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one_o in_o the_o earth_n 2._o but_o your_o strong_a probability_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o present_a frame_n and_o inclination_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o god_n you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v work_n above_o nature_n in_o you_o and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v alive_a and_o carry_v on_o these_o many_o year_n against_o all_o opposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o mere_a flash_n of_o conviction_n which_o have_v be_v extinguish_v by_o sensuality_n and_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o security_n and_o profaneness_n as_o other_o be_v you_o dare_v not_o give_v up_o your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n for_o all_o the_o world_n you_o will_v not_o part_v with_o christ_n and_o say_v let_v he_o go_v for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n
flesh-pleasing_a the_o three_o great_a sin_n therefore_o that_o do_v most_o direct_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v 1._o pride_n or_o ambition_n 2._o worldliness_n or_o love_n of_o riches_n 3._o sensuality_n voluptuousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n indeed_o other_o sin_n as_o direct_o against_o god_n as_o these_o and_o more_o radical_a as_o 1._o atheism_n deny_v a_o god_n 2._o polutheism_n deny_v our_o god_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a god_n and_o join_v other_o with_o he_o 3._o idolatry_n own_v false_a go_n 4._o infidelity_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord-redeemer_n 5._o own_v false_a saviour_n and_o prophet_n in_o his_o stead_n or_o before_o he_o as_o do_v the_o mahometan_n 6._o join_v other_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n with_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o alone_a christ_n 7._o deny_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o deny_v credit_n to_o his_o holy_a and_o miraculous_a testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 8._o own_v and_o believe_v in_o devil_n or_o lie_v spirit_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o montanist_n mahometan_n ranter_n familist_n do_v 9_o own_v and_o adjoin_v devil_n or_o lie_a spirit_n in_o coordination_n or_o equality_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o believe_v equal_o his_o doctrine_n and_o they_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o sole_a and_o sufficient_a in_o his_o work_n all_o these_o be_v sin_n direct_o against_o god_n himself_o and_o if_o prevalent_a most_o certain_o damn_v three_o against_o the_o father_n three_o against_o the_o son_n and_o three_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o these_o be_v not_o they_o that_o i_o need_v now_o to_o warn_v you_o of_o these_o be_v prevalent_a only_o in_o pagan_n infidel_n and_o blasphemer_n your_o trouble_n and_o complaint_n show_v that_o these_o be_v not_o predominant_a in_o you_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o three_o forementioned_a sin_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o careful_o to_o look_v after_o in_o your_o trouble_n to_o see_v whether_o none_o of_o they_o get_v ground_n and_o strength_n in_o you_o 1._o inquire_v careful_o into_o your_o humility_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o grace_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a when_o he_o bless_v the_o meek_a and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n when_o he_o set_v a_o little_a child_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o except_o they_o become_v as_o that_o child_n they_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o he_o stoop_v to_o wash_v and_o wipe_v his_o disciple_n foot_n require_v they_o to_o do_v so_o by_o one_o another_o how_o oft_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n press_v this_o upon_o we_o command_v we_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o to_o mind_v high_a thing_n but_o to_o condescend_v to_o man_n of_o low_a estate_n rom._n 12.16_o and_o not_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o our_o own_o esteem_n but_o in_o honour_n prefer_v other_o before_o ourselves_o rom._n 12.10_o how_o oft_o have_v god_n profess_v to_o resist_v and_o take_v down_o the_o proud_a and_o to_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o dwell_v with_o they_o search_v careful_o therefore_o lest_o this_o sin_n get_v ground_n upon_o you_o for_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o predominant_a and_o reign_v as_o to_o damn_v you_o yet_o may_v it_o cause_v god_n to_o afflict_v you_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o and_o humble_v you_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o concealment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o though_o one_o will_v think_v that_o doubt_v trouble_v soul_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o free_a from_o pride_n yet_o sad_a experience_n have_v certify_v i_o that_o much_o pride_n may_v dwell_v with_o great_a doubt_n and_o distress_n of_o mind_n even_o some_o of_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v firebrand_n of_o hell_n yet_o can_v endure_v a_o close_a reproof_n especial_o for_o any_o disgraceful_a sin_n nor_o can_v bear_v a_o disparage_a word_n nor_o love_v those_o nor_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o value_v they_o nor_o endure_v to_o be_v cross_v or_o contradict_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n but_o must_v have_v all_o go_v their_o way_n and_o follow_v their_o judgement_n and_o say_v as_o they_o say_v and_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n and_o their_o heart_n rise_v against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o much_o more_o against_o those_o that_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o diminish_n of_o their_o reputation_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v low_a and_o past_a by_o and_o overlook_v when_o other_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o disrespect_a or_o their_o word_n or_o part_n or_o work_n or_o judgement_n to_o be_v contemn_v or_o disparage_v nay_o some_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o house_n or_o church_n or_o town_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n with_o any_o but_o those_o that_o will_v humour_n and_o please_v they_o and_o speak_v they_o fair_a and_o give_v they_o smooth_a and_o stroke_a language_n and_o forbear_v cross_v reprove_v and_o disparage_v they_o every_o one_o of_o these_o single_o be_v a_o evident_a mark_n and_o fruit_n of_o pride_n how_o much_o more_o all_o joint_o i_o serious_o profess_v it_o amaze_v i_o to_o consider_v how_o heinous_o most_o professor_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n even_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o devil_n own_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a abomination_n hate_v of_o god_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v so_o much_o against_o it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o confess_v it_o so_o oft_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o inward_o cherish_v it_o but_o in_o word_n action_n gesture_n apparel_z express_v it_o and_o passionate_o defend_v these_o discovery_n of_o it_o the_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o it_o so_o be_v the_o contention_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o unpeaceableness_n in_o family_n for_o only_o from_o pride_n come_v contention_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 13.10_o for_o my_o part_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n self-esteem_a that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n that_o ever_o i_o be_v acquaint_v with_o we_o of_o the_o ministry_n not_o except_v i_o wonder_v that_o god_n do_v not_o afflict_v we_o more_o and_o bring_v we_o down_o by_o foul_a mean_n that_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v down_o by_o fair_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o have_v have_v as_o great_a mean_n to_o help_v i_o against_o this_o sin_n as_o most_o man_n live_v have_v have_v first_o in_o many_o year_n trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o then_o in_o near_o twenty_o year_n languish_v and_o bodily_a pain_n have_v be_v almost_o twenty_o time_n at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n and_o live_v near_o it_o continual_o and_o last_o and_o above_o all_o i_o have_v have_v as_o full_a a_o sight_n of_o it_o in_o other_o even_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n and_o in_o the_o doleful_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o heinous_a detestable_a abomination_n of_o this_o ageâ—_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v full_o cure_v it_o and_o yet_o if_o i_o hear_v but_o either_o a_o applaud_a word_n from_o any_o of_o fame_n on_o one_o side_n or_o a_o disparage_a word_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o be_o fain_a to_o watch_v my_o heart_n as_o narrow_o as_o i_o will_v do_v the_o thatch_n of_o my_o house_n when_o fire_n be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o present_o to_o throw_v on_o it_o the_o water_n of_o detestation_n resolution_n and_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o though_o the_o act_n through_o god_n great_a mercy_n be_v thus_o restrain_v yet_o the_o constancy_n of_o these_o inclination_n assure_v i_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a and_o deep_a root_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v ever_o have_v settle_a peace_n and_o comfort_n be_v watchful_a against_o this_o sin_n of_o pride_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v it_o down_o and_o get_v it_o mortify_v at_o the_o very_a heart_n 2._o the_o next_o sin_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o be_v special_o jealous_a of_o be_v covetousness_n or_o love_n of_o the_o profit_n or_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o rich_a only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o more_o heinous_a be_v it_o in_o they_o to_o love_v the_o world_n inordinate_o that_o have_v so_o
think_v to_o make_v it_o public_a anâ—_n so_o have_v no_o room_n for_o marginal_a quotation_n nor_o time_o to_o transcribe_v that_o copy_n that_o may_v have_v room_n nor_o indeed_o much_o minâ—_n of_o they_o if_o i_o have_v have_v both_o room_n and_o time_n as_o in_o all_o the_o remove_n of_o my_o life_n â—_o have_v be_v still_o lead_v to_o that_o place_n or_o state_n which_o be_v further_a from_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o never_o design_v or_o contrive_v by_o myself_o so_o all_o the_o write_n that_o yet_o i_o have_v publish_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o some_o sudden_a unexpected_a occasion_n extort_a from_o i_o while_o those_o that_o i_o most_o affect_v have_v be_v stifle_v in_o the_o conception_n and_o those_o that_o i_o have_v most_o labour_v in_o must_v lie_v bury_v in_o the_o dust_n that_o i_o may_v know_v its_o god_n that_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o all_o experience_n persuade_v i_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o have_v compel_v i_o hereto_o intend_v to_o make_v this_o hasty_a writing_n a_o mean_n for_o the_o calm_v of_o some_o trouble_a soul_n which_o if_o he_o do_v i_o have_v my_o end_n if_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n public_a peace_n either_o through_o my_o own_o unskilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n or_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o malady_n yet_o will_v it_o be_v my_o comfort_n to_o further_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o poor_a christian_n though_o to_o the_o former_a also_o i_o shall_v contribute_v my_o best_a endeavour_n and_o be_o with_o this_o send_n to_o the_o press_n some_o few_o sheet_n to_o that_o end_n with_o our_o worcestershire_n agreement_n the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o both_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o contention_n the_o destroy_n of_o that_o pride_n self-esteem_a self-seeking_a and_o carnalmindedness_a which_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o best_a be_v the_o disturber_n of_o all_o peace_n the_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o impeaceable_a principle_n disposition_n and_o practice_n the_o near_a closure_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o hasten_v of_o the_o church_n everlasting_a peace_n these_o be_v his_o daily_a prayer_n who_o be_v may_v 7._o 1653._o a_o zealous_a desirer_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o faithful_a soul_n richard_n baxter_n the_o content_n the_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v pag._n 1._o direction_n i._n discover_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o your_o trouble_n 4_o the_o continue_a necessity_n of_o a_o stand_a ministry_n 6_o direction_n ii_o discover_v well_o how_o much_o of_o your_o trouble_n be_v from_o melancholy_a or_o from_o outward_a cross_n and_o apply_v the_o remedy_n according_o 7_o direction_n iii_o lay_v first_o in_o your_o understand_a sound_n and_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n 17_o the_o benefit_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n 18_o direction_n iu._n get_v deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o gracious_a nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n 28_o direction_n v._o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o full_a sufficiency_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n for_o all_o 32_o direction_n vi_o apprehend_v the_o freeness_n fullness_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n or_o conditional_a grant_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v 33_o direction_n vii_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o general_n grace_n and_o special_a and_o between_o the_o possibility_n probability_n conditional_a certainty_n and_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o so_o between_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o comfort_n that_o these_o several_n may_v afford_v 35_o how_o much_o comfort_n the_o unconvert_v may_v receive_v from_o general_n grace_n 39_o direction_n viii_o understand_v right_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o save_v faith_n 49_o direction_n ix_o next_o perform_v the_o condition_n by_o actual_a believe_v 55_o object_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o believe_v answer_v 56_o direction_n how_o to_o get_v faith_n 59_o how_o far_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v acceptable_a 60_o direction_n x._o next_o review_n your_o own_o believe_v and_o thence_o gather_v assurance_n 66_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n what_o they_o be_v 68_o 71_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o legal_a depart_n from_o christ_n or_o any_o sinful_a trust_n in_o our_o own_o righteousness_n to_o gather_v peace_n comfort_n or_o assurance_n from_o sign_n within_o we_o 74_o twenty_o argument_n prove_v it_o lawful_a to_o gather_v comfort_n or_o assurance_n from_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o 75_o direction_n xi_o make_v use_n in_o trial_n of_o none_o but_o infallible_a sign_n 86_o five_o certain_a sign_n together_o comprise_v the_o description_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a 88_o twenty_o observable_a explicatory_a point_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o sign_n 91_o direction_n xii_o know_v that_o assurance_n of_o justification_n or_o right_a to_o salvation_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a grace_n 119_o prove_v from_o the_o many_o exceed_a difficulty_n that_o must_v be_v overcome_v by_o all_o that_o will_v have_v assurance_n in_o ordinary_a way_n and_o from_o other_o reason_n 120_o direction_n xiii_o the_o first_o time_n of_o our_o receive_v or_o act_v save_a grace_n and_o so_o of_o our_o justification_n and_o adoption_n can_v ordinary_o be_v know_v 136_o to_o affirm_v that_o save_a sincerity_n of_o grace_n lie_v but_o in_o a_o gradual_a natural-difference_n be_v no_o diminution_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o grace_n 142_o direction_n fourteen_o know_v that_o assurance_n be_v not_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o only_o of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o strong_a most_o active_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a prove_v 145_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o 151_o direction_n xv._n know_v that_o even_o many_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o more_o obedient_a who_o have_v assurance_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v yet_o unassure_v of_o their_o salvation_n for_o want_v of_o assurance_n to_o persevere_v 160_o the_o author_n free_a confession_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o judgement_n herein_o 162_o direction_n xvi_o there_o be_v many_o ground_n to_o discover_v a_o probability_n of_o save_a grace_n where_o we_o can_v yet_o discern_v a_o certainty_n and_o you_o must_v learn_v next_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o general_a grace_n to_o receive_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o special_a grace_n before_o you_o expect_v or_o be_v ripe_a for_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n 170_o prove_v that_o a_o christian_a may_v live_v a_o joyful_a life_n without_o assurance_n 178_o direction_n xvii_o improve_v your_o own_o and_o other_o experience_n to_o strengthen_v your_o probability_n 179_o direction_n xviii_o know_v that_o god_n have_v not_o command_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o you_o do_v believe_v nor_o that_o you_o be_v justify_v or_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o only_o conditional_o and_o therefore_o your_o assurance_n be_v not_o a_o certainty_n proper_o of_o divine_a faith_n 189_o it_o be_v not_o unbelief_n or_o desperation_n in_o christian_n which_o be_v common_o call_v so_o 193_o direction_n xix_o know_v that_o those_o few_o that_o do_v attain_v to_o assurance_n have_v it_o not_o constant_o 209_o direction_n xx._n never_o expect_v so_o much_o assurance_n on_o earth_n as_o shall_v set_v you_o above_o all_o possibility_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o above_o all_o apprehension_n of_o real_a danger_n 211_o the_o usefulness_n of_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n open_v 214_o direction_n xxi_o be_v glad_a of_o a_o settle_a peace_n and_o look_v not_o too_o much_o after_o rapture_n and_o strong_a feeling_n of_o comfort_n and_o if_o you_o have_v such_o expect_v not_o a_o constancy_n of_o they_o 227_o direction_n xxii_o spend_v more_o time_n and_o care_n about_o your_o duty_n then_o your_o comfort_n and_o to_o get_v and_o exercise_v and_o increase_v grace_n then_o to_o discern_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 232_o direction_n xxiii_o think_v not_o that_o those_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n which_o be_v cause_v and_o continue_v by_o wilful_a disobedience_n will_v ever_o be_v well_o heal_v but_o by_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o disobedience_n or_o that_o such_o can_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n as_o obedient_a doubt_v christian_n may_v 246_o how_o far_o a_o christian_n can_v or_o can_v do_v the_o good_a he_o will_v 251_o three_o sort_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n or_o so_o call_v open_v 256_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o gross_a sin_n doubtful_a 265_o prove_v that_o assurance_n depend_v much_o on_o careful_a obedience_n and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o most_o obedient_a believer_n will_v ordinary_o have_v most_o and_o best_a assurance_n of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o salvation_n 270_o the_o use_n of_o the_o former_a direction_n 280_o the_o doubt_n
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live_v a_o comfortable_a life_n without_o it_o trouble_v of_o mind_n may_v be_v overcome_v conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v true_a peace_n attain_v yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v without_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o passage_n in_o my_o book_n of_o rest_n part_v 3_o d_o in_o press_v to_o get_v assurance_n which_o seem_v contrary_a to_o this_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o sense_n and_o no_o otherwise_o understand_v this_o shall_v be_v further_o open_v anon_o and_o other_o ground_n of_o comfort_n manifest_v beside_o assurance_n direction_n xv._n 15._o yea_o this_o much_o more_o i_o will_v here_o inform_v you_o of_o that_o very_o many_o even_n of_o the_o strong_a holy_a watchful_a and_o obedient_a christian_n be_v yet_o uncertain_a of_o their_o salvation_n even_o then_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o overcome_v for_o a_o man_n certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o be_v his_o certainty_n of_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o overcome_v that_o you_o may_v not_o misunderstand_v i_o in_o this_o observe_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v perseverance_n be_v a_o thing_n uncertain_a in_o itself_o 2._o nor_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o all_o christian_n 3._o but_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a to_o many_o even_o strong_a and_o self-knowing_a christian_n divine_n use_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o former_a be_v either_o of_o the_o object_n of_o god_n knowledge_n or_o of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n know_v certain_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o with_o his_o decree_n do_v cause_n that_o which_o we_o call_v certainty_n of_o the_o object_n as_o to_o man_n understanding_n but_o 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have_v any_o strong_a christian_n among_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o at_o home_n 2._o beside_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v a_o clear_a argument_n that_o a_o strong_a christian_a may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o it_o god_n have_v make_v all_o those_o point_n plain_a in_o scripture_n which_o must_v be_v believe_v as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o believer_n perseverance_n be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o flat_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o any_o considerable_a number_n be_v ever_o save_v till_o of_o late_a or_o be_v yet_o save_v but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o country_n it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o the_o church_n never_o do_v put_v into_o their_o creed_n where_o they_o sum_v up_o those_o point_n that_o they_o hold_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v the_o contrary_a do_v make_v the_o point_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o those_o text_n that_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o full_o to_o satisfy_v they_o beside_o that_o the_o example_n of_o these_o ten_o year_n last_o pass_v have_v do_v more_o to_o stagger_v many_o sober_a wise_a christian_n in_o this_o point_n than_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o papist_n arminian_n or_o any_o other_o to_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n in_o some_o place_n have_v fall_v and_o how_o far_o as_o i_o be_o unwilling_a further_o to_o mention_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o i_o think_v of_o this_o myself_o and_o consequent_o what_o assurance_n i_o have_v of_o my_o own_o salvation_n i_o will_v free_o tell_v you_o both_o how_o far_o i_o be_o arrive_v in_o assurance_n of_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n and_o justification_n and_o how_o far_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o perseverance_n and_o so_o of_o salvation_n i_o lay_v seven_o year_n under_o great_a doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o sanctification_n especial_o for_o want_v of_o those_o lively_a affectionate_a heart-melting_a effect_n which_o i_o desire_v to_o have_v find_v and_o for_o want_v of_o deep_o apprehension_n of_o god_n christ_n glory_n sin_n misery_n mercy_n duty_n etc._n etc._n which_o make_v i_o still_o fear_v that_o all_o i_o have_v be_v but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o education_n read_v and_o speculative_a knowledge_n and_o so_o that_o i_o have_v only_o a_o notional_a religion_n that_o touch_v my_o fantasy_n and_o swim_v in_o my_o brain_n but_o work_v not_o thorough_o on_o my_o heart_n for_o want_v of_o more_o deep_a and_o serious_a believe_v of_o those_o holy_a truth_n which_o shall_v be_v operative_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n probability_n of_o grace_n afford_v i_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v hope_n do_v bear_v i_o up_o now_o through_o the_o great_a unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o my_o god_n i_o have_v attain_v to_o so_o strong_a a_o probability_n of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o sanctification_n as_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v assurance_n or_o certainty_n but_o not_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n i_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n as_o overcome_v most_o doubt_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o keep_v i_o in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n and_o some_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o delightful_a thought_n of_o my_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o give_v i_o a_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o access_n with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o yet_o i_o find_v that_o carnal_a security_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o alay_n of_o my_o trouble_n though_o not_o in_o the_o raise_n of_o my_o joy_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o bad_a faith_n assurance_n and_o carnal_a security_n to_o join_v together_o in_o one_o effect_n even_o in_o expelling_a trouble_n from_o the_o heart_n yet_o dare_v i_o scarce_o say_v in_o the_o usual_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o so_o of_o my_o justification_n especial_o when_o temptation_n have_v prevail_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n interest_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o my_o estimation_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v appear_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o when_o i_o have_v think_v how_o much_o strong_a trial_n i_o may_v yet_o be_v put_v to_o which_o other_o daily_o undergo_v especial_o the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n do_v often_o make_v i_o fear_v than_o those_o of_o persecution_n and_o adversity_n i_o be_o sometime_o afraid_a lest_o it_o be_v but_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o body_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o object_n and_o smallness_n of_o temptation_n that_o make_v they_o no_o more_o prevail_v with_o i_o and_o that_o if_o i_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o body_n as_o other_o and_o be_v in_o that_o dignity_n wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o some_o be_v whether_o honour_n carâ—al_a pleasure_n sport_n delightful_a meat_n drink_n beauty_n and_o such_o vanity_n may_v not_o carry_v i_o away_o as_o i_o see_v they_o do_v other_o that_o make_v as_o great_a a_o show_n of_o holiness_n yet_o do_v not_o these_o doubt_v much_o affright_n or_o disquiet_v i_o because_o i_o find_v god_n at_o present_a possess_v i_o with_o those_o resolution_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o for_o christ_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o because_o i_o have_v experience_n of_o abundance_n of_o prevent_v and_o sustain_a grace_n and_o because_o i_o find_v at_o the_o present_a that_o god_n enable_v i_o to_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n and_o dross_n and_o dung_n for_o he_o and_o easy_o without_o much_o reluctancy_n to_o empty_v my_o purse_n for_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o my_o time_n and_o strength_n for_o he_o and_o his_o church_n and_o with_o some_o good_a success_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o that_o i_o have_v no_o desire_n in_o any_o activity_n or_o prevalency_n to_o be_v any_o high_a in_o the_o world_n than_o i_o be_o but_o think_v god_n have_v choose_v out_o for_o i_o the_o best_a condition_n and_o station_n that_o i_o can_v have_v desire_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o then_o for_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n this_o be_v my_o case_n it_o be_v my_o strong_a opinion_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o rootedness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v thorough_o sanctify_v do_v ever_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o which_o christ_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n fall_v away_o in_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o deep_a root_n mat._n 13._o and_o i_o be_o yet_o more_o confident_a that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n shall_v ever_o fall_v away_o and_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o root_v through-christians_a be_v elect._n but_o yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o this_o that_o all_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n and_o shall_v never_o fall_v away_o total_o and_o final_o who_o sincere_o believe_v and_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v my_o opinion_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o put_v it_o into_o my_o creed_n among_o either_o the_o point_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o undoubted_a verity_n i_o know_v how_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o and_o i_o know_v how_o general_o the_o primitive_a father_n think_v otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n can_v know_v their_o mind_n by_o their_o write_n i_o know_v that_o austin_n himself_o the_o mall_n of_o the_o pelagian_n seem_v to_o be_v either_o unresolved_a or_o more_o against_o this_o perseverance_n then_o for_o it_o i_o know_v how_o many_o learned_a godly_a man_n do_v differ_v from_o i_o and_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n i_o know_v how_o sad_a and_o shake_a example_n this_o age_n have_v afford_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a proper_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o perseverance_n and_o so_o not_o full_o strict_o certain_a of_o my_o salvation_n nor_o so_o near_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o salvation_n as_o i_o be_o to_o a_o certainty_n of_o my_o faith_n justification_n adoption_n and_o sanctification_n yet_o be_o i_o so_o strong_o confident_a of_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v hold_v out_o and_o be_v save_v that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o overcome_v my_o trouble_n and_o fear_n but_o also_o enable_v i_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o to_o desire_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o to_o think_v of_o death_n with_o much_o more_o contentedness_n and_o