o to_o take_v more_o deep_a root_n in_o godliness_n and_o though_o they_o be_v nip_v and_o pinch_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n yet_o they_o perish_v not_o only_o the_o cankerworm_n of_o pride_n sonde_v presumption_n and_o self_n confidence_n be_v mortify_v and_o kill_v and_o they_o hereby_o be_v prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o bring_v forth_o more_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o spring_n of_o true_a comfort_n come_v wherein_o the_o sweet_a shower_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n distil_v upon_o
himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a indignity_n against_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o profane_v with_o our_o filthy_a sin_n the_o holy_a temple_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o fit_a to_o be_v sty_n for_o filthy_a swine_n and_o unclean_a spirit_n than_o mansion_n house_n for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o 4.30_o eph._n 4.30_o that_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o vex_v and_o grieve_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o lodging_n loathsome_a unto_o he_o and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o drive_v he_o away_o and_o as_o it_o be_v thrust_v he_o out_o of_o door_n if_o not_o by_o violence_n yet_o at_o least_o by_o our_o hard_a and_o uncivil_a entertainment_n yea_o that_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o only_o defile_v but_o even_o destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o also_o cast_v ourselves_o headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n 6.17_o 1._o cor._n 6.17_o for_o if_o any_o man_n destroy_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 3.16_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o profane_v god_n temple_n abuse_v his_o glorious_a presence_n vex_v our_o holy_a guest_n destroy_v his_o mansion_n and_o ourselves_o also_o let_v we_o most_o careful_o avoid_v sin_n and_o nourish_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n whole_o submit_v ourselves_o with_o cheerful_a alacrity_n to_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v by_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v perfume_v these_o holy_a temple_n with_o the_o odour_n and_o incense_n of_o holy_a obedience_n 2.5_o 1._o pet._n 2.5_o which_o smell_v sweet_o in_o god_n nostril_n will_v move_v he_o to_o dwell_v in_o we_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n all_o the_o day_n of_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o afterward_o to_o transport_v we_o into_o those_o eternal_a mansion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n where_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o all_o joy_n and_o happiness_n for_o evermore_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o preseruative_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o argument_n ground_v upon_o love_n presence_n the_o first_o reason_n take_v from_o god_n all-seeing_a wisdom_n and_o all-filling_a presence_n the_o second_o sort_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o commit_v sin_n may_v be_v take_v from_o that_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o unto_o which_o we_o may_v be_v move_v by_o diverse_a effectual_a reason_n as_o first_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a wisdom_n and_o all-filling_a presence_n whereby_o he_o see_v even_o our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o be_v a_o present_a witness_n of_o all_o our_o hide_a action_n for_o this_o be_v remember_v who_o dare_v in_o such_o a_o glorious_a presence_n commit_v that_o wickedness_n which_o he_o know_v hateful_a unto_o he_o before_o who_o he_o commit_v it_o he_o be_v count_v a_o ungracious_a child_n who_o will_v witting_o break_v his_o father_n commandment_n even_o before_o his_o face_n and_o he_o be_v esteem_v a_o desperate_a malefactor_n who_o dare_v presumptuous_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n in_o presence_n of_o his_o judge_n how_o then_o can_v our_o ungracious_a impudency_n and_o desperate_a presumption_n be_v excuse_v who_o dare_v offend_v and_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o a_o father_n so_o gracious_a and_o of_o a_o judge_n so_o just_a §_o sect._n 2_o second_o justice_n the_o second_o reason_n take_v from_o god_n exact_a justice_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n justice_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a he_o punish_v it_o in_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n if_o therefore_o thou_o sin_n thou_o can_v not_o corrupt_v he_o with_o bribe_n nor_o pacify_v he_o with_o fair_a word_n nor_o overcome_v he_o by_o entreaty_n nor_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o justice_n with_o the_o intercession_n of_o friend_n for_o have_v he_o not_o spare_v his_o son_n and_o will_v he_o spare_v his_o servant_n have_v he_o punish_v sin_n in_o his_o own_o child_n and_o will_v he_o wink_v at_o it_o in_o a_o common_a subject_n can_v neither_o the_o entreaty_n nor_o tear_n nor_o groan_n nor_o strong_a cry_n nor_o bloody_a sweat_n of_o his_o best_a belove_a son_n appease_v his_o wrath_n and_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n but_o that_o stand_v in_o our_o place_n he_o must_v needs_o bear_v our_o punishment_n and_o be_v surety_n for_o sinner_n he_o must_v die_v for_o sin_n and_o shall_v they_o who_o be_v the_o principal_n escape_v who_o in_o stead_n of_o plead_v his_o payment_n do_v contemptuous_o refuse_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v tread_v it_o under_o foot_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v escape_v and_o pay_v our_o debt_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n but_o see_v all_o sinner_n have_v not_o their_o part_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n but_o only_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o those_o only_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n see_v also_o those_o only_o be_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n make_v in_o he_o who_o approve_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o lively_a fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o those_o only_o do_v true_o repent_v who_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n past_a hate_v their_o present_a corruption_n and_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n how_o can_v we_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o god_n justice_n be_v satisfy_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v escape_v condemnation_n if_o we_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o obey_v the_o flesh_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o if_o still_o be_v in_o love_n with_o our_o sin_n we_o resolve_v to_o go_v forward_o in_o our_o course_n of_o wickedness_n §_o sect._n 3_o three_o sinner_n the_o three_o reason_n take_v from_o god_n fierce_a anger_n against_o sin_n show_v in_o his_o fearful_a judgment_n execute_v upon_o sinner_n let_v we_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n god_n fierce_a wrath_n conceive_v against_o sin_n and_o his_o fearful_a judgement_n which_o he_o have_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n and_o that_o not_o only_o particular_a man_n but_o also_o whole_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o general_a deluge_n in_o which_o all_o mankind_n save_v eight_o person_n be_v drown_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o overthrow_n and_o utter_v deface_v of_o those_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n galathian_o ephesian_n philippian_n collossian_o thessalonian_o and_o the_o rest_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o former_a time_n add_v those_o which_o every_o man_n observe_v in_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o then_o consider_v withal_o that_o the_o cause_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o execute_v in_o his_o just_a displeasure_n these_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o mankind_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o forcible_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o it_o for_o the_o lord_n be_v immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o course_n of_o justice_n and_o he_o hate_v sin_n now_o as_o deadly_a as_o in_o former_a age_n neither_o will_v he_o spare_v we_o more_o than_o other_o if_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n nay_o certain_o as_o our_o sin_n be_v aggravate_v by_o many_o circumstance_n be_v more_o odious_a unto_o he_o so_o will_v the_o lord_n proportionable_o inflict_v more_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o we_o than_o he_o have_v upon_o other_o who_o sin_n have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a for_o if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o now_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o the_o mean_n thereof_o and_o we_o sin_n against_o this_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v in_o most_o abundant_a measure_n multiply_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o hereby_o be_v make_v more_o unkind_a and_o ungrateful_a if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o warning_n by_o innumerable_a example_n of_o his_o heavy_a judgement_n execute_v upon_o other_o in_o former_a time_n and_o in_o our_o own_o day_n yea_o even_o in_o our_o own_o sight_n lay_v heavy_a punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o have_v commit_v no_o other_o sin_n than_o we_o ourselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o yet_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v provoke_v god_n fierce_a wrath_n against_o we_o and_o draw_v down_o violent_o upon_o
they_o handle_v be_v the_o argument_n which_o they_o handle_v and_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o tend_v for_o the_o subject_n whereof_o they_o entreat_v be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n how_o he_o exercise_v his_o mercy_n towards_o his_o child_n in_o sustain_v defend_v and_o save_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o his_o justice_n towards_o the_o wicked_a in_o turn_v their_o counsel_n to_o foolishness_n in_o overthrow_v their_o design_n and_o purpose_n curb_v in_o their_o rage_n and_o violence_n and_o in_o punish_v and_o destroy_v they_o now_o if_o you_o consider_v and_o peruse_v all_o other_o writing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o you_o shall_v find_v no_o such_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o for_o some_o labour_n in_o polish_n humane_a art_n some_o set_v out_o large_a history_n of_o the_o action_n counsel_n success_n policy_n enterprise_n and_o perturbation_n of_o man_n like_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n we_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n see_v they_o be_v whole_o spend_v in_o humane_a affair_n never_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o spiritual_a matter_n appertain_v unto_o god_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v the_o govern_n and_o wise_a dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n all-ruling_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o whole_a praise_n of_o his_o own_o work_n as_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o some_o famous_a victory_n they_o do_v ascribe_v it_o neither_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o captain_n nor_o to_o the_o valour_n of_o the_o common_a soldier_n but_o unto_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n alone_o neither_o do_v they_o make_v poem_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o moses_n josua_n david_n ezechias_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o king_n and_o leader_n but_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o by_o his_o own_o strong_a arm_n have_v give_v his_o child_n victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n now_o whence_o can_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indite_v they_o who_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o desire_v rather_o all_o praise_n himself_o do_v move_v he_o to_o refuse_v all_o glory_n attribute_v to_o himself_o that_o all_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n so_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o any_o benefit_n receive_v by_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o attribute_v it_o to_o worldly_a friend_n their_o good_a fortune_n or_o their_o own_o industry_n and_o labour_n but_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n proceed_v of_o his_o mere_a mercy_n &_o goodness_n towards_o they_o and_o contrariwise_o when_o they_o set_v down_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o want_n of_o their_o own_o care_n and_o providence_n nor_o to_o the_o malice_n or_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n nor_o to_o blind_a chance_n or_o other_o outward_a accident_n but_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n exercise_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n now_o if_o you_o peruse_v all_o other_o writing_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o aim_v at_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n glory_n for_o some_o write_v to_o show_v their_o eloquence_n other_o to_o extol_v their_o wit_n and_o deep_a learning_n other_o to_o advance_v the_o praise_n of_o mortal_a man_n above_o the_o cloud_n some_o for_o one_o end_n and_o some_o for_o another_o all_o aim_v at_o their_o own_o praise_n pleasure_n or_o profit_n never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o respect_v god_n glory_n in_o their_o least_o think_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o set_n down_o any_o victory_n they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o weakness_n or_o want_n of_o wit_n providence_n or_o courage_n of_o the_o adverse_a part_n or_o to_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o captain_n the_o resoluteness_n of_o the_o soldier_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o place_n sun_n wind_n and_o such_o like_a circumstance_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n exclude_v the_o god_n of_o battle_n as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o stroke_n in_o this_o business_n so_o likewise_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o affair_n or_o accident_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o ascribe_v all_o to_o outward_a circumstance_n inferior_a mean_n and_o subordinate_a cause_n as_o though_o god_n have_v give_v over_o the_o government_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v commit_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o stern_a to_o blind_a fortune_n now_o whence_o can_v this_o exceed_a difference_n proceed_v that_o they_o shall_v altogether_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o these_o whole_o at_o the_o praise_n pleasure_n &_o profit_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o ascribe_v the_o government_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o these_o to_o outward_a accident_n natural_a cause_n and_o inferior_a mean_n sure_o because_o they_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v divine_a savour_v whole_o of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o these_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o all_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v mere_o humane_a carnal_a &_o natural_a §_o sect._n 2_o scripture_n the_o nine_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o nine_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o pen_v the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o much_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o for_o whereas_o man_n in_o their_o writing_n affect_v the_o praise_n of_o flow_a eloquence_n and_o loftiness_n of_o phrase_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o pen_v the_o scripture_n have_v use_v great_a simplicity_n and_o wonderful_a plainness_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o unlearned_a in_o which_o low_a and_o humble_a manner_n of_o speech_n he_o do_v notwithstanding_o set_v forth_o the_o deep_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o religion_n the_o bottom_n whereof_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o search_v into_o and_o under_o the_o veil_n of_o simple_a and_o plain_a speech_n there_o shine_v such_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o glorious_a majesty_n that_o all_o the_o humane_a writing_n in_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o adorn_v with_o the_o flower_n of_o eloquence_n and_o sharp_a conceit_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n can_v so_o deep_o pierce_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n nor_o so_o forcible_o work_v upon_o his_o affection_n nor_o so_o powerful_o incline_v his_o will_n either_o to_o the_o embrace_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o avoid_v of_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whence_o can_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o virtue_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o moreover_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o majestical_a authority_n above_o all_o other_o witing_n which_o only_o beseem_v the_o glorious_a king_n and_o sovereign_a commander_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o enjoin_v the_o like_a obedience_n to_o prince_n and_o people_n rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a without_o any_o difference_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n not_o use_v any_o argument_n reason_n or_o persuasion_n but_o absolute_o command_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o forbid_v that_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v leave_v undo_v and_o that_o under_o the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o blessedness_n and_o the_o pain_n not_o of_o the_o gallows_n rack_n or_o wheel_n but_o of_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n and_o who_o beseem_v it_o to_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n or_o to_o threaten_v evelrasting_a death_n but_o he_o only_o who_o be_v himself_o eternal_a and_o everlasting_a and_o who_o have_v this_o absolute_a authority_n of_o command_v all_o without_o any_o difference_n but_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n last_o this_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o conversation_n require_v only_o the_o external_a obedience_n which_o be_v in_o fact_n and_o outward_a behaviour_n which_o be_v the_o uttermost_a that_o humane_a law_n respect_v because_o the_o lawgiver_n can_v see_v no_o further_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v especial_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o forbid_v not_o only_o consent_v to_o any_o evil_n but_o even_o concupiscence_n and_o lust_n now_o who_o can_v make_v law_n for_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n or_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o fond_a to_o make_v they_o who_o can_v either_o reward_v the_o obedient_a or_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a but_o god_n alone_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n the_o stile_n therefore_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o show_v majesty_n in_o lowliness_n