gospel_n ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n show_v i._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o secure_v of_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n ii_o the_o way_n wherein_o true_a faith_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o their_o supportment_n and_o comfort_n under_o all_o their_o conflict_n with_o sin_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n iii_o faith_n will_v evidence_n itself_o by_o a_o diligent_a constant_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v itself_o and_o all_o grace_n in_o due_a exercise_n in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n private_a and_o public_a iv._o a_o peculiar_a way_n whereby_o true_a faith_n will_v evidence_n itself_o by_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o repentance_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5_o by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n london_n print_v by_o john_n astwood_n for_o william_n marshal_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n where_o you_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o most_o of_o dr._n owen_n dr._n beverly_n and_o mr._n caryl_n work_n 1695._o to_o the_o reader_n as_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o vital_a act_n that_o every_o true_a christian_a put_v forth_o and_o the_o life_n which_o he_o live_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v his_o next_o and_o great_a concern_v to_o know_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o believe_v he_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n without_o sâ—me_n distinct_a believe_a knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o can_v so_o comfortable_o assure_v his_o heart_n before_o god_n concern_v his_o call_v and_o election_n so_o far_o as_o to_o carry_v he_o forth_o in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o necessary_a resolution_n and_o cheerfulness_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o spiritual_a skill_n whereunto_o two_o thing_n be_v high_o requisite_a first_o that_o he_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o law_n and_o second_o that_o he_o be_v very_o conversant_a with_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o so_o by_o compare_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o with_o the_o say_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v some_o to_o see_v that_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v christ_n so_o he_o walk_v in_o he_o all_o his_o reason_v concern_v himself_o be_v take_v up_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o what_o judgement_n he_o pass_v upon_o himself_o may_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o faith_n and_o answer_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n for_o all_o trial_n of_o faith_n must_v at_o last_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o judgement_n of_o faith_n before_o which_o be_v make_v the_o soul_n still_o labour_v under_o staggering_n and_o uncertainty_n the_o design_n of_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v to_o resolve_v this_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o faith_n we_o profess_v unto_o be_v true_a or_o no_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o grateful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v but_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a that_o the_o late_a reverend_n learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n owen_n be_v the_o author_n there_o needs_o be_v no_o doubt_n not_o only_o because_o good_a assurance_n be_v give_v by_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o his_o write_n but_o also_o in_o that_o the_o style_n and_o spirit_n run_v through_o the_o other_o of_o his_o practical_a write_n be_v here_o very_o manifest_a and_o according_o with_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n of_o every_o diligent_a enquirer_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n isaac_n chauncy_n evidence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n the_o secure_n of_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o advantage_n by_o the_o gospel_n for_o god_n be_v abundant_o willing_a that_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n shall_v receive_v strong_a consolation_n and_o he_o have_v provide_v way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o to_o they_o and_o their_o participiation_n of_o it_o be_v their_o principal_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o they_o but_o their_o effectual_a refresh_a enjoyment_n of_o these_o comfort_n be_v various_o oppose_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o temptation_n hence_o notwithstanding_o their_o right_n and_o title_n unto_o they_o by_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v ofttimes_o actual_o destitute_a of_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o of_o that_o relief_n which_o they_o be_v sâ—ited_v to_o afford_v in_o all_o their_o duty_n trial_n and_o afflication_n now_o the_o root_n whereon_o all_o real_a comfort_n do_v grow_v whence_o they_o spring_v and_o arise_v be_v true_a and_o save_a faith_n the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n wherefore_o they_o do_v ordinary_o answer_v unto_o and_o hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o any_o have_v of_o that_o faith_n in_o themselves_o at_o least_o they_o can_v be_v maintain_v without_o such_o evidence_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v a_o little_a useful_a unto_o the_o establishment_n or_o recovery_n of_o that_o consolation_n which_o god_n be_v so_o abundant_o willing_a that_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n shall_v enjoy_v i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o principal_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o faith_n whereby_o it_o will_v evidence_n its_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o storm_n that_o may_v befall_v believer_n in_o this_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o such_o alone_a as_o will_v bear_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o principal_a genuine_a act_v of_o save_a faith_n in_o we_o inseparable_a from_o it_o yea_o essential_a to_o such_o act_n consist_v in_o the_o choose_v embrace_v and_o approbation_n of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rely_v thereon_o with_o a_o renuntiation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o explain_v and_o prove_v save_v faith_n be_v our_o believe_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o and_o this_o be_v the_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n verse_n 11._o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v that_o great_a and_o sacred_a truth_n which_o he_o himself_o bear_v witness_v unto_o namely_o that_o he_o have_v free_o prepare_v eternal_a life_n for_o they_o that_o believe_v or_o provide_v a_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o they_o and_o what_o god_n so_o prepare_v he_o be_v say_v to_o give_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o communication_n so_o grace_n be_v promise_v and_o give_v to_o the_o elect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o that_o be_v so_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n unto_o any_o which_o be_v therefore_o whole_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o to_o be_v obtain_v and_o from_o he_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o our_o acquiescency_n in_o this_o testimony_n on_o our_o approbation_n of_o this_o way_n of_o save_a sinner_n or_o our_o refusal_n of_o it_o our_o eternal_a safety_n or_o ruin_n do_v absolute_o depend_v and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o in_o our_o receive_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o god_n we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 3._o 33._o we_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o therein_o of_o all_o the_o other_o holy_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o most_o eminent_a duty_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o a_o refusal_n of_o it_o what_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o in_o this_o place_n v_o 10._o which_o be_v virtual_o to_o renounce_v his_o be_v and_o the_o solemnity_n wherewith_o this_o testimony_n be_v enter_v be_v very_o remarkable_a
they_o still_o discern_v what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n concern_v such_o thing_n but_o yet_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o custom_n in_o sin_v do_v so_o far_o prevail_v in_o they_o as_o to_o contemn_v both_o their_o own_o light_n and_o god_n judgement_n so_o as_o to_o delight_v in_o what_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o these_o the_o apostle_n describe_v eph._n 4._o 19_o be_v past_o feel_n all_o sense_n of_o conviction_n they_o give_v themselves_o over_o nnto_n lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n such_o as_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o at_o this_o day_n this_o be_v not_o that_o approbation_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o likeness_n unto_o that_o duty_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o treat_v of_o as_o will_v immediate_o appear_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o far_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o the_o law_n and_o this_o be_v also_o accompany_v with_o a_o judgement_n acquit_v or_o condemn_v for_o the_o law_n have_v the_o same_o judge_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o man_n that_o their_o own_o conscience_n have_v namely_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o law_n be_v to_o sinner_n as_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v for_o by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n rom._n 3._o 20._o and_o so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o duty_n also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o all_o duty_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n communicate_v unto_o man_n by_o the_o law_n and_o those_o far_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a than_o what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v in_o man_n from_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o extend_v to_o more_o instance_n that_o be_v general_o lose_v where_o it_o be_v alone_o as_o unto_o many_o important_a duty_n and_o sin_n and_o it_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o duty_n far_o more_o clear_o than_o natural_a light_n of_o itself_o can_v do_v and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o the_o law_n may_v be_v so_o improve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o press_v they_o unto_o a_o performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n with_o a_o judgement_n on_o they_o all_o but_o yet_o herein_o do_v not_o consist_v that_o approbation_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o faith_n will_v produce_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o approbation_n or_o condemnation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n be_v particular_a or_o have_v respect_n unto_o particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n according_a as_o occasion_n do_v present_v they_o and_o extend_v not_o unto_o the_o whole_a law_n absolute_o and_o all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o partial_a there_o be_v a_o legal_a sincerity_n that_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a hardly_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o person_n mere_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n who_o do_v not_o evidence_n a_o indulgence_n unto_o some_o sin_n and_o a_o neglect_v of_o some_o duty_n but_o such_o a_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o paul_n in_o his_o phariseisme_n he_o be_v touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n blameless_a phil._n 3._o 6._o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n nor_o can_v other_o charge_v he_o with_o any_o defect_n therein_o he_o be_v blameless_a but_o where_o this_o be_v still_o this_o approbation_n or_o condemnation_n be_v particular_a that_o be_v they_o do_v respect_n particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v occur_v there_o be_v not_o a_o respect_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o whole_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v wherefore_o a_o man_n may_v approve_v of_o every_o duty_n in_o its_o season_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o or_o when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o think_v of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o fix_a judgement_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o unto_o sin_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o that_o approbation_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o a_o love_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v good_a as_o they_o be_v so_o and_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v do_v not_o can_v delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n as_o rom._n 7._o 22._o so_o as_o to_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o cleave_v to_o they_o with_o love_n and_o delight_n they_o may_v have_v a_o love_n for_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o be_v on_o various_a consideration_n suit_v unto_o their_o conviction_n and_o circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o formal_a nature_n as_o good_a or_o evil_n wherefore_o 3._o no_o man_n without_o the_o light_n of_o save_v faith_n can_v constant_o and_o universal_o approve_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o make_v this_o evident_a which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o present_a discovery_n of_o the_o act_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v 2._o what_o this_o approbation_n be_v or_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v be_v the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n require_v in_o we_o our_o nature_n and_o action_n and_o accept_v from_o we_o or_o accept_v in_o we_o it_o be_v not_o particular_a duty_n as_o they_o occur_v unto_o we_o take_v alone_o and_o by_o themselves_o but_o the_o universal_a correspondence_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o action_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o various_a description_n of_o it_o because_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o grace_n and_o gracious_a operation_n which_o concur_v therein_o we_o may_v here_o mention_v some_o of_o its_o principal_n concern_v have_v handle_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o as_o unto_o its_o foundation_n spring_n and_o cause_n and_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 24._o or_o the_o change_n of_o our_o whole_a soul_n in_o all_o their_o faculty_n and_o power_n into_o his_o likeness_n whereby_o we_o become_v new_a creature_n or_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o good_a work_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o eph._n 2._o 10._o wherein_o we_o be_v original_o and_o formal_o sanctify_v throughout_o in_o our_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 23._o it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n transform_v they_o into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a holiness_n represent_v therein_o and_o this_o next_o unto_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o peace_n rest_v and_o complacency_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v their_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o find_v themselves_o restore_v unto_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n unto_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v far_o immediate_o and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o some_o gracious_a sense_n and_o experience_n hereof_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o soul_n nothing_o can_v give_v it_o a_o sweet_a composure_n a_o satisfaction_n in_o itself_o a_o complacency_n with_o what_o it_o be_v but_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o it_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o unto_o its_o permanent_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o this_o because_o of_o its_o near_a relation_n unto_o christ_n its_o conjunction_n with_o he_o and_o derivation_n from_o he_o be_v sometime_o say_v to_o be_v christ_n himself_o hence_o we_o live_v yet_o not_o so_o much_o we_o as_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o gal._n 2._o 20._o for_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15._o 5._o for_o he_o be_v our_o life_n col._n 3._o 4._o as_o it_o reside_v in_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o permanent_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n light_n love_n and_o power_n act_v in_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n enable_v they_o to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v
a_o renew_a sense_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o sin_n in_o his_o youth_n psal._n 25._o 7._o 2._o the_o soul_n see_v in_o they_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o grace_n patience_n and_o pardon_v mercy_n of_o god_n thus_o and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o i_o god_n may_v just_o have_v cast_v i_o off_o for_o ever_o he_o may_v have_v cut_v i_o off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o sin_n so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o leisure_n to_o have_v cry_v for_o mercy_n and_o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o be_v sin_n long_o continue_v in_o o_o the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n that_o spare_v i_o the_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o forgive_v unto_o i_o these_o provoke_a iniquity_n this_o frame_n be_v express_v psal._n 103._o 3_o 4._o 3._o the_o soul_n see_v herein_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mediation_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 2._o whence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v deliverance_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o these_o sin_n that_o way_n be_v make_v for_o the_o advance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v purge_v from_o the_o stain_n and_o filth_n of_o they_o here_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o mediation_n with_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o atonement_n that_o he_o make_v and_o the_o ransom_n that_o he_o pay_v with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o blood_n to_o purge_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v represent_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o believer_n so_o out_o of_o the_o eater_n come_v forth_o meat_n and_o hereby_o a_o reconciliation_n be_v make_v between_o the_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o a_o refresh_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o peace_n with_o he_o this_o therefore_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v engage_v into_o the_o path_n of_o repentance_n will_v constant_o apply_v itself_o unto_o and_o it_o be_v faith_n alone_o whereunto_o we_o be_v behold_v for_o the_o view_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o sin_n in_o no_o other_o light_n will_v they_o be_v see_v therein_o their_o aspect_n in_o any_o other_o be_v horrid_a and_o terrify_a suit_v only_o to_o sill_z the_o soul_n with_o dread_a and_o horror_n and_o thought_n of_o fly_v from_o god_n but_o this_o view_n of_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o stir_v up_o all_o grace_n unto_o a_o holy_a exercise_n 3._o hereon_o godly_a sorrow_n will_v ensue_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o repentance_n so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o it_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n about_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n which_o express_v itself_o by_o sigh_n tear_n mourn_v yea_o water_v our_o bed_n with_o tear_n and_o the_o like_a david_n give_v so_o great_a a_o instance_n in_o himself_o hereof_o and_o that_o so_o frequent_o repeat_v as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o exemplification_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o large_a insist_v upon_o it_o but_o only_o show_v 1._o what_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3._o how_o faith_n work_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n 1_o what_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o it_o have_v a_o twofold_a object_n 1._o such_o past_a sin_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o their_o aggravation_n have_v leave_v the_o great_a impression_n on_o conscience_n it_o respect_v indeed_o in_o general_a all_o past_a and_o know_v sin_n that_o can_v be_v call_v to_o remembrance_n but_o usual_o in_o the_o course_n of_o man_n life_n there_o have_v be_v some_o sin_n who_o wound_n on_o various_a account_n have_v be_v most_o deep_a and_o sensible_a these_o be_v the_o especial_a object_n of_o this_o godly_a sorrow_n so_o be_v it_o with_o david_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n after_o his_o great_a fall_n he_o still_o bewail_v his_o miscarriage_n therein_o the_o like_a respect_n he_o have_v unto_o the_o other_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o none_o have_v be_v so_o preserve_v but_o they_o may_v fix_v on_o some_o such_o provocation_n as_o may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o this_o sorrow_n all_o their_o day_n 2._o it_o respect_v the_o daily_a incursion_n of_o infirmity_n in_o fail_n negligence_n in_o our_o frames_n or_o action_n such_o as_o the_o best_a be_v subject_n to_o these_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o mourn_v to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n that_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o duty_n and_o way_n of_o repentance_n 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o the_o thing_n follow_v do_v concur_v therein_o 1._o self-judging_a this_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o thereon_o of_o repentance_n turn_v away_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 31._o this_o the_o soul_n do_v continual_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o sin_n mention_v it_o pass_v sentence_n on_o itself_o every_o day_n this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o although_o the_o soul_n find_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o be_v thereon_o well_o please_v with_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o such_o selfreflection_n be_v like_o affliction_n not_o joyous_a but_o grievous_a 2._o the_o immediate_a effect_n hereof_o be_v constant_a humiliation_n he_o that_o so_o judge_v himself_o know_v what_o frame_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n become_v he_o thereon_o this_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n from_o all_o pride_n elation_n of_o mind_n self-pleasing_a where_o this_o self-judging_a be_v constant_a they_o can_v have_v no_o place_n this_o be_v that_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o god_n approve_v so_o high_o and_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n unto_o the_o humble_a be_v every_o where_o propose_v as_o the_o especial_a object_n of_o his_o own_o care_n his_o respect_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o this_o will_v grow_v on_o no_o other_o root_n no_o man_n by_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n on_o any_o argument_n or_o consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v himself_o into_o that_o humble_a frame_n wherein_o god_n be_v delight_v unless_o he_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o continual_a self-judging_a on_o the_o account_n of_o former_a and_o present_a sin_n man_n may_v put_v on_o a_o fashion_n frame_n and_o garb_n of_o humility_n but_o real_o humble_a they_o be_v not_o where_o this_o be_v want_v pride_n be_v in_o the_o throne_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o humility_n be_v in_o the_o countenance_n and_o deportment_n and_o herein_o do_v this_o godly_a sorrow_n much_o consist_v 3._o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o real_a trouble_n and_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n for_o sorrow_n be_v a_o afflictive_a passion_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o compose_v which_o the_o mind_n will_v constant_o be_v at_o howbeit_o this_o trouble_n be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v oppose_v unto_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o refreshment_n for_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n will_v produce_v nothing_o that_o be_v real_o inconsistent_a with_o peace_n with_o god_n or_o that_o shall_v impeach_v it_o but_o it_o be_v opposite_a unto_o other_o comfort_n it_o be_v a_o trouble_v that_o all_o earthly_a thing_n can_v take_v off_o and_o remove_v this_o trouble_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o his_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n david_n on_o all_o occasion_n express_v unto_o god_n and_o sometime_o it_o rise_v to_o a_o great_a and_o dreadful_a height_n as_o it_o be_v express_v psal._n 88_o throughout_o hereby_o the_o soul_n be_v sometime_o overwhelm_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o relieve_v itself_o by_o pour_v out_o its_o complaint_n before_o the_o lord_n psal._n 102._o 1._o 4._o this_o inward_a frame_n of_o trouble_n mourn_v and_o contriteness_n will_v express_v itself_o on_o all_o just_a occasion_n by_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o sigh_n tear_n and_o mournful_a complaint_n psal._n 31._o 10._o so_o david_n continual_o mention_n his_o tear_n on_o the_o like_a account_n and_o peter_n on_o the_o review_n of_o his_o sin_n weep_v bitter_o as_o mary_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o christ_n with_o her_o tear_n as_o we_o shall_v all_o do_v a_o soul_n fill_v with_o sorrow_n will_v run_v over_o and_o express_v its_o inward_a frame_n by_o these_o outward_a sign_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o self-whole_a jolly_a professor_n which_o these_o day_n abound_v with_o but_o such_o as_o faith_n engage_v in_o this_o duty_n will_v on_o all_o occasion_n abound_v in_o these_o thing_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v among_o we_o too_o great_a a_o pretence_n that_o man_n natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n be_v incompliant_a with_o these_o thing_n where_o god_n make_v the_o heart_n soft_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n do_v not_o only_o sometime_o visit_v it_o but_o dwell_v in_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o these_o expression_n of_o it_o and_o what_o
ver_fw-la 7._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n act_v distinct_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n do_v give_v this_o testimony_n and_o they_o do_v so_o by_o these_o distinct_a operation_n whereby_o they_o act_n in_o this_o way_n and_o work_v of_o god_n save_a sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v add_v hereunto_o a_o testimony_n that_o be_v immediate_o applicatory_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n of_o this_o sovereign_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o sacred_a ordinance_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o ver_n 8._o they_o be_v not_o all_o essential_o the_o same_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o father_n word_n and_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o they_o all_o absolute_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o they_o do_v it_o by_o that_o especial_a efficacy_n which_o they_o have_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n to_o assure_v they_o of_o this_o truth_n in_o this_o record_n so_o solemn_o so_o glorious_o give_v and_o propose_v life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o receive_v and_o embrace_v of_o this_o testimony_n with_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n testify_v unto_o be_v that_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o secure_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n on_o these_o term_n there_o be_v reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n make_v and_o establish_v between_o god_n and_o man_n without_o which_o man_n must_v perish_v for_o ever_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n affirm_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o we_o may_v know_v thou_o father_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o to_o know_v the_o father_n as_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o know_v he_o as_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n as_o send_v by_o he_o for_o that_o end_n be_v that_o grace_n and_o duty_n which_o enstate_v we_o in_o a_o right_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o initiate_v we_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o this_o include_v that_o choice_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n whereof_o we_o speak_v but_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v more_o distinct_o open_v 1._o the_o great_a fundamental_a difference_n in_o religion_n be_v concern_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o sinner_n may_v be_v save_v from_o man_n different_a apprehension_n hereof_o arise_v all_o other_o difference_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o engage_v man_n real_o into_o any_o concernment_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o enquiry_n in_o their_o mind_n how_o sinner_n may_v be_v save_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v themselves_o to_o be_v save_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v that_o enquiry_n which_o give_v man_n their_o first_o initiation_n into_o religion_n see_v act_n 2._o 37._o of_o chap._n 16._o 30._o micah_n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o question_n be_v once_o raise_v in_o the_o conscience_n a_o answer_n must_v be_v return_v unto_o it_o i_o will_v consider_v say_v the_o prophet_n what_o i_o shall_v answer_v when_o i_o be_o reprove_v hab._n 2._o 1._o and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n consider_v well_o of_o a_o good_a answer_n hereunto_o without_o which_o they_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o for_o if_o they_o can_v answer_v themselves_o here_o how_o do_v they_o hope_v to_o answer_v god_n hereafter_o wherefore_o without_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n always_o in_o readiness_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n now_o the_o real_a answer_n which_o man_n return_v unto_o themselves_o be_v according_a to_o the_o influence_n which_o their_o mind_n be_v under_o from_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o two_o divine_a covenant_n that_o of_o work_n or_o that_o of_o grace_n and_o these_o two_o covenant_n take_v absolute_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o give_v answer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o one_o say_v the_o man_n that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v live_v by_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v save_v the_o other_o whole_o wave_v this_o return_n and_o put_v it_o all_o on_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n hence_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n and_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o answer_n which_o man_n return_v to_o themselves_o on_o this_o enquiry_n for_o their_o conscience_n will_v neither_o hear_v nor_o speak_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o comply_v with_o the_o covenant_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v these_o thing_n be_v reconcile_v only_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 8._o 3._o the_o great_a part_n of_o convince_v sinner_n seem_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o nothing_o will_v stand_v we_o instead_o in_o this_o matter_n nothing_o will_v save_v we_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 2._o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o fruit_n and_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o powerful_o essicacious_a unto_o its_o end_n as_o such_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o it_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o admit_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o declare_v unless_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o it_o so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o trust_v unto_o hereon_o upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o falls_z out_z the_o eternal_o distinguish_v difference_n among_o men._n some_o look_n upon_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o as_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n other_o real_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n foolish_a and_o weak_a not_o meet_v to_o be_v trust_v unto_o hereof_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o this_o be_v mysterious_a in_o religion_n the_o same_o divine_a truth_n be_v by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n at_o the_o same_o time_n propose_v unto_o sundry_a person_n all_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n all_o equal_o concern_v in_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v therein_o some_o of_o they_o hereon_o do_v receive_v it_o embrace_v it_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o trust_v unto_o it_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n other_o despise_v it_o reject_v it_o value_v it_o not_o trust_v not_o unto_o it_o to_o the_o one_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o other_o weakness_n and_o foolishness_n as_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o middle_a state_n or_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o a_o good_a way_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o a_o safe_a it_o be_v not_o the_o best_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o for_o it_o be_v eternal_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o here_o after_o all_o our_o dispute_n we_o must_v resort_v unto_o eternal_a sovereign_a grace_n make_v a_o distinction_n among_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v and_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o actual_a grace_n in_o cure_v that_o unbelief_n which_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o folly_n and_o weakness_n in_o god_n way_n of_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o unbelief_n work_v yet_o in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o unto_o who_o this_o way_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o as_o powerful_o essicacious_a unto_o its_o proper_a end_n some_o be_v profligate_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o regard_v it_o not_o unto_o who_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n hear_v ve_fw-la despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v some_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n so_o as_o that_o they_o apprehend_v not_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o for_o the_o light_n shine_v
of_o god_n in_o his_o oblation_n and_o intercession_n 3._o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o precious_a promise_n engage_v the_o truth_n faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n from_o those_o spring_n by_o that_o mean_n i_o say_v on_o the_o just_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o other_o encouragement_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v the_o soul_n conclude_v by_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v salvation_n for_o itself_o in_o particular_a to_o be_v attain_v in_o that_o way_n 3._o the_o last_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o soul_n acquiescency_n in_o and_o trust_v unto_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o eternal_a condition_n with_o a_o renuntiation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n and_o because_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o person_n mediation_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o life_n and_o centre_n of_o this_o way_n as_o he_o in_o who_o alone_a god_n will_v glorify_v his_o wisdom_n love_n grace_n and_o mercy_n as_o he_o who_o have_v purchase_v procure_v and_o wrought_v all_o this_o salvation_n for_o we_o who_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o who_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o office_n do_v actual_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o act_n of_o trust_n and_o affiance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n believe_v in_o christ_n namely_o the_o trust_n unto_o he_o alone_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o whole_a of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o grace_n be_v administer_v by_o he_o unto_o those_o ends._n for_o this_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o we_o receive_v he_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o we_o trust_v he_o we_o abide_v in_o he_o with_o all_o those_o other_o way_n whereby_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v express_v and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o ground_n or_o reason_n whereon_o faith_n do_v close_o with_o embrace_z and_o approve_v of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n whereby_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n three_o faith_n approve_v of_o this_o way_n as_o that_o which_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o give_n and_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v as_o eminent_o conspicuous_a as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_o fulfil_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n the_o law_n be_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o eternal_a exaltation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o those_o holy_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n have_v lay_v aside_o this_o law_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o more_o use_n or_o that_o he_o will_v bear_v a_o diminution_n of_o that_o glory_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o which_o he_o design_v in_o the_o give_n of_o it_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o no_o jot_n or_o little_a of_o the_o law_n shall_v do_v so_o no_o believer_n can_v desire_v or_o be_v please_v with_o his_o own_o salvation_n unless_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n design_v by_o the_o law_n be_v secure_v he_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n shall_v forgo_v any_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v yea_o this_o be_v that_o on_o the_o account_n whereof_o he_o principal_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o salvation_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o god_n will_v be_v absolute_o universal_o and_o eternal_o glorify_v now_o in_o this_o way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n by_o mercy_n pardon_v and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o at_o other_o of_o all_o which_o the_o law_n know_v nothing_o faith_n do_v see_v and_o understand_v how_o all_o that_o glory_n which_o god_n design_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n be_v eternal_o secure_v and_o preserve_v entire_a without_o eclipse_n or_o diminution_n the_o way_n whereby_o this_o be_v do_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v rom._n â—_o 24_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 8._o 2_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 10._o 3_o 4._o hereby_o faith_n be_v enable_v to_o answer_v all_o the_o challenge_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o law_n with_o all_o its_o plea_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n truth_n and_o holiness_n it_o have_v that_o to_o offer_v which_o give_v it_o the_o utmost_a satisfaction_n in_o all_o its_o plea_n for_o god_n so_o be_v this_o answer_n manage_v rom._n 8._o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n whereby_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o contest_v with_o sin_n their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n to_o their_o relief_n and_o comfort_n namely_o the_o close_n with_o and_o approbation_n of_o god_n way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v the_o second_o evidence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n the_o second_o way_n whereby_o true_a faith_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n unto_o their_o supportment_n and_o comfort_n under_o all_o their_o conflict_n with_o sin_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n be_v by_o a_o constant_a approbation_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v our_o holiness_n and_o the_o obedience_n unto_o himself_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o this_o faith_n will_v never_o forgo_v whatever_o trial_n it_o may_v undergo_v whatever_o darkness_n the_o mind_n may_v fall_v into_o this_o it_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o all_o extremity_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a effect_n or_o work_v of_o save_a faith_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o consider_v 1._o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n a_o light_n enable_v they_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a especial_o in_o thing_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n this_o light_n be_v not_o attain_v or_o acquire_v by_o we_o we_o be_v not_o teach_v it_o we_o do_v not_o learn_v it_o it_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o inseparable_a from_o we_o it_o prevent_v consideration_n and_o reflection_n work_v natural_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n necessary_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o discern_a power_n of_o this_o light_n as_o to_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o man_n action_n be_v accompany_v inseparable_o with_o a_o judgement_n that_o they_o make_v concern_v themselves_o as_o unto_o what_o they_o do_v of_o the_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o superior_a judgement_n of_o god_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o this_o be_v a_o most_o exact_a description_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n in_o both_o the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o discern_v that_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o law_n and_o it_o pass_v a_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v judgement_n and_o sentence_n according_a to_o what_o man_n have_v do_v wherefore_o this_o approbation_n of_o duty_n in_o thing_n moral_a be_v common_a unto_o all_o men._n the_o light_n whereby_o it_o be_v guide_v may_v be_v various_o improve_v as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o may_v bestisle_v in_o some_o until_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v until_o they_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o where_o the_o discern_a power_n of_o this_o light_n remain_v yet_o through_o a_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n and_o obduracy_n therein_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o its_o efficacy_n may_v be_v lose_v so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v concern_v they_o who_o be_v judicial_o harden_v and_o give_v up_o unto_o sin_n rom._n 1._o 32._o these_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o
at_o all_o herein_o for_o grace_n may_v be_v very_o high_a where_o where_o gift_n be_v very_o low_a and_o that_o frequent_o and_o it_o may_v be_v other_o will_v complain_v of_o the_o meaness_n of_o their_o gift_n on_o who_o they_o attend_v in_o prayer_n which_o be_v such_o as_o they_o can_v accompany_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o grace_n i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n some_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a unto_o edification_n than_o other_o 2._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v call_v in_o providence_n and_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o they_o who_o you_o intend_v that_o you_o do_v not_o first_o voluntary_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v unto_o your_o disadvantage_n and_o then_o complain_v of_o it_o 3._o be_v their_o gift_n never_o so_o mean_a if_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n be_v exercise_v by_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o we_o where_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n thereof_o i_o confess_v the_o case_n be_v hard_a 4._o let_v the_o mind_n be_v still_o fix_v on_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n utter_v in_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o close_v with_o and_o act_v faith_n about_o what_o be_v a_o real_a object_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v find_v its_o proper_a work_n in_o that_o duty_n the_o four_o evidence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o instance_n in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n whereby_o true_a faith_n will_v evidence_n itself_o not_o always_o but_o on_o some_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v by_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o repentance_n and_o three_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v unto_o 1._o in_o general_n what_o i_o intend_v by_o this_o state_n of_o repentance_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o time_n and_o occasion_n or_o who_o be_v the_o person_n wherein_o faith_n will_v act_v itself_o unto_o this_o end_n 3_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n 1._o by_o this_o state_n of_o repentance_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v mere_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n repentance_n for_o this_o be_v absolute_o inseparable_a from_o true_a faith_n and_o no_o less_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n than_o itself_o he_o that_o do_v not_o true_o and_o real_o repent_v of_o sin_n whatever_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o believe_v he_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n but_o i_o intend_v now_o somewhat_o that_o be_v peculiar_a that_o be_v not_o common_a unto_o all_o whereby_o on_o some_o occasion_n faith_n do_v evidence_n its_o power_n and_o sincerity_n neither_o yet_o do_v i_o mean_v a_o grace_n duty_n or_o state_n that_o be_v of_o another_o kind_n or_o nature_n from_o that_o of_o gospel-repentance_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o two_o kind_n of_o true_a repentance_n nor_o two_o different_a state_n of_o they_o that_o be_v true_o penitent_a all_o that_o i_o intend_v be_v a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o gospel-repentance_n in_o the_o habit_n or_o root_n and_o in_o all_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n in_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_n of_o gospel-grace_n and_o some_o may_v be_v more_o eminent_a in_o one_o and_o some_o in_o another_o as_o abraham_n and_o peter_n in_o faith_n david_n and_o john_n in_o love_n and_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n and_o occasion_n for_o the_o great_a and_o high_a exercise_n of_o some_o grace_n and_o duty_n at_o one_o time_n than_o at_o another_o for_o we_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o duty_n according_a unto_o our_o circumstance_n so_o as_o we_o may_v glorify_v god_n in_o they_o and_o advantage_n our_o own_o soul_n so_o the_o apostle_n james_n direct_v we_o chap._n 5._o 13._o be_v any_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n several_a state_n and_o various_a circumstance_n in_o they_o call_v for_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o several_a grace_n and_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o several_a duty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o intend_a namely_o a_o peculiar_a constant_a prevalent_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o repentance_n in_o a_o singular_a manner_n what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v 2._o as_o unto_o the_o person_n in_o who_o this_o be_v require_v and_o in_o who_o faith_n will_v evidence_n itself_o by_o it_o they_o be_v of_o various_a sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n surprise_v into_o great_a sin_n that_o some_o true_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o we_o have_v precedent_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a such_o i_o mean_v as_o uncleanness_n drunkenness_n gluttony_n theft_n premeditate_a lie_v oppression_n in_o deal_v and_o sail_v in_o profession_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o latter_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v never_o think_v recoverable_a but_o by_o faith_n act_v itself_o in_o a_o state_n of_o repentance_n such_o sin_n will_v have_v great_a sorrow_n as_o we_o see_v in_o peter_n and_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a who_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o overmuch_a sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 1._o where_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o with_o any_o true_a faith_n will_v immediate_o work_v for_o a_o recovery_n by_o a_o through_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n as_o it_o do_v in_o peter_n and_o in_o case_n that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v lie_v long_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n through_o want_n of_o effectual_a conviction_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o dear_a in_o the_o issue_n as_o it_o do_v david_n but_o in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o most_o part_n faith_n will_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o mere_a joint_v again_o the_o bone_n that_o be_v break_v or_o with_o such_o a_o recovery_n as_o give_v they_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o by_o a_o just_a and_o due_a remembrance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n its_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n the_o shameful_a unkindness_n towards_o god_n that_o be_v in_o it_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o dishonour_v of_o christ_n by_o it_o it_o will_v decline_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o humble_a contrite_a frame_n to_o a_o mournful_a walk_n and_o the_o universal_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n all_o its_o day_n and_o indeed_o where_o it_o do_v not_o so_o man_n recovery_n from_o great_a sin_n be_v just_o to_o be_v question_v as_o unto_o their_o sincerity_n for_o want_v hereof_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v so_o many_o palliate_v cure_n of_o great_a sin_n follow_v with_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a relapse_n if_o a_o man_n subject_n to_o great_a corruption_n and_o temptation_n have_v by_o they_o be_v surprise_v into_o great_a actual_a sin_n and_o be_v seem_o recover_v through_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n if_o he_o again_o break_v the_o yoke_n of_o this_o state_v repentance_n whereof_o we_o speak_v he_o will_v quick_o again_o be_v ovorcome_v and_o perhaps_o irrecoverable_o herein_o he_o alone_o that_o walk_v soft_o walk_v safe_o 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o as_o have_v give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n by_o their_o miscarriage_n this_o will_v stick_v very_o close_o unto_o any_o who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o save_v faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n provoke_v with_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 14._o so_o also_o ezek._n 36._o 20._o rom._n 2._o 24._o this_o keep_v alive_a the_o remembrance_n of_o sin_n and_o set_v it_o before_o man_n continual_o and_o be_v a_o spring_n in_o a_o gracious_a soul_n of_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o repentance_n it_o be_v so_o in_o david_n all_o his_o day_n and_o probable_o in_o mary_n magdalen_n also_o where_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o with_o any_o faith_n will_v keep_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a frame_n watchful_a against_o pride_n elation_n of_o mind_n carelessness_n and_o sloth_n it_o will_v recover_v godly_a sorrow_n and_o shame_n with_o revenge_n or_o selfreflection_n in_o great_a abasement_n of_o mind_n all_o which_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o repentance_n intend_v they_o that_o can_v easy_o shake_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o have_v very_o little_a of_o christian_a ingenuity_n in_o their_o mind_n 3._o it_o be_v so_o unto_o such_o as_o have_v perplex_v lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o can_v so_o subdue_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v perplex_v and_o desil_v of_o they_o for_o where_o there_o be_v such_o they_o will_v in_o conjunction_n with_o temptation_n frequent_o disquiet_a wound_n and_o desile_v the_o soul_n this_o bring_v upon_o it_o weariness_n and_o outcry_n for_o deliverance_n rom._n 7._o 24._o in_o this_o state_n