and_o the_o question_n than_o be_v be_v this_o or_o that_o or_o the_o other_o action_n please_v or_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n act_v according_a to_o god_n holy_a law_n for_o god_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o conscience_n and_o his_o will_n the_o only_a rale_n and_o law_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n therefore_o may_v be_v three_o way_n defile_v 1._o by_o the_o unpardoned_a gild_n of_o a_o natural_a state_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o unbeliever_n nothing_o can_v purge_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n heb._n 9.14_o a_o unbeliever_n do_v not_o apply_v to_o it_o nor_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o god_n apply_v it_o to_o none_o but_o by_o faith_n therefore_o all_o such_o unbeliever_n have_v all_o the_o loathsome_a filth_n of_o their_o natural_a state_n lie_v on_o their_o conscience_n defile_v it_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o all_o unbeliever_n conscience_n can_v speak_v nothing_o towards_o god_n by_o any_o thing_n christ_n have_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o they_o know_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o in_o he_o they_o will_v give_v a_o answer_n or_o make_v their_o plea_n from_o their_o good_a work_n and_o honest_a meaning_n but_o all_o such_o answer_n and_o plea_n be_v reject_v by_o god_n in_o his_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n state_n for_o all_o god_n judgement_n of_o man_n state_n proceed_v on_o these_o two_o in_o christ_n or_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o two_o so_o do_v man_n stand_v or_o fall_v before_o god_n judgement_n whatever_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v 2._o conscience_n be_v defile_v by_o sinful_a action_n know_a to_o be_v such_o now_o if_o these_o be_v love_v and_o delight_v in_o they_o do_v just_o mar_v confidence_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n but_o with_o the_o mouth_n and_o hypocritical_o isa_n 2.9,13_o this_o be_v a_o frame_n not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o believer_n he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o know_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o delight_v in_o to_o this_o david_n word_n refer_v psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o it_o be_v not_o if_o there_o be_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n prov._n 20.9_o it_o be_v not_o if_o i_o see_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o where_o there_o be_v least_o sin_n it_o be_v best_o see_v paul_n see_v enough_o rom._n 7.23,24,25_o and_o groan_v under_o it_o and_o yet_o bless_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o victory_n but_o it_o be_v only_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n if_o i_o look_v kind_o on_o it_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o indeed_o the_o man_n in_o this_o case_n can_v pray_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o a_o person_n approve_v and_o love_a sin_n can_v make_v a_o real_a approach_n to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o depart_v from_o and_o approach_v to_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o the_o same_o motion_n 3._o the_o conscience_n be_v defile_v by_o doubtful_a practice_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 8.7_o and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v to_o this_o belong_v also_o the_o word_n in_o rom._n 14.5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n in_o deliberate_a action_n especial_o of_o worship_n to_o god_n to_o act_v without_o a_o clear_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n defile_v the_o conscience_n 2._o sin_n disturb_v the_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v by_o sin_n two_o way_n 1._o when_o the_o evil_a and_o filth_n of_o sin_n be_v see_v a_o man_n loathe_v himself_o therefore_o no_o defilement_n on_o the_o conscience_n disturb_v it_o till_o it_o be_v see_v man_n like_o swine_n wallow_v in_o the_o puddle_n and_o see_v no_o filth_n therein_o till_o god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o conscience_n 2._o when_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n be_v see_v and_o the_o wrath_n it_o deserve_v be_v perceave_v then_o perplex_v fear_n and_o sensible_a sorrow_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o what_o be_v the_o course_n such_o a_o poor_a creature_n shall_v take_v the_o sin_n be_v commit_v the_o gild_n be_v contract_v the_o conscience_n be_v defile_v the_o defilement_n be_v see_v disturbance_n and_o trouble_n be_v feel_v in_o the_o conscience_n what_o shall_v such_o a_o sick_a soul_n do_v will_v any_o say_v to_o he_o wash_v thyself_o where_o thou_o can_v and_o cast_v away_o the_o burden_n of_o thy_o sin_n the_o best_a way_n thou_o can_v and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v be_v strange_a gospel_n indeed_o we_o know_v no_o other_o course_n a_o man_n shall_v take_v in_o this_o case_n but_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o have_v the_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o only_a cordial_n for_o a_o disturb_a conscience_n and_o the_o only_a purger_n of_o a_o defile_a conscience_n therefore_o peter_n be_v quite_o out_o in_o his_o prayer_n he_o pray_v backward_o when_o he_o say_v depart_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n o_o lord_n luke_n 5.8_o be_v ever_o worse_a word_n utter_v at_o the_o knee_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v say_v better_a if_o he_o have_v pray_v lord_n come_v near_o to_o i_o and_o abide_v with_o i_o and_o let_v i_o ever_o abide_v with_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n where_o can_v a_o sinful_a man_n be_v better_a than_o with_o the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n but_o peter_n prayer_n be_v the_o natural_a prayer_n of_o every_o man_n that_o see_v his_o sinfulness_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o publican_n understand_v prayer_n and_o ply_v it_o better_o luke_n 18.13_o when_o he_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n i_o feel_v my_o sinfulness_n i_o see_v thy_o mercy_n lord_n let_v they_o meet_v and_o thy_o mercy_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o i_o save_v whoever_o therefore_o be_v distress_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o conscience_n or_o with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n must_v seek_v all_o their_o relief_n at_o this_o throne_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v only_o the_o power_n of_o that_o grace_n reveal_v and_o dispense_v at_o this_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o sin_n and_o all_o its_o power_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v to_o subdue_v sin_n except_o by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o grace_n or_o to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v this_o powerful_a grace_n without_o come_v for_o it_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o dream_v to_o his_o own_o destruction_n object_n 2._o i_o be_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o my_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v bold_o to_o this_o throne_n if_o i_o do_v know_v that_o god_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o i_o and_o i_o reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o justify_v than_o i_o may_v come_v bold_o answ_n 1._o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o thy_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o put_v out_o of_o question_n be_v christian_n more_o in_o self-examination_n more_o close_a in_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o if_o they_o have_v more_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o be_v more_o in_o act_v of_o faith_n this_o shameful_a darkness_n and_o doubt_v will_v quick_o vanish_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v heavy_o bewail_v that_o many_o christian_n have_v live_v twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n since_o christ_n call_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n yet_o doubt_v be_v their_o life_n they_o doubt_v when_o they_o begin_v they_o go_v on_o doubt_v and_o many_o die_v doubt_v when_o the_o blame_n be_v just_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o a_o blessing_n heb._n 10.22_o and_o be_v it_o more_o mind_v as_o a_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v more_o often_o attain_v as_o a_o mercy_n that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n i_o press_v you_o to_o have_v stand_v in_o firm_a and_o strong_a believe_v the_o faithful_a promise_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n will_v bear_v all_o the_o weight_n we_o can_v lay_v on_o it_o this_o assurance_n be_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o it_o may_v by_o his_o blessing_n of_o mean_n spring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o
be_v save_v it_o come_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o love_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.4_o and_o be_v treasure_v up_o for_o and_o lay_v out_o only_o upon_o his_o choose_a it_o be_v the_o favour_n he_o bear_v to_o his_o people_n psal_n 106.4_o common_a mercy_n be_v throw_v about_o with_o a_o large_a and_o indifferent_a hand_n he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a matth._n 5.45_o now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o mercy_n be_v as_o far_o different_a as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o one_o be_v far_o beyond_o that_o of_o the_o other_o though_o we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o either_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n say_v a_o great_a saint_n gen._n 32.10_o and_o so_o shall_v all_o say_v but_o few_o do_v perceive_v this_o great_a difference_n and_o many_o give_v the_o preference_n to_o common_a outward_a mercy_n who_o but_o a_o christian_a do_v count_v it_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o have_v the_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n than_o to_o have_v a_o large_a and_o prosperous_a estate_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o a_o hour_n spend_v in_o his_o court_n when_o the_o king_n presence_n be_v in_o they_o be_v better_a than_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n moses_n be_v a_o man_n that_o obtain_v singular_a mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n it_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n in_o egypt_n heb._n 11.26_o he_o have_v excellent_a balance_n and_o true_a weight_n he_o put_v in_o the_o one_o scale_n egypt_n honour_n treasure_n and_o pleasure_n and_o how_o weighty_a be_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o worldling_n balance_n and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n and_o affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n his_o judgement_n on_o this_o weigh_v be_v that_o this_o reproach_n because_o of_o christ_n concern_n in_o it_o and_o this_o affliction_n because_o it_o be_v of_o and_o with_o god_n people_n be_v better_a than_o all_o the_o other_o thing_n the_o true_a test_n of_o man_n spirit_n be_v just_o take_v from_o their_o settle_a inward_a apprehension_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o spiritual_a save_a mercy_n above_o all_o outward_a mercy_n psal_n 4.6,7_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a most_o man_n be_v for_o any_o good_a they_o know_v not_o well_o what_o and_o from_o any_o hand_n that_o can_v show_v it_o and_o give_v it_o but_o david_n know_v what_o good_a he_o will_v have_v and_o who_o can_v show_v it_o lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o why_o be_v he_o so_o earnest_a for_o this_o blessing_n thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n carnal_a man_n seek_v gladness_n and_o make_v it_o and_o take_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v but_o gladness_n of_o god_n put_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o know_v not_o more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v david_n do_v not_o here_o compare_v though_o he_o do_v discover_v the_o holiness_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o the_o earthliness_n of_o that_o of_o other_o he_o compare_v not_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conversation_n with_o they_o but_o he_o compare_v the_o joy_n god_n give_v he_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n not_o with_o the_o joy_n he_o have_v but_o with_o that_o the_o ungodly_a have_v in_o their_o sensual_a satisfaction_n try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o where_o be_v your_o esteem_n lodge_v what_o sort_n of_o thing_n be_v they_o that_o relish_n with_o your_o spirit_n common_a outward_a mercy_n carry_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o this_o show_v that_o few_o man_n have_v obtain_v special_a mercy_n 2._o he_o that_o have_v obtain_v special_a mercy_n have_v a_o love_n to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o giver_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o way_n god_n give_v it_o and_o in_o which_o he_o receave_v it_o he_o that_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o obtainer_n of_o it_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o like_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o general_a but_o mercy_n as_o from_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n mercy_n show_v on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n make_v to_o justice_n in_o and_o by_o his_o blood_n mercy_n give_v free_o to_o glorious_a end_n and_o purpose_n every_o natural_a man_n see_v no_o glory_n no_o goodness_n no_o beauty_n in_o it_o but_o every_o obtainer_n of_o it_o do_v admire_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o it_o be_v rich_a mercy_n say_v he_o it_o flow_v from_o a_o bless_a fountain_n free-love_n run_v in_o a_o bless_a channel_n the_o redemption_n of_o jesus_n come_v to_o i_o in_o a_o well-ordered_a covenant_n and_o be_v show_v i_o for_o his_o praise_n in_o my_o salvation_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n 3._o a_o obtainer_n of_o mercy_n be_v a_o daily_a beggar_n for_o more_o mercy_n whenever_o god_n special_a mercy_n be_v taste_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o more_o be_v raise_v no_o soon_o do_v paul_n obtain_v mercy_n but_o behold_v he_o pray_v act_n 9.11_o there_o be_v more_o of_o mercy_n yet_o to_o be_v have_v mercy_n quicken_v the_o soul_n desire_n and_o enlarge_v they_o the_o great_a receiver_n be_v the_o great_a beggar_n 1_o pet._n 2.2,3_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a this_o mark_n be_v plain_a and_o will_v never_o fail_v they_o that_o drive_v not_o a_o trade_n of_o prayer_n for_o special_a mercy_n have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v it_o 4._o a_o obtainer_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o shower_n of_o mercy_n to_o other_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a man_n to_o other_o matth._n 5.7_o col._n 3.12,13_o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n etc._n etc._n forbear_v forgive_a as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o and_o eph._n 4.32_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o how_o unbecoming_a it_o be_v that_o such_o shall_v have_v bowel_n of_o brass_n on_o who_o god_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o this_o be_v a_o mark_n that_o will_v never_o fail_v but_o in_o a_o high_a fit_a of_o temptation_n all_o that_o have_v obtain_v god_n mercy_n will_v be_v dispose_v to_o show_v their_o mercy_n forgive_a one_o another_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n it_o cost_v nothing_o but_o to_o think_v a_o kind_a thought_n yet_o how_o hard_o be_v this_o to_o many_o through_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n there_o be_v some_o act_n of_o mercy_n as_o bounty_n and_o charity_n that_o poor_a christian_n have_v no_o ability_n for_o but_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o mercy_n be_v in_o every_o christian_n power_n and_o that_o be_v mercy_n to_o man_n soul_n we_o can_v give_v they_o that_o mercy_n we_o have_v obtain_v but_o we_o can_v and_o shall_v wish_v the_o like_a to_o they_o never_o do_v a_o man_n obtain_v mercy_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o himself_o but_o he_o wish_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o also_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n john_n 4._o of_o who_o conversion_n we_o have_v the_o large_a account_n of_o any_o convert_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o obtain_v mercy_n she_o forget_v what_o she_o come_v to_o the_o well_o for_o she_o have_v get_v somewhat_o better_o than_o the_o water_n of_o jacob_n well_o she_o meet_v with_o jacob_n god_n and_o have_v get_v jacob_n blessing_n she_o go_v to_o the_o city_n and_o turn_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o preacher_n to_o they_o come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n ver_fw-la 29._o she_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o will_v have_v all_o the_o city_n come_v and_o get_v mercy_n also_o and_o a_o great_a many_o come_v and_o obtain_v mercy_n christ_n catch_v that_o woman_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o make_v she_o as_o a_o bait_n to_o catch_v many_o more_o no_o believer_n can_v deny_v his_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o this_o there_o be_v some_o person_n thou_o do_v love_n and_o shall_v love_v thou_o pray_v for_o they_o what_o do_v thou_o main_o ask_v for_o wife_n child_n brother_n sister_n and_o all_o or_o any_o thou_o love_v hearty_o be_v it_o not_o o_o that_o they_o may_v share_v in_o god_n save_a mercy_n if_o thou_o ask_v it_o for_o other_o as_o the_o great_a mercy_n thou_o thyself_o be_v a_o obtainer_n of_o mercy_n paul_n obtain_v mercy_n he_o love_v his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n dear_o and_o on_o good_a ground_n rom._n
need_n and_o none_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n before_o that_o throne_n but_o they_o that_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o my_o text._n christ_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o christ_n on_o the_o judgment-seat_n be_v the_o same_o christ_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o christ_n on_o the_o cloud_n be_v the_o same_o christ_n yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v christ_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o judge_n and_o christ_n on_o the_o judgment-seat_n have_v no_o grace_n to_o dispense_v now_o be_v his_o time_n of_o dispense_n grace_n then_o will_v be_v the_o day_n of_o his_o punish_v the_o despiser_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o give_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o receiver_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o will_v give_v a_o few_o direction_n unto_o real_a christian_n in_o order_n to_o your_o provide_v of_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n 1._o lay_v the_o foundation_n sure_a a_o time_n of_o need_n will_v try_v it_o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n have_v lay_v christ_n for_o a_o foundation_n isa_n 28.16_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n for_o a_o foundation_n a_o stone_n a_o try_a stone_n a_o precious_a cornerstone_n a_o sure_a foundation_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n apply_v to_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 2.6_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n lay_v christ_n for_o a_o foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o as_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n but_o how_o can_v a_o poor_a sinner_n lie_v christ_n for_o a_o foundation_n to_o himself_o turn_v but_o the_o word_n and_o the_o question_n be_v answer_v thy_o lay_v of_o christ_n for_o a_o foundation_n be_v thy_o lay_v thyself_o upon_o christ_n as_o a_o foundation_n and_o it_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o cast_v yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o concern_v about_o salvation_n on_o christ_n alone_o let_v he_o bear_v all_o he_o only_o can_v and_o call_v for_o this_o from_o you_o one_o of_o the_o first_o question_n that_o rise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n be_v this_o be_v the_o foundation_n right_o lay_v be_o i_o found_v on_o christ_n the_o storm_n will_v try_v the_o foundation_n it_o be_v great_a wisdom_n to_o secure_v that_o before_o the_o storm_n come_v 2._o clear_v up_o your_o evidence_n against_o a_o time_n of_o need_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o his_o charter_n for_o heaven_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n contain_v they_o but_o they_o be_v as_o light_v by_o which_o a_o christian_a read_v his_o charter_n evidence_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o god_n work_n in_o we_o our_o faith_n stand_v on_o god_n word_n of_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o on_o christ_n work_n for_o we_o the_o evidence_n of_o believer_n stand_v in_o god_n gracious_a work_n in_o and_o on_o and_o by_o they_o these_o four_o word_n i_o will_v give_v about_o your_o evidence_n 1._o when_o you_o can_v perceive_v they_o search_v for_o they_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n or_o disapproved_a the_o exhortation_n be_v so_o deliver_v as_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o very_o narrow_a and_o exact_a search_n be_v call_v for_o in_o this_o work_n may_v not_o that_o christian_n heart_n condemn_v he_o who_o be_v daily_o complain_v of_o his_o ignorance_n of_o his_o state_n when_o he_o know_v that_o serious_a self-examination_n be_v neglect_v by_o he_o 2._o if_o upon_o search_v you_o can_v yet_o find_v beg_v the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o discover_v his_o own_o work_n in_o you_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o only_o simple_o needful_a to_o give_v we_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v so_o also_o to_o give_v we_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o my_o story_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o eph._n 1.17,18,19_o where_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n for_o both_o these_o end_n david_n pray_v for_o the_o lord_n help_n in_o his_o examine_n of_o himself_o psal_n 139,23,24_o a_o heart_n lay_v open_a to_o god_n search_n a_o heart_n willing_a to_o have_v all_o in_o it_o view_v and_o discover_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o upright_a sincere_a heart_n whoever_o be_v willing_a to_o know_v his_o worst_a be_v not_o stark_o naught_o yet_o he_o that_o see_v but_o the_o least_o half_a of_o his_o badness_n will_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v very_o bad_a 3._o if_o you_o can_v yet_o find_v your_o evidence_n make_v they_o present_o many_o christian_n need_v this_o advice_n they_o former_o have_v evidence_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o clear_a fight_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o repentance_n this_o refresh_a sight_n be_v go_v and_o they_o mourn_v as_o without_o the_o sun_n as_o job_n speak_v chap_n 30.28_o let_v such_o take_v this_o course_n act_n afresh_o that_o grace_n when_o you_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o you_o ever_o act_v it_o before_o see_v you_o at_o present_v no_o clear_a evidence_n of_o your_o former_a believe_v act_n faith_n present_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n more_o evident_a than_o strong_a believe_v be_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n as_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n and_o mighty_a to_o save_v isa_n 63.1_o be_v evident_a to_o thou_o thou_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n for_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n most_o of_o the_o promise_v run_v this_o way_n whoever_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.15,16,17_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a and_o wise_a constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o no_o grace_n can_v be_v ordinary_o evident_a to_o a_o man_n in_o who_o it_o be_v so_o as_o in_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n and_o act_n of_o it_o 4._o when_o you_o find_v evidence_n of_o god_n work_n in_o you_o bless_v the_o worker_n and_o discoverer_n of_o they_o and_o believe_v more_o and_o more_o say_v with_o david_n psal_n 71.14_o i_o will_v hope_v continual_o and_o will_v yet_o praise_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n and_o merciful_a too_o that_o darkness_n shall_v come_v upon_o that_o man_n evidence_n who_o sit_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o bless_v himself_o in_o they_o more_o than_o he_o do_v god_n for_o they_o and_o please_v himself_o in_o a_o life_n of_o sense_n with_o neglect_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n 3._o make_v good_a use_n of_o your_o former_a experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n help_v you_o in_o former_a time_n of_o need_n the_o lord_n kindness_n be_v not_o show_v to_o we_o for_o the_o present_a time_n only_o but_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o we_o to_o play_v or_o please_v ourselves_o with_o at_o present_a but_o for_o good_a and_o needful_a use_n for_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n exciting_a of_o praise_n and_o direct_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o come_v to_o the_o same_o door_n we_o be_v former_o relieve_v at_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o look_v back_o on_o formerly-bestowed_n mercy_n and_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o to_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o great_a and_o better_a thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o very_o common_a that_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v many_o year_n experience_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o stop_v put_v to_o the_o stream_n of_o mercy_n he_o be_v often_o as_o much_o shake_v in_o his_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 4._o in_o prepare_v for_o a_o time_n of_o need_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v your_o conscience_n clean_a there_o be_v no_o worse_a company_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n than_o a_o evil_a conscience_n it_o be_v worse_a company_n than_o the_o devil_n be_v his_o company_n be_v that_o of_o a_o tempter_n and_o accuser_n but_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v a_o judge_n condemn_v and_o a_o executioner_n torment_v a_o man._n therefore_o herein_o exercise_v yourselves_o
to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n act_n 24.16_o it_o be_v usual_o see_v that_o time_n of_o great_a trial_n do_v dart_n in_o some_o light_n into_o man_n conscience_n and_o do_v make_v man_n look_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n more_o narrow_o and_o spy_v small_a fault_n that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v at_o other_o time_n for_o they_o be_v day_n of_o darkness_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o day_n of_o light_n in_o another_o study_v therefore_o to_o keep_v thy_o conscience_n clean_a and_o pure_a by_o holy_a and_o tender_a walk_n and_o by_o daily_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o only_o can_v purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9.14_o and_o let_v i_o assure_v you_o of_o this_o and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o i_o dare_v say_v you_o will_v feel_v it_o and_o feel_v it_o the_o more_o then_o if_o you_o believe_v it_o not_o now_o that_o such_o as_o make_v all_o their_o care_n about_o their_o conscience_n to_o stand_v in_o watchfulness_n about_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o be_v utter_o estrange_v from_o believe_a application_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n when_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o a_o evil_a conscience_n meet_v together_o and_o meet_v they_o will_v that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o a_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a confusion_n and_o no_o better_o will_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o upon_o a_o false_a pretence_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o false_a of_o trust_v in_o christ_n have_v no_o care_n either_o of_o their_o conscience_n or_o conversation_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o keep_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 3.9_o we_o shall_v hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 1.19_o they_o can_v be_v get_v nor_o keep_v but_o together_o whoever_o suffer_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o one_o lose_v the_o other_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n but_o he_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o sin_n gal._n 2.17_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o not_o to_o save_v saint_n for_o there_o be_v none_o in_o it_o but_o of_o his_o make_n and_o his_o make_v sinner_n to_o be_v saint_n be_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o his_o save_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o the_o inheritance_n be_v for_o they_o that_o obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o who_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o act_n 26.28_o none_o be_v save_v but_o the_o sanctify_a and_o none_o be_v sanctify_v but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o may_v be_v in_o a_o unbeliever_n a_o picture_n and_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n but_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whatever_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o or_o they_o that_o see_v it_o may_v think_v of_o it_o a_o holy_a vnbeliever_n or_o a_o unholy_a believer_n never_o be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v nor_o will_v be_v while_o it_o last_v 5._o multiply_v your_o address_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n before_o the_o time_n of_o need_n come_v happy_a be_v that_o christian_a that_o can_v cry_v as_o earnest_o for_o that_o grace_n that_o can_v help_v he_o before_o the_o time_n of_o need_n come_v as_o he_o will_v see_v it_o needful_a to_o have_v it_o when_o that_o time_n do_v come_v but_o it_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o man_n and_o of_o our_o grace_n as_o christian_n that_o we_o can_v take_v up_o so_o clear_a a_o prospect_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o big_a in_o our_o eye_n at_o a_o distance_n as_o when_o present_a yet_o by_o faith_n we_o may_v foresee_v time_n of_o need_n and_o shall_v pray_v much_o for_o grace_n to_o help_v we_o when_o that_o time_n come_v suppose_v you_o shall_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o beg_v that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v occasion_n for_o till_o those_o year_n be_v expire_v will_v there_o be_v any_o hurt_n in_o it_o 6._o in_o any_o special_a prospect_n of_o a_o approach_a time_n of_o need_n make_v special_a address_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o that_o time_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o these_o address_n i_o recommend_v to_o you_o 1._o let_v they_o be_v personal_n partticular_a and_o secret_n our_o lord_n direction_n matth._n 6.6_o many_o christian_n find_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o keep_v a_o day_n of_o prayer_n with_o other_o than_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o prayer_n in_o secret_a by_o themselves_o it_o be_v far_o easy_a to_o know_v a_o man_n frame_n and_o state_n by_o his_o secret_a deal_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o than_o by_o all_o his_o profession_n and_o duty_n beside_o 2._o let_v these_o address_n be_v sometime_o solemn_a and_o long_a there_o be_v some_o mercy_n not_o to_o be_v get_v as_o some_o sort_n of_o devil_n not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n matth._n 17.21_o secret_n personal_a fast_n i_o be_o afraid_a be_v very_o rare_a among_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n christ_n command_v and_o direct_v we_o about_o they_o matth._n 6.16.17,18_o as_o well_o as_o about_o secret_a prayer_n matth._n 6.6,7_o minister_n shall_v not_o load_v christian_n with_o work_n above_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o body_n or_o mind_n or_o grace_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a service_n require_v of_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v make_v address_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o some_o suitableness_n to_o your_o need_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v dispense_v from_o it_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o if_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o speak_n and_o of_o your_o hear_n so_o often_o from_o this_o text_n we_o shall_v both_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n who_o teach_v his_o people_n to_o profit_n isa_n 48.17_o 1._o if_o you_o learn_v to_o pray_v better_o and_o to_o ply_v prayer_n more_o david_n give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n psal_n 109.4_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_n 6.4_o there_o be_v time_n in_o which_o private_a christian_n shall_v give_v themselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 1._o cor._n 7.5_o if_o you_o belong_v to_o god_n he_o will_v make_v you_o pray_v and_o reach_v you_o with_o briar_n and_o thorn_n if_o you_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o more_o gentle_a method_n how_o sad_a be_v the_o reflection_n that_o rise_v in_o the_o heart_n under_o some_o heavy_a trial_n this_o be_v bring_v on_o i_o for_o my_o indulge_v distance_n and_o estrangement_n from_o god_n 2._o if_o you_o learn_v to_o mind_n christ_n more_o and_o make_v more_o use_n of_o he_o in_o your_o pray_v he_o be_v the_o king_n on_o this_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o much_o as_o christ_n be_v out_o of_o your_o mind_n in_o pray_v so_o much_o be_v you_o out_o in_o pray_v and_o your_o pray_v out_o of_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o which_o we_o beg_v be_v out_o of_o christ_n store_n in_o who_o name_n do_v we_o beg_v it_o but_o in_o his_o for_o who_o sake_n but_o for_o he_o out_o of_o who_o hand_n do_v we_o receive_v what_o we_o ask_v and_o get_v but_o out_o of_o he_o it_o be_v marvellous_a that_o people_n shall_v pretend_v to_o prayer_n and_o think_v they_o pray_v who_o yet_o forget_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o all_o right_a prayer_n 3._o if_o you_o learn_v to_o mind_n and_o plead_v more_o god_n freegrace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o your_o pray_n freegrace_n be_v the_o sensible_a humble_a min_n plea_n he_o be_v a_o proud_a ignorant_a person_n that_o seek_v or_o use_v any_o other_o plea_n at_o god_n throne_n of_o grace_n freegrace_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o faith_n can_v first_o lie_v hold_v on_o it_o be_v a_o plea_n that_o any_o man_n may_v use_v it_o be_v the_o constant_a and_o powerful_a plea_n of_o a_o wise_a besiever_n it_o answer_v every_o case_n and_o suit_v every_o prayer_n and_o the_o low_a case_n and_o the_o high_a prayer_n best_a 4._o if_o you_o learn_v never_o to_o leave_v off_o improve_n of_o christ_n and_o plead_v for_o grace_n at_o this_o throne_n of_o grace_n till_o you_o have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o will_v never_o be_v as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v if_o any_o man_n fall_v into_o such_o a_o dream_n that_o he_o be_v get_v beyond_o the_o need_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o of_o pray_v he_o be_v one_o that_o never_o right_o know_v himself_o nor_o grace_n nor_o christ_n nor_o pray_v the_o believer_n know_v he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o therefore_o pray_v as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v