the_o believer_n as_o may_v bestâ—erve_v the_o good_a of_o the_o believer_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n â—gracious_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o three_o let_v the_o afflected_a person_n whatsoever_o crossedispensatiâ—n_v he_o meâ—_n with_o whatsoever_o distemper_n of_o soul_n he_o 〈◊〉_d into_o uâ—aâ—soever_o grace_n or_o measure_n of_o grace_n he_o missâ—â—_n or_o colb_v short_a of_o seek_v his_o relief_n in_o god_n order_n 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o justify_v the_o lord_n wisdom_n and_o jâ—ice_n humble_v himself_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n renew_v act_n of_o repentance_n in_o humility_n turn_v his_o face_n to_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n by_o the_o renew_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o lay_v hâ—d_n on_o his_o right_n unto_o christ_n person_n and_o benefit_n that_o â—â—may_n â—om_n to_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o what_o he_o have_v right_a â—to_z by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o whatsoever_o dect_v transgression_n temptation_n unto_o discouragement_n and_o â—isbelief_n do_v brangle_v his_o confidence_n let_v they_o humble_v himself_o indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o drive_v he_o from_o that_o covenant_n but_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o spur_n and_o forcible_a motive_n to_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o infinite_a grace_n contract_v in_o that_o covenant_n 17._o the_o eight_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n daily_o lament_v his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o daily_o trouble_v with_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o bless_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o felt_n maniâ—old_a corruption_n shall_v meet_v either_o with_o the_o calumny_n of_o man_n or_o coâ—forters_n like_o iob_n friend_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o heal_v his_o wound_n in_o his_o affliction_n shall_v foster_v his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o estate_n by_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n complaint_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o affected_a do_v not_o maintain_v his_o righteousness_n by_o â—aith_n in_o christ_n as_o job_n do_v and_o his_o upright_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o daily_a godly_a grief_n for_o his_o short_a come_n in_o his_o aimed-at_a holiness_n no_o wonder_n he_o be_v disquiet_v 18._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v right_a in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o beware_v to_o confound_v these_o for_o example_n 1._o this_o be_v right_a that_o he_o do_v not_o lean_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o his_o own_o work_n nor_o be_v puss_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o himself_o before_o god_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o sinful_a imperfection_n and_o corruption_n and_o of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o original_a sin_n in_o he_o 3._o it_o be_v right_a in_o he_o also_o that_o he_o aim_v towards_o perfection_n forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n and_o prize_n of_o his_o call_n but_o this_o be_v wrong_n in_o he_o 1._o that_o he_o foster_v suspicion_n unjust_o of_o his_o own_o bless_a estate_n 2._o that_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o himself_o so_o careful_o as_o he_o observe_v his_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n 3._o that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o the_o more_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n as_o he_o find_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n 4._o that_o he_o measure_v god_n estimation_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o estimation_n he_o have_v of_o himself_o when_o indeed_o god_n in_o scripture_n do_v show_v no_o less_o approbation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o wrestle_n than_o he_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o victory_n and_o quiet_a condition_n 5._o that_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o way_n he_o do_v walk_v into_o which_o be_v good_a from_o the_o fliding_n imperfection_n error_n and_o mistake_n in_o particular_a action_n and_o passage_n in_o that_o way_n 6._o that_o he_o do_v lay_v more_o weight_n ofttimes_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o mistake_v spectator_n of_o his_o course_n than_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v and_o do_v not_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o contrite_a the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a disciple_n these_o thing_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v and_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o for_o his_o encouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o new_a obedience_n 19_o the_o nine_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v many_o honest_a and_o tender-hearted_a convert_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n resolve_v never_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o careful_a to_o lead_v a_o blameless_a life_n who_o notwithstanding_o whensoever_o they_o meet_v with_o change_n of_o dispensation_n with_o variety_n of_o temptation_n fresh_a feeling_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o or_o any_o cross_a bodily_a or_o spiritual_a be_v disquiet_v and_o cast_v in_o suspicion_n of_o their_o state_n and_o albeit_o they_o neither_o will_v give_v over_o to_o follow_v after_o christ_n nor_o will_v god_n suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v yet_o they_o make_v themselves_o a_o uncomfortable_a and_o miserable_a life_n by_o their_o lean_v to_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n when_o they_o shall_v remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v not_o by_o sight_n but_o by_o faith_n they_o be_v cast_v down_o do_v mourn_v and_o complain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o with_o they_o as_o they_o will_v and_o be_v most_o part_n malcontent_a with_o their_o lot_n frequent_o regrate_v unto_o god_n their_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o seldom_o be_v they_o praise_v or_o thank_v god_n for_o what_o they_o have_v get_v of_o he_o 20._o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o afflict_a hebrew_n heb._n 10._o 36._o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n for_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o will_v come_v shall_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v now_o the_o just_a man_n shall_v live_v by_o faith_n say_v he_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n do_v require_v these_o six_o duty_n 1._o that_o we_o renounce_v our_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o sense_n lest_o we_o count_v that_o to_o be_v our_o life_n which_o may_v be_v see_v or_o feel_v or_o that_o which_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o change_v but_o reckon_v that_o to_o be_v our_o life_n which_o be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v reveal_v at_o the_o glorious_a come_n of_o our_o lord_n 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o rich_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v esteem_v of_o we_o as_o our_o meet_a and_o drink_v whereby_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v sustain_v in_o all_o adversity_n and_o our_o hope_n uphold_v in_o patience_n through_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o all_o god_n benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o new_a right_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n for_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o 4._o that_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o implore_v and_o seek_v our_o strength_n from_o christ_n and_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o the_o measure_n whatsoever_o he_o bestow_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n live_v gal._n 2._o 20._o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o that_o we_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v more_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n than_o we_o grieve_v for_o our_o trouble_n whatsoever_o whereby_o as_o with_o a_o sharp_a pinsell_n he_o be_v draw_v in_o we_o the_o lineament_n of_o his_o own_o image_n and_o conformity_n with_o himself_o so_o do_v the_o saint_n rom._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o last_o of_o all_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n require_v that_o in_o every_o condition_n we_o shall_v keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o esteem_v ourselves_o bless_v of_o the_o lord_n albeit_o we_o be_v toss_v with_o trouble_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o exercise_v we_o albeit_o we_o do_v fall_v in_o manifold_a tentation_n be_v assault_v with_o doubt_n and_o persecute_v unjust_o by_o man_n for_o it_o shall_v and_o may_v suffice_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v not_o distress_v albeit_o he_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n he_o must_v not_o despair_v albeit_o he_o be_v perplex_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v forsake_v albeit_o he_o be_v persecute_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v albeit_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o upon_o
thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v be_v grant_v unto_o the_o unregenerat_a for_o the_o use_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o observe_v of_o this_o difference_n shall_v teach_v the_o afflict_a to_o esteem_v well_o of_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o humane_a society_n or_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v study_v to_o humility_n and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o measure_n let_v he_o esteem_v more_o of_o they_o then_o of_o all_o these_o common_a gift_n how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v as_o also_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n estate_n which_o content_v itself_o with_o probability_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n and_o real_a verity_n concern_v his_o own_o estate_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bearing_z witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o reveal_v unto_o we_o what_o thing_n be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o wit_n among_o other_o gift_n give_v unto_o we_o eyesalve_n to_o make_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v blind_a poor_a naked_a and_o miserable_a with_o grace_n lead_v we_o to_o buy_v without_o money_n or_o price_n from_o christ_n gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o garment_n to_o hide_v our_o nakedness_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v other_o man_n estate_n we_o see_v nothing_o save_o what_o be_v outward_a and_o can_v pierce_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o god_n only_o can_v and_o do_v search_v but_o concern_v our_o own_o estate_n we_o may_v know_v certain_o if_o we_o search_v well_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o wherefore_o that_o the_o afflict_a may_v overcome_v this_o doubt_n let_v he_o leave_v unto_o god_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o apostat_n which_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o 〈◊〉_d sense_n of_o sin_n nor_o serious_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v his_o own_o estate_n let_v he_o study_v to_o discern_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o more_o and_o more_o and_o daily_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o he_o discern_v the_o loathsomnesse_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o the_o more_o hearty_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o consecrat_v himself_o whole_o unto_o he_o that_o in_o his_o furniture_n draw_v by_o faith_n out_o of_o christ_n he_o may_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o add_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v pass_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o unregenerat_a and_o be_v a_o true_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n effectual_o call_v and_o elect_v of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n because_o some_o godly_a person_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o hypocrite_n some_o true_a convert_n do_v suspect_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n because_o some_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o their_o acquaintance_n who_o judgement_n otherways_o be_v not_o to_o be_v light_o reject_v not_o only_o do_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o by_o word_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o behaviour_n towards_o they_o declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o 2._o this_o tentation_n do_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o of_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o own_o conversion_n and_o when_o they_o perceive_v their_o own_o suspicion_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o suspicion_n and_o testimony_n of_o some_o saint_n howsoever_o rash_o judge_v other_o man_n heart_n no_o wonder_n the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n question_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n grow_v strong_a against_o they_o by_o this_o stratagem_n satan_n use_v to_o assault_v the_o strong_a in_o faith_n and_o to_o vex_v they_o at_o least_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o job_n who_o faith_n be_v mighty_o assault_v when_o his_o godly_a friend_n mistake_v his_o affliction_n and_o condemn_v he_o as_o a_o wicked_a hypocrite_n the_o like_a we_o see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 38._o 11._o when_o his_o friend_n stand_v aloof_o from_o his_o plague_n 3._o for_o strengthen_v the_o afflict_a under_o this_o tentation_n first_o let_v he_o examine_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o acurat_o because_o of_o the_o suspicion_n that_o the_o godly_a have_v of_o he_o after_o which_o examination_n if_o he_o find_v any_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o himself_o and_o of_o faith_n fly_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n and_o of_o endeavour_n to_o live_v holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o albeit_o join_v with_o much_o infirmity_n and_o manifold_a imperfection_n let_v he_o not_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n but_o rather_o strengthen_v what_o he_o find_v of_o the_o lord_n gracious_a work_n in_o he_o although_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o ready_a to_o die_v second_o let_v he_o consider_v whether_o this_o exercise_n and_o affliction_n be_v a_o correction_n from_o god_n chastise_v he_o for_o his_o rash_a judgement_n of_o other_o who_o possible_o he_o have_v wound_v with_o such_o rash_a suspicion_n of_o they_o but_o whether_o he_o find_v this_o or_o not_o let_v he_o not_o despise_v this_o exercise_n but_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n in_o who_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n that_o he_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n head_n and_o foot_n and_o let_v he_o study_v unto_o more_o and_o more_o sincerity_n that_o he_o may_v approve_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o discreet_a judge_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o let_v he_o not_o alienat_fw-la himself_n altogether_o so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v from_o they_o by_o who_o suspicion_n his_o faith_n and_o good_a name_n have_v be_v wound_v but_o in_o humility_n and_o charity_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a follow_v of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n labour_v to_o commend_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n conscience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o need_v not_o stand_v for_o the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o any_o man_n for_o by_o so_o do_v job_n be_v victorious_a over_o this_o tentation_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n estate_n for_o first_o the_o ignorance_n of_o another_o man_n heart_n make_v the_o judge_n to_o judge_v what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v grant_v unto_o his_o child_n liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o from_o their_o action_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o condition_n and_o temper_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o action_n but_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n who_o outward_o do_v what_o be_v right_a do_v not_o belong_v to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n who_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o search_n of_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o only_o know_v who_o be_v the_o upright_a and_o who_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o who_o be_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n the_o outward_a conversation_n of_o both_o be_v like_o one_o to_o another_o again_o to_o know_v another_o man_n manner_n engine_n inclination_n and_o way_n of_o his_o life_n do_v require_v long_o converse_v with_o he_o comparison_n of_o his_o action_n one_o with_o another_o and_o a_o prudent_a conjunction_n of_o all_o sign_n of_o his_o inward_a disposition_n before_o a_o discreet_a charitable_a judgement_n can_v be_v have_v of_o he_o and_o whosoever_o do_v judge_v rash_o of_o other_o man_n heart_n do_v not_o well_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v in_o judge_v for_o many_o presume_v too_o much_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o condition_n and_o state_n and_o make_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o rule_n and_o pattern_n unto_o other_o and_o so_o become_v too_o too_o rigid_a censurer_n and_o severe_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n condition_n and_o state_n except_o they_o find_v it_o like_v to_o their_o own_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o
unfruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o acknowledge_v of_o christ_n yet_o be_v frequent_o call_v in_o question_n about_o their_o state_n in_o grace_n for_o when_o their_o conscience_n be_v quiet_a they_o fall_v in_o suspicion_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o presumption_n and_o when_o through_o tentation_n in_o adversity_n they_o be_v put_v to_o wrestle_v their_o suspicion_n be_v that_o then_o feel_v weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o wrestle_v be_v but_o misbelief_n and_o when_o the_o frequent_a perturbation_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v make_v they_o indispose_v for_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n a_o suspicion_n be_v raise_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v but_o dead_a because_o when_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o my_o estate_n faith_n the_o afflict_a who_o when_o a_o enemy_n do_v not_o appear_v be_o secure_v and_o when_o i_o must_v enter_v the_o combat_n with_o the_o adversary_n i_o faint_v and_o ofttimes_o when_o i_o be_o call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o confound_v i_o be_o stupid_a and_o impotent_a to_o discharge_v any_o duty_n therein_o 2._o that_o this_o doubt_n may_v be_v solve_v the_o three_o cause_n of_o his_o doubt_n must_v be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o suspicion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v presumption_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o prosperity_n use_v to_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o name_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o even_o true_a convert_n do_v sometime_o deceive_v themselves_o concern_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o faith_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o judge_a faith_n not_o question_v to_o be_v strong_a faith_n and_o â—aith_n in_o wrestle_v to_o be_v weak_a or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o grant_v also_o that_o some_o mixture_n of_o presumption_n will_v be_v find_v join_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o misbelief_n also_o which_o evil_n do_v lurk_v and_o hide_v their_o power_n till_o the_o man_n be_v put_v to_o some_o trial_n wherefore_o the_o afflict_a have_v need_n of_o discretion_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_a esteem_n both_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o native_a corruption_n in_o himself_o for_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o imperfection_n of_o it_o or_o for_o the_o mixture_n of_o presumption_n and_o misbelief_n with_o it_o and_o to_o help_v his_o judgement_n let_v he_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o prevalent_a presumption_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o presumption_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o false_a imagination_n without_o any_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n but_o faith_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o from_o the_o word_n it_o may_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o believe_v 2._o presumption_n be_v negligent_a and_o idle_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n but_o faith_n take_v head_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v diligent_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n 3._o the_o presumptuous_a man_n do_v not_o make_v question_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o bless_v himself_o when_o his_o way_n be_v to_o be_v hate_v for_o he_o do_v not_o examine_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v know_v certain_o in_o what_o condition_n he_o be_v but_o he_o that_o put_v his_o faith_n in_o exercise_n do_v careful_o examine_v his_o carriage_n and_o condition_n lest_o he_o deceive_v himself_o 4._o the_o presumptuous_a man_n in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o action_n be_v well_o please_v with_o himself_o but_o the_o believer_n because_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n he_o find_v in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v ill_o please_v with_o himself_o in_o his_o best_a action_n many_o time_n and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n that_o he_o may_v whole_o depend_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a therefore_o who_o so_o do_v look_v to_o the_o gospel_n as_o he_o also_o make_v use_n of_o the_o law_n both_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o be_v never_o so_o well_o please_v with_o himself_o but_o he_o observe_v the_o power_n of_o corruption_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o i_o say_v not_o reckon_v himself_o among_o the_o presumptuous_a let_v he_o not_o esteem_v his_o quietness_n in_o believe_v to_o be_v presumption_n 4._o as_o for_o his_o suspicion_n that_o his_o say_v be_v null_a because_o it_o prove_v weak_a in_o conflict_n let_v the_o afflict_a beware_v lest_o he_o help_v and_o strengthen_v satan_n tentation_n against_o his_o faith_n albeit_o he_o find_v his_o faith_n weak_a in_o trial_n and_o assault_n and_o not_o answerable_a either_o to_o his_o own_o hope_n or_o other_o expectation_n of_o he_o yet_o let_v he_o not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o let_v he_o follow_v christ_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n because_o of_o his_o defect_n and_o go_v about_o to_o strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v remain_v 2._o albeit_o in_o some_o fit_n of_o tentation_n he_o slide_v as_o peter_n do_v and_o find_v that_o he_o have_v presume_v too_o much_o of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o honest_a purpose_n as_o peter_n also_o do_v yet_o let_v he_o not_o think_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v null_a but_o let_v he_o weep_v with_o peter_n and_o turn_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o watch_v better_o over_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o time_n to_o come_v 5._o as_o for_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v dead_a or_o idle_a because_o when_o fruit_n be_v chief_o call_v for_o he_o find_v himself_o uterr_o indispose_v unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o discharge_v any_o work_n of_o religion_n as_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o time_n of_o passion_n perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o clear_v whereof_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o wrath_n and_o contention_n do_v hinder_v prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v insinuat_fw-la 1_o pet._n 3._o 7._o where_o he_o command_v husband_n to_o carry_v themselves_o discreet_o towards_o their_o wife_n lest_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o family_n or_o in_o secret_a be_v hinder_v and_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o the_o apostle_n command_v man_n to_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v we_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o not_o only_a wrath_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n or_o action_n which_o defile_v the_o conscience_n be_v able_a to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o discharge_v of_o christian_n duty_n at_o a_o time_n but_o also_o it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o any_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n albeit_o it_o do_v not_o defile_v or_o concern_v the_o conscience_n may_v in_o some_o part_n hinder_v the_o discharge_n of_o a_o religious_a exercise_n as_o may_v be_v see_v when_o any_o person_n be_v surprise_v with_o the_o report_n of_o some_o notable_a damnage_n or_o be_v possible_o wound_v by_o some_o accident_n or_o terrify_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o imminent_a danger_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v prove_v faith_n to_o be_v dead_a but_o do_v show_v the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n the_o use_n of_o who_o reason_n may_v be_v hinder_v for_o a_o time_n by_o perturbation_n and_o sudden_a passion_n and_o at_o the_o most_o the_o presuppose_a case_n may_v prove_v the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o interruption_n of_o it_o in_o the_o put_n forth_o itself_o vigorous_o for_o the_o time_n but_o can_v prove_v the_o deadness_n or_o nullity_n of_o faith_n whih_o after_o such_o passion_n be_v past_a do_v set_v forward_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o better_a measure_n wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a halt_n in_o his_o way_n for_o such_o tentation_n but_o let_v he_o make_v straight_o step_v to_o himself_o lest_o that_o which_o be_v halt_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n let_v he_o reject_v these_o fiery_a dart_n and_o tentation_n tend_v to_o weaken_v his_o confidence_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o inherent_a corruption_n and_o wash_v frequent_o his_o conscience_n at_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v open_v up_o in_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o purge_v away_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n let_v he_o carry_v himself_o the_o more_o circumspect_o in_o all_o thing_n because_o of_o his_o frequent_a experience_n of_o satan_n malice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n chap._n xxiii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o a_o true_a convert_v regeneration_n arise_v from_o some_o false_a rule_n apply_v without_o reason_n to_o
sorrow_n indeed_o three_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o grief_n of_o mind_n or_o heaviness_n in_o affliction_n and_o anguish_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n commit_v for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o grieve_a mind_n and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n at_o one_o time_n four_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o our_o sinful_a sickness_n of_o indisposition_n to_o spiritual_a duty_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v humble_v and_o god_n dispensation_n for_o the_o time_n partly_o chastise_v we_o with_o a_o less_o and_o more_o spare_a measure_n of_o ability_n for_o these_o duty_n and_o partly_o teach_v we_o thereby_o to_o make_v better_a use_n of_o christ_n office_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o help_v and_o heal_v our_o infirmity_n than_o we_o have_v make_v five_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o god_n part_n and_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n part_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n god_n part_n be_v ever_o wise_a holy_a just_a and_o gracious_a tend_v to_o bring_v his_o child_n unto_o a_o good_a and_o better_a condition_n satan_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n part_n be_v to_o procure_v and_o hold_v on_o and_o make_v worse_o an_o evil_a condition_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v variable_a as_o it_o fall_v forth_o in_o the_o battle_n against_o the_o flesh_n which_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o against_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v the_o victory_n always_o till_o the_o warfare_n be_v end_v and_o grace_n be_v crown_v with_o glory_n for_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n these_o difference_n be_v observe_v the_o conscience_n may_v discern_v between_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a condition_n so_o much_o the_o better_o 6._o one_o and_o the_o same_o convert_n may_v observe_v in_o himself_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o the_o most_o notable_a change_n of_o a_o spiritual_a condition_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o some_o especial_o of_o his_o minister_n of_o who_o exercise_n he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n for_o the_o consolation_n of_o his_o afflict_a people_n which_o minister_n may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 6._o whether_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v effectual_a in_o the_o endure_a of_o the_o same_o suffering_n which_o we_o also_o suffer_v or_o whether_o we_o be_v comfort_v it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n 7._o sundry_a convert_n may_v be_v diverse_o dispose_v and_o exercise_v about_o the_o same_o evil_a or_o spiritual_a disease_n for_o one_o under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o evil_a case_n may_v wrestle_v against_o it_o and_o not_o call_v his_o own_o bless_a state_n in_o question_n another_o under_o the_o same_o disease_n may_v fall_v in_o question_n and_o doubt_n whether_o he_o who_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v be_v a_o true_a convert_n or_o not_o and_o his_o person_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o convert_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o ill_a condition_n while_o he_o first_o enter_v in_o conflict_n with_o his_o evil_a condition_n may_v for_o a_o time_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o true_a convert_n notwithstanding_o of_o his_o present_a ill_a condition_n but_o afterward_o when_o he_o find_v his_o evil_a condition_n to_o remain_v and_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v remove_v he_o may_v fall_v in_o doubt_n about_o the_o state_n of_o his_o person_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n or_o not_o in_o which_o case_n let_v he_o make_v use_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a book_n 8._o the_o variety_n of_o change_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n arise_v from_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o sometime_o in_o the_o warfare_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o new_a creature_n prevail_v sometime_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o both_o of_o they_o prevail_v sometime_o more_o sometime_o less_o whence_o vicissitude_n of_o change_n of_o condition_n can_v but_o follow_v 2._o sometime_o satan_n temptation_n set_v on_o in_o his_o assault_n more_o or_o less_o furious_o or_o more_o or_o less_o subtle_o do_v make_v diversity_n of_o condition_n as_o satan_n be_v more_o or_o less_o wise_o resist_v 3._o sometime_o the_o lord_n hide_v his_o countenance_n from_o his_o child_n more_o or_o less_o sometime_o in_o adversity_n sometime_o in_o outward_a prosperity_n as_o his_o wisdom_n find_v it_o meet_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o belove_a child_n 9_o sometime_o the_o conscience_n do_v discern_v a_o evil_a condition_n and_o do_v give_v forth_o a_o right_a sentence_n about_o it_o in_o which_o case_n let_v use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o ordinar_n remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o 1._o let_v the_o afflict_a search_n into_o the_o cause_n which_o have_v procure_v his_o evil_a condition_n as_o the_o lord_n after_o prayer_n shall_v furnish_v light_n 2._o let_v he_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n and_o the_o lord_n holy_a wise_a and_o righteous_a dispensation_n 3._o let_v he_o grow_v in_o humiliation_n and_o in_o diffidence_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n ability_n and_o righteousness_n 4._o let_v he_o renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o mortify_v the_o root_n of_o it_o and_o for_o let_v forth_o his_o help_a hand_n for_o ability_n to_o make_v he_o watch_v over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n 10._o when_o the_o convert_v conscience_n fail_v in_o right_o judge_v of_o its_o own_o ill_a condition_n 1_o it_o either_o take_v a_o ill_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v silent_a and_o say_v nothing_o but_o lie_v secure_a and_o well_o please_v without_o cause_n or_o 2._o it_o judge_v a_o good_a condition_n to_o be_v altogether_o bad_a or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o good_a as_o it_o be_v indeed_o or_o 3._o it_o do_v not_o distinguish_v a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n simple_o from_o a_o condition_n partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a or_o 4._o it_o stand_v in_o doubt_n what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o man_n condition_n be_v uncertain_a what_o to_o pronounce_v of_o it_o till_o light_v dispel_v the_o mist_n and_o confusion_n wherein_o it_o lie_v for_o the_o time_n let_v we_o instance_n some_o case_n and_o example_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o four_o kind_n chap._n two_o wherein_o be_v handle_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v well_o please_v in_o this_o case_n the_o first_o rank_n shall_v be_v of_o some_o case_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o convert_n be_v deceive_v by_o judge_v the_o man_n evil_a condition_n to_o be_v good_a enough_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v sundry_a time_n that_o the_o renew_a man_n seem_v both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o also_o to_o go_v on_o in_o bring_v forth_o external_a fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n his_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v much_o abate_v and_o cool_v towards_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o fervency_n which_o in_o his_o first_o conversion_n he_o have_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o his_o work_n in_o his_o call_n be_v discharge_v without_o that_o eye_n and_o affection_n towards_o christ_n which_o sometime_o he_o carry_v towards_o he_o for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n when_o remission_n of_o sin_n reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o his_o state_n through_o christ_n be_v green_a and_o fresh_a in_o his_o present_a sense_n how_o dear_a christ_n be_v unto_o he_o can_v be_v express_v but_o this_o fervour_n ofttimes_o do_v cool_a when_o his_o wont_a estimation_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o entertain_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o galatian_n who_o at_o their_o conversion_n be_v carry_v with_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o love_n towards_o christ_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o christ_n cause_n gal._n 4._o 15._o and_o yet_o this_o love_n do_v soon_o cool_a both_o towards_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o ofttimes_o that_o the_o renew_a man_n content_v himself_o with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o consolation_n which_o once_o he_o feel_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o christian_a duty_n in_o his_o call_n and_o either_o do_v not_o observe_v this_o cool_n of_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n or_o lay_v it_o not_o to_o heart_n but_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n as_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v a_o convert_a man_n to_o heaven_n and_o so_o usual_o three_o fault_n do_v concur_v in_o this_o sickness_n the_o first_o be_v
walk_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o he_o scrupulosity_n sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o convert_n be_v under_o hard_a exercise_n before_o his_o consolation_n do_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o study_v to_o walk_v circumspect_o for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o a_o time_n he_o become_v somewhat_o weary_a of_o the_o yoke_n suspect_v he_o have_v give_v too_o much_o way_n unto_o scrupulosity_n whereupon_o he_o become_v more_o remiss_a and_o slack_a in_o his_o watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n lay_v aside_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n as_o david_n lay_v aside_o the_o armour_n of_o king_n saul_n wherewith_o he_o be_v not_o accustom_v for_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o this_o course_n i_o presuppone_v he_o make_v use_v of_o three_o pretend_a reason_n the_o first_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o circumspection_n in_o his_o carriage_n as_o become_v he_o for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o aim_v at_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v impossible_a because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 8._o 3._o the_o next_o pretend_v reason_n be_v because_o this_o bend_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n make_v the_o conscience_n unquiet_a that_o a_o man_n can_v enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n grant_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o three_o pretend_a reason_n be_v because_o it_o do_v restrain_v christian_n liberty_n in_o many_o thing_n lawful_a so_o as_o a_o man_n can_v neither_o make_v use_n of_o recreation_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n without_o scruple_n and_o here_o we_o must_v beware_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n lest_o we_o give_v way_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o misregarding_a the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n lest_o we_o ensnare_v the_o conscience_n of_o convert_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o what_o god_n do_v allow_v unto_o they_o 2._o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a let_v the_o convert_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o aim_v at_o circumspect_a walk_n this_o duty_n be_v indispensable_a for_o if_o a_o chink_n be_v open_v here_o in_o the_o vessel_n for_o the_o least_o entry_n of_o water_n it_o may_v ere_o long_o fill_v and_o sink_v the_o whole_a ship_n for_o the_o command_n stand_v unmoveable_a â—hâ—b_n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o mat._n 5._o 48._o christ_n have_v say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a this_o ground_n be_v lay_v let_v we_o examine_v these_o three_o pretend_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o first_o albeit_o the_o attain_n unto_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o life_n be_v impossible_a because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o the_o aim_v at_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o god_n command_n be_v both_o possible_a and_o profitable_a and_o he_o who_o aim_v at_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v attain_v it_o full_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o do_v sin_n all_o of_o we_o another_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n give_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n perfect_o for_o god_n who_o have_v loose_v convert_v flee_v to_o christ_n from_o the_o convenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n he_o have_v not_o loose_v his_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n he_o have_v not_o abolish_v the_o ten_o command_n he_o have_v not_o loose_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o redeem_v and_o convert_v soul_n but_o by_o receive_v they_o in_o favour_n through_o faith_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v augment_v their_o obligation_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o redeemer_n so_o much_o more_o cheerful_o and_o careful_o as_o the_o grace_n be_v large_a in_o forgive_a they_o their_o sin_n and_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n again_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a advantage_n to_o be_v have_v by_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o aim_v at_o perfect_a obedience_n for_o this_o 1._o do_v glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o we_o strive_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o command_n 2._o this_o endeavour_n adorn_v the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o free_a justification_n that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n indeed_o 3._o this_o endeavour_n bear_v witness_n of_o our_o sinceâ—_n desire_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n albeit_o we_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n 4._o this_o endeavour_n give_v unto_o we_o daily_o new_a mater_fw-la of_o humiliation_n when_o in_o our_o aim_v at_o our_o duty_n we_o come_v very_o short_a of_o our_o mark_n we_o shoot_v at_o 5._o this_o endeavour_n and_o short-coming_a for_o all_o we_o can_v do_v make_v we_o despair_v of_o seek_v justification_n by_o work_n before_o god_n and_o to_o esteem_v high_o and_o make_v use_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o we_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n which_o be_v a_o garment_n able_a to_o hide_v our_o imperfection_n and_o nakedness_n 6._o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o put_v we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_n grace_n and_o to_o strive_v with_o other_o and_o with_o ourselves_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o second_o pretend_v reason_n that_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o may_v make_v the_o conscience_n unquiet_a it_o put_v a_o foul_a aspersion_n on_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 15_o 16_o 17._o who_o have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o man_n wisdom_n and_o so_o a_o good_a mean_a of_o make_v his_o conscience_n quiet_a and_o to_o establish_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o believer_n in_o christ_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o condemnation_n because_o they_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 1._o second_o this_o endeavour_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o accompani_v true_a faith_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v guard_v the_o conscience_n from_o just_a challenge_n which_o may_v trouble_v the_o same_o three_o by_o this_o endeavour_n the_o believer_n be_v by_o a_o holy_a necessity_n force_v to_o cleave_v close_o unto_o christ_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o heaven_n that_o the_o pollution_n of_o daily_a sin_n may_v be_v washen_n away_o by_o new_a application_n of_o christ_n expiarory_n sacrifice_n to_o the_o believer_n and_o that_o christ_n may_v let_v forth_o more_o strength_n to_o he_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o command_v duty_n and_o so_o the_o convert_n may_v stand_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n offer_v and_o covenant_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v preserve_v in_o he_o so_o long_o as_o this_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v entertain_v 4._o as_o for_o the_o three_o pretend_v reason_n against_o circumspect_a walk_n as_o if_o by_o it_o christian-liberty_n shall_v be_v cross_v and_o cut_v short_a it_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o the_o contrair_n be_v true_a that_o christian-liberty_n be_v not_o hurt_v but_o help_v and_o preserve_v by_o circumspect_a walk_n for_o this_o be_v true_a christian-liberty_n to_o have_v allowance_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o god_n do_v bestow_v with_o his_o blessing_n so_o far_o as_o may_v serve_v our_o welfare_n see_v it_o be_v not_o a_o point_n of_o christian-liberty_n licentious_o by_o intemperance_n to_o abuse_v god_n benefit_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o own_o hurt_n wherefore_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v all_o day_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v in_o lawful_a manner_n make_v use_n of_o lawful_a thing_n neither_o do_v the_o study_n of_o holiness_n make_v recreation_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n unlawful_a but_o restrain_v immoderate_a and_o untimeous_a use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a all_o that_o christian_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o we_o be_v that_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o what_o lawful_a thing_n else_o we_o do_v we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o that_o be_v so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v
from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v be_v our_o deed_n word_n and_o thought_n actual_o do_v or_o omit_v the_o neglect_n of_o which_o examination_n be_v reprove_v jerem._n 8._o c._n and_o revel_v 2._o 19_o 20._o 7._o the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v unto_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o former_a respect_n which_o be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o to_o we_o what_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o disobedience_n and_o here_o if_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o well_o inform_v and_o the_o rule_n close_o cleave_v unto_o the_o err_a conscience_n may_v swallow_v down_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o cry_v up_o diana_n for_o a_o great_a goddess_n act._n 19_o 28_o and_o make_v the_o murderer_n of_o the_o saint_n conceive_v that_o in_o kill_v they_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n joh._n 16._o 2._o 8._o the_o four_o thing_n be_v the_o judicial_a process_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o give_v such_o a_o sentence_n of_o direction_n for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n in_o the_o point_n examine_v and_o find_v do_v or_o not_o do_v which_o process_n if_o the_o conscience_n be_v well_o inform_v be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o clear_a reason_n by_o way_n of_o syllogism_n wherein_o we_o lie_v down_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n in_o the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n then_o we_o do_v lay_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o assume_v proposition_n and_o from_o the_o comparison_n of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n we_o give_v out_o sentence_n in_o the_o three_o room_n which_o be_v call_v the_o conclusion_n as_o for_o example_n if_o the_o conscience_n be_v about_o to_o give_v direction_n for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v it_o reason_v thus_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n i_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o follow_v it_o as_o the_o rule_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n therefore_o i_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n or_o more_o short_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o he_o offer_v reconciliation_n in_o christ_n therefore_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o conscience_n unto_o conviction_n or_o absolution_n sometime_o more_o sometime_o few_o reason_n be_v use_v as_o for_o example_n for_o conviction_n the_o process_n go_v thus_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v i_o i_o shall_v have_v â—one_n but_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o he_o have_v command_v i_o therefore_o i_o shall_v have_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n again_o he_o that_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n in_o repent_v of_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n be_v under_o great_a guiltiness_n and_o worthy_a of_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_o i_o may_v every_o impenitent_a person_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o may_v conclude_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o under_o great_a guiltiness_n and_o worthy_a of_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n likeways_o in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o conscience_n a_o humble_a person_n well_o inform_v may_v reason_v thus_o that_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o self-condemned_n sinner_n to_o follow_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o follow_v but_o this_o way_n and_o no_o other_o have_v god_n appoint_v that_o the_o sinner_n convince_v of_o sin_n and_o of_o deserve_a wrath_n shall_v flee_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n that_o by_o he_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v therefore_o this_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o no_o other_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o follow_v again_o whosoever_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o in_o christ_n strength_n be_v endeavour_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v undoubted_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o child_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_o i_o may_v the_o humble_a sinner_n flee_v to_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o therefore_o i_o be_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n undoubted_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o again_o he_o may_v go_v on_o to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n thus_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n poverty_n and_o weakness_n have_v flee_v to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o he_o and_o have_v consecrate_v himself_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o heir_n with_o isaac_n of_o the_o promise_a blessing_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o have_v they_o perfect_o in_o possession_n at_o last_o but_o such_o a_o one_o be_o i_o may_v the_o humble_a sinner_n flee_v to_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a blessing_n with_o isaac_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o have_v they_o perfect_o in_o possession_n at_o last_o such_o a_o process_n as_o this_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n follow_v when_o he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o sentence_v himself_o worthy_a of_o what_o the_o law_n pronounce_v against_o his_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n through_o who_o alone_o he_o be_v fir_v from_o the_o deserve_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n 9_o as_o to_o the_o five_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n it_o have_v pronounce_v because_o the_o conscience_n be_v set_v over_o the_o man_n by_o god_n as_o judge-depute_a therefore_o it_o go_v about_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o and_o by_o to_o execute_v as_o it_o may_v the_o sentence_n just_o pronounce_v by_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n or_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o it_o it_o stir_v up_o divers_a motion_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o of_o they_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a some_o of_o they_o joyful_a and_o comfortable_a the_o sad_a and_o bitter_a passion_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o conviction_n and_o condemnation_n just_o pronounce_v be_v shame_n grief_n fear_n anxiety_n vexation_n and_o suchlike_a whereby_o the_o guilty_a sinner_n be_v either_o fret_v as_o with_o a_o worm_n or_o fire_v and_o torment_v of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n who_o be_v convict_v in_o his_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n do_v flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n all_o amaze_a and_o a_o fright_a gen._n 3._o 9_o 10._o the_o lord_n call_v unto_o adam_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o where_o be_v thou_o and_o he_o say_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o i_o be_v afraid_a because_o i_o be_v naked_a and_o i_o hide_v myself_o but_o the_o conscience_n after_o it_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a believer_n flee_v to_o christ_n do_v stir_v up_o more_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n such_o as_o be_v peace_n comfort_n joy_n gladness_n exultation_n confidence_n and_o such_o like_a a_o example_n whereof_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n 2_o cor_n 1._o 2._o our_o rejoice_v say_v he_o be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o conscience_n after_o it_o be_v wound_v by_o the_o man_n transgression_n do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n cite_v the_o man_n before_o its_o tribunal_n and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o officer_n present_v the_o man_n at_o the_o bar_n and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o accuser_n challenge_v the_o man_n for_o his_o transgression_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o recorder_n produce_v the_o book_n of_o statute_n and_o the_o part_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n prove_v and_o convince_a he_o of_o the_o deed_n do_v again_o it_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n and_o condemn_v the_o convict_a transgressor_n and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o sergeant_n and_o marshal_n bind_v the_o condemn_a wretch_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o
prison_n and_o stock_n pinch_v and_o press_v the_o bind_v sinner_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o burrio_fw-la scourge_v and_o torment_v he_o but_o the_o conscience_n after_o examination_n find_v the_o man_n either_o innocent_a and_o free_a of_o the_o crime_n or_o forgive_v and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n after_o repentance_n and_o faith_n embrace_v the_o redeemer_n it_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o honest_a friend_n careful_o comfort_v the_o innocent_a or_o penitent_a and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o advocate_n excuse_v and_o defend_v the_o man_n against_o all_o challenge_n and_o the_o part_n of_o witness_n compurgatour_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o judge_n absolve_v and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o rewarder_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n chap._n ii_o of_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_n a_o case_n of_o conscience_n take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n comprehend_v every_o accident_n which_o any_o way_n affect_v or_o qualifi_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o persuasion_n and_o certainty_n which_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v the_o soundness_n health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v call_v case_n and_o good_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n so_o also_o any_o effect_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v call_v case_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o but_o the_o case_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v be_v the_o ill_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o soundness_n and_o straightness_n it_o shall_v have_v which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wound_n disease_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereunto_o that_o we_o may_v descend_v to_o speak_v more_o orderly_o a_o twofold_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 2._o first_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o healthy_a and_o a_o sick_a conscience_n a_o healthy_a conscience_n be_v that_o which_o after_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v just_o absolve_v we_o and_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o towards_o god_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n it_o be_v say_v by_o solomon_n a_o sound_a heart_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n prov._n 14._o 30._o by_o the_o heart_n he_o mean_v the_o conscience_n which_o ordinary_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o say_v the_o sound_a conscience_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o the_o body_n be_v so_o much_o in_o better_a case_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v at_o peace_n towards_o god_n and_o this_o blessing_n be_v allow_v upon_o every_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o his_o orderly_a walk_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n a_o conscience_n in_o this_o disposition_n need_v not_o medicine_n but_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o exercise_n in_o all_o christian-duty_n a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o call_v that_o which_o either_o be_v senseless_a of_o its_o own_o evil_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v in_o and_o sit_v down_o secure_o and_o rest_v without_o a_o warrant_n or_o which_o be_v just_o wound_v and_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o pain_n or_o which_o be_v unquiet_a upon_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o such_o a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v if_o possible_a by_o god_n blessing_n a_o word_n in_o season_n may_v be_v speak_v to_o waken_v a_o secure_a conscience_n or_o to_o refresh_v the_o weary_a soul_n that_o be_v recover_v from_o its_o malady_n it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ._n 3._o second_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o trouble_a soul_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o large_o take_v then_o the_o conscience_n the_o soul_n comprehend_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o man_n but_o the_o conscience_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v only_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n judge_v of_o the_o man_n moral_n ill_a or_o well-being_n and_o so_o all_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v case_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o all_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v trouble_v while_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o trouble_v at_o all_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o commendable_a trouble_n in_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o see_v god_n dishonour_v or_o his_o church_n in_o hazard_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v that_o such_o a_o holy_a trouble_n strengthen_v his_o conscience_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n as_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o psalm_n to_o be_v see_v again_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v trouble_v by_o sundry_a natural_a or_o civil_a motive_n while_o the_o conscience_n be_v allowable_o quiet_a as_o in_o loss_n of_o thing_n temporal_a fear_n pain_n or_o unexpected_a inconvenience_n occur_v yea_o there_o may_v be_v passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o person_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o young_a infant_n and_o in_o the_o elder_a sort_n in_o fit_n of_o fever_n melancholy_a and_o frenzy_n and_o yet_o further_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o passion_n perturbation_n and_o trouble_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v find_v without_o any_o disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n be_v a_o man_n acquaint_v with_o sorrow_n but_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o sin_n or_o any_o self-challenging_a for_o he_o know_v no_o sin_n in_o himself_o he_o have_v trouble_v in_o his_o soul_n but_o can_v not_o have_v trouble_n of_o conscience_n job_n 12._o 27._o now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v â—ather_o save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o speak_v not_o here_o but_o of_o the_o sinful_a disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o a_o three_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o common_a case_n of_o conscience_n and_o these_o that_o special_o concern_v regeneration_n common_a case_n comprehend_v all_o these_o question_n and_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v seek_v light_n and_o resolution_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v better_o inform_v itself_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o about_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o the_o point_n of_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n these_o common_a case_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o bulk_n of_o divinity_n as_o large_a as_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v as_o a_o point_n of_o piety_n or_o righteousness_n about_o which_o question_n may_v not_o be_v move_v and_o case_n propound_v wherein_o the_o conscience_n may_v seek_v satisfaction_n of_o this_o huge_a great_a tree_n we_o take_v but_o only_o one_o branch_n to_o speak_v of_o so_o far_o as_o make_v for_o our_o purpose_n concern_v regeneration_n chap._n iii_o of_o regeneration_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o regenerate_a man_n who_o he_o be_v we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o elect_a infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n god_n have_v his_o own_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o but_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v outward_o call_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o may_v thus_o describe_v regeneration_n be_v one_o in_o effect_n with_o effectual_a cal_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n invincible_a power_n and_o mere_a grace_n wherein_o by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v his_o word_n he_o quicken_v a_o redeem_a person_n lie_v dead_a in_o his_o sin_n and_o renew_v he_o in_o his_o mind_n will_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n convince_v he_o saving_o of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o make_v he_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o consecrat_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o the_o main_a thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o in_o this_o work_n be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n entire_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n regeneration_n be_v neither_o give_v to_o man_n nor_o man_n make_v sharer_n of_o the_o glory_n with_o god_n but_o god_n may_v have_v
water_n in_o a_o glass_n which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v trouble_v and_o toss_v remain_v most_o pure_a and_o free_a of_o all_o muddinesse_n obj._n but_o at_o least_o be_v there_o not_o a_o conflict_n in_o our_o lord_n between_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o temptation_n to_o doubt_v ans._n we_o grant_v not_o only_o a_o conflict_n of_o christ_n humane_a natural_a strength_n with_o the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n but_o also_o a_o conflict_n and_o wrestle_n of_o his_o faith_n against_o the_o temptation_n to_o doubt_v for_o wrestle_v do_v not_o always_o argue_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o wrestler_n for_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v call_v god_n hos._n 12._o wrestle_v with_o jacob_n and_o in_o god_n be_v no_o infirmity_n again_o wrestle_v do_v not_o argue_v always_o infirmity_n but_o do_v only_a evidence_n the_o wrestler_n power_n and_o the_o importunat_a obstinacy_n of_o a_o adversary_n who_o be_v repulse_v and_o cast_v down_o do_v not_o at_o first_o leave_v the_o field_n but_o rise_v up_o again_o insist_o and_o press_v on_o so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v the_o most_o powerful_a party_n to_o suffer_v the_o adversary_n to_o make_v opposition_n obj._n but_o you_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o conflict_n of_o christ_n humane_a natural_a strength_n with_o the_o affliction_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o punishment_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o father_n he_o be_v overcome_v and_o succumb_v and_o die_v ans._n yes_o indeed_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o conflict_n of_o natural_a strength_n with_o the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o conflict_n between_o faith_n and_o a_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n in_o the_o conflict_n of_o holy_a humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n lay_v on_o he_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o have_v his_o natural_a strength_n overpower_v and_o to_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o die_v but_o it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o his_o obedience_n it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o undertake_n to_o yield_v himself_o to_o justice_n and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o death_n eternal_a but_o in_o the_o wrestle_n of_o his_o faith_n with_o the_o temptation_n unto_o doubt_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o have_v yield_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n and_o that_o which_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o the_o mediator_n surety_n for_o sinner_n obj._n but_o do_v not_o the_o perplexity_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o anxiety_n of_o his_o mind_n diminish_v something_o of_o the_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n ans._n it_o do_v diminish_v nothing_o of_o the_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o hesitation_n or_o weaken_n of_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o as_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v trouble_v when_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o difficulty_n it_o can_v at_o first_o perceive_v a_o outgate_n meantime_n the_o conscience_n remain_v sound_a and_o quiet_a so_o may_v the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v discourse_v be_v interrupt_v and_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o a_o time_n faith_n mean_a time_n remain_v untouched_a whole_o sound_a and_o quiet_a for_o example_n upon_o the_o sudden_a receive_n of_o a_o wound_n or_o upon_o a_o unexpected_a report_n of_o some_o great_a loss_n such_o as_o befall_v job_n the_o wheel_n of_o the_o reason_a faculty_n may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n for_o a_o time_n and_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v quiet_a yea_o and_o faith_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n remain_v strong_a as_o we_o see_v in_o jobâ—_n first_o exercise_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o holy_a imperfect_a man_n in_o any_o measure_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o consider_v right_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n suffer_v in_o his_o humane_a nature_n the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v but_o one_o of_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o lord_n exercise_v joh._n 12._o 27._o 28._o now_o say_v he_o my_o soul_n be_v trouble_v wherein_o behold_v the_o perplexity_n of_o his_o mind_n smite_v with_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o curse_n due_a to_o we_o come_v upon_o he_o then_o come_v forth_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v wherein_o behold_v reason_n stand_v mute_a and_o altogether_o silent_a only_o he_o let_v forth_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o perplexity_n present_o after_o this_o he_o subjoin_v father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n wherein_o behold_v holy_a nature_n tremble_v and_o shrink_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o father_n and_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o holy_a nature_n testify_v the_o simple_a abhorrency_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o such_o a_o evil_a as_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n his_o father_n which_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o love_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n he_o can_v not_o have_v yield_v his_o humane_a nature_n to_o endure_v or_o bear_v it_o therefore_o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o lose_v for_o ever_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o suffer_v wrath_n for_o we_o he_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n agree_v upon_o but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n and_o last_o of_o all_o shut_v up_o his_o speech_n and_o exercise_n in_o the_o triumph_a voice_n of_o victorious_a and_o untainted_a faith_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o here_o he_o rest_v wherewith_o the_o father_n be_v so_o well_o please_v as_o that_o from_o heaven_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o multitude_n stand_v by_o i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o 10._o among_o the_o deep_a degree_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o soul_n we_o reckon_v that_o desertion_n whereof_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n give_v a_o account_n cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o by_o which_o speech_n he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o then_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v in_o he_o dissolve_v nor_o yet_o that_o god_n have_v withdraw_v his_o sustain_a strength_n and_o help_n from_o the_o humane_a nature_n nor_o that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v take_v off_o he_o nor_o that_o any_o point_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n be_v take_v from_o he_o but_o his_o true_a intent_n be_v to_o show_v that_o god_n for_o a_o time_n have_v take_v away_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o feel_v joy_n from_o his_o humane_a soul_n that_o so_o justice_n may_v in_o his_o suffering_n be_v the_o more_o full_o satisfy_v and_o this_o be_v the_o forsake_n of_o he_o here_o give_v to_o we_o to_o understand_v in_o which_o desertion_n christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o simple_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v but_o as_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o sinner_n surety_n and_o cautioner_n pay_v their_o debt_n in_o which_o respect_n he_o behove_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o stand_v in_o our_o name_n guilty_a and_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v full_o and_o for_o ever_o if_o he_o have_v not_o interpose_v for_o we_o 11._o the_o last_o degree_n of_o christ_n suffering_n wherein_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n so_o far_o as_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n passion_n in_o the_o new_a will_v suffer_v we_o to_o expound_v that_o expression_n be_v that_o curse_n wherein_o the_o full_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dregs_o of_o that_o horrible_a cup_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o his_o holy_a humane_a nature_n while_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o hell_n seem_v to_o conspire_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o he_o and_o full_o to_o punish_v our_o sin_n in_o the_o person_n of_o he_o our_o surety_n by_o that_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n foretell_v of_o the_o malediction_n of_o god_n lie_v on_o he_o in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o compleet_v the_o punishment_n of_o loss_n and_o feeling_n both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o not_o without_o ground_n have_v orthodox_n divine_v taken-in_a christ_n suffering_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o detain_v of_o his_o body_n in_o the_o grave_n put_v in_o as_o the_o close_a and_o last_o part_n of_o christ_n suffering_n as_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n he_o descend_v into_o hell_n not_o only_o because_o these_o pain_n which_o christ_n suffer_v both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v
great_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n do_v shine_v in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n 2._o by_o this_o doctrine_n it_o appear_v how_o vain_a and_o wicked_a the_o device_n of_o superstitious_a man_n be_v who_o for_o pacify_v of_o god_n wrath_n have_v appoint_v pennance_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o self-scourging_n and_o soul-mass_n and_o purgatory_n and_o such_o like_a other_o abomination_n whereof_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o forbid_v all_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n as_o unworthy_a conceit_n to_o bring_v about_o man_n salvation_n which_o invention_n tend_v only_o to_o derogat_n from_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o price_n of_o christ_n ransom_n and_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o price_n pay_v by_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o set_v up_o other_o saviour_n in_o his_o room_n 3._o hence_o also_o it_o be_v manifest_a how_o fit_a a_o high_a priest_n be_v appoint_v over_o we_o who_o be_v touch_v with_o our_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n by_o who_o we_o may_v have_v so_o solid_a consolation_n in_o all_o the_o pang_n of_o our_o torment_a conscience_n and_o in_o who_o we_o have_v a_o solid_a foundation_n lay_v down_o to_o all_o that_o flee_v to_o he_o for_o settle_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v of_o set_a purpose_n with_o the_o father_n consent_n suffer_v so_o many_o and_o great_a evil_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o 4._o and_o hereby_o we_o may_v perceive_v also_o how_o well_o divine_a justice_n be_v satisfy_v and_o with_o what_o warrant_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o weak_a believer_n may_v be_v quiet_v who_o so_o use_v to_o exaggerate_v the_o grievousnesse_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o forget_v to_o put_v a_o right_a estimation_n upon_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n for_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n through_o he_o the_o three_o article_n the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemptionâ—_n pass_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n concern_v the_o benefit_n gift_n and_o grace_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o redeem_a all_o which_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o that_o one_o gift_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o joh._n 4._o 10._o which_o gift_n be_v christ_n who_o be_v free_o offer_v unto_o and_o give_v to_o the_o elect_a believer_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v isa._n 9_o 6._o for_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v a_o son_n be_v give_v on_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v lay_v who_o name_n be_v call_v jehovab_n the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o strong_a god_n the_o eternal_a father_n and_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 3._o who_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n 2._o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o redeem_v be_v so_o convey_v and_o bring_v unto_o they_o that_o first_o they_o be_v christ_n riches_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v unto_o the_o elect_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o die_v that_o the_o purchase_n may_v be_v make_v fast_o to_o his_o people_n he_o have_v make_v his_o latter_a will_n and_o testament_n once_o and_o again_o and_o leave_v in_o legacy_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o all_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n and_o these_o benefit_n in_o a_o acceptable_a time_n he_o effectual_o apply_v and_o put_v they_o in_o possession_n thereof_o of_o which_o gift_n we_o shall_v name_v chief_a three_o the_o first_o be_v regeneration_n or_o turn_v of_o the_o man_n towards_o himself_o the_o second_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o save_a faith_n the_o three_o be_v perseverance_n in_o which_o three_o gift_n the_o patron_n and_o magnifier_n of_o the_o power_n of_o man_n freewill_n do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n by_o glory_v that_o without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n they_o can_v convert_v themselves_o or_o not_o as_o they_o please_v so_o that_o when_o god_n intend_v their_o conversion_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n they_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o his_o gracious_a operation_n and_o make_v void_a his_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v but_o this_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n mediator_n and_o redeemer_n do_v decide_v the_o question_n and_o give_v they_o the_o lie_n for_o only_o they_o who_o god_n do_v foreknow_v do_v he_o predestinat_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n and_o who_o he_o do_v predestinat_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v rom._n 8._o 28._o concern_v these_o three_o gift_n it_o be_v agree_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o the_o elect_n shall_v be_v convert_v invincible_o and_o infallible_o and_o that_o save_a faith_n shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n grace_n it_o be_v promise_v to_o christ_n psal._n 110._o 3._o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a for_o albeit_o the_o native_a corruption_n of_o their_o will_n oppose_v itself_o and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o be_v use_v the_o mean_n to_o convert_v they_o yet_o in_o a_o acceptable_a time_n the_o invincible_a power_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n towards_o they_o so_o take_v away_o all_o actual_a resistance_n that_o the_o man_n unwilling_a of_o himself_o be_v make_v most_o free_o and_o hearty_o willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o god_n can_v both_o preserve_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o take_v from_o it_o that_o crookedness_n and_o frowardness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o he_o can_v infuse_v and_o create_v in_o the_o man_n a_o right_a spirit_n and_o new_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o can_v bring_v forth_o these_o habit_n unto_o exercise_n make_v the_o redeem_a man_n not_o only_o able_a to_o will_n but_o also_o actual_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v pleasant_a to_o he_o philip._n 2._o 13._o and_o ephes._n 2._o 8._o we_o be_v teach_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v and_o this_o gift_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v bestow_v only_o on_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a tit._n 1._o 1._o and_o only_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n act_v 13._o 48._o yea_o every_o one_o come_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v give_v to_o he_o of_o the_o father_n joh._n 6._o 37._o and_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n save_v he_o who_o the_o father_n draw_v joh._n 6._o 44._o but_o they_o that_o be_v not_o redeem_v do_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n joh._n 10._o 26._o you_o believe_v not_o say_v christ_n to_o some_o jew_n because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v me._n as_o for_o perseverance_n the_o father_n promise_v to_o the_o son_n that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v firm_a in_o all_o the_o redeem_a one_o or_o in_o his_o elect_a seed_n isa._n 59_o 21._o as_o for_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o and_o jer._n 32._o 40._o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o and_o a_o special_a command_n be_v give_v unto_o christ_n for_o preserve_v all_o unto_o eternal_a life_n who_o come_v unto_o he_o joh._n 6._o 39_o this_o be_v the_o father_n will_n which_o have_v send_v i_o that_o of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o but_o shall_v raise_v it_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o christ_n undertake_v that_o he_o will_v faithful_o perform_v joh._n 10._o 28._o while_n he_o say_v i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o
and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ._n the_o second_o be_v a_o false_a religion_n or_o damnable_a error_n in_o judgement_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o which_o error_n so_o long_o as_o a_o sinner_n do_v lie_v he_o can_v be_v humble_v for_o the_o damnable_a course_n he_o be_v in_o or_o put_v question_n about_o his_o way_n the_o three_o be_v dissemble_v unbelief_n and_o atheism_n cover_v over_o with_o gross_a hypocrisy_n which_o under_o hand_n do_v reject_v the_o rule_n of_o examination_n the_o four_o be_v the_o brutish_a stupidity_n of_o the_o cauterised_a conscience_n the_o five_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n of_o fear_n to_o examine_v themselves_o lest_o it_o drive_v they_o to_o desperation_n the_o six_o be_v a_o lazy_a delay_n of_o examination_n from_o day_n to_o day_n the_o seven_o be_v immoderate_a care_n for_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n 4._o concern_v all_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v self-examination_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o general_n 1._o albeit_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o evil_n may_v fall_v upon_o the_o reprobat_fw-la yet_o be_v they_o not_o their_o proper_a malady_n for_o some_o of_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o regeneration_n may_v lie_v for_o a_o time_n under_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o evil_n wherefore_o the_o pastor_n hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o reprobation_n must_v deal_v with_o all_o his_o hearer_n to_o guard_v they_o against_o all_o these_o evil_n that_o the_o elect_v who_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n may_v be_v save_v second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o voluntary_a examination_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereunto_o the_o godly_a do_v in_o their_o best_a condition_n set_v themselves_o daily_o and_o a_o force_a examination_n and_o wakn_n up_o of_o the_o conscience_n whether_o the_o sinner_n will_v or_o not_o this_o sort_n of_o examination_n may_v come_v either_o by_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o â—elix_fw-la the_o governor_n who_o at_o the_o hear_n paul_n discourse_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n fall_v a_o tremble_a act._n 24._o 25._o or_o this_o waken_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v come_v by_o affliction_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o ioseph_n brethren_n who_o conscience_n do_v lie_v sleep_v secure_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o distress_v their_o brother_n joseph_n but_o by_o affliction_n at_o length_n be_v waken_v gen._n 42._o 21._o the_o pastor_n part_n here_o be_v not_o only_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o a_o voluntair_n examination_n of_o themselves_o but_o also_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v labour_v to_o open_v the_o apostum_n of_o proud_a sinner_n discover_v unto_o they_o as_o occasion_n serve_v their_o wickedness_n and_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o they_o if_o possible_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o repentance_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o hearer_n of_o peter_n act._n 2._o 37._o three_o let_v not_o a_o preacher_n be_v too_o solicit_v and_o anxious_a about_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o conscience_n can_v be_v waken_v neither_o by_o challenge_n nor_o threaten_n nor_o exhortation_n but_o after_o he_o have_v use_v mean_n public_o and_o private_o let_v he_o commit_v the_o mater_fw-la unto_o god_n who_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v it_o may_v suffice_v he_o that_o all_o christ_n sheep_n will_v at_o length_n hear_v his_o voice_n only_o let_v not_o the_o pastor_n despair_v utter_o of_o any_o man_n but_o even_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v excommunicate_a let_v he_o follow_v such_o a_o course_n as_o may_v reduce_v they_o unto_o repentance_n as_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n 2_o thess._n 3_o 14_o 15._o for_o remove_v of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n but_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o cure_n of_o these_o seven_o evil_a disease_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o first_o impediment_n to_o wit_n gross_a ignorance_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o say_v much_o of_o catechetick_a instruction_n see_v in_o all_o church_n it_o be_v presuppose_v there_o be_v some_o form_n of_o a_o catechise_v wherein_o the_o rudiment_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_v for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o of_o the_o rude_a sort_n come_v to_o year_n only_o we_o offer_v to_o those_o that_o intend_v the_o holy_a ministry_n this_o overture_n for_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v people_n for_o a_o more_o easy_a up-taking_a of_o some_o form_v catechise_v because_o most_o part_n of_o form_v catechises_n be_v somewhat_o large_a than_o they_o can_v be_v read_v at_o one_o time_n or_o be_v read_v can_v be_v explicat_fw-la any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o parcel_n so_o many_o question_n and_o answer_n at_o one_o time_n and_o so_o many_o at_o another_o time_n which_o how_o hardly_o it_o can_v be_v all_o explicat_fw-la to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o a_o long_a time_n experience_n may_v bear_v witness_n therefore_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o good_a purpose_n if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n as_o may_v well_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o place_n at_o one_o time_n the_o pastor_n shall_v profess_v before_o they_o all_o that_o he_o purpose_v to_o hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o a_o short_a sum_n of_o save_a doctrine_n in_o six_o or_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n so_o that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n or_o thereby_o before_o they_o dissolve_v their_o meeting_n they_o may_v if_o they_o be_v attentive_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v have_v some_o measure_n of_o find_a light_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a religion_n after_o which_o preface_n use_v let_v he_o so_o short_o or_o plain_o as_o he_o be_v able_a speak_v something_o first_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o only_a one_o true_a god_n in_o three_o person_n and_o something_o also_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n our_o first_o parent_n according_a to_o god_n image_n in_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n and_o something_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n make_v between_o god_n and_o they_o including_z their_o posterity_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o covenant_n be_v this_o do_v this_o and_o live_v but_o if_o thou_o sin_n thou_o shall_v die_v second_o let_v he_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o who_o loin_n we_o be_v all_o make_v guilty_a of_o death_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n three_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n before_o time_n but_o reveal_v timous_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o wit_n the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n between_o god_n and_o god_n the_o son_n design_v mediator_n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v gen._n 3._o 15._o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v tread_v down_o the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n that_o the_o second_o person_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o destroy_v sin_n and_o death_n the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n four_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o believer_n in_o christ_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o whosoever_o do_v acknowledge_v their_o sin_n and_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n five_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o two_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o wit_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o benefit_n hold_v out_o therein_o to_o all_o believer_n be_v seal_v six_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o of_o good_a work_n for_o glorify_v god_n and_o probation_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o â—aith_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o perfect_a to_o all_o his_o elect_a and_o believer_n in_o he_o all_o his_o promise_n of_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o cast_v all_o the_o wicked_a and_o unreconciled_a into_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o same_o course_n may_v be_v take_v with_o rude_a ignorant_o in_o private_a who_o conscience_n be_v waken_v with_o terror_n after_o that_o about_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n
4._o they_o eat_v up_o my_o people_n as_o they_o eat_v bread_n and_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o lord_n they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o in_o their_o deed_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o they_o believe_v never_o a_o word_n of_o what_o be_v preach_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v themselves_o nor_o receive_v any_o accusation_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o any_o sin_n of_o this_o sort_n which_o concern_v godliness_n 2._o the_o cause_n of_o such_o man_n harden_v of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n grant_v to_o they_o and_o other_o like_o themselves_o above_o common_a people_n with_o the_o conceit_n whereof_o they_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o that_o they_o care_v for_o nothing_o save_o this_o present_a world_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o holiness_n but_o civil_a observance_n of_o humane_a law_n as_o if_o scripture_n and_o all_o religious_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o only_a end_n that_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n receive_v into_o the_o society_n they_o live_v into_o shall_v study_v to_o make_v the_o best_a they_o can_v of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v call_v psal._n 1._o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a because_o all_o ungodly_a person_n do_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o safe_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o wisdom_n then_o to_o be_v hem_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o second_o cause_n of_o their_o obduration_n be_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o their_o worldly_a prosperity_n which_o they_o hope_v always_o to_o enjoy_v and_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n psal._n 10._o 6._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v in_o adversity_n the_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n wherewith_o they_o perceive_v the_o godly_a usual_o to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o which_o offence_n they_o stumble_v the_o more_o ready_o because_o they_o judge_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a proceed_v from_o their_o own_o imprudency_n and_o do_v ascribe_v their_o own_o prosperity_n to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o lift_v up_o in_o their_o own_o estimation_n that_o they_o despise_v all_o man_n in_o comparison_n of_o themselves_o psal._n 10._o 5._o as_o for_o his_o enemy_n he_o puff_v at_o they_o the_o four_o cause_n be_v the_o not_o observe_v the_o slight_n and_o despise_v of_o god_n judgement_n concern_v which_o they_o do_v not_o give_v credit_n unto_o god_n when_o he_o speak_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n psal._n 10._o 5._o thy_o judgement_n be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n 3._o albeit_o there_o be_v very_o small_a hope_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o such_o because_o they_o can_v abide_v free_a deal_n from_o any_o man_n in_o private_a for_o to_o give_v they_o any_o admonition_n be_v to_o they_o a_o reproach_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v it_o and_o nothing_o can_v cut_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o atheism_n yet_o because_o no_o pastor_n may_v despair_v of_o any_o man_n or_o judge_v he_o a_o reprobat_fw-la so_o long_o as_o the_o long-suffering_a patience_n of_o god_n invit_v he_o to_o repentance_n therefore_o the_o pastor_n must_v deal_v with_o such_o man_n in_o the_o general_a in_o his_o sermon_n that_o from_o the_o scripture_n he_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n way_n and_o of_o their_o atheism_n to_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n first_o he_o must_v point_v such_o man_n forth_o in_o their_o colour_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v describe_v they_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o hold_v himself_o in_o general_a in_o deal_v with_o all_o such_o person_n without_o particular_a description_n of_o any_o man_n by_o particular_a circumstance_n whereby_o such_o a_o man_n one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o auditor_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v pick_v out_o and_o shot_n at_o second_o he_o must_v denounce_v grave_o and_o with_o compassion_n the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o three_o he_o must_v pull_v the_o mask_n of_o civil_a honesty_n off_o their_o face_n and_o let_v they_o know_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o humble_a sinner_n fly_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a garment_n to_o hide_v nakedness_n if_o possible_o the_o hearer_n may_v conceive_v hope_n he_o may_v be_v forgive_v his_o former_a hypocrisy_n and_o be_v allure_v unto_o christ._n four_o let_v he_o often_o against_o such_o person_n make_v use_v of_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n five_o let_v the_o pastor_n observe_v the_o occasion_n if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o lay_v calamity_n on_o such_o a_o man_n and_o then_o let_v he_o wise_o labour_n with_o all_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o awaken_v up_o his_o conscience_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o spark_n of_o wrath_n lest_o he_o perish_v in_o god_n displeasure_n if_o he_o do_v not_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o draw_v in_o to_o christ_n upon_o which_o condition_n let_v he_o make_v the_o fair_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n can_v yield_v to_o he_o if_o possible_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v he_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o remove_v the_o four_o impediment_n the_o four_o impediment_n of_o self-examination_n be_v the_o stupidity_n and_o senslesness_n of_o the_o conscience_n past_a feeling_n as_o it_o be_v burn_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n this_o disease_n may_v be_v see_v in_o besotted_a epicure_n give_v to_o their_o brutish_a lust_n who_o be_v so_o carry_v on_o after_o their_o furious_a beastly_a affection_n that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o themselves_o then_o beast_n and_o such_o monster_n of_o man_n by_o frequent_a sin_v have_v extinguish_v all_o sense_n of_o sin_n for_o albeit_o by_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o light_n in_o fall_v man_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v find_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a when_o they_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o albeit_o there_o be_v leâ—t_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n some_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o vex_v he_o that_o rebell_v against_o it_o to_o restrain_v he_o thereafter_o from_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o some_o have_v so_o sell_v themselves_o to_o the_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n of_o their_o flâ—sh_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o admonition_n or_o check_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o may_v make_v any_o remorse_n but_o do_v run_v mad_o after_o all_o sort_n of_o uncleanness_n corrupt_v themselves_o as_o brute_n beast_n the_o like_a disposition_n may_v be_v see_v in_o open_o profane_a person_n who_o not_o only_o in_o their_o deed_n have_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o all_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o shameless_o foam_v forth_o their_o ungodliness_n as_o a_o open_a rot_a grave_n cast_v forth_o the_o stink_n thereof_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o when_o they_o do_v blaspheme_v will_v not_o be_v reprove_v psal._n 12._o 4._o our_o tongue_n be_v our_o own_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o we_o and_o who_o as_o dog_n do_v trample_v underfoot_n all_o holy_a thing_n and_o rend_v they_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o who_o insult_v over_o the_o godly_a in_o their_o affliction_n say_v with_o david_n enemy_n where_o be_v their_o god_n and_o who_o open_o scorn_v all_o religion_n like_o these_o desperate_a scoffer_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 4._o saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n such_o as_o these_o be_v practical_o atheist_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n also_o in_o their_o mind_n for_o albeit_o they_o have_v some_o natural_a principle_n of_o a_o godhead_n imprint_v on_o they_o yet_o they_o smother_v all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o belch_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o godly_a 2._o of_o man_n fall_v unto_o such_o a_o fearful_a abomination_n four_o cause_n may_v be_v render_v the_o first_o be_v the_o man_n violence_n use_v against_o his_o conscience_n frequent_o in_o commit_v of_o grievous_a
all_o matter_n do_v stand_v between_o god_n and_o we_o second_o that_o we_o inform_v the_o conscience_n well_o from_o the_o scripture_n not_o only_o concern_v the_o law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v how_o guilty_a we_o be_v of_o manifold_a sin_n and_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o work_n or_o to_o escape_v condemnation_n but_o also_o concern_v the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_n of_o gracious_a reconciliation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n whereupon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v in_o christ_n be_v ground_v three_o that_o we_o make_v due_a and_o orderly_a application_n of_o these_o covenant_n that_o the_o conscience_n may_v always_o be_v furnish_v with_o mater_fw-la of_o humiliation_n and_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o not_o only_o keep_v from_o desperation_n but_o also_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o ground_n of_o good_a hope_n to_o be_v save_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o have_v purchase_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o every_o humble_a sinner_n fly_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n four_o that_o be_v ingra_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n we_o by_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n study_v in_o the_o furniture_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o and_o that_o whatsoever_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n we_o attain_v unto_o we_o beware_v to_o fall_v back_o to_o that_o deadly_a error_n of_o seek_v justification_n before_o god_n by_o our_o work_n whereunto_o we_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o upon_o this_o rock_n the_o flour_n and_o most_o shine_a professor_n in_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o salvation_n rome_n 9_o 32._o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v unto_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o rom._n 10._o 3._o for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n unto_o this_o error_n of_o seek_v righteousness_n by_o our_o work_n after_o enter_v in_o the_o way_n of_o justification_n by_o grace_n we_o be_v all_o natural_o incline_v for_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v so_o engrave_v in_o all_o adam_n child_n do_v this_o and_o live_v that_o hardly_o can_v we_o renounce_v this_o way_n of_o justification_n and_o howsoever_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v righteousness_n this_o way_n yet_o hardly_o can_v we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o not_o only_o the_o experience_n of_o israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n make_v manifest_a but_o also_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o galatian_n let_v we_o see_v for_o they_o have_v once_o outward_o renounce_v justification_n by_o work_n and_o embrace_v the_o covenant_n of_o gracious_a reconciliation_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n do_v turn_v about_o for_o a_o time_n to_o seek_v justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v on_o the_o way_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n and_o communion_n with_o christ._n and_o the_o experience_n of_o papist_n do_v show_v the_o same_o for_o whatsoever_o they_o profess_v concern_v faith_n in_o christ_n yet_o they_o abhor_v justification_n by_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o do_v blaspheme_v that_o way_n as_o a_o mere_a conceit_n of_o man_n and_o a_o putatitious_a or_o only_a imaginary_a righteousness_n and_o do_v seek_v to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v not_o only_o before_o man_n but_o also_o before_o god_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n work_n and_o suffering_n the_o imputation_n whereof_o they_o can_v tell_v for_o money_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o blaspheme_v the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o a_o thief_n condemn_v to_o die_v for_o his_o fault_n and_o redeem_v by_o a_o potent_a man_n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o domestic_a servant_n of_o the_o redeemer_n to_o work_v his_o work_n all_o his_o life-time_n and_o live_v upon_o his_o allowance_n and_o so_o never_o be_v necessitate_v to_o steal_v any_o more_o if_o the_o ransom_a thief_n shall_v after_o steal_v his_o master_n good_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o stock-purse_n whereupon_o he_o think_v he_o may_v live_v and_o loose_v himself_o from_o his_o redeemer_n grace_n and_o live_v upon_o his_o own_o find_n be_v he_o not_o worthy_a upon_o the_o find_v out_o of_o his_o thift_n and_o other_o fault_n to_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n to_o die_v according_a to_o his_o deserve_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o a_o tennent_fw-fr labour_v a_o parcel_n of_o ground_n of_o his_o landlord_n for_o a_o yearly_a farm-duty_n by_o his_o own_o miscarriage_n fall_v to_o beggary_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o to_o the_o free_a table_n of_o his_o landlord_n and_o trust_v with_o the_o same_o parcel_n of_o ground_n to_o be_v labour_v for_o his_o master_n use_n if_o he_o shall_v intervert_fw-la the_o fruit_n of_o that_o ground_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o his_o master_n bounty_n and_o grace_n shall_v seek_v to_o be_v fire_v of_o his_o master_n service_n and_o to_o labour_v the_o ground_n for_o himself_o for_o payment_n of_o rent_n if_o upon_o the_o find_v out_o of_o his_o thift_n and_o not_o payment_n of_o his_o rent_n he_o shall_v be_v cast_v in_o prison_n do_v he_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o according_a to_o justice_n who_o will_v not_o live_v by_o grace_n so_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v turn_v from_o justification_n by_o free_a grace_n to_o seek_v justification_n by_o his_o work_n the_o five_o and_o last_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v that_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v not_o absolve_v ourselves_o without_o god_n allowance_n we_o study_v to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o illdeserving_a and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o any_o thing_n without_o christ_n to_o rely_v on_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o life-eternal_a and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o draw_v spirit_n and_o life_n from_o he_o for_o furnish_v we_o unto_o new_a obedience_n for_o he_o be_v the_o justify_v man_n approven_v of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n philip._n 3._o 3_o the_o second_o book_n chap._n i._n of_o consideration_n to_o be_v prâ—â—sed_v hitherto_o the_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n be_v speak_v to_o and_o this_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v show_v how_o regeneration_n be_v either_o altogether_o keep_v off_o or_o hinder_v from_o grow_v where_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o because_o many_o of_o these_o sickness_n which_o destroy_v many_o of_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n cleave_v to_o the_o regenerate_a man_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o reign_v nor_o altogether_o prevail_v over_o he_o yet_o do_v molest_v and_o vex_v he_o and_o hinder_v his_o comfortable_a walk_n towards_o his_o everlasting_a blessedness_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v first_o in_o this_o book_n of_o these_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o do_v brangle_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n his_o state_n in_o grace_n and_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o man_n translate_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n or_o not_o and_o next_o of_o these_o case_n that_o concern_v his_o condition_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o follow_a book_n as_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o case_n which_o concern_v the_o regenerate_a man_n state_n some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v for_o make_v particular_n afterward_o more_o clear_a 1._o in_o the_o question_n of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n regeneration_n or_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o question_v whether_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o or_o be_v effectual_o call_v or_o endue_v with_o save_v faith_n or_o be_v a_o justify_v man_n or_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n or_o be_v a_o adopt_a child_n and_o in_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n let_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v any_o of_o these_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v also_o that_o he_o be_v all_o these_o for_o albeit_o these_o denomination_n in_o their_o formal_a conception_n in_o the_o abstract_n may_v be_v distinguish_v yet_o upon_o the_o mater_fw-la in_o the_o conceit_n they_o fall_v upon_o the_o same_o individual_a person_n altogether_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a
the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o his_o holy_a heart_n can_v not_o admit_v such_o a_o temptation_n and_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 6._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n do_v warn_v the_o saint_n that_o our_o adversary_n satan_n use_v to_o throw_v fiery_a dart_n at_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o fiery_a and_o poisonable_a dart_n the_o regenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o nor_o finger_v they_o but_o by_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o speed_n quench_v and_o extinguish_v they_o but_o when_o a_o probable_a reason_n be_v join_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o the_o temptation_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o fear_n that_o the_o tentation_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o except_o the_o scruple_n be_v remove_v then_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v examine_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o reason_n or_o sylogism_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v try_v to_o be_v null_a it_o may_v be_v reject_v or_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v communicate_v to_o a_o prudent_a friend_n or_o pastor_n who_o may_v discover_v the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o temptation_n shall_v be_v slight_v and_o not_o discuss_v albeit_o it_o lie_v quiet_a for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o will_v return_v again_o and_o raise_v more_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n to_o the_o conscience_n than_o it_o do_v before_o 11._o in_o answer_v of_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n tend_v to_o weaken_v faith_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o observe_v and_o ishew_v a_o usual_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o do_v multiply_v and_o heap_v together_o a_o number_n of_o doubt_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suggest_v one_o doubt_n present_o do_v suggest_v on_o the_o back_n of_o that_o another_o and_o after_o that_o another_o whereby_o he_o mar_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o some_o faithful_a friend_n or_o minister_n be_v offer_v for_o solution_n thereof_o by_o this_o mean_a satan_n endeavour_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o afflict_a person_n may_v at_o one_o time_n both_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_n offer_v and_o be_v take_v up_o whole_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o new_a suggest_a doubt_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o new_a doubt_n have_v no_o place_n because_o the_o afflict_a party_n do_v not_o take_v heed_n thereto_o in_o this_o case_n both_o the_o party_n afflict_v and_o the_o party_n offer_v consolation_n must_v hold_v to_o the_o first_o doubt_n and_o not_o suffer_v any_o other_o new_a doubt_n to_o have_v place_n till_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o doubt_n and_o after_o that_o let_v every_o objection_n move_v by_o the_o party_n afflict_v be_v answer_v one_o after_o another_o in_o order_n 12._o see_v every_o doubt_n whereby_o the_o regenerate_a person_n be_v trouble_v do_v tend_v either_o to_o weaken_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n let_v no_o answer_n to_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v esteem_v sufficient_a except_o it_o lead_v the_o afflict_a person_n unto_o christ_n teach_v he_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v low_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o lay_v hold_n by_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o after_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o physician_n to_o request_v for_o the_o remedy_n of_o that_o evil_n which_o have_v move_v and_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o doubt_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o every_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o the_o enjoin_v of_o such_o and_o such_o moral_a duty_n whereby_o unskillful_a physician_n use_v to_o over-charge_n disease_a conscience_n command_v the_o afflict_a party_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o go_v about_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n as_o may_v remove_v the_o evil_n which_o give_v ground_n to_o the_o doubt_n can_v never_o avail_v the_o disease_a person_n except_o he_o be_v lead_v first_o unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n that_o in_o he_o power_n to_o do_v these_o duty_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o by_o his_o spirit_n moral_a precept_n may_v be_v quicken_v for_o if_o these_o precept_n be_v press_v upon_o the_o disease_a without_o christ_n they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o detain_v the_o afflict_a in_o self_n confidence_n and_o make_v he_o hope_v in_o vain_a that_o he_o may_v or_o can_v by_o his_o own_o work_n overcome_v the_o evil_n feel_v in_o he_o or_o that_o he_o can_v by_o himself_o attain_v to_o that_o good_a which_o he_o conceive_v necessary_a for_o lose_v of_o his_o doubt_n but_o let_v he_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o strength_n to_o go_v about_o the_o duty_n 13._o because_o almost_o in_o all_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n some_o grace_n or_o christian_a virtue_n be_v pitch_v upon_o and_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o he_o or_o not_o heed_n must_v be_v take_v that_o evangelic_n grace_n virtue_n or_o action_n be_v not_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n wherein_o nothing_o have_v weight_n which_o come_v short_a of_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o personal_a obedience_n for_o in_o the_o strict_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n no_o mere_a man_n nor_o any_o action_n of_o man_n can_v stand_v ps._n 130._o 3._o for_o there_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n and_o blemish_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o best_a work_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n that_o whatsoever_o lustre_n or_o appearance_n of_o good_a may_v be_v in_o a_o work_n it_o be_v bleck_v and_o make_v to_o hide_v its_o face_n before_o the_o law_n but_o let_v the_o tender_a bud_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o judge_v of_o the_o begin_v obedience_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o man_n aim_v at_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n how_o short_a soever_o he_o come_v of_o his_o aim_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v true_a the_o evangel_n require_v that_o a_o man_n flee_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n shall_v set_v himself_o to_o work_v the_o work_v prescribe_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o exact_a obedience_n of_o all_o the_o command_n yet_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o reject_v a_o good_a work_n for_o the_o defect_n imperfection_n and_o blemish_n thereof_o but_o accept_v and_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o first_o fruit_n and_o bud_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o do_v foster_v the_o tender_a and_o small_a beginning_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v and_o increase_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o justification_n of_o our_o person_n before_o god_n by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o then_o teach_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o justification_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n in_o our_o own_o and_o other_o conscience_n by_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o 14._o while_o we_o be_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n take_v heed_n leave_v we_o foster_v presumption_n and_o hinder_v either_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o do_v diligence_n in_o follow_v duty_n for_o christian_a grace_n do_v not_o impede_fw-la but_o help_v and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o if_o they_o be_v real_a and_o kind_o because_o they_o must_v flow_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o do_v run_v towards_o the_o same_o end_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o press_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n so_o as_o we_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o so_o cry_v up_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o press_v the_o regenerate_a man_n free_o justify_v by_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o
faith_n and_o to_o follow_v hard_o after_o the_o growth_n of_o sanctification_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o so_o extol_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o believer_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o command_v thereof_o as_o the_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v very_o profitable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n the_o poison_n and_o power_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o fly_v daily_o to_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o draw_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o precious_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n 15._o when_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v christian_n virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o the_o order_n of_o god_n work_v hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v by_o we_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n of_o sin_n shall_v go_v before_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o christ_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9_o 13._o and_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o the_o fruit_n by_o scripture_n go_v before_o the_o sensible_a feeling_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o quiet_v of_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o approbation_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n approve_v for_o after_o we_o have_v believe_v we_o come_v to_o be_v seal_v ephes._n 1._o 13._o now_o for_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o order_n many_o real_a christian_n do_v make_v unto_o themselves_o a_o very_a un-comfortable_a life_n for_o albeit_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o inability_n to_o help_v themselves_o and_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o help_v and_o do_v lead_v a_o life_n blameless_a yet_o do_v they_o unhappy_o suspend_v the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o do_v disquiet_v themselves_o so_o as_o they_o can_v rest_v on_o christ_n but_o do_v quarrel_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n till_o they_o shall_v feel_v and_o perceive_v with_o approbation_n of_o their_o conscience_n such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o they_o have_v fore-imagined_n to_o be_v the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o faith_n yea_o and_o they_o refuse_v to_o account_v themselves_o person_n justify_v because_o they_o can_v perceive_v such_o mature_a fruit_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o conceive_v must_v not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v also_o to_o be_v in_o the_o justify_v person_n before_o he_o can_v lay_v hold_n on_o justification_n such_o person_n do_v in_o effect_n invert_v the_o order_n which_o they_o shall_v observe_v for_o when_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o fly_v unto_o christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n because_o they_o come_v short_a of_o new_a obedience_n and_o because_o they_o be_v load_v with_o sin_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v god_n reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n pour_v in_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a they_o take_v another_o and_o contrary_a course_n by_o suspend_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o work_n and_o do_v exact_a of_o themselves_o work_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o hinder_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n as_o they_o do_v require_v it_o be_v reason_n indeed_o to_o prove_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o it_o be_v just_a that_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v account_v dead_a which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_o just_o and_o sober_o but_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o condemn_v weak_a faith_n accompany_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n because_o it_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o so_o fair_a and_o full_o ripe_a fruit_n as_o the_o weak_a believer_n will_v it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n when_o they_o perceive_v such_o impotency_n to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a and_o such_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n in_o they_o to_o fly_v unto_o the_o redeemer_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o in_o he_o to_o seek_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o to_o be_v suck_a juice_n and_o sap_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o true_a vine_n for_o if_o we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o abide_v in_o he_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n job._n 15._o 4_o 5._o for_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o good_a work_n for_o only_o they_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o do_v bring_v forth_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o not_o they_o who_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o want_n of_o fruit_n do_v loose_a or_o slacken_v their_o grip_n of_o faith_n and_o upon_o discouragement_n be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 16._o the_o like_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o preparatory_a disposition_n of_o such_o as_o may_v confident_o come_v unto_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v for_o albeit_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n aught_o to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o death_n deserve_v for_o their_o sin_n aught_o to_o come_v with_o contrition_n of_o heart_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o humble_a renunciation_n of_o all_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o yet_o must_v not_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o measure_n or_o sincerity_n of_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o themselves_o be_v keep_v back_o or_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o they_o not_o only_o want_v as_o they_o conceive_v both_o the_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n require_v in_o such_o as_o have_v access_n unto_o christ_n but_o also_o do_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o such_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o such_o stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o stubborness_n of_o a_o proud_a heart_n as_o be_v not_o fit_a as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o christ_n or_o fit_a to_o be_v comfort_v by_o he_o such_o person_n i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v forthwith_o debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o ofttimes_o sincerity_n of_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o as_o be_v displease_v with_o their_o own_o short-coming_a in_o such_o preparatory_a disposition_n more_o than_o in_o many_o other_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o themselves_o in_o that_o respect_n we_o must_v be_v wary_a also_o while_o we_o require_v sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o like_a preparatory_a disposition_n in_o they_o who_o may_v come_v unto_o christ_n lest_o we_o secret_o import_v and_o insinuat_fw-la a_o sort_n of_o merit_n to_o be_v in_o such_o disposition_n so_o as_o if_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v himself_o thus_o qualify_v can_v expect_v no_o good_a at_o christ_n hand_n except_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n such_o preparatory_a disposition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o price_n of_o purchase_v address_n to_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o hold_v this_o fast_n that_o the_o more_o poor_a and_o empty_a a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o ought_v to_o draw_v the_o more_o near_o unto_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n because_o in_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v find_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a disposition_n for_o receive_v thereof_o he_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n who_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n act._n 5._o 31._o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n unto_o who_o all_o they_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o want_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n do_v sigh_n in_o themselves_o ought_v and_o safe_o may_v come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o he_o a_o more_o ample_a
deep_o call_v unto_o deep_a at_o the_o noise_n of_o thy_o water-spout_n all_o thy_o wave_n and_o billow_n be_v go_v over_o i_o and_o psal._n 77._o 7_o 8._o will_n the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o grace_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o etc._n etc._n at_o last_o he_o discover_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o conclude_v against_o himself_o that_o his_o give_v so_o far_o way_n to_o the_o tentation_n be_v his_o infirmity_n 19_o we_o must_v distinguish_v worldy_a sorrow_n and_o hypochondriack-passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n from_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o the_o wrestle_n of_o faith_n that_o for_o a_o natural_a disease_n and_o distemper_v a_o pertinent_a remedy_n may_v be_v call_v for_o from_o the_o bodily_a physician_n and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o spiritual_a exercise_n the_o doubt_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v prudent_o louse_v in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o both_o the_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v join_v circumspection_n be_v necessary_a that_o proportionable_a remedy_n be_v use_v by_o the_o physician_n and_o the_o pastor_n or_o prudent_a friend_n that_o bodily_a medicine_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n may_v be_v each_o in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o order_n wise_o make_v use_n of_o and_o because_o it_o use_v to_o fall_v out_o that_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n and_o distemper_n of_o bodily_a humour_n be_v oftentimes_o join_v one_o with_o another_o let_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o a_o word_n be_v casten_z in_o here_o for_o advertisement_n 20._o in_o cure_v case_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o louse_v some_o one_o doubt_n or_o other_o but_o after_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o the_o party_n afflict_v concern_v the_o present_a case_n which_o have_v trouble_v they_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o observe_v other_o cause_n which_o may_v trouble_v they_o afterward_o wherewith_o for_o the_o present_a they_o possible_o be_v not_o trouble_v and_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v relief_n from_o every_o sin_n and_o every_o sort_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o must_v consecrat_v and_o devout_a themselves_o to_o he_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o all_o time_n whatsoever_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v they_o for_o whosoever_o do_v come_v unto_o christ_n must_v come_v of_o set_a purpose_n to_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o draw_v grace_n after_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n to_o mortify_v sin_n grace_v to_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o according_a as_o they_o find_v new_a guiltiness_n contract_v and_o weakness_n in_o themselves_o to_o do_v command_v duty_n for_o except_o the_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v easy_o slide_v back_o from_o their_o begin_a sanctification_n and_o furnish_v mater_fw-la to_o satan_n for_o raise_v of_o new_a doubt_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o new_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o fall_v before_o therefore_o must_v they_o keep_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o actual_a exercise_n daily_o 21._o in_o deal_v with_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n let_v not_o the_o comforter_n whether_o a_o pastor_n or_o a_o prudent_a friend_n trust_v to_o his_o ability_n or_o arrogat_fw-la to_o himself_o above_o what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o but_o let_v he_o keep_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o heart_n be_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n giving_z glory_n to_o god_n express_o if_o he_o perceive_v the_o afflict_a party_n lay_v hold_n on_o god_n word_n deliver_v by_o he_o and_o let_v he_o also_o teach_v the_o afflict_a to_o lift_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o word_n of_o consolation_n be_v dispense_v to_o he_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o prudent_a friend_n that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o glory_n in_o his_o consolation_n and_o no_o more_o ascribe_v to_o the_o instrument_n than_o be_v due_a for_o the_o minister_n may_v sow_v the_o seed_n and_o plant_v and_o water_n but_o god_n only_o can_v give_v the_o increase_n man_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v in_o this_o point_n and_o mar_v the_o blessing_n for_o god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o 22._o in_o case_n the_o expect_a consolation_n be_v not_o find_v or_o the_o doubt_n propound_v be_v not_o solve_v so_o soon_o as_o be_v desire_v let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v that_o he_o make_v not_o haste_n in_o seek_v comfort_n but_o patient_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n will_v in_o exercise_v he_o for_o a_o while_n and_o humble_v himself_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n in_o meekness_n wait_v for_o clearness_n and_o comfort_n in_o due_a time_n for_o affliction_n be_v send_v to_o work_v patience_n and_o patience_n to_o work_v experience_n and_o experience_n to_o work_v hope_n which_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o patient_a man_n ashamed_a and_o it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o lie_v for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o affliction_n till_o it_o be_v daunt_v and_o subdue_v then_o before_o patience_n have_v have_v the_o perfect_a work_n to_o seek_v to_o have_v its_o foolish_a wish_n grant_v unto_o it_o for_o if_o once_o a_o soul_n hearty_o submit_v itself_o to_o god_n or_o strive_v to_o submit_v and_o patient_o wait_v on_o consolation_n will_v be_v find_v not_o far_o off_o 23._o in_o regard_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n may_v begin_v before_o it_o can_v be_v mark_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o he_o who_o meddle_v with_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o afflict_a and_o so_o to_o temper_v his_o speech_n as_o he_o may_v both_o further_a repentance_n and_o faith_n pre-supposing_a the_o party_n exercise_n may_v prove_v a_o begin_a work_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o judge_v in_o charity_n of_o god_n dispensation_n then_o to_o foster_v sinister_a suspicion_n of_o the_o party_n afflict_v which_o may_v ready_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o unhappy_a expression_n to_o the_o hurt_v of_o the_o patient_a and_o hinder_v his_o profit_v by_o what_o may_v be_v say_v beside_o 24._o because_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o book_n with_o the_o weak_a believer_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v or_o fly_v unto_o christ_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o do_v fear_v they_o be_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o this_o and_o that_o pretend_a reason_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v to_o purpose_n in_o comfort_v they_o to_o make_v use_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n so_o in_o special_a of_o these_o two_o passage_n the_o one_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o other_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 30._o the_o one_o serve_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n how_o strong_o soever_o they_o be_v assault_v with_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v otherways_o for_o in_o this_o passage_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o few_o word_n hold_v forth_o first_o that_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o three_o person_n be_v in_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o transgression_n unto_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n tender_v through_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n second_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n â—ath_v commit_v unto_o his_o minister_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o they_o with_o authority_n may_v offer_v reconciliation_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n unto_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v send_v forth_o and_o direct_v as_o ambassador_n to_o exhort_v and_o request_v mâ—n_z in_o god_n name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n god_n mediator_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n four_o that_o so_o many_o as_o do_v consent_n unto_o and_o embrace_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v believer_n even_o all_o they_o who_o do_v acknowledge_v their_o natural_a enimity_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o do_v welcome_a the_o message_n of_o reconciliation_n send_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v engage_v themselves_o to_o hold_v fast_o this_o covenant_n
sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o evangel_n be_v make_v to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o only_o can_v satisfy_v a_o hungry_a soul_n mat._n 5._o 3_o 6._o yea_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n be_v in_o effect_n that_o self-loathing_a whereof_o ezek._n speak_v chap._n 36._o 31._o which_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n may_v be_v see_v in_o job_n as_o a_o special_a act_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n job._n 42._o 6._o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o because_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n no_o worthiness_n can_v be_v find_v in_o we_o therefore_o god_n have_v free_o love_v the_o world_n and_o provide_v grace_n in_o christ_n that_o all_o that_o fly_v to_o he_o may_v out_o of_o his_o fullness_n receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1._o 16._o three_o the_o three_o sell_v office_n of_o a_o mediator_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v clothe_v himself_o do_v obviate_v and_o meet_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o humble_a soul_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n for_o albeit_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o slow_a to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n about_o man_n salvation_n and_o his_o prescribe_a service_n yet_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d fly_v to_o christ_n he_o have_v christ_n offer_v and_o give_v to_o he_o for_o his_o wisdom_n a_o prophet_n able_a to_o inform_v he_o to_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o embrace_v by_o lively_a faith_n all_o save_a doctrine_n albeit_o he_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a and_o worthy_a of_o condemnation_n yet_o he_o have_v christ_n aâ—_n priest_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o he_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n upon_o his_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refute_v from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n undertake_v also_o powerful_o to_o sanctify_v he_o by_o mortify_v his_o corruption_n and_o perfect_v at_o last_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o albeit_o he_o have_v the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n with_o many_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n to_o wrestle_v with_o yet_o he_o have_v christ_n jesus_n as_o king_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o he_o redemption_n upon_o his_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n against_o all_o his_o enemy_n so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o who_o he_o have_v redeem_v by_o price-paying_a and_o for_o who_o he_o have_v undertake_v powerful_o to_o sustain_v they_o in_o all_o this_o warfare_n whatsoever_o misery_n they_o may_v be_v in_o and_o at_o last_o to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o a_o perfect_a rest_n in_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o to_o what_o end_n have_v our_o lord_n take_v on_o the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n if_o not_o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a that_o fly_n to_o he_o for_o eyesalve_n to_o cover_v the_o naked_a fly_v unto_o he_o with_o the_o precious_a garment_n of_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o to_o enrich_v the_o poor_a needy_a and_o unworthy_a out_o of_o the_o store_n house_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o grace_n rev._n 3._o 18._o four_o let_v he_o consider_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o grace_n and_o practical_a dispensation_n thereof_o in_o all_o age_n towards_o all_o the_o convert_v be_v not_o all_o they_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o god_n come_v to_o convert_v they_o for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o person_n call_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o be_v find_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o lose_a sinner_n by_o nature_n none_o but_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o enemy_n by_o nature_n be_v reconcile_v none_o but_o they_o who_o by_o the_o law_n be_v condemn_v be_v justify_v none_o but_o they_o that_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n be_v lose_v do_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o christ_n do_v plain_o tell_v we_o i_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v do_v he_o ever_o reject_v any_o that_o flee_v unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v unworthy_a no_o for_o it_o be_v say_v ps._n 9_o 10._o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v trust_v in_o thou_o for_o thou_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6_o 37._o he_o say_v these_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o case_n cast_v out_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o 〈◊〉_d have_v he_o call_v we_o five_o let_v he_o consider_v the_o worthiness_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o merit_n who_o because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n have_v pay_v a_o price_n of_o infinite_a value_n for_o redemption_n of_o sinner_n who_o fly_v unto_o he_o be_v worthy_a for_o who_o cause_n the_o unworthy_a sinner_n fly_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v receive_v in_o favour_n and_o make_v fit_a for_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o spirit_n six_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o stand_v a-back_a from_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o fly_v unto_o he_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o he_o think_v himself_o he_o remain_v under_o wrath_n and_o the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n of_o the_o law_n joh._n 1._o 8._o but_o let_v he_o rather_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v warrant_v by_o a_o command_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v command_v we_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o say_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n with_o thâ—_n centurion_n speak_v of_o his_o servant_n to_o christ_n luke_o 7._o 6_o 7._o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n but_o say_v the_o word_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v the_o word_n be_v say_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n let_v the_o afflict_a rest_n himself_o on_o it_o chap._n iii_o wherein_o the_o regener_v at_o man_n doubt_n arise_v from_o the_o multitude_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o the_o cospel_n and_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v answer_v as_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n this_o doubt_n have_v much_o weight_n to_o keep_v a_o soul_n a-back_a from_o imbâ—â—â—eing_v christ_n and_o receive_v pardon_n through_o he_o so_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v quiet_a in_o his_o conscience_n when_o through_o sad_a affliction_n and_o sore_a temptation_n these_o wound_n of_o his_o conscience_n begin_v to_o bleed_v again_o his_o pardon_n and_o peace_n be_v call_v in_o question_n of_o this_o exercise_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n be_v muster_v and_o lead_v in_o a_o host_n against_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o afflict_a psalmist_n for_o a_o time_n till_o by_o faith_n he_o over-came_a the_o doubt_n ps._n 40._o 12._o innumerable_a evil_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o my_o iniquity_n have_v take_v hold_v on_o i_o so_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o look_v up_o they_o be_v more_o than_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n therefore_o my_o heart_n fail_v i_o the_o second_o degree_n be_v when_o beside_o the_o man_n sin_n against_o the_o law_n his_o sin_n also_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n do_v arise_v in_o battle_n against_o he_o and_o do_v drive_v he_o to_o cry_v out_o with_o these_o not_o yet_o convert_v sinner_n act._n 2._o 37._o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v the_o three_o degree_n be_v when_o the_o regenerate_a man_n for_o some_o gross_a sin_n against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v give_v up_o for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v scourge_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o accusation_n of_o satan_n as_o if_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o more_o mercy_n be_v reserve_v for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n when_o be_v guilty_a and_o conscious_a to_o his_o late_a rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o be_v pursue_v and_o apprehend_v by_o god_n and_o casten_z in_o the_o sea_n he_o fall_v in_o a_o â—it_n of_o desperation_n till_o god_n give_v he_o victory_n by_o faith_n jon._n 2._o 4._o then_o i_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v again_o to_o thy_o holy_a temple_n which_o be_v the_o try_a place_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n in_o a_o mediator_n this_o be_v also_o the_o case_n of_o david_n for_o a_o time_n after_o that_o his_o conscience_n be_v waken_v by_o the_o message_n of_o god_n send_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n when_o he_o
do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o deserve_v death_n for_o their_o sin_n do_v confess_v they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o christ_n do_v thirst_n for_o his_o righteousness_n do_v desire_v earnest_o to_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n undefiled_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o only_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v renew_v but_o also_o do_v esteem_v it_o a_o presumptuous_a rashness_n in_o they_o to_o approach_v unto_o christ_n or_o to_o cast_v themselves_o over_o on_o he_o by_o faith_n before_o they_o be_v more_o serious_o humble_v before_o they_o feel_v a_o more_o hearty_a sorrow_n and_o grief_n before_o they_o feel_v the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n more_o sharp_a before_o they_o be_v more_o press_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o bondage_n in_o a_o high_a measure_n from_o who_o if_o you_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o doubt_n they_o shall_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n because_o these_o be_v only_o call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v weary_a and_o load_v in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o be_v so_o bear_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o can_v be_v more_o and_o not_o despair_v for_o so_o do_v they_o interpret_v that_o say_n of_o christ_n matth._n 11._o 28._o christ_n be_v send_v only_o to_o the_o contrite_a and_o break_a in_o heart_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o dust_n under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o they_o take_v it_o to_o they_o who_o be_v under_o grief_n unspeakable_a as_o they_o expound_v isa._n 61._o 1_o 2_o 3._o so_o in_o their_o opinion_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v only_o those_o who_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n be_v lose_v that_o be_v who_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o desperation_n wherefore_o in_o respect_n they_o be_v not_o go_v down_o deep_a enough_o as_o they_o think_v into_o this_o gulf_n and_o hell_n of_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n they_o dare_v not_o approach_v or_o look_v towards_o christ._n mean_a time_n they_o lie_v daily_o mourn_v and_o weep_v and_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o their_o grief_n be_v worthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o grief_n which_o sorrow_n they_o can_v dissemble_v or_o hide_v but_o do_v bewray_v it_o in_o their_o countenance_n habit_n walk_v and_o frequent_a sigh_v and_o will_v profess_v that_o they_o can_v hardly_o think_v they_o have_v right_a to_o eat_v or_o drink_v of_o god_n creature_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o add_v yet_o more_o sin_n to_o the_o former_a they_o will_v not_o eat_v or_o drink_v at_o all_o ofttimes_o they_o chatter_v as_o swallow_n and_o sigh_n as_o the_o turtle_n dove_n and_o ofttimes_o their_o bowel_n sound_v out_o as_o if_o their_o parent_n or_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n be_v dead_a and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o sorrow_n but_o do_v complain_v that_o they_o be_v stupid_a and_o senseless_a of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n wherein_o they_o do_v lie_v bind_v and_o though_o they_o do_v confess_v that_o sometime_o they_o mourn_v yet_o they_o allege_v their_o mourning_n be_v but_o like_o the_o early_a dew_n or_o morning_n cloud_n that_o go_v soon_o away_o all_o the_o while_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o offer_v to_o the_o afflict_a consolation_n in_o christ_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o not_o one_o of_o the_o mourner_n in_o zion_n who_o he_o will_v comfort_v and_o in_o this_o their_o mistake_n they_o do_v confirm_v themselves_o by_o another_o error_n say_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v answer_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o sin_n my_o sin_n say_v he_o go_v far_o beyond_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o this_o and_o the_o like_a objection_n they_o cast_v in_o whereby_o they_o do_v obstruct_v their_o own_o way_n unto_o christ_n and_o keep_v themselves_o aback_o from_o he_o till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o prescribe_a measure_n of_o sorrow_n which_o case_n indeed_o deserve_v much_o compassion_n for_o who_o will_v not_o commiserat_fw-la their_o case_n who_o be_v in_o a_o very_a miserable_a condition_n dare_v not_o seek_v relief_n from_o their_o own_o misery_n which_o they_o do_v feel_v and_o all_o because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o more_o miserable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v ask_v can_v determine_v what_o measure_n of_o affect_a humiliation_n they_o will_v stand_v at_o as_o sufficient_a 2._o in_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o case_n as_o much_o must_v be_v yield_v to_o the_o afflict_a as_o reasonable_o can_v be_v and_o first_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o approach_n unto_o christ_n to_o come_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o miserable_a condition_n and_o that_o the_o due_a deserve_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v everlasting_a death_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v also_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o compunction_n contrition_n and_o lamentation_n for_o sin_n may_v possible_o be_v exceed_v great_a as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o heman_n the_o ezrait_n psal_n 88_o 11._o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v and_o david_n ps._n 38._o this_o also_o further_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o conviction_n by_o the_o law_n do_v ordinary_o and_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n go_v before_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o earnest_a embrace_n christ_n as_o a_o physician_n as_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o soul_n except_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o disease_n acknowledge_v his_o natural_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o his_o own_o lose_a condition_n be_v by_o nature_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n second_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v agree_v upon_o the_o afflict_a person_n may_v be_v pose_v concern_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o convert_n to_o wit_n in_o that_o extremity_n and_o superlative_a degree_n which_o he_o do_v miss_v and_o desiderat_fw-la in_o himself_o and_o how_o long_o that_o sorrow_n in_o this_o eminent_a measure_n must_v continue_v by_o this_o question_n he_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o unable_a to_o answer_v with_o scripture-warrand_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o require_v serious_a repentance_n but_o the_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n and_o sadness_n it_o do_v not_o prescribe_v for_o matth._n chap._n 3._o v._n 2._o 6._o many_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o john_n baptist_n preach_v be_v convict_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v confess_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o general_n and_o forthwith_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o and_o act._n 2._o 37._o 41._o three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o hear_n of_o one_o sermon_n of_o peter_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n repent_v and_o flee_v to_o christ_n for_o grace_n be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o enter_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o in_o one_o day_n again_o the_o afflict_a may_v be_v pose_v with_o another_o question_n see_v he_o desiderat_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o sound_a hearty_a sorrow_n in_o himself_o before_o he_o can_v make_v his_o address_n unto_o christ_n out_o of_o what_o fountain_n mind_v he_o to_o draw_v this_o sorrow_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v it_o not_o and_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o ground_n he_o can_v seek_v it_o for_o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o his_o imagine_a measure_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n he_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o christ_n because_o as_o he_o allege_v none_o be_v call_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n except_o such_o only_a as_o be_v in_o a_o superlative_a degree_n weary_a and_o load_a and_o so_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n that_o he_o must_v be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o desperation_n near_o by_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n in_o what_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n he_o please_v and_o that_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o in_o any_o measure_n sorrowful_a for_o offend_v god_n shall_v run_v unto_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o a_o better_a measure_n of_o repentance_n three_o the_o evil_n and_o danger_n which_o accompany_v and_o follow_v upon_o this_o practical_a error_n may_v be_v represent_v unto_o the_o afflict_a for_o first_o by_o this_o his_o error_n he_o give_v way_n to_o satan_n tentation_n who_o when_o he_o perceive_v the_o
sense_n of_o sin_n begin_v in_o the_o afflict_a by_o god_n mercy_n and_o that_o the_o afflict_v can_v now_o be_v hinder_v from_o repentance_n nor_o be_v keep_v in_o his_o former_a snare_n do_v change_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o set_v all_o at_o nought_o the_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n which_o the_o afflict_a have_v already_o and_o show_v unto_o he_o how_o unanswerable_a the_o proportion_n of_o his_o sorrow_n be_v unto_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o spur_v he_o on_o to_o mourn_v more_o and_o more_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v distemper_v and_o distract_v he_o or_o make_v he_o pine_v away_o and_o perish_v in_o his_o sorrow_n without_o faith_n or_o consolation_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v one_o evil_a another_o evil_n be_v this_o the_o affectation_n of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n smell_v of_o seek_v some_o sort_n of_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o compensation_n of_o the_o pleasure_n take_v in_o sin_n by_o suitable_a sorrow_n for_o it_o unto_o which_o practical_a error_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n too_o too_o prone_a for_o as_o by_o nature_n we_o strive_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n write_v in_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n so_o when_o we_o see_v ourselves_o come_v short_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n we_o go_v about_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o papist_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o work_n by_o some_o one_o sort_n or_o other_o of_o our_o suffering_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n in_o special_a that_o by_o sorrow_n and_o tear_n in_o abundance_n we_o may_v wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n and_o pollution_n we_o have_v contract_v by_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o course_n we_o run_v on_o natural_o after_o waken_n of_o the_o conscience_n to_o exact_a penance_n and_o punishment_n on_o ourselves_o till_o the_o delude_a heart_n say_v it_o be_v enough_o and_o then_o as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o the_o deceive_a sinner_n rest_v himself_o which_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o often_o it_o have_v place_n and_o prevail_v without_o be_v observe_v it_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a a_o three_o evil_a follow_v on_o this_o practical_a error_n be_v by_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v great_o obscure_v and_o both_o the_o man_n consolation_n and_o sanctification_n be_v mar_v the_o loss_n that_o the_o afflict_a sustain_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o draw_v on_o of_o new_a guiltiness_n by_o such_o a_o course_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v cover_v under_o the_o vizard_n of_o humiliation_n a_o four_o evil_a follow_v this_o error_n which_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a person_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o mistake_n he_o give_v way_n to_o the_o tentation_n and_o do_v of_o set_a purpose_n foster_v his_o own_o misbelief_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o foster_v and_o augment_v his_o own_o sorrow_n and_o affright_v himself_o with_o dreadful_a imagination_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v augment_v his_o affect_a heaviness_n of_o spirit_n and_o make_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o tear_n run_v the_o more_o abundant_o a_o five_o evil_a be_v the_o afflict_a so_o long_o as_o he_o suspend_v his_o go_v to_o christ_n because_o he_o have_v not_o mourn_v sufficient_o for_o sin_n he_o foster_v another_o fault_n unawar_n to_o wit_n a_o purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o any_o more_o sorrow_v for_o sin_n if_o once_o he_o have_v overtake_v his_o imagine_a measure_n of_o sorrow_n and_o have_v his_o access_n so_o make_v unto_o christ._n this_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o antinomian_o who_o allow_v themselves_o once_o to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n that_o their_o mourning_n may_v make_v way_n for_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o after_o they_o apprehend_v they_o have_v once_o repent_v and_o casten_z their_o burden_n on_o christ_n and_o do_v number_n themselves_o among_o believer_n they_o scorn_v to_o mourn_v any_o more_o for_o sin_n they_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n and_o do_v reject_v secret_a challenge_n as_o groundless_a and_o make_v themselves_o merry_a with_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o reckon_v all_o penitent_n to_o be_v under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o evil_n if_o the_o afflict_a person_n will_v perceive_v to_o follow_v upon_o his_o error_n which_o as_o a_o net_n be_v spread_v before_o his_o foot_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o follow_v the_o course_n and_o exercise_v of_o repentance_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n he_o will_v take_v heed_n better_o to_o his_o step_n 4._o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v inform_v or_o call_v to_o mind_n concern_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v not_o commend_v from_o the_o quantity_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o quality_n or_o sincerity_n of_o it_o now_o sincere_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v best_a discern_v by_o the_o hatred_n which_o the_o mourner_n have_v against_o sin_n by_o the_o mourner_n humiliation_n of_o himself_o before_o god_n by_o his_o abhor_a himself_n both_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n under_o sin_n by_o his_o purpose_n to_o strive_v against_o all_o sin_n by_o his_o fly_v in_o unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n from_o sin_n by_o his_o entertain_n and_o renew_v of_o godly_a sorrow_n after_o he_o have_v believe_v in_o christ_n according_a as_o he_o find_v the_o inherent_a root_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v spring_v up_o in_o he_o this_o be_v indeed_o sincere_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o cause_v repentance_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 5._o five_o and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v exhort_v not_o to_o linger_v any_o more_o but_o fly_n to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o be_v humble_v so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o be_v not_o so_o humble_v as_o he_o shall_v and_o will_v be_v let_v he_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o christ_n come_v not_o only_o to_o comfort_v mourner_n for_o sin_n but_o also_o to_o call_v sinner_n unto_o repentance_n for_o christ_n have_v not_o put_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o sorrow_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o fell_a his_o precious_a ware_n nor_o his_o gift_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o price_n of_o man_n tear_n but_o let_v he_o remember_v that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o destitute_a in_o his_o own_o sense_n of_o all_o good_a as_o he_o find_v neither_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n nor_o repentance_n nor_o faith_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n in_o himself_o which_o may_v commend_v he_o to_o god_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a much_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o yet_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o christ_n have_v pronounce_v bless_v matth._n 5._o 3._o and_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o he_o have_v of_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o eyesalve_n already_o bestow_v upon_o he_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o buy_v of_o christ_n all_o the_o riches_n which_o he_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n revel_v 3._o 18._o chap._n vii_o wherein_o the_o christian_n doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o his_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v answer_v there_o be_v some_o regenerate_a person_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o help_v themselves_o be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v give_v over_o themselves_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o be_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o repentance_n who_o for_o all_o this_o fall_v a_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v renew_v whether_o their_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o give_v of_o their_o doubt_n be_v because_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v appear_v unto_o they_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o some_o pagan_n or_o in_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o who_o christ_n have_v say_v in_o the_o evangel_n matth._n 5._o 20._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o doubt_n be_v follow_v with_o grief_n anxiety_n of_o mind_n and_o fear_v least_o all_o virtue_n in_o they_o be_v find_v nothing_o but_o counterfeit_n and_o this_o case_n except_o it_o be_v speedy_o cure_v can_v choose_v but_o draw_v after_o it_o heavy_a and_o hard_a consequence_n for_o cure_v whereof_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o many_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
his_o lamentation_n for_o his_o short-coming_a in_o duty_n unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v the_o lord_n that_o from_o day_n to_o day_n he_o be_v keep_v from_o scandalous_a out-breaking_a chap._n xvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n from_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o moral_a suasion_n and_o not_o from_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulsion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v some_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o in_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conform_v their_o conversation_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v easy_a to_o they_o and_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v frequent_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v trouble_v with_o suspicion_n whether_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o they_o be_v solid_a because_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v may_v be_v do_v as_o they_o conceive_v by_o temporary_a believer_n in_o who_o no_o sound_a renovation_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v find_v i_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o say_v one_o of_o the_o effectual_a motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o all_o by_o way_n of_o moral_a suasion_n by_o imitation_n of_o other_o by_o education_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a disciple_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n for_o as_o they_o by_o frequent_a action_n do_v acquire_v habit_n wherewith_o be_v endue_v they_o discharge_v moral_a duty_n more_o easy_o and_o with_o delight_n so_o i_o by_o discharge_v act_n of_o religion_n and_o acquaint_v myself_o with_o they_o daily_o do_v seem_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v acquire_v a_o facility_n and_o delectation_n in_o religious_a action_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o my_o neighbour_n 2._o this_o case_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o perilous_a and_o subtile_o colour_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a convert_n for_o it_o be_v true_a what_o power_n have_v be_v see_v in_o moral_a philosophy_n among_o pagan_n to_o put_v a_o lustre_n on_o man_n civil_a conversation_n must_v be_v also_o grant_v to_o theology_n among_o profess_a christian_n because_o divine_a threaten_n and_o promise_n for_o procure_v outward_a reformation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n than_o all_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o education_n by_o parent_n and_o imitation_n of_o good_a man_n be_v of_o great_a force_n moral_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o a_o civil_a conversation_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o true_a convert_n doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n when_o he_o compare_v external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o himself_o with_o the_o external_a duty_n discharge_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n he_o can_v see_v but_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v neither_o be_v clear_a determinate_o to_o affirm_v all_o such_o to_o be_v true_a convert_n nor_o to_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a convert_n so_o long_o as_o he_o suspect_v that_o as_o some_o other_o reformation_n so_o also_o his_o own_o reformation_n may_v prove_v no_o better_o then_o from_o moral_a suasion_n which_o may_v be_v â—ound_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerat_a 3._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o whether_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o inability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n wrath_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v flee_v and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o and_o do_v follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n if_o his_o conscience_n answer_v he_o that_o so_o he_o do_v then_o first_o let_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n as_o the_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v strong_a against_o this_o tentation_n let_v he_o renew_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o renew_v also_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o purpose_n to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v gain_v the_o entry_n into_o his_o refuge_n wherefrom_a satan_n be_v draw_v he_o by_o furnish_v doubt_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n second_o have_v casten_z his_o anchor_n within_o the_o vail_n and_o settle_v his_o faith_n on_o christ_n jesus_n let_v he_o now_o maintain_v his_o former_a course_n so_o far_o as_o truth_n will_v suffer_v that_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v with_o delight_n the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o save_a grace_n because_o supernatural_a habit_n infuse_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v entertain_v augment_v and_o confirm_v by_o frequent_a act_n and_o daily_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o natural_a or_o moral_a habit_n be_v which_o be_v acquire_v by_o exercise_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v many_o exhortation_n to_o put_v faith_n love_n repentance_n patience_n etc._n etc._n in_o frequent_a exercise_n that_o these_o gracious_a habit_n may_v grow_v strong_a as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v speak_v 2_o epist._n 1._o chap._n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n three_o let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n in_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o conversation_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o of_o who_o principle_n and_o end_n of_o outward_a godly_a carriage_n he_o can_v judge_v as_o he_o can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n unregenerat_a or_o a_o temporary_a believer_n may_v make_v profession_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o outward_o go_v on_o in_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n with_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o his_o work_n he_o shall_v please_v god_n and_o procure_v salvation_n to_o himself_o but_o the_o true_a convert_n shall_v be_v find_v a_o renouncer_n of_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n a_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o imperfection_n who_o have_v flee_v and_o resolve_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o the_o find_v whereof_o in_o any_o measure_n after_o examination_n may_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v for_o a_o man_n in_o nature_n can_v so_o hate_v sin_n and_o follow_v holiness_n as_o to_o renounce_v confidence_n in_o his_o holiness_n and_o slve_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n four_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n consider_v that_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n both_o by_o moral_a motive_n and_o by_o effectual_a persuasion_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o do_v very_o well_o concur_v and_o agree_v together_o neither_o be_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v because_o he_o sweet_o lead_v on_o his_o child_n by_o way_n of_o counsel_n without_o the_o child_n observation_n of_o any_o notable_a impulse_n make_v he_o to_o overcome_v strong_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v for_o the_o more_o victorious_a grace_n be_v over_o corruption_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o that_o obedience_n be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o god_n wherein_o corrupt_a nature_n make_v most_o opposition_n therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o presuppose_v let_v he_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n against_o satan_n tentation_n solicit_v he_o to_o doubt_v and_o discouragement_n which_o counsel_n if_o he_o follow_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n not_o without_o the_o special_a operation_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xviii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v not_o self-denial_n in_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o convert_n
be_v convert_v 2._o this_o ground_n of_o judge_v of_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n exercise_v of_o they_o so_o as_o other_o convert_a saint_n have_v be_v exercise_v before_o they_o and_o of_o judge_v the_o man_n to_o be_v unregenerat_a who_o be_v otherways_o exercise_v than_o they_o know_v any_o convert_n to_o have_v be_v exercise_v do_v deceive_v the_o friend_n of_o job_n who_o in_o job_n face_n avow_v this_o their_o error_n job_n 5._o 1._o call_v now_o say_v they_o if_o their_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o unto_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v that_o be_v name_v any_o example_n of_o any_o upright_a man_n who_o have_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o god_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o what_o saint_n or_o holy_a man_n can_v thou_o name_v to_o who_o thou_o can_v compare_v thyself_o and_o say_v such_o a_o man_n have_v suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o do_v this_o doubt_n do_v arise_v from_o this_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o afflict_a do_v without_o ground_n suppose_v that_o express_a example_n of_o every_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v example_n of_o many_o case_n which_o may_v befall_v the_o godly_a but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v example_n of_o every_o particular_a exercise_n of_o mind_n wherein_o the_o saint_n may_v fall_v for_o as_o the_o evangeh_v say_v if_o all_o particular_n be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o hold_v or_o make_v use_n thereof_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v set_v down_o rule_n whereunto_o the_o saint_n shall_v labour_v to_o conform_v themselves_o and_o that_o it_o have_v open_v up_o the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o have_v give_v so_o many_o example_n as_o may_v clear_v the_o rule_n it_o be_v also_o a_o mistake_n to_o make_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o most_o exercise_v soldier_n a_o rule_n for_o every_o saint_n exercise_n or_o to_o think_v that_o any_o man_n can_v know_v the_o variety_n of_o case_n which_o befall_v the_o saint_n for_o there_o be_v many_o who_o case_n be_v not_o reveal_v to_o any_o but_o lay_v open_a unto_o god_n only_o by_o prayer_n and_o be_v help_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n 3._o wherefore_o the_o afflict_a must_v walk_v by_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n whether_o he_o find_v the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o whatsoever_o evil_a condition_n we_o fall_v into_o whatsoever_o tentation_n whatsoever_o pollution_n have_v defile_v our_o conscience_n we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o the_o guiltiness_n for_o wash_v away_o the_o filthiness_n thereof_o for_o break_v down_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n and_o pull_v out_o the_o root_n thereof_o withal_o praise_v and_o thank_v christ_n who_o have_v discover_v unto_o we_o these_o evil_n and_o have_v make_v they_o our_o affliction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o break_v forth_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o other_o and_o whatsoever_o calamity_n or_o temporal_a misery_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v order_n unto_o we_o humble_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a construction_n of_o god_n love_n and_o wisdom_n in_o exercise_v we_o so_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n job_n do_v walk_v defend_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n his_o live_n and_o love_a redeemer_n against_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o friend_n uncharitable_a wrangle_a disputation_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o his_o state_n whether_o he_o have_v ever_o be_v convert_v or_o not_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a hypocrite_n or_o not_o and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o over-came_a the_o temptation_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v and_o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a lie_v it_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o by_o his_o hear_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o another_o like_v unto_o his_o condition_n he_o can_v be_v cure_v because_o no_o example_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o another_o can_v be_v find_v so_o quadrant_a unto_o his_o condition_n as_o he_o can_v thereby_o take_v satisfaction_n for_o as_o in_o compare_v of_o man_n face_n one_o with_o another_o such_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a variety_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o frame_v they_o some_o difference_n and_o dissimilitude_n will_v be_v find_v betwixt_o face_n and_o face_n so_o in_o compare_v of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o saint_n none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o thing_n so_o like_o one_o to_o another_o but_o some_o dissimilitude_n shall_v be_v find_v between_o they_o wherefore_o the_o afflict_a shall_v do_v well_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o draw_v near_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n before_o he_o at_o all_o time_n for_o god_n be_v a_o refuge_n for_o we_o in_o all_o case_n ps._n 62._o 8._o chap._n xx._n wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v convert_v because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o regeneration_n some_o true_a convert_n sometime_o be_v in_o suspense_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o convert_v because_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v in_o themselves_o the_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o albeit_o they_o have_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n of_o regeneration_n to_o wit_n the_o daily_a conviction_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v fly_v daily_o by_o faith_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n concern_v love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n yet_o they_o there_fw-mi not_o defend_v the_o sincerity_n of_o these_o evidence_n because_o of_o the_o discern_a imperfection_n thereof_o for_o when_o they_o do_v compare_v these_o mark_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n with_o the_o rule_n they_o find_v much_o halt_n and_o short-coming_a therein_o in_o special_a they_o find_v their_o sense_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v but_o weak_a their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o their_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n to_o be_v many_o so_o that_o they_o scarce_o there_fw-mi allow_v these_o begin_v save_v grace_n the_o name_n of_o save_v grace_n and_o among_o other_o defect_n they_o reckon_v their_o not_o feel_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o convert_a galatian_n gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n say_v he_o god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o ephes._n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o of_o adoption_n seal_v believer_n they_o conceive_v be_v know_v and_o discern_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o every_o believer_n feel_v in_o himself_o 2._o for_o solve_v of_o this_o doubt_n something_o be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o imperfect_a fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o buddding_n and_o blossom_a whereof_o be_v not_o despise_v by_o christ_n cant._n 2._o 13._o and_o 6._o 12._o but_o that_o this_o doubt_n may_v be_v more_o full_o answer_v let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o cause_n thereof_o 1._o one_o cause_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o afflict_a albeit_o together_o with_o the_o endeavour_n to_o lead_v a_o blameless_a life_n he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n and_o look_v on_o god_n as_o his_o father_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o this_o work_n of_o god_n in_o he_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n illuminate_v his_o mind_n about_o duty_n frame_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n unto_o new_a obedience_n stir_v he_o up_o to_o prayer_n and_o help_v he_o in_o prayer_n but_o in_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v to_o find_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o evidence_n he_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o present_a operation_n but_o do_v slight_v it_o as_o nothing_o or_o do_v not_o esteem_v of_o it_o as_o become_v and_o so_o in_o his_o advertance_n raise_v and_o foster_v doubt_n in_o himself_o which_o do_v keep_v his_o faith_n in_o chain_n for_o remove_v of_o which_o cause_n let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mean_a degree_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o comfort_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n as_o narrow_o as_o he_o do_v observe_v in_o himself_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o stir_n of_o corruption_n for_o his_o own_o humiliation_n and_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n for_o wrong_a judgement_n under_o pretext_n of_o humility_n do_v
from_o he_o in_o fatherly_a wrath_n yet_o must_v he_o not_o yield_v to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o rather_o yet_o more_o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o have_v stir_v up_o wrath_n against_o he_o and_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o close_o upon_o his_o grace_n because_o god_n be_v offend_v be_v not_o pacify_v nor_o please_v save_v only_o by_o fly_v in_o tâ—_n jesus_n christ._n quest._n ii_o q._n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v unto_o they_o who_o confidence_n be_v weaken_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o whensoever_o they_o apprehend_v god_n angry_a against_o they_o and_o especial_o when_o they_o feel_v that_o god_n be_v provoke_v just_o remove_v gift_n and_o benefit_n comfortable_a from_o they_o ans._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o confidence_n of_o many_o true_a convert_n be_v shake_v and_o weaken_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o shall_v be_v say_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o upon_o these_o carnal_a prop_n the_o fail_v whereof_o make_v they_o to_o fall_v 2._o let_v they_o be_v humble_v yet_o more_o because_o of_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o change_v his_o dispensation_n towards_o they_o 3._o let_v they_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o only_a rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o relief_n of_o all_o those_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ill_a deserve_n and_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o apparent_a fatherly_a wrath_n that_o hereafter_o however_o it_o fair_a with_o they_o they_o may_v rely_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n to_o build_v ourselves_o upon_o and_o who_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o help_v and_o uphold_v they_o who_o have_v their_o recourse_n unto_o he_o in_o every_o condition_n whether_o it_o be_v adversity_n or_o prosperity_n quest._n iii_o q._n albeit_o common_a benefit_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n yet_o new_a obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sure_a sign_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n bestow_v only_o on_o the_o elect_a see_v then_o as_o these_o sign_n when_o they_o be_v present_a serve_v much_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n so_o also_o when_o they_o be_v amiss_v have_v as_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n to_o debilitat_fw-la faith_n yea_o see_v faith_n without_o fruit_n be_v dead_a may_v it_o not_o be_v conclude_v where_o no_o fruit_n be_v no_o faith_n be_v ans._n if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o universal_a want_n of_o all_o fruit_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a so_o long_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v evil_a who_o seem_a service_n can_v be_v acceptable_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v unreconciled_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n let_v the_o question_n be_v yield_v unto_o but_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o true_a convert_n in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o miss_v of_o the_o measure_n of_o former_o feel_v fruit_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n present_a wherein_o by_o some_o temptation_n or_o trial_n their_o faith_n be_v sift_v and_o winnow_v and_o here_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o be_v never_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o lead_v for_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o consecrate_v himself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o who_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n have_v bring_v forth_o new_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_n and_o have_v feel_v consolation_n in_o this_o course_n and_o now_o under_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o barren_a ground_n do_v lament_v his_o impotency_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o this_o exercise_n live_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n blameless_a and_o free_a of_o scandal-giving_a great_a odds_n between_o this_o man_n and_o a_o man_n yet_o in_o nature_n we_o grant_v in_o the_o unrenewed_a man_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o true_a godliness_n the_o sentence_n hold_v no_o fruit_n no_o faith_n but_o as_o for_o the_o convert_n who_o have_v have_v comfort_n in_o christ_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o some_o measure_n he_o must_v not_o reason_n from_o his_o present_a dead_a condition_n feel_v and_o lament_a barrenness_n to_o the_o deny_v of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o weaken_n of_o his_o say_v or_o mar_v his_o confidence_n further_o then_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o have_v lean_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_o feel_a fruit_n and_o have_v not_o ground_v himself_o whole_o on_o christ_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o he_o but_o may_v and_o shall_v maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n against_o his_o discouragement_n that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o more_o ripe_a and_o abundant_a fruit_n quest._n iu._n q._n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o humble_a convert_n who_o look_v to_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o find_v no_o fruit_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v do_v pass_v sentence_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tentation_n upon_o all_o their_o work_n as_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o do_v dispute_v against_o their_o own_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n word_n jam._n 2._o 20._o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a ans._n if_o the_o conscience_n do_v pronounce_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v mislead_v by_o a_o tentation_n powerful_o press_v in_o by_o satan_n in_o the_o time_n of_o some_o sad_a affliction_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n displeasure_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n to_o infer_v so_o hard_a a_o conclusion_n for_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v ofttimes_o that_o the_o convert_n who_o live_v blameless_o and_o entertain_v the_o love_n and_o purpose_n of_o well-doing_n in_o his_o heart_n follow_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n constant_o be_v not_o negligent_a in_o his_o call_n and_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n offer_v to_o let_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n to_o his_o neighbour_n for_o all_o this_o sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o under_o desertion_n see_v no_o light_n as_o isaiah_n 50._o 10._o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v he_o set_v all_o his_o work_n at_o nought_o as_o no_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o lord_n law_n i_o see_v nothing_o say_v he_o but_o sin_n in_o i_o i_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o i_o i_o feel_v no_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o i_o save_o the_o work_n of_o convince_a i_o of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o afflict_a but_o convince_v he_o rather_o of_o his_o error_n and_o in_o special_a of_o his_o lean_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o his_o work_n before_o this_o sad_a exercise_n fall_v upon_o he_o for_o when_o a_o convert_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o the_o fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n but_o when_o he_o have_v new_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o find_v the_o course_n of_o good_a behaviour_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o be_v interrupt_v in_o himself_o incontinent_a he_o resile_n from_o his_o confidence_n such_o a_o man_n certain_o give_v evidence_n that_o he_o have_v rely_v too_o much_o on_o his_o former_a feel_a righteousness_n an_o himself_o for_o he_o do_v as_o if_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o sin_n approach_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v in_o peter_n case_n who_o look_v on_o his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n godhead_n shine_v in_o a_o recent_a miracle_n cry_v out_o luke_n 5._o 8._o depart_n from_o i_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n for_o peter_z in_o this_o case_n do_v forget_v christ_n mediatory_a office_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o more_o need_n of_o christ_n draw_v near_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n convince_v of_o sinfulness_n another_o answer_n we_o give_v to_o this_o question_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o want_v altogether_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n albeit_o he_o find_v they_o to_o be_v short_a of_o the_o
every_o grace_n in_o the_o convert_n and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n 2._o this_o preposterous_a and_o bastard_n zeal_n do_v render_v the_o delude_a person_n too_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o error_n wherewith_o he_o be_v overtake_v that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v quit_v his_o error_n he_o will_v embrace_v another_o error_n to_o maintain_v the_o former_a error_n for_o which_o he_o do_v contend_v and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v partly_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o necessity_n and_o partly_o by_o corrupt_a willfulnesse_n partly_o of_o necessity_n i_o say_v because_o one_o absurd_a error_n be_v receive_v draw_v after_o it_o many_o other_o error_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v one_o error_n in_o religion_n but_o by_o broach_v and_o maintain_v more_o error_n i_o say_v partly_o by_o corrupt_a willfulnesse_n because_o when_o the_o delude_a person_n find_v himself_o in_o dispute_n entangle_v so_o as_o he_o must_v either_o renounce_v the_o error_n which_o he_o have_v embrace_v or_o receive_v and_o maintain_v another_o error_n which_o follow_v thereon_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o embrace_v the_o error_n which_o follow_v upon_o his_o first_o error_n wherein_o he_o be_v first_o ensnare_v 3._o holy_a zeal_n love_v every_o truth_n yea_o love_v other_o point_n of_o truth_n as_o much_o as_o it_o love_v that_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o discover_v the_o error_n neither_o will_v it_o suffer_v a_o believer_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o pass_v from_o another_o truth_n but_o preposterous_a and_o bastard_n zeal_n be_v contrair_a for_o if_o many_o point_n of_o truth_n come_v in_o comparison_n and_o competition_n with_o the_o error_n which_o the_o delude_a man_n have_v drunken_a in_o he_o will_v misregard_n they_o all_o rather_o than_o forsake_v his_o error_n albeit_o he_o profess_v other_o truth_n to_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o necessary_a than_o his_o erroneous_a tenet_n a_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n of_o none_o effect_n for_o uphold_v of_o their_o own_o tradition_n mat._n 15._o 6._o and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o delusion_n may_v be_v see_v among_o papist_n who_o will_v not_o so_o hot_o pursue_v or_o punish_v so_o severe_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n as_o they_o do_v pursue_v and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n 4._o preposterous_a and_o bastard_n zeal_n be_v very_o busy_a to_o spread_v and_o propagat_v a_o error_n by_o all_o mean_n vent_v false_a doctrine_n and_o such_o man_n speech_n do_v spread_v as_o a_o gangrene_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 17._o and_o a_o little_a leaven_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v ready_a to_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5._o 9_o in_o which_o case_n christ_n advertise_v and_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n whereby_o they_o be_v about_o to_o leaven_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o this_o furious_a zeal_n as_o experience_n have_v teach_v do_v spare_v no_o pain_n or_o labour_n to_o draw_v on_o more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o zealot_n error_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o pharisees_n who_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v proselyt_n math._n 23._o 15._o 5._o this_o bastard_n zeal_n of_o delude_a person_n carry_v they_o to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o estimation_n of_o they_o that_o embrace_v their_o error_n and_o to_o seek_v respect_n and_o estimation_n from_o they_o who_o be_v overtake_v with_o their_o error_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o corinthian_n of_o who_o some_o do_v choose_v to_o be_v call_v such_o man_n disciple_n other_o some_o do_v choose_v to_o be_v call_v the_o disciple_n of_o another_o man_n and_o all_o do_v glory_n in_o their_o leader_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o 21._o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o head_n of_o the_o schism_n do_v glory_n in_o the_o multitude_n and_o excellency_n as_o they_o conceive_v of_o their_o disciple_n this_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o the_o seducer_n of_o the_o galatian_n and_o in_o they_o that_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o gal._n 4._o 17._o they_o zealous_o affect_v you_o but_o not_o well_o yea_o they_o will_v exclude_v you_o from_o communion_n with_o god_n &_o we_o his_o apostle_n that_o you_o may_v affect_v they_o 6._o this_o bastard_n zeal_n of_o the_o delude_v do_v drive_v they_o to_o disdain_n and_o contemn_v all_o they_o who_o oppugn_v their_o error_n yea_o and_o to_o hate_v they_o as_o experience_n do_v show_v among_o the_o corinthian_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o schism_n do_v arise_v in_o corinth_n dissension_n also_o do_v arise_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 3._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 20._o and_o of_o this_o â—vil_n the_o apostle_n do_v complain_v gal._n 4._o 16._o be_o i_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o our_o purpose_n concern_v the_o effect_n and_o sign_n of_o delusion_n quest._n 3._o the_o three_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o delusion_n for_o answer_v the_o cause_n be_v many_o and_o various_a for_o some_o cause_n be_v principal_a cause_n some_o subservient_fw-fr some_o meritorious_a cause_n and_o some_o promove_a and_o help_v forward_o of_o this_o evil_a and_o which_o cause_n and_o instrument_n god_n do_v so_o over-rule_v in_o his_o justice_n power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o he_o turn_v all_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o now_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v head_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v etc._n etc._n where_o first_o he_o foretell_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o which_o may_v seem_v further_a from_o suspicion_n of_o delusion_n to_o wit_n a_o put_n of_o a_o religious_a restraint_n upon_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n lawful_a in_o themselves_o as_o marriage_n and_o meat_n the_o author_n of_o this_o delusion_n 1._o he_o point_v forth_o to_o be_v lie_v spirit_n and_o man_n seduce_v by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n 2._o the_o way_n of_o seduction_n he_o foretell_v shall_v be_v by_o lie_n speak_v in_o gross_a hypocrisy_n 3._o leave_v any_o shall_v wonder_v how_o this_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o any_o man_n against_o his_o conscience_n shall_v dare_v to_o speak_v lie_n he_o point_v at_o the_o cause_n procure_v to_o wit_n the_o stupidity_n and_o senslessenesse_n of_o the_o conscience_n they_o have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n and_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 14_o 15._o speak_v of_o delude_a seducer_n of_o the_o people_n such_o be_v false_a apostle_n say_v he_o deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n where_o among_o sundry_a way_n of_o deceive_a he_o point_v forth_o one_o of_o satan_n stratagem_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n and_o counterfeit_a appearance_n of_o holy_a zeal_n and_o to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n to_o delude_v the_o simple_a by_o which_o delusion_n whosoever_o be_v insuare_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o put_v on_o the_o same_o coat_n for_o be_v deceive_v they_o deceive_v other_o pretend_v scripture_n that_o they_o may_v fight_v against_o scripture_n and_o pretend_v holiness_n and_o piety_n that_o they_o may_v hinder_v in_o other_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o ready_a embrace_v of_o error_n 1._o there_o be_v propension_n abundant_a in_o the_o natural_a corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o any_o error_n offer_v jer._n 17._o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o another_o cause_n be_v point_v forth_o by_o christ_n mat._n 22._o 29._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n a_o three_o cause_n be_v the_o want_n of_o mortification_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v reckon_v heresy_n and_o schism_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o particular_a 1_o tim._n 6._o 10._o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o concern_v the_o instrument_n of_o delusion_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v stand_v sure_a for_o he_o know_v the_o evil_n
way_n darken_v and_o the_o application_n of_o promise_n be_v very_o weak_a 2._o when_o satan_n by_o his_o tentation_n obscure_v the_o truth_n which_o shall_v strengthen_v faith_n the_o convert_n find_v himself_o in_o the_o mist_n may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n till_o his_o sight_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o free_v from_o the_o tentation_n 3._o the_o sincere_a convert_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v wary_a and_o suspicious_a that_o he_o may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v and_o take_v historical_a or_o temporal_a faith_n for_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o so_o do_v ready_o lie_v hold_v on_o satan_n suggestion_n against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o â—aith_n 4._o in_o the_o conflict_n which_o his_o faith_n ofttimes_o have_v with_o mis-belief_n strengthen_v by_o satan_n tentation_n he_o find_v himself_o now_o and_o then_o foil_v by_o yield_v unto_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n as_o david_n experience_n teach_v may_v befall_v both_o the_o elder_a and_o young_a soldier_n ps._n â—â—6_n 11._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n meaning_n samuel_n and_o other_o prophet_n who_o promise_v to_o david_n in_o god_n name_n he_o shall_v be_v king_n 5._o in_o the_o fight_n of_o faith_n some_o infirmity_n be_v always_o manifest_v and_o the_o convert_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o he_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o the_o fight_n whereupon_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v his_o fight_n in_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o faint_a and_o decay_v in_o faith_n 6._o sometime_o the_o convert_n by_o give_v way_n to_o sin_n do_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o comfortable_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o convert_n which_o bring_v he_o into_o suspicion_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o seem_v to_o himself_o sound_a and_o unfeigned_a before_o 2._o this_o case_n be_v both_o troublesome_a to_o the_o convert_n and_o dangerous_a for_o till_o it_o be_v cure_v it_o grow_v like_o a_o rage_a fever_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o at_o least_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o not_o a_o little_a for_o remedy_v whereof_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n put_v difference_n between_o a_o infirm_a faith_n and_o feel_v infirmity_n in_o faith_n fight_v for_o albeit_o the_o convert_n in_o the_o conflict_n of_o faith_n against_o tentation_n to_o mis-belief_n do_v feel_v infirmity_n yet_o be_v not_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v account_v infirm_a simple_o because_o whatsoever_o infirmity_n he_o feel_v in_o his_o fight_n yet_o his_o fight_v against_o tentation_n prove_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a as_o he_o resist_v mis-belief_n and_o cleave_v close_a to_o christ._n 2._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v his_o child_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o tentation_n of_o set_a purpose_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o empty_v he_o of_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o strength_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v strength_n in_o his_o fight_n by_o scripture_n hold_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o so_o wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n as_o believer_n have_v be_v help_v before_o heb._n 11._o 34._o 3._o let_v the_o convert_n put_v difference_n between_o faith_n and_o a_o settle_a persuasion_n for_o settle_v and_o full_a persuasion_n exclude_v all_o dubitation_n for_o the_o time_n but_o save_v faith_n may_v may_v be_v where_o doubt_v be_v and_o unbelief_n be_v feel_v as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o christ_n make_v manifest_a lord_n i_o believe_v say_v he_o help_v my_o unbelief_n 4._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o dubitation_n suggest_v and_o faith_n strive_v to_o overcome_v dubitation_n for_o dubitation_n bewray_v infirmity_n of_o faith_n but_o strive_v against_o dubitation_n do_v evidence_n life_n and_o vigour_n in_o faith_n to_o be_v present_a and_o be_v acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n 5._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o weak_a gripe_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v jam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o he_o that_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o promise_n with_o a_o tremble_a hand_n and_o strive_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o doubt_v may_v expect_v to_o obtain_v 6._o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o his_o suspicion_n of_o the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o right_n judge_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n of_o his_o fight_a and_o fear_n of_o fail_v he_o go_v on_o in_o exercise_n of_o faith_n fear_v to_o succumb_v yet_o resolute_a not_o to_o depart_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o love_n and_o estimation_n of_o who_o grace_n he_o go_v on_o and_o grow_v long_v for_o the_o victory_n and_o for_o a_o near_o feel_v fellowship_n with_o he_o which_o if_o he_o do_v observe_v and_o consider_v his_o judgement_n shall_v be_v rectify_v last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o a_o hasty_a apprehension_n of_o the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o fix_a opinion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o fancy_n for_o a_o strong_a soldier_n may_v be_v surprise_v on_o a_o sudden_a as_o david_n ps._n 31._o 22._o and_o ps._n 116._o 11._o and_o jonah_n 2._o 3_o 4._o do_v furnish_v instance_n who_o short_o after_o do_v gather_v their_o courage_n and_o enter_v the_o list_n afresh_o and_o become_v victorious_a against_o their_o tentation_n unto_o misbelief_n therefore_o let_v the_o wrestler_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o nothing_o can_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n more_o than_o his_o wrestle_n against_o distrust_n and_o his_o look_v towards_o christ_n through_o all_o the_o cloud_n which_o hinder_v his_o sight_n and_o his_o sorrow_n for_o his_o unbelief_n for_o his_o weak_a hold_v grip_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o his_o inability_n to_o glorify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n offer_v in_o christ_n especial_o when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n commend_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n with_o variety_n of_o temptation_n for_o a_o mater_fw-la of_o great_a joy_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o chap._n xix_o concern_v the_o convert_n straighten_v his_o charity_n towards_o other_o more_o than_o he_o do_v at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n conceive_v his_o former_a large_a charity_n be_v unwarrantable_a folly_n all_o convert_n must_v agree_v to_o christ_n saying_n joh._n 13._o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o no_o man_n doubt_v of_o this_o his_o duty_n in_o general_a but_o sundry_a make_v question_n about_o the_o exercise_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o charity_n for_o some_o conceive_v that_o their_o former_a charity_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o judge_v of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o affection_n to_o other_o and_o in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o actual_a expression_n of_o their_o charity_n have_v be_v ill_o bestow_v towards_o unworthy_a and_o illdeserving_a person_n and_o this_o they_o reckon_v to_o have_v be_v folly_n and_o therefore_o do_v resolve_v to_o dispose_v of_o their_o judgement_n affection_n and_o good_a deed_n more_o prudent_o than_o they_o have_v do_v that_o their_o charitable_a estimation_n affection_n and_o expression_n actual_a shall_v be_v draw_v forth_o towards_o the_o worthy_a and_o well-deserving_a disciple_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n thus_o they_o condemn_v for_o folly_n what_o be_v right_o indeed_o the_o main_a pretence_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o resolution_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v because_o they_o perceive_v many_o who_o they_o judge_v wise_a and_o godly_a to_o exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o in_o who_o the_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o so_o do_v think_v they_o may_v draw_v the_o circle_n of_o their_o charity_n in_o strait_a and_o narrow_a bound_n and_o may_v shun_v to_o keep_v church-fellowship_n in_o the_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o any_o save_v approven_v visible_a saint_n the_o other_o pretence_n be_v because_o they_o have_v find_v themselves_o ofttimes_o deceive_v by_o those_o of_o who_o sometime_o they_o have_v entertain_v good_a thought_n and_o no_o small_a estimation_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o pretence_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o question_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n whether_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o visible_a sanctity_n or_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n or_o upon_o visible_a enter_v in_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o
of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o tentation_n he_o can_v stand_v out_o in_o the_o conflict_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v guard_v and_o strengthen_v his_o say_v first_o let_v he_o seek_v wisdom_n from_o god_n to_o expound_v the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o himself_o by_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o exercise_v of_o who_o by_o affliction_n he_o have_v discover_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o sinful_a lust_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n temperance_n and_o compassion_n towards_o other_o in_o affliction_n second_o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o on_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n make_v intercession_n for_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v always_o remember_v that_o as_o the_o law_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o unto_o christ_n so_o affliction_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o christ_n the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n three_o let_v he_o learn_v in_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o condition_n accurat_o to_o distinguish_v the_o lord_n part_v exercise_v he_o with_o trouble_n for_o trial_n and_o train_v he_o on_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n so_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o afflict_a child_n and_o satan_n part_n in_o cruelty_n craftiness_n and_o malice_n tempt_v and_o and_o vex_v he_o and_o his_o own_o part_n who_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o affliction_n than_o be_v come_v upon_o he_o which_o consideration_n may_v keep_v he_o from_o fret_v and_o murmur_v in_o his_o trouble_n how_o heavy_a soever_o it_o be_v four_o let_v he_o put_v difference_n between_o sin_v and_o suffer_v of_o trouble_n that_o he_o may_v choose_v to_o endure_v affliction_n rather_o than_o by_o sin_v draw_v on_o much_o more_o trouble_n 3._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_a convert_n seem_v to_o himself_o desert_v of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v he_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o desert_v who_o can_v observe_v the_o decay_a of_o save_a grace_n from_o the_o measure_n he_o have_v find_v before_o he_o be_v not_o altogether_o desert_v who_o love_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o long_v after_o it_o and_o can_v go_v to_o god_n and_o regrat_a his_o desertion_n as_o a_o sad_a affliction_n for_o if_o our_o love_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o afflict_a child_n yet_o have_v he_o presume_a his_o own_o footstep_n with_o the_o unction_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v quicken_v and_o kindle_v his_o child_n love_n and_o desire_v towards_o he_o this_o regret_v desertion_n be_v but_o in_o part_n not_o altogether_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o a_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a desertion_n the_o lord_n rest_v in_o his_o love_n albeit_o he_o hide_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o time_n he_o preserve_v the_o habit_n of_o save_a grace_n as_o his_o own_o seed_n in_o the_o afflict_a heart_n albeit_o he_o do_v not_o always_o draw_v they_o forth_o unto_o action_n if_o he_o withdraw_v the_o sight_n of_o save_v grace_n yet_o he_o augment_v the_o estimation_n of_o they_o and_o langour_n to_o find_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o he_o if_o the_o afflict_a observe_v well_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n so_o that_o in_o his_o hard_a condition_n he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 73._o nevertheless_o i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o thou_o hold_v i_o with_o thy_o right_a hand_n 4._o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n with_o immediate_a affliction_n from_o himself_o to_o suffer_v not_o only_a satan_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o faith_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o child_n but_o also_o to_o superadd_a a_o fiery_a trial_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o cruel_a persecution_n for_o righteousness_n let_v he_o still_o for_o all_o this_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n because_o in_o all_o such_o battle_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o soldier_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o their_o strength_n but_o with_o the_o tentation_n will_v give_v a_o issue_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v and_o will_v furnish_v strength_n to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v overcome_v for_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n for_o all_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o will_v give_v it_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a convert_n humble_v himself_o under_o one_o or_o all_o these_o exercise_n and_o not_o doubt_v of_o his_o condition_n see_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o affliction_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o present_a be_v a_o bitter_a potion_n but_o yet_o reach_v forth_o to_o the_o patient_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o physician_n and_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v a_o fire_n but_o will_v not_o consume_v the_o burn_a bush_n it_o be_v a_o furnace_n but_o will_v not_o destroy_v any_o metal_n but_o dross_n only_o it_o be_v a_o labour_n but_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n bring_v forth_o the_o quiet_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o rough_a file_n but_o the_o more_o sharp_a it_o be_v it_o shall_v so_o much_o soon_o rub_v away_o the_o rust_n of_o the_o vessel_n of_o grace_n make_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o penitent_a more_o bright_a and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n render_v he_o more_o humble_a in_o his_o thought_n more_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n mor_n constant_a in_o the_o faith_n more_o strong_a to_o bear_v whatsoever_o burden_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o he_o more_o desirous_a to_o grow_v in_o all_o virtue_n more_o careful_a to_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n more_o innocent_a in_o his_o conversation_n more_o clean_a in_o his_o conscience_n and_o at_o last_o more_o bless_v let_v not_o then_o the_o afflict_a convert_n regard_v the_o labour_n he_o be_v put_v to_o but_o look_v to_o the_o fruit_n reckon_v the_o worth_n of_o heal_v and_o not_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o potion_n let_v he_o not_o look_v to_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o affliction_n but_o to_o the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n chastise_v he_o who_o express_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o chasten_v all_o who_o he_o love_v lest_o they_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n let_v he_o not_o shift_v the_o battle_n but_o set_v his_o eye_n on_o the_o crown_n and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n how_o many_o soever_o his_o tribulation_n shall_v be_v for_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n by_o trouble_n do_v decay_v so_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v daily_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o who_o be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o such_o exercise_n have_v for_o encouragement_n of_o all_o who_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n say_v our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o the_o seventeen_o and_o last_o question_n shall_v be_v about_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n do_v oftentime_o drive_v true_a convert_n to_o many_o doubt_n for_o when_o carnal_a lust_n and_o sinful_a passion_n seem_v to_o be_v subdue_v and_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n mortify_v incontinent_a upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n as_o die_v ash_n when_o sulphureous_a powder_n be_v cast_v upon_o they_o they_o kindle_v and_o be_v inflame_v and_o when_o their_o spirit_n be_v most_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a corrupt_a nature_n stand_v up_o and_o make_v opposition_n so_o that_o the_o coâ—vert_n can_v do_v the_o good_a he_o will_v yea_o such_o be_v the_o power_n thereof_o that_o ofttimes_o it_o force_v he_o to_o the_o ill_a he_o will_v not_o in_o which_o warfare_n be_v oft_o overcome_v he_o be_v so_o weary_a that_o he_o fall_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o lamentation_n rom._n 7._o 24_o cry_v o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o
perfection_n which_o the_o law_n do_v require_v albeit_o he_o find_v not_o the_o fruit_n whensoever_o he_o will_v exact_v they_o albeit_o he_o find_v they_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n as_o he_o have_v find_v they_o before_o for_o as_o tree_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a or_o barren_a which_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n albeit_o they_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o winter_n so_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v dead_a which_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n at_o one_o time_n of_o mercy_n at_o another_o time_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n at_o another_o time_n the_o evidence_n of_o zeal_n at_o another_o time_n of_o love_n and_o other_o virtue_n albeit_o when_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n offer_v not_o it_o do_v not_o exercise_v such_o and_o such_o virtue_n yea_o albeit_o sometime_o when_o occasion_n call_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o and_o such_o gracious_a virtue_n the_o convert_n be_v sometime_o find_v in-laking_a or_o short_a of_o do_v duty_n or_o guilty_a of_o do_v contrary_a to_o duty_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v count_v dead_a for_o all_o that_o because_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o wound_v and_o fall_v sick_a and_o languish_v and_o fall_v in_o a_o swoon_n that_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n till_o it_o be_v recover_v of_o its_o sickness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o jonah_n david_n and_o peter_n who_o faith_n faint_v but_o fail_v not_o altogether_o it_o be_v true_a they_o suspect_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o go_v when_o they_o be_v in_o hard_a exercise_n but_o after_o that_o they_o do_v look_v up_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o do_v show_v themselves_o alive_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n last_o of_o all_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o regrate_a of_o the_o humble_a soul_n of_o its_o barrenness_n and_o short-coming_a of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o of_o such_o a_o disposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v write_v cant._n 2._o 13._o the_o figtree_n put_v forth_o its_o green_a fig_n and_o the_o vine_n with_o the_o tender_a grape_n give_v a_o good_a smell_n for_o he_o that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o lament_v his_o barrenness_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o do_v good_a work_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n v._n q._n but_o how_o can_v a_o man_n maintain_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o after_o examination_n find_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o his_o conversion_n and_o that_o all_o his_o former_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o unfruitful_a course_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o indeed_o he_o have_v live_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n ans._n let_v such_o a_o man_n examination_n and_o sentence_n of_o himself_o stand_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o this_o sentence_n of_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o from_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o furniture_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o before_o he_o have_v prove_v against_o himself_o that_o in_o time_n by-gone_a he_o have_v noâ—_n be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n have_v not_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o have_v not_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o he_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o these_o two_o question_n whether_o i_o have_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n in_o christ_n heretofore_o and_o whether_o i_o must_v now_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v hereafter_o and_o henceforth_o a_o true_a convert_n believe_v in_o christ_n his_o former_a want_n of_o good_a fruit_n altogether_o do_v prove_v he_o not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n for_o time_n bypass_a which_o be_v the_o first_o question_n and_o the_o same_o want_n of_o all_o good_a fruit_n heretofore_o do_v answer_v the_o other_o question_n for_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o in_o time_n to_o come_v to_o wit_n that_o now_o except_o he_o will_v perish_v he_o must_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o prove_v of_o this_o assertion_n that_o i_o have_v heretofore_o for_o such_o a_o space_n of_o time_n be_v a_o true_a convert_n i_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n appoint_v show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n but_o in_o prove_v this_o other_o assertion_n to_o wit_n i_o must_v now_o fly_v to_o christ_n while_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v to_o i_o of_o reconciliation_n leave_v i_o perish_v it_o will_v suffice_v to_o produce_v first_o my_o want_n of_o good_a fruit_n and_o next_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n charge_v i_o to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n in_o time_n leâ—t_o i_o perish_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v maintain_v the_o way_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o time_n to_o come_v whether_o he_o find_v he_o have_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o barren_a branch_n in_o time_n bygone_a or_o not_o quest._n vi_o q._n sing_v the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well-doing_n how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v carnal_a confidence_n which_o in_o part_n do_v lean_a upon_o good_a work_n for_o see_v assurance_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v not_o attain_v unto_o but_o by_o reason_v from_o our_o good_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v effectual_o and_o be_v elect_v how_o do_v not_o our_o work_n support_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n concern_v our_o call_n and_o election_n and_o so_o may_v be_v lean_v unto_o ans._n a_o man_n may_v make_v use_n of_o his_o good_a work_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o lean_a his_o confidence_n upon_o his_o work_n but_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v he_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o give_v unto_o he_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n unto_o good_a work_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o walk_v thus_o grace_n be_v by_o god_n word_n and_o work_v clear_v up_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o rest_v upon_o without_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o man_n work_n but_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n only_o then_o when_o he_o observe_v in_o himself_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o lose_v or_o slack_v his_o grip_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o feel_v deadness_n and_o indisposition_n to_o good_a work_n just_o we_o may_v call_v this_o a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o work_n for_o when_o he_o ought_v with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 24_o 25._o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fly_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n as_o he_o find_v the_o body_n of_o death_n powerful_a in_o he_o and_o inborn_a sin_n strong_a to_o hinder_v his_o obedience_n he_o do_v contrary_a way_n abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n languish_v and_o decay_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o look_v like_o a_o departer_n from_o christ_n we_o must_v say_v he_o put_v carnal_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n quest._n vii_o q._n but_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o save_a faith_n in_o i_o except_o i_o do_v observe_v in_o i_o and_o can_v bring_v forth_o my_o good_a work_n to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o lean_v weight_n on_o my_o good_a work_n see_v the_o proof_n of_o my_o faith_n be_v by_o my_o work_n which_o proof_n if_o i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n i_o can_v prove_v myself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n ans._n 1._o the_o observation_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o be_v not_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o my_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o very_a act_n of_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v to_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o a_o refuge_n when_o i_o be_o chase_v by_o the_o law_n by_o the_o
conscience_n and_o feel_v wrath_n pursue_v i_o for_o sin_n may_v be_v clear_a to_o i_o by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o scriptural_a evidence_n albeit_o it_o be_v possible_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o my_o conversion_n i_o can_v produce_v any_o fruit_n or_o evidence_n of_o my_o conversion_n past_a or_o else_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o malefactor_n on_o the_o scaffold_n present_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o possible_o not_o waken_v in_o conscience_n before_o not_o flee_v to_o christ_n before_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o sick_a person_n near_o unto_o death_n who_o be_v self-condemned_n do_v betake_v themselves_o in_o their_o last_o agony_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n offer_v to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o a_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v and_o must_v now_o believe_v the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v believe_v be_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o prove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o wit_n faith_n to_o be_v in_o i_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v now_o and_o must_v believe_v be_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o infer_v the_o effect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o i_o the_o cause_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v god_n command_n to_o self-condemned_n sinner_n which_o command_n i_o must_v now_o obey_v leave_v i_o perish_v and_o so_o if_o i_o find_v fruit_n i_o prove_v i_o have_v believe_v because_o i_o feel_v the_o love_n of_o god_n shed_v abroad_o in_o my_o heart_n and_o that_o i_o love_v god_n who_o have_v free_o love_v i_o and_o here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o fruit_n to_o wit_n saâ—ing_v faith_n have_v precede_v and_o be_v go_v before_o again_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o shall_v believe_v because_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o free_a grace_n in_o christ_n make_v to_o all_o self-condemned_n person_n renounce_v confidence_n in_o their_o own_o worth_n or_o work_n be_v make_v to_o i_o with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o grace_n who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a fly_v to_o he_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o my_o have_a fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o my_o observe_n and_o find_v these_o fruit_n in_o i_o for_o a_o true_a convert_n may_v have_v both_o faith_n and_o fruit_n and_o for_o the_o time_n be_v under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n may_v be_v so_o darken_v that_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o himself_o but_o sin_n and_o apparent_a wrath_n pursue_v he_o for_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o jonah_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o and_o david_n ps._n 51_o 9_o 10._o 4._o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o a_o true_a convert_n and_o a_o sincere_a believer_n and_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o have_v right_a reason_n and_o good_a warrant_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o my_o low_a condition_n howsoever_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o empty_v of_o all_o sign_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o i_o for_o the_o time_n yet_o my_o persuasion_n that_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o sad_a condition_n fly_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o do_v serve_v to_o make_v i_o consent_v hearty_o unto_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n do_v serve_v to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o justification_n and_o lose_v all_o doubt_n and_o objection_n of_o satan_n tempt_v i_o to_o mis-believe_a and_o to_o run_v away_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o offer_a mercy_n in_o he_o 5._o and_o last_o of_o all_o i_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o make_v use_n of_o good_a fruit_n bring_v forth_o by_o i_o for_o confirmation_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o my_o put_a confidence_n in_o or_o lay_v weight_n on_o these_o good_a fruit_n for_o many_o true_a convert_n do_v here_o fail_v and_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o mistake_n for_o when_o they_o find_v love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n with_o fear_n and_o holy_a reverence_n and_o such_o other_o like_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o outward_a fruit_n thereof_o in_o their_o life_n than_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o but_o when_o at_o another_o time_n they_o find_v hardness_n of_o heart_n profanity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o a_o wicked_a nature_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v like_a to_o quit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o stand_v aloof_o from_o christ_n like_o stranger_n when_o they_o shall_v most_o be_v humble_v and_o creep_v in_o to_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n aâ—d_v hide_v of_o their_o nakedness_n by_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o what_o be_v this_o in_o effect_n else_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o lean_v on_o their_o work_n and_o holy_a disposition_n as_o if_o there_o be_v merit_n in_o they_o and_o then_o after_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o have_v furnish_v they_o those_o fruit_n whereas_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n first_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n that_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n they_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n according_a as_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v by_o christ_n himself_o joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o l_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n in_o some_o point_n of_o doctrine_n delude_v and_o please_v himself_o in_o this_o condition_n to_o speak_v of_o delusion_n and_o bewitch_a in_o the_o general_n require_v a_o large_a treatise_n it_o shall_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v place_n in_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n erroneous_a which_o we_o describe_v thus_o delusion_n be_v a_o powerful_a operation_n of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n whereby_o he_o obtrude_v to_o man_n some_o noisome_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o true_a doctrine_n faird_v over_o with_o sophistical_a deceit_n and_o do_v persuade_v inconsiderate_a soul_n effectual_o to_o receive_v the_o error_n for_o truth_n and_o to_o defend_v and_o spread_v it_o in_o their_o rash_a zeal_n for_o explication_n of_o which_o description_n we_o say_v 1._o delusion_n be_v a_o powerful_a operation_n of_o a_o lie_a spirit_n wherein_o satan_n in_o god_n judgement_n be_v permit_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o lie_v effectual_o therefore_o in_o all_o his_o effectual_a delusion_n there_o be_v a_o concur_v righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o lose_v reins_o to_o the_o rempter_n that_o by_o delusion_n one_o sin_n in_o one_o degree_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o a_o follow_a sin_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o lie_a spirit_n do_v work_v more_o effectual_o when_o he_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o god_n 2._o we_o say_v that_o delusion_n be_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hazard_v of_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o say_v not_o as_o if_o we_o do_v think_v that_o any_o sin_n do_v not_o draw_v with_o it_o the_o merit_n of_o death_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o because_o satan_n be_v not_o so_o busy_a to_o spread_v and_o foment_n such_o error_n as_o be_v less_o perilous_a as_o he_o be_v active_a in_o such_o error_n which_o do_v most_o tend_v to_o pester_v the_o church_n and_o divert_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o path_n way_n of_o save_a doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o essay_n all_o mean_n that_o he_o may_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n and_o devise_v and_o spread_v abroad_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n mean_a time_n he_o be_v not_o idle_a in_o sow_v and_o spread_v lesser_a error_n that_o he_o may_v stir_v up_o contention_n and_o jangle_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o precious_a time_n which_o shall_v be_v spend_v for_o mutual_a edification_n may_v be_v idle_o waste_v in_o needless_a dispute_n and_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v grosser_n error_n three_o we_o put_v some_o difference_n between_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o error_n in_o practice_n albeit_o there_o can_v be_v one_o error_n in_o practice_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o external_a worship_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o outward_a conversation_n which_o be_v stiff_o maintain_v have_v not_o some_o error_n of_o judgement_n and_o doctrine_n join_v with_o it_o or_o else_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n