straggle_a soldier_n who_o depart_v from_o the_o army_n and_o range_v abroad_o to_o forage_v or_o get_v some_o booty_n be_v easy_o vanquish_v by_o their_o enemy_n so_o those_o who_o depart_v and_o make_v a_o apostasy_n from_o god_n church_n to_o gain_v or_o retain_v their_o pleasure_n and_o worldly_a preferment_n be_v easy_o overthrow_v fall_v into_o satan_n ambushment_n and_o second_o every_o one_o be_v to_o contain_v himself_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o special_a vocation_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o peculiar_a stand_v appoint_v he_o by_o god_n for_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pernicious_a to_o a_o army_n than_o disorder_n when_o as_o some_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o other_o place_n as_o when_o the_o common_a soldier_n will_v be_v a_o officer_n the_o lieutenant_n captain_n and_o the_o captain_n general_n of_o the_o army_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n militant_a than_o when_o disorderly_a one_o usurp_v another_o place_n and_o office_n as_o when_o the_o minister_n will_v be_v magistrate_n and_o the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o when_o the_o common_a people_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o they_o both_o second_o when_o as_o he_o bid_v we_o stand_v in_o our_o place_n he_o restrain_v we_o from_o two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o the_o combat_n of_o temptation_n before_o we_o be_v assault_v and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v run_v out_o of_o our_o stand_n to_o seek_v a_o enemy_n and_o second_o that_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v we_o do_v not_o flee_v away_o but_o stand_v to_o it_o valiant_o and_o endure_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o assailant_n last_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o painful_a diligence_n for_o we_o must_v not_o drowsy_o and_o secure_o lay_v we_o down_o and_o give_v ourselves_o to_o sleep_v nor_o yet_o sit_v idle_o as_o though_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o we_o be_v to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o watch_v continual_o that_o we_o may_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n otherwise_o if_o we_o sleep_v in_o security_n they_o will_v sudden_o set_v upon_o we_o and_o surprise_v we_o at_o unaware_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a armour_n and_o first_o of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n have_v take_v away_o all_o reckless_a security_n and_o foole-hardines_n and_o also_o strengthen_v we_o with_o true_a valour_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n verity_n of_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o describe_v the_o armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v to_o buckle_v unto_o us._n where_o first_o we_o be_v general_o to_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o curious_o and_o scrupulous_o to_o search_v out_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n be_v liken_v to_o these_o or_o those_o piece_n of_o armour_n as_o for_o example_n why_o he_o call_v truth_n a_o girdle_n righteousness_n a_o breastplate_n faith_n a_o shield_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n purpose_v so_o exact_o to_o fit_v the_o similitude_n as_o may_v appear_v 1._o thess_n 5.8_o where_o he_o indifferent_o ascribe_v the_o name_n of_o breastplate_n both_o to_o faith_n and_o charity_n by_o which_o here_o he_o understand_v righteousness_n but_o only_o brief_o and_o general_o to_o show_v what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a wherewith_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o resist_v his_o spiritual_a enemy_n continue_v his_o former_a allegory_n take_v from_o war_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o armour_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a the_o first_o part_n be_v the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n the_o word_n here_o use_v signify_v a_o broad_a stud_a belt_n use_v in_o war_n in_o ancient_a time_n wherewith_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o breastplate_n and_o that_o armour_n which_o defend_v the_o belly_n loin_n and_o thigh_n be_v cover_v and_o by_o this_o truth_n be_v resemble_v whereby_o some_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v other_o understand_v hereby_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n whereby_o we_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o religion_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n in_o simplicity_n without_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n but_o because_o both_o be_v notable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a armour_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o take_v it_o in_o both_o sense_n verity_n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n see_v the_o apostle_n do_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o under_o these_o metaphorical_a word_n the_o chief_a virtue_n and_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n first_o therefore_o here_o be_v require_v truth_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o second_o that_o we_o profess_v it_o true_o that_o be_v with_o upright_o &_o simple_a heart_n §_o sect._n 2_o for_o the_o first_o truth_n that_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o god_n truth_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o all_o other_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v to_o be_v build_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o god_n truth_n but_o devise_v by_o man_n brain_n they_o be_v but_o humane_a dotage_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o accept_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o earnest_a and_o forward_a in_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v true_a and_o consonant_a to_o god_n word_n for_o as_o the_o fast_o that_o those_o travail_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o further_o they_o be_v from_o their_o journey_n end_n so_o the_o more_o earnest_a and_o forward_a that_o we_o be_v in_o travail_v the_o by-path_n of_o error_n the_o further_o we_o be_v from_o god_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o satan_n care_v not_o great_o whether_o we_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n or_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n whether_o we_o worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o or_o a_o false_a god_n or_o at_o least_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n whether_o we_o perform_v no_o duty_n unto_o god_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o god_n truth_n be_v abominable_a unto_o he_o first_o then_o we_o must_v contain_v all_o our_o action_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n word_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v and_o practice_v it_o must_v have_v his_o ground_n and_o warrant_v from_o this_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v true_a member_n of_o god_n militant_a church_n 3.15_o 1._o tim_n 3.15_o which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.15_o because_o contemn_v all_o error_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n it_o faithful_o keep_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o as_o soldier_n be_v gird_v about_o with_o that_o strong_a and_o broad_a stud_a belt_n wherewith_o their_o loin_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o enable_v to_o sustain_v the_o fight_n without_o weariness_n so_o we_o be_v to_o compass_v ourselves_o about_o with_o truth_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v strengthen_v when_o as_o we_o know_v that_o we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a quarrel_n neither_o shall_v we_o easy_o be_v deceive_v with_o satan_n temptation_n and_o false_a suggestion_n if_o we_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n and_o hereby_o appear_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o armour_n for_o see_v satan_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o truth_n that_o the_o bright_a beam_n thereof_o may_v discover_v and_o disperse_v all_o the_o foggy_a mist_n of_o satan_n error_n and_o lie_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o profess_v the_o truth_n heart_n that_o we_o must_v profess_v the_o truth_n in_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n without_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n for_o how_o glorious_a soever_o our_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v before_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o from_o a_o upright_o heart_n but_o counterfeit_n and_o hypocritical_a whatsoever_o duty_n and_o good_a work_n we_o perform_v though_o never_o so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n if_o they_o be_v not_o join_v with_o integrity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o example_n prayer_n be_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o truth_n but_o with_o feign_a and_o deceitful_a lip_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n 6._o
matth._n 6._o our_o prayer_n be_v odious_a and_o pharisaical_a matth._n 6._o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n but_o if_o with_o the_o pharisee_n we_o give_v thanks_n rather_o to_o boast_v of_o our_o gift_n then_o to_o show_v true_a thankfulness_n to_o the_o giver_n 18._o luk._n 18._o we_o shall_v not_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n give_v of_o alm_n be_v a_o work_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n wherewith_o he_o be_v well_o please_v 13.16_o heb._n 13.16_o heb._n 13.16_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o give_v in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n but_o in_o hypocrisy_n that_o we_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n it_o shall_v have_v the_o hypocrite_n reward_n matth._n 6._o in_o a_o word_n 6._o matth._n 6._o this_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v it_o be_v not_o regard_v for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 24._o joh._n 4_o 24._o and_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n joh._n 4.24_o according_a to_o that_o josh_n 24.14_o fear_v the_o lord_n 24.14_o josh_n 24.14_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o uprightness_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o if_o we_o perform_v our_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o perform_v in_o great_a weakness_n and_o mingle_v with_o many_o imperfection_n otherwise_o though_o we_o offer_v thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o whole_a river_n of_o oil_n that_o be_v omit_v no_o outward_a cost_n and_o labour_n in_o god_n worship_n 6.7.8_o mich._n 6.7.8_o yet_o will_v it_o be_v abominable_a in_o his_o eye_n mich._n 6.7.8_o let_v we_o therefore_o with_o our_o saviour_n pray_v unto_o god_n 17.17_o joh._n 17.17_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v with_o his_o truth_n that_o not_o only_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v ground_v on_o god_n truth_n but_o that_o woe_n may_v do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o gospel_n of_o peace_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o armour_n be_v the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o good_a conscience_n true_a sanctification_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o also_o we_o be_v to_o put_v on_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o grand_a captain_n christ_n esa_n 59.17_o he_o put_v on_o righteousness_n as_o a_o habergeon_n 59.17_o esa_n 59.17_o and_o a_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n upon_o his_o head_n righteousness_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o then_o shall_v not_o satan_n dart_n pierce_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o godly_a and_o innocent_a life_n yea_o as_o long_a as_o our_o breast_n and_o heart_n be_v arm_v with_o righteousness_n though_o our_o other_o member_n fall_v into_o sin_n our_o wound_n shall_v not_o be_v mortal_a for_o as_o the_o breastplate_n do_v defend_v the_o breast_n and_o vital_a part_n of_o a_o soldier_n so_o the_o study_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a sanctification_n do_v so_o arm_v his_o mind_n that_o satan_n can_v deadly_o wound_v the_o heart_n with_o any_o of_o his_o temptation_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o saint_n do_v receive_v wound_n and_o foil_n when_o as_o satan_n have_v draw_v they_o to_o commit_v sin_n but_o they_o be_v not_o wound_v at_o the_o heart_n because_o they_o do_v not_o sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n for_o they_o allow_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v neither_o do_v they_o what_o they_o will_v but_o what_o they_o hate_v and_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o inner_a man_n 7.15.22_o rom._n 7.15.22_o when_o the_o flesh_n lead_v they_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v he_o do_v not_o transgress_v god_n law_n 6.8_o rom._n 7.17_o 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_z vers_n 6.8_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o he_o rom._n 7.17_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o 1._o joh._n 3.9_o and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n sin_v not_o and_o that_o whosoever_o sin_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n vers_fw-la 6.8_o not_o that_o god_n child_n be_v exempt_v from_o all_o sin_n but_o because_o they_o sin_v not_o with_o the_o full_a consent_n and_o swinge_v of_o their_o will_n and_o when_o they_o do_v fall_v their_o heart_n be_v defend_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v with_o a_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o desire_n of_o serve_v god_n david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n may_v be_v a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o for_o even_o after_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v this_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n he_o notwithstanding_o fall_v grievous_o many_o time_n and_o be_v wound_v often_o with_o satan_n dart_n but_o his_o wound_n be_v not_o mortal_a neither_o do_v they_o pierce_v the_o heart_n because_o he_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o keep_v god_n law_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o his_o mouth_n 119._o psal_n 119._o he_o meditate_a therein_o and_o seek_v after_o it_o continual_o as_o appear_v psal_n 119._o will_v we_o therefore_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o deadly_a wound_n of_o satan_n dart_n of_o temptation_n then_o let_v we_o study_v and_o labour_n after_o true_a holiness_n let_v we_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o howsoever_o we_o fall_v often_o through_o infirmity_n yet_o let_v the_o heart_n always_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o so_o shall_v satan_n never_o mortal_o wound_v us._n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n pernicious_a that_o the_o lack_n of_o this_o armour_n be_v most_o pernicious_a if_o we_o once_o lie_v aside_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n not_o so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o embrace_v sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n we_o shall_v lay_v our_o breast_n open_a and_o naked_a to_o all_o satan_n thrust_n yea_o and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v sword_n in_o his_o hand_n wherewith_o he_o may_v wound_v and_o murder_v we_o for_o until_o we_o disarm_v ourselves_o and_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n by_o our_o sin_n he_o can_v hurt_v we_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o righteousness_n and_o integrity_n satan_n can_v not_o offer_v they_o any_o violence_n by_o assault_n and_o force_n and_o therefore_o he_o allure_v they_o to_o entertain_v a_o treacherous_a parley_n wherein_o have_v entice_v they_o to_o disarm_v themselves_o of_o this_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n by_o wilful_a transgress_a god_n commandment_n he_o inflict_v on_o they_o deadly_a wound_n pierce_v they_o through_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o so_o like_o joab_n while_o he_o seem_v love_o to_o embrace_v they_o he_o do_v most_o treacherous_o stab_v they_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v we_o repel_v most_o careful_o all_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o entice_v we_o to_o sin_n but_o especial_o let_v we_o never_o be_v allure_v to_o put_v off_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o then_o though_o satan_n wound_v our_o soul_n with_o sin_n yet_o his_o wound_n will_v not_o be_v mortal_a so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n but_o through_o infirmity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n loathe_v the_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v and_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n for_o though_o we_o fall_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v raise_v we_o up_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n so_o that_o though_o sin_n dwell_v in_o we_o yet_o shall_v it_o never_o reign_v in_o us._n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n §_o sect._n 1_o the_o three_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a armour_n be_v be_v what_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v that_o we_o have_v our_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n where_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o soldier_n in_o former_a time_n who_o go_v into_o the_o field_n strong_o arm_v their_o leg_n and_o foot_n with_o legge-harnesse_n wargreave_n or_o buskin_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o weather_n the_o pierce_a of_o brier_n thorn_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o may_v hurt_v they_o in_o their_o way_n as_o they_o march_v and_o from_o the_o violence_n also_o of_o their_o enemy_n blow_n when_o they_o be_v encounter_v for_o all_o which_o
28.15_o esay_n 28.15_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n esay_n speak_v esay_n 28.15_o you_o have_v say_v say_v he_o we_o have_v make_v a_o covenam_fw-la with_o death_n and_o with_o hell_n we_o be_v at_o agreement_n though_o ascourge_n run_v over_o and_o pass_v through_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v at_o we_o for_o we_o have_v make_v falsehood_n our_o refuge_n and_o under_o vanity_n be_v we_o hide_v and_o those_o also_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n zacharie_n complain_v zach._n 7.11_o who_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o harken_v 7.11_o zach._n 7.11_o and_o pull_v away_o the_o shoulder_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v yea_o and_o make_v their_o heart_n as_o a_o adamant_n stone_n lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n send_v in_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o so_o also_o many_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n harden_v their_o heart_n against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n obstinate_o contemn_v the_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n occasion_v by_o his_o wonderful_a miracle_n and_o admirable_a work_n which_o none_o can_v perform_v but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o very_a true_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v most_o damnable_a and_o whosoever_o be_v possess_v therewith_o they_o can_v never_o escape_v god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o everlasting_a condemnation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v §_o sect._n 3_o retchlesnesse_n of_o that_o hard_a nesse_n of_o hart_n which_o proceed_v from_o careless_a retchlesnesse_n the_o other_o kind_n of_o insensible_a hardness_n of_o heart_n proceed_v from_o careless_a retchlesnesse_n and_o carnal_a worldliness_n when_o as_o man_n have_v their_o understanding_n blind_v do_v not_o perceive_v their_o filthy_a corruption_n profane_a wickedness_n &_o extreme_a misery_n nor_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o intolerable_a weight_n but_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n in_o themselves_o without_o any_o other_o help_n as_o though_o they_o need_v not_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o their_o conversion_n which_o other_o use_v and_o therefore_o they_o neglect_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o know_v and_o practise_v enough_o already_o or_o if_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o remove_v far_o from_o they_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n denounce_v against_o impaenitent_a sinner_n as_o not_o appertain_v to_o they_o and_o check_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v common_o join_v with_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o private_a admonition_n of_o godly_a man_n or_o with_o the_o example_n of_o god_n judgement_n on_o other_o or_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o affliction_n and_o so_o return_v to_o their_o old_a prophanesse_n and_o lie_n wallow_v in_o the_o dregs_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o remorse_n or_o hatred_n of_o evil_a or_o any_o true_a love_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a until_o at_o length_n their_o heart_n be_v so_o harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n so_o scare_v with_o customable_a sin_v and_o by_o often_o repel_v and_o beat_v back_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o they_o proceed_v from_o careless_a senselessness_n and_o negligent_a security_n to_o wilful_a prophanesse_n and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n and_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v most_o common_o incident_a unto_o worlding_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o carnal_a security_n whereby_o they_o rest_v content_v with_o their_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n neither_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a nor_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o better_v themselves_o because_o they_o either_o think_v they_o be_v good_a enough_o or_o at_z lest_o never_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o their_o estate_n nor_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o evil_a corruption_n in_o which_o they_o be_v whole_o plunge_v &_o overwhelm_v yea_o sometime_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n this_o befall_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n through_o their_o careless_a negligence_n and_o want_v of_o the_o due_a examination_n of_o themselves_o as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n who_o many_o month_n together_o live_v in_o his_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n without_o any_o serious_a and_o sound_a repentance_n till_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o rouse_v he_o out_o of_o this_o spiritual_a lethurgie_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n but_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o final_o leave_v they_o but_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n godly_a admonition_n and_o reprehension_n and_o also_o with_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o this_o wretched_a estate_n give_v unto_o they_o a_o sight_n or_o feel_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o mollify_a their_o hard_a heart_n work_v in_o they_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v unburthen_v of_o they_o but_o howsoever_o this_o may_v befall_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n unto_o any_o to_o continue_v still_o in_o this_o wretched_a case_n for_o howsoever_o they_o may_v be_v indeed_o the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o assure_o they_o can_v never_o have_v any_o true_a assurance_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n till_o their_o heart_n be_v mollify_v and_o resolve_v into_o the_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o beware_v of_o carnal_a security_n and_o of_o harden_v their_o heart_n through_o careless_a negligence_n and_o by_o commit_v sin_n against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n let_v they_o beware_v of_o resist_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o though_o the_o conscience_n at_o the_o first_o be_v most_o tender_a and_o the_o hart_n so_o soft_a that_o every_o sin_n will_v prick_v and_o pierce_v it_o and_o every_o gentle_a admonition_n will_v make_v it_o relent_v yet_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n through_o customable_a sin_v and_o resist_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n the_o conscience_n be_v so_o sear_v that_o it_o become_v senseless_a though_o it_o be_v oppress_v and_o surcharge_v with_o a_o heavy_a mass_n of_o outrageous_a wickedness_n and_o the_o heart_n grow_v to_o such_o adamantive_a hardness_n that_o the_o thunder_a canon_n threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o god_n fearful_a and_o imminent_a judgement_n can_v batter_v or_o bruise_v it_o nor_o make_v any_o breach_n whereby_o true_a repentance_n may_v enter_v in_o which_o respect_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o the_o eye_n which_o of_o all_o other_o part_n of_o man_n body_n be_v most_o tender_a &_o impatient_a of_o the_o light_a touch_n so_o that_o the_o small_a mote_n vex_v it_o and_o the_o least_o prick_n cause_v incredible_a torment_n but_o if_o once_o it_o be_v affect_v with_o a_o disease_n call_v of_o oculist_n scirrhosis_n oculi_fw-la which_z overcover_v it_o but_o a_o hard_a fleshy_a skin_n it_o become_v of_o all_o other_o part_n most_o insensible_a so_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v most_o tender_a of_o all_o other_o part_n and_o at_o the_o first_o small_a sin_n vex_v &_o torment_v it_o but_o if_o through_o custom_n in_o sin_v it_o be_v overspread_v with_o a_o callum_n or_o thick_a skin_n it_o become_v insensible_a and_o nothing_o will_v wound_v it_o chap._n thirty-nine_o of_o that_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v join_v with_o sense_n and_o feel_n thereof_o §_o sect._n i_o thereof_o of_o hardness_n of_o hart_n join_v with_o sense_n and_o feel_n thereof_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v that_o which_o be_v join_v with_o sense_n and_o feeling_n when_o as_o we_o see_v and_o with_o sorrow_n feel_v our_o dulness_n and_o blockishness_n in_o god_n service_n our_o obdurate_a inflexiblenesse_n to_o holy_a obedience_n our_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o at_o the_o hear_n either_o of_o the_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o the_o law_n or_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v relent_v nor_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v common_o incident_a unto_o god_n dear_a child_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o inbred_a corruption_n and_o fleshly_a old_a man_n which_o before_o our_o call_n whole_o possess_v and_o
a_o idle_a oath_n or_o his_o sabbaoth_n by_o follow_v their_o pleasure_n or_o by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o man_n after_o they_o have_v fall_v into_o wicked_a company_n who_o have_v entice_v they_o by_o their_o word_n and_o evil_a example_n to_o taste_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n thereof_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o swear_v with_o the_o swearer_n and_o follow_v their_o pleasure_n on_o the_o lord_n sabbaoth_o with_o the_o most_o profane_a so_o hard_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o resist_v the_o world_n when_o it_o fawn_v on_o us._n §_o sect._n 2_o but_o how_o hard_a soever_o it_o seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n prosperity_n how_o we_o must_v resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n yet_o must_v we_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o this_o enemy_n also_o for_o without_o a_o fight_n we_o can_v never_o obtain_v victory_n and_o without_o victory_n we_o shall_v never_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n thereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o it_o faun_n upon_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o mortal_a enemy_n though_o it_o flatter_o profess_v itself_o our_o friend_n yet_o in_o truth_n it_o fight_v against_o our_o soul_n under_o satan_n banner_n for_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o joh._n 12.31_o though_o it_o have_v honey_n in_o the_o mouth_n 12.31_o joh._n 12.31_o yet_o there_o be_v deadly_a poison_n in_o the_o tail_n for_o the_o end_n thereof_o bring_v destruction_n though_o it_o offer_v we_o many_o please_a thing_n to_o allure_v we_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o bait_n which_o entice_v we_o to_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o satan_n net_n of_o perdition_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o though_o it_o make_v a_o show_n and_o seem_v a_o pleasant_a place_n like_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o sodom_n of_o sin_n which_o one_o day_n the_o lord_n will_v destroy_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n 13.10_o gen._n 13.10_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o with_o righteous_a lot_n haste_v out_o of_o it_o never_o turn_v back_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v the_o vanity_n thereof_o for_o the_o world_n whole_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o joh._n 5.19_o 5.19_o 1._o joh._n 5.19_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o this_o mammon_n 2.15_o matth._n 6.24_o 1._o joh._n 2.15_o mat._n 6.24_o to_o love_v the_o world_n and_o god_n also_o for_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1._o joh._n 2.15_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o world_n 4.4_o jam._n 4.4_o make_v himself_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n jam._n 4.4_o neither_o let_v we_o desire_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o love_v those_o only_o which_o be_v she_o own_o as_o for_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o it_o 15.19_o joh._n 15.19_o those_o the_o world_n hate_v nay_o therefore_o hate_v they_o because_o christ_n have_v choose_v they_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 15.19_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o small_a purpose_n to_o enjoy_v these_o worldly_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n and_o in_o the_o end_n plunge_v ourselves_o into_o everlasting_a death_n that_o the_o world_n music_n be_v but_o the_o siren_n song_n which_o allure_v we_o to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o soul_n on_o the_o rock_n of_o sin_n and_o while_o it_o tickle_v the_o ear_n it_o wound_v we_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n that_o though_o the_o cup_n which_o it_o offer_v be_v of_o gold_n and_o the_o drink_v sweet_a in_o taste_n yet_o it_o be_v deadly_a poison_n in_o operation_n for_o they_o that_o drink_v thereof_o be_v so_o lull_v asleep_a in_o pleasure_n and_o security_n that_o they_o never_o awake_v out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a lethargic_a or_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o like_o samson_n without_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o spiritual_a philistine_n after_o the_o world_n like_a dalila_n have_v lull_v they_o a_o while_n in_o her_o lap_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o they_o who_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o voluptuous_a vanity_n must_v afterward_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n speak_v of_o psal_n 75.8_o that_o be_v 75.8_o psal_n 75.8_o that_o be_v the_o cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o shall_v be_v torment_v in_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o evermore_o 14.10_o apoc._n 14.10_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v apoc._n 14.10_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o world_n chief_a good_a be_v uncertain_a in_o get_v and_o momentanie_n and_o mutable_a in_o the_o possession_n it_o be_v every_o day_n ready_a to_o leave_v we_o or_o we_o to_o leave_v it_o last_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o for_o this_o short_a inconstant_a and_o vain_a joy_n we_o lose_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o unspeakable_a glory_n and_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o grievous_a and_o endless_a misery_n what_o therefore_o will_v it_o profit_v we_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v our_o own_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v 8.36_o mark_n 8.36_o mark_n 8.36_o and_o if_o we_o have_v these_o meditation_n continual_o run_v in_o our_o mind_n then_o shall_v we_o easy_o stop_v our_o ear_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o this_o siren_n song_n then_o shall_v we_o constant_o go_v forward_o in_o our_o pilgrimage_n towards_o our_o heavenly_a home_n and_o though_o honour_n stand_v before_o we_o riches_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n pleasure_n on_o the_o other_o allure_a we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n yet_o shall_v we_o not_o forsake_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a how_o unpleasant_a soever_o it_o seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n §_o sect._n 3_o but_o if_o the_o world_n can_v thus_o prevail_v then_o do_v she_o turn_v she_o smile_v into_o frown_n adversity_n how_o the_o world_n tempt_v by_o adversity_n her_o allurement_n into_o threat_n her_o bed_n of_o pleasure_n into_o misery_n and_o affliction_n her_o glorious_a offer_n of_o honour_n and_o riches_n to_o proud_a menacing_n of_o poverty_n and_o ignominy_n all_o which_o be_v terrible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o far_o prevail_v with_o some_o that_o they_o move_v they_o to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v weary_a in_o travail_v through_o this_o desert_n and_o unpleasant_a wilderness_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n they_o desire_v to_o return_v back_o into_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o spiritual_a pharaoh_n that_o they_o may_v quiet_o sit_v by_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n 11.5_o numb_a 11.5_o and_o glut_v themselves_o with_o the_o cucumber_n and_o pepon_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n that_o be_v they_o choose_v rather_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n because_o it_o be_v delightful_a than_o in_o the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a life_n because_o they_o must_v pass_v through_o the_o brier_n of_o affliction_n and_o thorn_n of_o tribulation_n before_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n they_o prefer_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n before_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v even_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o unpleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n but_o though_o the_o world_n be_v far_o more_o terrible_a to_o look_v upon_o when_o it_o frown_v than_o when_o it_o fawn_v yet_o be_v it_o far_o less_o dangerous_a for_o oftentimes_o this_o poison_n of_o adversity_n be_v so_o temper_a and_o correct_v with_o those_o wholesome_a preseruative_n of_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o humility_n that_o in_o steed_n of_o kill_v we_o it_o do_v but_o purge_v away_o our_o corrupt_a humour_n of_o sin_n though_o the_o world_n whip_v we_o yet_o thereby_o it_o correct_v we_o and_o make_v we_o better_o though_o it_o burn_v we_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o consume_v but_o rather_o refine_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n though_o like_o a_o stormy_a wind_n it_o shake_v we_o yet_o in_o steed_n of_o blow_v we_o down_o it_o cause_v we_o to_o take_v more_o deep_a root_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n as_o it_o play_v the_o schoolmaster_n in_o scourge_v we_o so_o also_o in_o instruct_v &_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o know_v ourselves_o to_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o labour_v after_o a_o more_o permanent_a felicity_n §_o sect._n 4_o notwithstanding_o adversity_n how_o we_o be_v to_o
sâ—…cts_n or_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o her_o live_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o of_o his_o right_n he_o come_v to_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n and_o offer_v unto_o they_o great_a bribe_n if_o they_o will_v pervert_v justice_n and_o so_o purt_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v see_v right_o from_o wrong_n for_o 16.19_o deut._n 16.19_o reward_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o the_o just_a as_o it_o be_v deut._n 16.19_o if_o he_o see_v one_o in_o office_n covetous_a he_o promise_v great_a revenue_n and_o stately_a house_n if_o he_o will_v deceive_v the_o prince_n of_o their_o right_n and_o oppress_v the_o subject_n with_o grievous_a extortion_n and_o the_o like_a offer_v he_o make_v to_o covetous_a gentleman_n if_o they_o will_v build_v their_o house_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o tenant_n and_o by_o grind_v the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o by_o enhance_a their_o rent_n and_o increase_v their_o fine_n to_o such_o unreasonable_a rate_n that_o the_o poor_a tenant_n can_v scarce_o with_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o face_n earn_v his_o bread_n neither_o do_v he_o angle_v with_o this_o bait_n in_o the_o court_n and_o country_n only_o but_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o city_n also_o for_o he_o come_v to_o the_o covetous_a merchant_n and_o promise_v he_o that_o in_o such_o a_o country_n he_o shall_v have_v good_a traffic_n if_o he_o will_v dissemble_v his_o religion_n that_o be_v deny_v christ_n before_o man_n he_o offer_v to_o the_o shopkeeper_n increase_v of_o wealth_n if_o he_o will_v use_v false_a weight_n &_o measure_n and_o false_a light_n or_o else_o sell_v such_o ware_n as_o be_v neither_o profitable_a for_o the_o church_n nor_o commonwealth_n or_o adulterate_a and_o falsify_v his_o stuff_n by_o mix_v bad_a with_o good_a or_o ask_v double_a the_o price_n swear_v that_o it_o cost_v he_o more_o than_o afterward_o himself_o be_v content_v to_o take_v in_o a_o word_n if_o in_o buy_v and_o sell_v he_o will_v use_v fraud_n lie_v swear_v and_o forswear_v he_o promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o rich_a man_n though_o oftentimes_o he_o denceive_v he_o for_o in_o stead_n of_o increase_v in_o wealth_n by_o these_o ungodly_a practice_n oftentimes_o he_o become_v bankrupt_a the_o lord_n lay_v his_o curse_n on_o those_o wicked_a mean_n without_o who_o blessing_n the_o builder_n build_v and_o the_o labourer_n labour_v but_o in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v psal_n 127._o 1.2_o 127.1.2_o psal_n 127.1.2_o so_o also_o he_o come_v to_o the_o artificer_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v be_v rich_a he_o must_v make_v sale_n ware_n and_o what_o be_v that_o such_o as_o be_v sleight_n and_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o use_v as_o though_o that_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o sale_n which_o be_v sleight_n and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a and_o so_o common_a nowadays_o be_v this_o fault_n that_o no_o great_a dispraise_n can_v be_v give_v than_o to_o say_v it_o be_v sale_n ware_n as_o though_o now_o nothing_o which_o be_v good_a and_o substantial_a be_v fit_a to_o be_v sell_v and_o with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a snare_n do_v satan_n entangle_v those_o that_o be_v covetous_a and_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o the_o earthly_a mammon_n which_o i_o have_v the_o long_o stand_v upon_o because_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n most_o dangerous_a neither_o do_v satan_n by_o any_o mean_v more_o easy_o sack_v our_o soul_n and_o spoil_v we_o of_o god_n grace_n than_o when_o he_o ascend_v by_o these_o golden_a ladder_n or_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o our_o heart_n with_o these_o rich_a bullet_n §_o sect._n 3_o if_o satan_n see_v man_n proud_a and_o vainglorious_a sin_n how_o satan_n tempt_v the_o vainglorious_a to_o sin_n than_o he_o entice_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o offer_v they_o gorgeous_a attire_n far_o unfitting_a their_o state_n and_o calling_n and_o so_o cause_v they_o to_o commit_v a_o great_a absurdity_n for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v that_o the_o body_n be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o raiment_n they_o make_v their_o raiment_n of_o more_o worth_n than_o their_o body_n in_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o prefer_v gay_a apparel_n before_o the_o health_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o their_o own_o estimation_n for_o that_o they_o may_v jet_v it_o out_o in_o rich_a attire_n they_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n either_o by_o injure_v and_o oppress_v their_o inferior_n or_o at_o least_o by_o keep_v the_o poor_a from_o their_o right_n for_o their_o superfluity_n of_o wealth_n be_v not_o give_v they_o to_o spend_v in_o such_o excess_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v like_v the_o lord_n almner_n relieve_v the_o poor_a with_o their_o surplusage_n and_o by_o both_o they_o wound_v their_o soul_n with_o sin_n and_o without_o repentance_n plunge_v they_o into_o everlasting_a death_n so_o also_o satan_n take_v advantage_n of_o our_o complexion_n and_o temperature_n by_o tempt_v the_o sanguine_a to_o pleasure_n and_o lust_n the_o phlegmatic_a to_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n the_o melancholic_a to_o envy_v and_o malice_n the_o choleric_a man_n he_o provoke_v to_o quarrel_n and_o brawl_n and_o entice_v he_o to_o take_v revenge_n by_o aggravate_v the_o injury_n and_o suggest_v that_o it_o will_v be_v great_a disparagement_n to_o put_v up_o such_o a_o wrong_n in_o a_o word_n satan_n careful_o observe_v to_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o prone_a by_o nature_n custom_n or_o occasion_n and_o to_o that_o he_o egg_v we_o forward_o unto_o which_o our_o own_o lust_n lead_v we_o change_v his_o temptation_n as_o we_o change_v our_o affection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o be_v tempt_v 1.14_o jam._n 1.14_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o concupiscence_n because_o satan_n never_o assault_v we_o but_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o flesh_n will_v further_o he_o in_o his_o temptation_n §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o discover_v satan_n first_o stratagem_n which_o he_o use_v in_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n policy_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o defeat_v satan_n former_a policy_n which_o if_o we_o will_v withstand_v and_o defeat_v we_o be_v as_o careful_o to_o observe_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o disposition_n that_o we_o may_v find_v to_o what_o vice_n we_o be_v most_o prone_a and_o so_o with_o great_a watchfulness_n we_o may_v avoid_v they_o for_o as_o when_o a_o city_n be_v besiege_v the_o inhabitant_n will_v most_o strong_o man_v that_o place_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o weak_a and_o assaultable_a because_o they_o know_v that_o the_o enemy_n will_v give_v the_o onset_n there_o where_o he_o be_v like_a to_o find_v the_o easy_a entrance_n so_o we_o be_v besiege_v with_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o observe_v where_o our_o soul_n be_v weak_a to_o make_v resistance_n and_o over_o that_o part_n we_o be_v to_o watch_v with_o great_a diligence_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o there_o satan_n will_v plant_v all_o his_o engine_n of_o battery_n that_o have_v make_v a_o breach_n he_o may_v enter_v and_o surprise_v us._n 17.9_o jerem._n 17.9_o and_o because_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o none_o but_o god_n know_v it_o let_v we_o summon_v it_o often_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o examine_v it_o by_o his_o law_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v see_v our_o secret_a corruption_n and_o after_o labour_n to_o kill_v and_o mortify_v they_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o be_v ambitious_o affect_v we_o be_v to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n that_o true_a humility_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o whensoever_o honour_n be_v offer_v we_o be_v tickle_v with_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a thought_n let_v we_o suspect_v that_o under_o honour_n satan_n have_v hide_v a_o hook_n to_o catch_v us._n and_o therefore_o before_o we_o accept_v it_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o place_n and_o whether_o we_o can_v attain_v thereto_o by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a mean_n and_o whether_o the_o place_n itself_o be_v such_o that_o therein_o we_o may_v glorify_v god_n benefit_n his_o church_n and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o be_v addict_v unto_o pleasure_n we_o be_v with_o all_o care_n to_o study_v and_o practice_v true_a mortification_n and_o when_o any_o pleasure_n be_v offer_v we_o we_o be_v to_o look_v narrow_o into_o they_o that_o we_o may_v discern_v if_o satan_n have_v not_o lay_v under_o they_o a_o snare_n to_o entrap_v we_o either_o by_o tempt_v we_o to_o pleasure_n which_o be_v unlawful_a or_o to_o the_o immoderate_a use_n of_o those_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o as_o we_o love_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o avoid_v the_o bait_n when_o we_o see_v the_o snare_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o
contrary_a to_o the_o former_a suggestion_n of_o satan_n whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o unlike_a child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n §_o sect._n 3_o the_o danger_n of_o which_o tentation_n if_o we_o will_v avoid_v mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v the_o former_a temptation_n by_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o golden_a mean_n we_o must_v keep_v we_o in_o the_o golden_a mean_a avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a in_o travayl_v the_o straight_a path_n which_o lead_v to_o god_n kingdom_n and_o every_o hour_n ready_a to_o take_v the_o byway_n of_o error_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n let_v we_o use_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o guide_n and_o as_o the_o israelite_n travayl_v towards_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o cloud_n and_o pillar_n of_o fire_n going_z forward_z when_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o pitch_v their_o tent_n where_o that_o stay_v so_o let_v we_o constant_o and_o bold_o travail_v in_o our_o christian_n pilgrimage_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o our_o direction_n not_o stay_v where_o it_o bid_v go_v nor_o go_v when_o it_o stay_v let_v this_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o discern_v the_o golden_a truth_n from_o the_o drossy_a extreme_n on_o either_o side_n let_v it_o be_v the_o line_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n let_v it_o be_v the_o star_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o tedious_a journey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o now_o lie_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mother_n but_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o all_o glory_n power_n and_o majesty_n and_o because_o we_o be_v unskilful_a pilot_n in_o fail_v the_o dangerous_a sea_n of_o this_o tempestuous_a world_n readid_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n while_o we_o avoid_v the_o sand_n lot_n god_n word_n be_v our_o card_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a land_n otherwise_o satan_n will_v raise_v against_o we_o such_o stormy_a tempest_n and_o contrary_a blast_n of_o temptation_n that_o our_o soul_n will_v suffer_v shipwreck_n upon_o the_o rock_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v drown_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o destruction_n chap._n xx._n of_o three_o other_o stratagem_n which_o satan_n use_v §_o sect._n 1_o a_o four_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v to_o entrap_v we_o in_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n be_v this_o action_n how_o satan_n move_v we_o to_o propound_v bad_a end_n to_o good_a action_n when_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n he_o can_v altogether_o restrain_v we_o from_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a then_o he_o will_v tempt_v we_o to_o do_v good_a action_n to_o bad_a end_n in_o give_v of_o alm_n he_o will_v move_v man_n to_o propound_v this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n in_o do_v of_o good_a work_n he_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o forget_v god_n glory_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o as_o their_o main_a end_n of_o all_o their_o good_a action_n the_o merit_v of_o heaven_n and_o if_o man_n will_v needs_o appear_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a he_o will_v entice_v they_o to_o use_v outward_a virtue_n as_o a_o cloak_n to_o hide_v their_o inward_a vice_n and_o religion_n as_o a_o fair_a vizard_n to_o cover_v their_o foul_a impiety_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o use_v all_o outward_a show_n of_o humility_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v the_o better_a disguise_n their_o hide_a pride_n and_o ambition_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o absalon_n and_o all_o compliment_n of_o courtesy_n and_o love_n as_o a_o mask_n to_o hide_v their_o envy_n and_o malice_n and_o thus_o he_o allure_v man_n to_o profess_v religion_n hear_v sermon_n and_o use_v glorious_a speech_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v religious_a and_o man_n of_o good_a conscience_n have_v their_o shop_n the_o better_a custom_a and_o their_o word_n credit_v and_o so_o have_v the_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o deceive_v they_o who_o for_o their_o profession_n repose_v trust_n in_o they_o §_o sect._n 2_o a_o five_o policy_n whereby_o he_o seek_v to_o surprise_v we_o be_v by_o tempt_a man_n to_o use_v wicked_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o good_a end_n and_o to_o do_v evil_a thâ—â—_n good_a may_v come_v thereof_o end_n how_o satan_n move_v we_o to_o use_v evil_a mean_n for_o the_o effect_v good_a end_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v saul_n to_o transgress_v god_n commandment_n in_o reserve_v the_o fat_a of_o the_o cattle_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v sacrifice_v therewith_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o isaac_n to_o say_v that_o rebecca_n be_v his_o sister_n to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o peter_n to_o use_v dissimulation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v the_o jew_n 2._o galat._n 2._o and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o tell_v officious_a and_o profitable_a lie_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o great_a evil_n he_o move_v servant_n to_o give_v their_o master_n good_n to_o the_o poor_a without_o their_o privity_n or_o like_n and_o so_o to_o commit_v theft_n that_o they_o may_v give_v alm_n he_o tempt_v non-residents_a to_o possess_v many_o live_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v good_a hospitality_n and_o so_o starve_v the_o foul_a to_o feed_v the_o body_n and_o citizen_n to_o use_v all_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n that_o they_o may_v provide_v for_o their_o family_n which_o policy_n of_o satan_n be_v exceed_v dangerous_a for_o hardly_o can_v we_o escape_v they_o both_o namely_o do_v good_a thing_n to_o bad_a end_n or_o use_v of_o evil_a mean_n for_o the_o achieve_v of_o good_a purpose_n but_o the_o more_o difficult_a the_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a must_v be_v our_o care_n the_o more_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a satan_n ambushment_n be_v the_o more_o diligent_a and_o watchfulness_n must_v we_o use_v in_o avoid_v they_o in_o all_o our_o action_n therefore_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o propound_v unto_o ourselves_o good_a end_n and_o use_v good_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o our_o honest_a and_o godly_a purpose_n for_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o first_o we_o shall_v bewray_v our_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n if_o the_o latter_a we_o shall_v pollute_v a_o fair_a work_n with_o filthy_a tool_n and_o show_v our_o diffidence_n in_o god_n in_o not_o dair_v to_o use_v those_o godly_a and_o honest_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o commend_v we_o unless_o we_o bolster_v and_o prop_v they_o up_o by_o our_o own_o foolish_a invention_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o whensoever_o we_o be_v move_v to_o propound_v evil_a end_n of_o our_o good_a action_n or_o to_o use_v evil_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o good_a end_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n at_o least_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o end_n or_o mean_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o purge_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n the_o pure_a gold_n from_o the_o dross_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o those_o end_n and_o by_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v §_o sect._n 3_o a_o sixth_o policy_n which_o satan_n use_v virtue_n how_o satan_n tempt_v we_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o our_o virtue_n be_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o our_o virtue_n to_o plunge_v we_o headlong_o into_o vice_n for_o example_n when_o we_o have_v mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o be_v plentiful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n he_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o puff_n we_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o a_o pharisaical_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v yea_o if_o we_o be_v so_o humble_a that_o he_o can_v make_v we_o proud_a of_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o will_v labour_v to_o make_v we_o proud_a of_o our_o humility_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o be_v reckless_a and_o secure_a but_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o our_o heart_n even_o in_o our_o good_a action_n and_o when_o we_o entertain_v any_o excellent_a virtue_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n least_o pride_n thrust_v in_o with_o it_o see_v most_o common_o it_o attend_v upon_o virtue_n and_o take_v up_o his_o stand_n where_o it_o lodge_v for_o we_o be_v not_o quite_o at_o liberty_n and_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o satan_n thraldom_n so_o long_o as_o pride_n like_o a_o jailer_n attend_v on_o us._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o satan_n fight_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v satan_n stratagem_n and_o warlike_a policy_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o fight_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v most_o cruel_a and_o cowardly_a for_o he_o observe_v no_o compliment_n of_o true_a valour_n valour_n that_o satan_n observe_v no_o compliment_n of_o true_a valour_n but_o
against_o two_o or_o three_o assault_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v all_o objection_n and_o not_o so_o whole_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n and_o to_o the_o defend_v one_o part_n as_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o leave_v the_o other_o naked_a to_o be_v wound_v with_o satan_n blow_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o rather_o be_v encourage_v to_o stand_v constant_o in_o our_o defence_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o when_o satan_n do_v so_o often_o shift_v his_o temptation_n and_o in_o a_o short_a distance_n of_o time_n do_v seek_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o quite_o contrary_a vice_n prevail_v the_o oft_o change_v of_o satan_n temptation_n a_o probable_a sign_n that_o he_o do_v not_o prevail_v it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o he_o do_v not_o yet_o prevail_v for_o as_o no_o enemy_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o will_v after_o that_o he_o have_v make_v one_o sufficient_a breach_n for_o entry_n or_o force_v one_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n go_v from_o that_o to_o another_o but_o rather_o enter_v where_o the_o way_n be_v make_v so_o satan_n lay_v siege_n to_o our_o soul_n will_v not_o seek_v to_o make_v a_o new_a battery_n with_o his_o temptation_n if_o the_o former_a have_v make_v way_n for_o he_o to_o enter_v and_o surprise_v we_o he_o will_v not_o tempt_v we_o to_o pride_n and_o presumption_n if_o he_o have_v overcome_v our_o faith_n and_o plunge_v we_o into_o despair_n he_o will_v never_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o he_o can_v have_v overcome_v we_o in_o his_o own_o likeness_n he_o will_v never_o tell_v we_o of_o god_n mercy_n if_o he_o have_v already_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o consideration_n of_o god_n justice_n nor_o yet_o of_o god_n justice_n if_o he_o can_v keep_v we_o in_o carnal_a security_n by_o set_v before_o we_o his_o mercy_n but_o that_o way_n whereby_o he_o perceive_v he_o any_o whit_n prevail_v he_o will_v follow_v and_o continue_v earnest_a in_o the_o same_o pursuit_n till_o he_o perceive_v he_o can_v catch_v us._n as_o therefore_o when_o the_o fit_a of_o the_o ague_n shift_v from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n that_o our_o nature_n wax_v strong_a do_v prevail_v against_o the_o disease_n so_o when_o satan_n temptation_n in_o a_o short_a time_n often_o change_v and_o that_o from_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o god_n spirit_n be_v strong_a in_o we_o do_v resist_v satan_n and_o put_v he_o to_o these_o shift_n whereas_o he_o will_v hold_v on_o a_o constant_a course_n if_o he_o prevail_v against_o us._n §_o sect._n 5_o the_o five_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o satan_n fight_n be_v instrument_n that_o satan_n assault_v we_o sometime_o himself_o and_o sometime_o by_o his_o instrument_n that_o sometime_o he_o set_v upon_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o own_o person_n &_o sometime_o mediate_o use_v for_o his_o instrument_n the_o world_n &_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v a_o example_n 1._o chr._n 21.1_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o satan_n provoke_v david_n to_o number_n israel_n so_o joh._n 13.2_o the_o evangelist_n show_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v put_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n iscariot_n to_o betray_v christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n act._n 5.3_o tell_v ananias_n that_o satan_n have_v fill_v his_o heart_n with_o his_o suggestion_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o also_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n christ_n immediate_o forty_o day_n together_o in_o the_o wilderness_n mat._n 4._o when_o he_o thus_o fight_v against_o we_o in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o give_v the_o assault_n either_o in_o his_o own_o likeness_n or_o else_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n when_o he_o incounter_v we_o in_o his_o own_o likeness_n and_o like_o a_o devil_n indeed_o than_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v proclaim_v open_a war_n tempt_v we_o not_o only_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v some_o appearance_n of_o good_a in_o they_o our_o corrupt_a conscience_n do_v approve_v of_o or_o at_o least_o can_v without_o any_o great_a terror_n wink_v at_o but_o also_o to_o all_o outrageous_a wickedness_n and_o hellish_a impiety_n which_o even_o a_o civil_a worldling_n will_v abhor_v to_o think_v of_o namely_o to_o atheism_n idolatry_n contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n blasphemy_n against_o god_n perjury_n sacrilege_n persecute_v the_o know_a truth_n heresy_n murder_n adultery_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n may_v easy_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n because_o this_o hellish_a brood_n do_v resemble_v their_o wicked_a father_n in_o their_o very_a countenance_n and_o outward_a appearance_n and_o therefore_o satan_n who_o subdue_v more_o with_o the_o serpent_n wile_n than_o with_o the_o lion_n force_n do_v seldom_o use_v this_o fight_n against_o any_o which_o have_v but_o the_o civil_a restrain_v grace_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o entice_v they_o thereunto_o by_o degree_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v or_o except_o he_o find_v they_o exceed_v ignorant_a to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o his_o suggestion_n be_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o he_o practise_v these_o temptation_n for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o those_o who_o have_v even_o sell_v themselves_o to_o work_v wickedness_n have_v their_o heart_n harden_v and_o conscience_n sear_v with_o their_o customable_a sin_v §_o sect._n 6_o and_o therefore_o most_o common_o he_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n by_o use_v friendly_a persuasion_n light_n how_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o make_v liberal_a offer_n of_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o preferment_n or_o else_o mince_a those_o sin_n to_o which_o he_o tempt_v we_o as_o though_o they_o be_v nothing_o or_o mask_v they_o under_o the_o vizard_n of_o virtue_n neither_o do_v he_o often_o move_v we_o to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o nature_n restrain_v by_o god_n common_a grace_n or_o sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n do_v abhor_v and_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o unless_o it_o be_v either_o to_o vex_v god_n child_n with_o such_o suggestion_n rather_o than_o for_o any_o hope_n of_o overcome_v they_o or_o else_o that_o while_o their_o mind_n be_v whole_o intent_n in_o withstand_v his_o outward_a violence_n he_o may_v more_o cunning_o entrap_v they_o in_o his_o secret_a ambushment_n which_o they_o regard_v not_o but_o otherwise_o he_o usual_o tempt_v we_o to_o commit_v such_o sin_n as_o through_o our_o corruption_n we_o be_v prone_a unto_o as_o not_o think_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n or_o but_o small_a or_o rather_o never_o enter_v into_o any_o consideration_n of_o they_o at_o all_o as_o namely_o carnal_a security_n hardness_n of_o heart_n infidelity_n impenitency_n neglect_v of_o god_n word_n profane_v of_o his_o sabbaoth_n covetousness_n ambition_n pride_n neglect_v of_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o special_a duty_n of_o our_o calling_n all_o which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o heinous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o the_o other_o gross_a outward_a sin_n and_o much_o more_o dangerous_a unto_o we_o as_o be_v satan_n secret_a snare_n which_o he_o lay_v to_o entrap_v we_o at_o unaware_o in_o which_o when_o we_o be_v catch_v we_o be_v content_a to_o lie_v bind_v because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o pinch_v and_o torment_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o other_o outward_a sin_n they_o be_v not_o see_v or_o not_o regard_v as_o therefore_o those_o disease_n which_o by_o disturb_v the_o brain_n do_v take_v away_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o desperate_a namely_o the_o dead_a palsy_n the_o fall_a sickness_n and_o sleepy_a lethargy_n and_o in_o other_o disease_n the_o patient_a be_v most_o dangerous_o sick_a when_o he_o have_v no_o feel_n thereof_o so_o there_o be_v no_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o desperate_a and_o dangerous_a as_o those_o that_o afflict_v not_o our_o conscience_n with_o any_o sense_n of_o pain_n to_o wit_n carnal_a security_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o rest_n above_o name_v §_o sect._n 7_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v satan_n disguise_a and_o subtle_a manner_n of_o fight_n flatter_v that_o satan_n be_v most_o to_o be_v fear_v when_o he_o most_o flatter_v wherein_o like_o a_o pirate_n he_o hang_v out_o flag_n of_o truce_n to_o signify_v peace_n and_o friendship_n till_o he_o have_v get_v we_o within_o his_o reach_n and_o command_v and_o then_o he_o graple_v with_o we_o and_o ransack_v we_o of_o all_o god_n grace_n and_o cast_v we_o over_o board_n into_o the_o sea_n of_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o with_o no_o less_o care_n to_o
that_o he_o be_v not_o belove_v of_o god_n but_o subject_a to_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a displeasure_n and_o this_o he_o enforce_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o argument_n the_o one_o draw_v from_o his_o manifold_a corruption_n whereby_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n love_n the_o other_o from_o those_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o cross_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o life_n inflict_v on_o he_o both_o which_o he_o thus_o urge_v against_o he_o can_v thou_o vild_a wretch_n conceive_v the_o least_o hope_n that_o thou_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n why_o do_v but_o take_v a_o view_n of_o thyself_o and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o original_a corruption_n have_v overspread_v both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n like_o a_o filthy_a leprosy_n unto_o which_o thou_o have_v add_v actual_a transgression_n more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n or_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n for_o daily_o nay_o hourly_o thou_o omitte_v some_o duty_n which_o thy_o god_n have_v command_v thou_o and_o commit_v some_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v can_v therefore_o the_o lord_n who_o abhor_v wickedness_n love_v the_o wicked_a can_v thou_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o but_o displease_v he_o he_o that_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o thou_o by_o transgress_v they_o all_o do_v show_v that_o thou_o love_v he_o not_o and_o will_v the_o lord_n love_v they_o who_o hate_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o can_v justice_n itself_o love_v wickedness_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n impure_a corruption_n no_o very_o for_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v threaten_v his_o wrath_n against_o all_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o he_o be_v no_o less_o true_a in_o his_o threaten_n then_o in_o his_o promise_n but_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n abhor_v thou_o yet_o at_o least_o be_v persuade_v by_o thy_o own_o experienc_n for_o have_v not_o thy_o just_a god_n begin_v already_o to_o make_v thou_o taste_v the_o cup_n of_o his_o wrath_n of_o which_o hereafter_o thou_o shall_v drink_v in_o full_a measure_n have_v he_o not_o spoil_v thou_o of_o thy_o good_n take_v away_o thy_o good_a name_n make_v thou_o a_o abject_a among_o man_n afflict_v thou_o in_o body_n with_o grievous_a and_o continual_a sickness_n and_o fill_v thy_o soul_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o despair_n be_v not_o thy_o conscience_n sting_v with_o sin_n and_o have_v not_o the_o poison_n thereof_o drink_v up_o thy_o spirit_n do_v thou_o not_o plain_o apprehend_v his_o wrath_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o rack_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o thou_o either_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o full_a of_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n do_v not_o therefore_o fond_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o god_n love_n but_o believe_v if_o not_o my_o word_n yet_o at_o least_o thy_o own_o sense_n and_o see_v thou_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o god_n love_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a love_n thyself_o follow_v thy_o pleasure_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o cheer_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o vain_o macerate_v and_o turmoil_n thyself_o in_o labour_v after_o impossibility_n and_o in_o strive_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n of_o which_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o can_v yet_o shall_v thou_o never_o be_v assure_v §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o satan_n temptation_n temptation_n how_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o former_a temptation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o must_v most_o careful_o arm_v ourselves_o as_o be_v most_o odious_a and_o injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o most_o pernicious_a unto_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o injurious_a unto_o god_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o see_v he_o have_v give_v we_o innumerable_a pledge_n and_o most_o certain_a testimony_n thereof_o and_o omit_v nothing_o which_o may_v do_v we_o good_a he_o have_v create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n he_o have_v continual_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v we_o give_v we_o our_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n and_o oft_o time_n have_v succour_v and_o defend_v we_o before_o we_o crave_v his_o help_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v give_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v a_o bitter_a death_n to_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n he_o our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n and_o lest_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v he_o have_v add_v to_o his_o word_n his_o sacrament_n which_o like_a seal_n may_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n what_o injury_n therefore_o shall_v we_o offer_v unto_o god_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n of_o which_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o by_o so_o many_o pledge_n testimony_n and_o seal_n we_o know_v that_o a_o kind_a friend_n will_v take_v it_o most_o unkind_o if_o after_o he_o have_v heap_v upon_o a_o man_n innumerable_a benefit_n and_o show_v all_o testimony_n of_o true_a love_n he_o notwithstanding_o doubt_v of_o his_o good_a will_n and_o suspect_v his_o friendship_n and_o so_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v it_o ill_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o think_v himself_o much_o abuse_v if_o after_o he_o have_v bestow_v such_o infinite_a benefit_n even_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o we_o now_o suspect_v his_o good_a will_n and_o grow_v jealous_a of_o his_o love_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n who_o be_v love_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o john_n 4.8_o §_o sect._n 5_o but_o against_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v two_o objection_n thereof_o that_o carnal_a man_n have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n though_o they_o boast_v thereof_o the_o first_o be_v make_v by_o the_o worldling_n the_o other_o by_o satan_n the_o worldly_a man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v he_o also_o partaker_n of_o all_o these_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o he_o shall_v doubt_v of_o his_o love_n nor_o any_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v censure_v or_o condemn_v for_o his_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o reprehend_v for_o his_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n nor_o for_o his_o assurance_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n but_o for_o his_o boast_n of_o this_o faith_n persuasion_n and_o assurance_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o in_o truth_n but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n of_o faith_n carnal_a security_n and_o vain_a presumption_n for_o true_a faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o it_o be_v plentiful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o not_o love_v he_o again_o it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o love_v god_n if_o we_o show_v no_o care_n in_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o let_v our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n nor_o any_o desire_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o his_o will_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o word_n as_o it_o be_v john_n 14.23_o 24._o if_o therefore_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o repentance_n if_o we_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o show_v no_o zeal_n in_o glorify_v god_n name_n if_o our_o faith_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n then_o be_v our_o persuasion_n but_o fond_a presumption_n our_o assurance_n carnal_a security_n our_o faith_n dead_a and_o like_o a_o carcase_n which_o breathe_v not_o as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 2.26_o we_o do_v not_o then_o reprehend_v any_o for_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n gather_v his_o assurance_n out_o of_o god_n manifold_a mercy_n and_o innumerable_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o his_o church_n nay_o contrariwise_o we_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n we_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n yea_o and_o to_o believe_v against_o belief_n and_o to_o hope_v against_o hope_n when_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o either_o in_o ourselves_o but_o this_o we_o maintain_v that_o whosoever_o have_v this_o assurance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n begin_v in_o he_o do_v true_o love_n
this_o inward_a fight_n within_o ourselves_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n for_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 1.12_o joh._n 1.12_o even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n as_o it_o be_v john_n 1.12_o §_o sect._n 7_o the_o seven_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v new_a obedience_n 2.5_o the_o seven_o sign_n be_v new_a obedience_n 1._o joh._n 2.5_o when_o as_o he_o apply_v his_o heart_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n commanmaundement_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o any_o man_n keep_v god_n word_n in_o he_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_a in_o deed_n and_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o john_n 2.5_o and_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o have_v know_v he_o 6.10_o chap._n 3._o v._n 6.10_o as_o it_o be_v chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 6._o so_o vers_fw-la 10._o in_o this_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n know_v and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o our_o new_a obedience_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o that_o exact_a obedience_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o law_n for_o thereby_o none_o live_v can_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n but_o rather_o of_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o evangelical_a obedience_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o holy_a desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o keep_v all_o god_n commandment_n with_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o whole_o possess_v that_o after_o their_o true_a conversion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o any_o know_a sin_n with_o full_a consent_n of_o will_n and_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o thus_o we_o never_o sin_v but_o keep_v all_o god_n commandment_n namely_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n this_o be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v accept_v as_o though_o it_o be_v perfect_a before_o god_n who_o spare_v we_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o son_n who_o he_o tender_o love_v 3.17_o mal._n 3.17_o as_o he_o profess_v mal._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o measure_v our_o obedience_n not_o according_a to_o our_o action_n but_o according_a to_o our_o offection_n and_o accept_v of_o the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n as_o before_o i_o have_v show_v §_o sect._n 8_o but_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o counterfeit_a show_n entire_a the_o property_n of_o true_a obedience_n first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v total_a and_o entire_a we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o evangelical_a obedience_n have_v these_o property_n first_o it_o must_v be_v total_a and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o of_o the_o object_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o share_v ourselves_o between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n give_v one_o the_o tongue_n the_o other_o the_o heart_n one_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o the_o other_o our_o inward_a affection_n but_o we_o must_v perform_v our_o obedience_n with_o our_o whole_a heart_n yea_o with_o the_o whole_a man_n body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n for_o though_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v but_o in_o part_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n unregenerate_a and_o unsanctified_a howsoever_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v spread_v likewise_o and_o mix_v therewith_o throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o soul_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o our_o obedience_n savour_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v mingle_v with_o manifold_a imperfection_n yet_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o whole_a man_n body_n and_o soul_n because_o regeneration_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v be_v not_o of_o any_o part_n alone_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n so_o also_o it_o must_v be_v total_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o with_o herod_n we_o observe_v many_o thing_n if_o we_o nourish_v willing_o any_o one_o sin_n take_v therein_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o we_o must_v desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o forsake_v all_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n for_o if_o we_o nourish_v one_o sin_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v open_v a_o door_n to_o let_v in_o more_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o herod_n and_o judas_n the_o one_o harbour_v incest_n the_o other_o covetousness_n if_o we_o neglect_v willing_o obedience_n to_o one_o precept_n of_o god_n law_n it_o will_v so_o harden_v our_o heart_n and_o fear_v our_o conscience_n that_o soon_o after_o we_o shall_v neglect_v all_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v have_v our_o obedience_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n we_o must_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 119.6_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n constant_a psal_n 119.6_o jam._n 2.10_o the_o second_o property_n that_o it_o must_v be_v perpetual_a and_o constant_a for_o he_o that_o fail_v in_o one_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o as_o it_o be_v jam._n 2.10_o second_o this_o obedience_n must_v be_v perpetual_a continue_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o conversion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o one_o or_o two_o or_o many_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a but_o by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o he_o who_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a he_o be_v so_o accept_v before_o god_n notwithstanding_o his_o many_o fall_n and_o great_a infirmity_n he_o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v wicked_a and_o profane_a be_v so_o esteem_v of_o god_n although_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o and_o other_o religious_a by_o fit_n and_o perform_v many_o excellent_a duty_n and_o good_a work_n it_o be_v therefore_o not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n 3.3_o galat._n 3.3_o if_o we_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 3.3_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o profess_v and_o practice_v godliness_n in_o our_o youth_n if_o we_o break_v off_o in_o our_o age_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o run_v well_o in_o the_o beginning_n if_o we_o stand_v still_o in_o the_o midst_n or_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o goal_n 9.62_o matth._n 24.13_o luk._n 9.62_o for_o he_o only_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v matth._n 24.13_o as_o for_o he_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o god_n kingdom_n as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v luk._n 9.62_o glory_n the_o three_o property_n that_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n and_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n last_o our_o obedience_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o perform_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v enjoin_v such_o duty_n unto_o we_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n which_o first_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o then_o work_v by_o love_n it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n but_o of_o a_o conscionable_a care_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o in_o a_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v magnify_v when_o as_o our_o light_n shine_v before_o man_n which_o zeal_n will_v make_v we_o go_v forward_o in_o our_o course_n of_o godliness_n through_o evil_a report_n 6.8_o 2._o cor._n 6.8_o and_o good_a report_n honour_n and_o dishonour_n and_o if_o our_o obedience_n spring_n from_o these_o fountain_n and_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o end_n that_o god_n thereby_o may_v be_v glorify_v then_o will_v we_o make_v no_o less_o conscience_n of_o secret_a than_o of_o open_a sin_n then_o will_v we_o be_v no_o less_o ready_a to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n when_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o our_o action_n than_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v look_v upon_o we_o then_o will_v we_o be_v as_o fearful_a to_o offend_v god_n in_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o his_o commandment_n in_o our_o secret_a chamber_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n as_o in_o the_o
church_n or_o market_n place_n at_o noon_n day_n §_o sect._n 9_o the_o eight_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n us._n the_o eight_o sign_n be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n because_o god_n have_v command_v us._n be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n when_o as_o a_o man_n love_v entire_o a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o ingraft_v into_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o member_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v not_o love_v cherish_v and_o defend_v another_o because_o they_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o soul_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o head_n so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o one_o true_a christian_n shall_v love_v cherish_v and_o defend_v another_o because_o they_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o rule_v by_o the_o same_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n of_o god_n child_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n 1._o joh._n 3.14_o 3.14_o 1._o joh._n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n as_o the_o want_n of_o this_o love_n be_v a_o sure_a note_n of_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n for_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o verse_n he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n abide_v in_o death_n now_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o love_n and_o christian_n charity_n be_v two_o give_v to_o those_o that_o want_v 13.4_o the_o sign_n of_o true_a love_n 1._o cor._n 13.4_o and_o forgive_a those_o that_o offend_v for_o it_o be_v a_o property_n of_o true_a love_n to_o be_v bountiful_a 1._o cor._n 13.4_o as_o to_o all_o so_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v gal._n 6.10_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n 6.10_o gal._n 6.10_o he_o that_o have_v this_o world_n good_a and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o compassion_n from_o he_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 3.17_o 1._o joh._n 3.17_o and_o consequent_o of_o the_o love_n of_o his_o brethren_n which_o be_v but_o a_o stream_n issue_v from_o this_o fountain_n 1._o joh._n 3.17_o and_o this_o christian_a liberality_n as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o true_a love_n so_o also_o of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v show_v we_o that_o according_a to_o these_o fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o action_n of_o christian_a liberality_n he_o will_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o happiness_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n etc._n matth._n 25.34_o 35_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 25.34_o 35_o 36._o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o he_o will_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o the_o neglector_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n vers_fw-la 41_o 42_o 43._o the_o second_o sign_n of_o true_a love_n be_v forgive_a when_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a for_o god_n sake_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n to_o remit_v and_o pardon_v those_o injury_n which_o be_v offer_v we_o for_o love_n be_v not_o provoke_v to_o anger_n 13.5.7_o 1._o cor._n 13.5.7_o and_o therefore_o much_o less_o to_o revenge_v it_o suffer_v all_o thing_n it_o endure_v all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 13.5_o 7._o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o not_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n but_o it_o overcom_v evil_a with_o goodness_n 12.19.21_o rom._n 12.19.21_o leave_v revenge_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o his_o deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n the_o magistrate_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a martyr_n steven_n who_o pray_v for_o their_o persecutor_n who_o example_n we_o be_v to_o imitate_v as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v rom._n 12.14_o bless_v they_o that_o persecute_v you_o 12.14_o rom._n 12.14_o bless_v i_o say_v and_o curse_v not_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o true_a love_n and_o a_o undoubted_a note_n of_o god_n spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v wolf_n leopard_n lion_n yea_o cockatrice_n who_o kill_v with_o their_o look_n 11.6.8_o esa_n 11.6.8_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v esa_n 11.6_o 8._o and_o like_a bruit_n and_o savage_a beast_n willing_a to_o offer_v all_o injury_n but_o impatient_a of_o suffer_v any_o and_o therefore_o when_o our_o savage_a cruelty_n be_v turn_v into_o charity_n and_o we_o become_v as_o meek_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o lamb_n calf_n or_o little_a child_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o our_o stout_a courage_n be_v abate_v and_o beat_v down_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o christ_n mouth_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v anew_o and_o quicken_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o now_o we_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o also_o hereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o forgive_v our_o neighbour_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v promise_v 6.14_o matth._n 6.14_o that_o if_o we_o do_v forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v we_o matth._n 6.14_o and_o consequent_o we_o may_v assure_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v call_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v glorify_v §_o sect._n 10_o the_o nine_o sign_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n elect_v to_o salvation_n minister_n the_o nine_o sign_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n minister_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n true_a minister_n and_o ambassador_n not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v christian_n but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o execute_v these_o holy_a function_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n elect_v and_o this_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v 10.41_o matth._n 10.41_o matth._n 10.41_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o pròphet_n shall_v have_v a_o prophet_n reward_n that_o be_v everlasting_a joy_n and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n in_o god_n kingdom_n for_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o unto_o righteousness_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o because_o none_o shall_v pretend_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o poverty_n they_o can_v show_v their_o love_n to_o god_n minister_n therefore_o the_o lord_n encourage_v even_o the_o poor_a to_o show_v their_o goodwill_n and_o affection_n unto_o they_o matth._n 10.43_o say_n 10.43_o matth._n 10.43_o whosoever_o shall_v give_v to_o any_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n namely_o in_o god_n kingdom_n moreover_o those_o that_o love_v god_n ambassador_n do_v prove_v unto_o themselves_o and_o show_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v good_a by_o their_o ambassage_n even_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n which_o make_v they_o to_o think_v no_o worldly_a benefit_n sufficient_a to_o requite_v these_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o by_o their_o mean_n and_o ministry_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o with_o the_o galatian_n they_o can_v be_v content_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v they_o good_a hereby_o 4.15_o gal._n 4.15_o to_o pull_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o give_v they_o unto_o they_o see_v by_o their_o mean_n the_o blind_a eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n their_o saviour_n and_o because_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o to_o their_o comfort_n the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n and_o good_a thing_n therefore_o their_o foot_n that_o be_v their_z approaching_z and_o come_v unto_o they_o seem_v beautiful_a and_o delightful_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 10.15_o 10.15_o rom._n 10.15_o if_o a_o ambassador_n be_v send_v from_o a_o mighty_a prince_n who_o be_v our_o enemy_n in_o time_n past_a and_o able_a at_o his_o pleasure_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o our_o country_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v conclude_v a_o peace_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o offer_v we_o the_o free_a use_n of_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o commodity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o with_o joy_n and_o give_v he_o royal_a entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o ambassage_n but_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n have_v make_v the_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n our_o enemy_n who_o be_v able_a every_o minute_n to_o destroy_v we_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n and_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n
to_o send_v his_o ambassador_n not_o only_o to_o offer_v peace_n but_o also_o to_o beseech_v we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2._o cor._n 5.20_o 5.20_o 2._o cor._n 5.20_o and_o upon_o this_o reconciliation_n he_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o therefore_o receive_v and_o believe_v this_o ambassage_n will_v not_o love_v the_o ambassador_n that_o bring_v these_o bless_a tiding_n unto_o they_o who_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o yet_o show_v no_o token_n of_o thankfulness_n towards_o they_o who_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o ministry_n the_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n ministry_n a_o sign_n that_o few_o prosit_fw-la by_o their_o ministry_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v note_v how_o few_o the_o number_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o receive_v the_o lord_n ambassage_n to_o their_o spiritual_a comfort_n how_o few_o they_o be_v to_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o the_o beget_n in_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n how_o few_o hereby_o come_v to_o the_o true_a assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n see_v the_o number_n be_v so_o exceed_v small_a who_o love_n and_o respect_v the_o lord_n ambassador_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o ambassage_n nay_o rather_o the_o most_o even_o for_o their_o ministry_n sake_n do_v contemn_v those_o who_o otherwise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o learning_n wisdom_n and_o other_o excellent_a gift_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n they_o will_v respect_v and_o high_o esteem_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o ministry_n so_o that_o their_o honourable_a call_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v commend_v they_o do_v above_o all_o thing_n make_v they_o base_a &_o contemptible_a and_o no_o marvel_n see_v the_o most_o be_v flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n the_o child_n of_o mammon_n and_o not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o savour_v only_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o not_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o preacher_n of_o they_o fool_n and_o man_n of_o shallow_a conceit_n but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a 1.27.28_o 1._o cor._n 1.27.28_o and_o weak_a thing_n to_o confound_v mighty_a thing_n &_o vile_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 1.27.28_o let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o their_o contempt_n or_o at_o least_o small_a regard_n of_o god_n ambassador_n be_v a_o most_o manifest_a sign_n that_o they_o never_o receive_v good_a by_o their_o ambassage_n for_o have_v they_o receive_v from_o they_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o will_v never_o grudge_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o their_o worldly_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o true_a christian_n estimation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o they_o and_o much_o less_o will_v they_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n defraud_v they_o of_o their_o own_o right_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o whereas_o all_o man_n be_v industrious_a and_o frugal_a may_v live_v plentiful_o even_o of_o their_o mean_a trade_n only_o the_o lord_n ambassador_n though_o never_o so_o painful_a in_o their_o calling_n live_v in_o want_n and_o misery_n §_o sect._n 11_o the_o last_o sign_n of_o god_n child_n elect_v to_o salvation_n which_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o 6.10_o the_o ten_o sign_n a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n revel_v 22.20_o matth._n 6.10_o be_v their_o earnest_a desire_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n whence_o proceed_v that_o pathetical_a prayer_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o revel_v 22.20_o and_o that_o prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a to_o pray_v daily_o let_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v matth._n 6.10_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o note_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n it_o appear_v plain_o 2._o tim_n 4.8_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o all_o those_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v 8.23_o 2._o tim._n 4.8_o rom._n 8.23_o and_o rom._n 8.23_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v even_o sigh_v in_o themselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n even_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o body_n when_o as_o their_o corruption_n shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n and_o the_o mortal_a body_n immortality_n as_o he_o speak_v 1._o cor._n 15.53_o 15.53_o 1._o cor._n 15.53_o so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o faithful_a child_n shall_v at_o his_o come_n look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n 21.28_o luk._n 21.28_o because_o their_o redemption_n draw_v near_o luk._n 21.28_o and_o on_o the_o otherside_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v mourn_v and_o that_o the_o profane_a worldling_n and_o reprobate_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n 6.16_o matth._n 24.30_o revel_v 6.16_o fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n revel_v 6.16_o so_o that_o by_o these_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o we_o love_v the_o appear_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n endue_v with_o his_o spirit_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o salvation_n for_o natural_o we_o abhor_v to_o think_v of_o this_o fearful_a day_n and_o tremble_v with_o fear_n when_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o judge_n because_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v deserve_v everlasting_a damnation_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v beget_v faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o his_o merit_n by_o who_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v friend_n who_o before_o be_v enemy_n and_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o before_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n then_o do_v we_o earnest_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o judge_n shall_v be_v our_o saviour_n then_o can_v we_o go_v bold_o to_o his_o judgement_n seat_n without_o fear_n of_o condemnation_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o belove_a spouse_n of_o christ_n than_o we_o long_v for_o nothing_o more_o than_o for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o bridegroom_n when_o we_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o by_o god_n spirit_n we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v become_v lively_a member_n of_o his_o body_n then_o do_v we_o hearty_o wish_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n our_o head_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n where_o together_o with_o he_o we_o shall_v receive_v and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o such_o incomparable_a joy_n 2.9_o 1._o cor._n 2.9_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v chap._n xi_o the_o objection_n allege_v against_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n allege_v answer_n unto_o testimony_n allege_v now_o i_o will_v answer_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v bring_v against_o this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n and_o second_o reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v diverse_a 11.20_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o pro._n 28.14_o rom._n 11.20_o first_o they_o object_v such_o place_n as_o these_o 1._o cor._n 10.12_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v pro._n 28.14_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o rom._n 11.20_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n phil._n 2.12_o make_v a_o end_n of_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 1.17_o phil._n 2.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.17_o 1._o pet._n 1.17_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o dwell_n here_o in_o fear_n to_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a place_n we_o may_v answer_v general_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o hereby_o take_v away_o our_o certainty_n of_o faith_n but_o carnal_a security_n he_o will_v not_o deprive_v
still_o in_o the_o field_n than_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o after_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o and_o clap_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o as_o he_o have_v less_o mean_n so_o also_o he_o have_v less_o desire_n to_o escape_v after_o that_o by_o continuance_n of_o time_n his_o captivity_n be_v make_v more_o familiar_a unto_o he_o and_o we_o common_o see_v that_o a_o bird_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o be_v take_v flutter_v and_o strive_v to_o get_v away_o but_o after_o she_o have_v be_v a_o while_n in_o the_o cage_n she_o be_v content_a to_o stay_v there_o still_o though_o the_o door_n be_v open_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a thraldom_n at_o the_o first_o we_o have_v best_a mean_n to_o escape_v and_o most_o desire_n also_o for_o after_o we_o be_v enure_v to_o satan_n captivity_n we_o be_v content_a to_o remain_v his_o bondslave_n still_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o escape_v he_o will_v more_o disdain_v that_o we_o shall_v strive_v and_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o he_o after_o he_o have_v long_a time_n have_v we_o at_o command_n and_o rule_v we_o at_o his_o beck_n then_o when_o at_o the_o first_o we_o fall_v into_o this_o cruel_a slavery_n §_o sect._n 4_o three_o the_o long_o that_o sin_n have_v dominion_n over_o we_o the_o more_o it_o increase_v in_o strength_n increase_v 3._o by_o continuance_n the_o strength_n of_o sin_n increase_v and_o the_o more_o hardly_o it_o be_v subdue_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v entertain_v to_o make_v way_n and_o room_n for_o more_o and_o those_o worse_a than_o itself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n for_o when_o he_o be_v overcome_v of_o idleness_n it_o make_v way_n for_o adultery_n and_o adultery_n for_o murder_n so_o herod_n entertain_v incest_n and_o that_o open_v a_o door_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o let_v in_o murder_n and_o both_o these_o make_v open_a way_n for_o all_o hellish_a impiety_n so_o judas_n retayninge_v still_o his_o covetousness_n be_v move_v thereby_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o this_o sin_n bring_v he_o first_o to_o desperation_n &_o then_o to_o hang_v himself_o yea_o the_o apostle_n peter_n after_o that_o he_o join_v himself_o in_o company_n with_o the_o wicked_a servant_n of_o the_o more_o wicked_a high_a priest_n at_o first_o be_v move_v hereby_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n 26._o matth._n 26._o and_o when_o he_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o than_o he_o deni_v he_o again_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o redouble_v his_o oath_n curse_v himself_o if_o he_o know_v the_o man_n so_o that_o the_o long_o we_o let_v sin_n have_v dominion_n in_o we_o the_o more_o it_o will_v increase_v itself_o in_o strength_n and_o number_n till_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n as_o therefore_o those_o citizen_n be_v to_o be_v account_v most_o foolish_a who_o when_o they_o see_v a_o hundred_o enemy_n enter_v into_o the_o city_n shall_v defer_v the_o beat_n of_o they_o out_o or_o kill_v of_o they_o till_o they_o have_v open_v the_o gate_n to_o let_v in_o ten_o thousand_o more_o better_o arm_v and_o more_o strong_o provide_v think_v then_o to_o have_v better_a opportunity_n and_o more_o ability_n to_o give_v they_o the_o repulse_n so_o alike_o foolish_a be_v those_o who_o find_v it_o hard_a and_o defficult_a to_o subdue_v some_o few_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o be_v now_o give_v do_v defer_v it_o till_o the_o time_n to_o come_v when_o as_o they_o be_v increase_v in_o huge_a multitud_n imagine_v then_o to_o do_v it_o with_o more_o ease_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o poison_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o therefore_o poison_n be_v drink_v be_v present_o to_o be_v cast_v up_o again_o otherwise_o they_o disperse_v themselves_o in_o the_o vein_n and_o so_o go_v to_o the_o hart_n cause_n death_n so_o this_o poison_n of_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v long_o keep_v in_o we_o it_o will_v disperse_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o soul_n and_o seize_v upon_o the_o heart_n will_v plung_v we_o into_o everlasting_a death_n and_o destruction_n sin_n it_o be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n and_o upon_o whosoever_o it_o lie_v it_o will_v press_v they_o down_o unto_o hell_n as_o therefore_o the_o way_n to_o ease_v a_o man_n of_o his_o burden_n be_v not_o to_o add_v more_o unto_o it_o but_o to_o cast_v it_o of_o so_o the_o way_n to_o ease_v we_o of_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o increase_v the_o weight_n by_o add_v still_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o it_o but_o by_o cast_v it_o of_o speedy_o for_o when_o by_o this_o continual_a addition_n our_o sin_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o unsupportable_a weight_n they_o will_v soon_o press_v we_o down_o then_o we_o shall_v cast_v they_o of_o four_o the_o long_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n the_o more_o unpleasant_a will_v virtue_n and_o godliness_n be_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o be_v delight_v in_o the_o fulfil_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o more_o bitter_a it_o will_v be_v to_o mortify_v they_o and_o to_o embrace_v any_o strict_a course_n of_o sanctification_n see_v these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o he_o that_o have_v long_o continue_v in_o darkness_n can_v endure_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n he_o that_o never_o taste_v any_o thing_n but_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a meat_n can_v abide_v to_o feed_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v sour_a and_o bitter_a he_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o hot_a country_n be_v not_o able_a to_o brook_v those_o which_o be_v cold_a and_o so_o those_o who_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o sin_n will_v hardly_o be_v ever_o bring_v to_o embrace_v virtue_n and_o godliness_n these_o be_v as_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o light_v and_o darkness_n sweet_a and_o sour_a hot_a and_o cold_a especial_o consider_v that_o sin_n be_v as_o delightful_a to_o the_o taste_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n as_o drink_v when_o he_o be_v extreme_o thirsty_a or_o meat_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o pine_v for_o hunger_n §_o sect._n 5_o five_o disable_v 5._o because_o the_o long_o we_o delay_v the_o more_o we_o be_v disable_v the_o long_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o conversion_n unto_o god_n the_o more_o be_v our_o understanding_n darken_v our_o will_n pervert_v our_o affection_n more_o corrupt_v our_o heart_n harden_v and_o our_o conscience_n sear_v &_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v more_o and_o more_o disable_v for_o as_o the_o long_o that_o sickness_n have_v continue_v the_o more_o it_o weaken_v the_o body_n &_o make_v it_o unfit_a for_o any_o work_n or_o action_n so_o the_o long_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v seize_v on_o we_o the_o more_o unable_a we_o be_v to_o shake_v it_o off_o and_o the_o weak_a it_o make_v we_o to_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n when_o man_n at_o first_o fall_n into_o unusual_a sin_n their_o conscience_n check_v they_o and_o they_o fear_v lest_o the_o lord_n will_v pour_v upon_o they_o his_o heavy_a judgement_n but_o when_o they_o have_v commit_v the_o same_o sin_n again_o and_o again_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o punish_v then_o like_o thief_n who_o have_v escape_v after_o one_o robbery_n commit_v be_v ready_a to_o commit_v another_o so_o they_o have_v not_o taste_v of_o god_n judgement_n threaten_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v ready_a to_o sin_n again_o until_o by_o long_a custom_n in_o sin_v their_o heart_n be_v harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n so_o as_o noâ—e_v without_o any_o check_n or_o remorse_n yea_o with_o all_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n they_o can_v commit_v those_o sin_n which_o in_o former_a time_n they_o will_v have_v tremble_v to_o have_v entertain_v into_o their_o secret_n thought_n §_o sect._n 6_o six_o delay_n 6._o because_o the_o mean_n grow_v unessectuall_a by_o delay_n the_o long_o we_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o more_o uneffectual_a will_v the_o mean_n be_v of_o our_o conversion_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v either_o soften_v our_o heart_n like_o wax_n or_o harden_v they_o like_o clay_n either_o it_o will_v be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n or_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n to_o our_o deep_a condemnation_n as_o be_v 2_o cor._n 2.16_o if_o it_o once_o go_v out_o of_o god_n mouth_n it_o shall_v not_o return_v unto_o he_o void_a but_o it_o shall_v accomplish_v that_o which_o he_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v prosper_v in_o the_o thing_n whereto_o he_o send_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o conversion_n or_o harden_v of_o those_o
tedious_a if_o the_o ox_n while_o he_o be_v young_a be_v accustom_v to_o the_o yoke_n he_o draw_v in_o it_o quiet_o and_o with_o no_o great_a pain_n but_o if_o he_o run_v long_o in_o the_o pasture_n unbroken_a and_o untamed_a when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o yoke_n he_o struggle_v and_o strive_v and_o therewith_o gall_v his_o neck_n draw_v with_o exceed_a pain_n and_o irksomeness_n and_o so_o if_o in_o our_o youth_n we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a but_o if_o we_o use_v delay_n we_o shall_v grow_v stubborn_a and_o stifnecked_a like_o untamed_a ox_n and_o the_o bear_n of_o christ_n yoke_n through_o our_o impatiency_n and_o the_o rebellion_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v gall_n and_o vex_v us._n three_o the_o soon_o we_o turn_v unto_o god_n the_o more_o joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n shall_v we_o have_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o what_o joy_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 15.15_o pro._n 15.15_o what_o peace_n be_v like_o the_o peace_n with_o god_n &_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n when_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v now_o friend_n who_o before_o we_o be_v enemy_n and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n who_o in_o time_n past_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o fire_n brand_v of_o hell_n what_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v imagine_v like_o unto_o the_o consolation_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v all_o affliction_n light_a and_o even_o death_n itself_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o we_o but_o this_o joy_n peace_n &_o comfort_n do_v all_o company_n our_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o who_o will_v defer_v it_o for_o one_o day_n see_v it_o bring_v such_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o such_o surpass_a pleasure_n as_o none_o sufficient_o understand_v they_o but_o they_o who_o feel_v &_o enjoy_v they_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o defer_v our_o conversion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o be_v continual_o subject_a to_o the_o check_n and_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o though_o in_o outward_a show_n we_o may_v be_v exceed_o merry_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o our_o mirth_n be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o our_o joy_n of_o bitterness_n and_o of_o such_o laughter_n we_o may_v say_v thou_o be_v mad_a and_o of_o this_o joy_n what_o be_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v eccle_n 2.2_o for_o it_o be_v but_o sardonicus_n risus_fw-la laughter_n from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a which_o be_v straight_o control_v with_o some_o inward_a pang_n or_o check_n of_o conscience_n four_o the_o soon_o we_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o long_a time_n we_o shall_v spend_v in_o his_o service_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v perfect_a liberty_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a unto_o any_o christian_a heart_n then_o to_o serve_v our_o creator_n from_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n &_o to_o show_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n our_o redeemer_n for_o all_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v before_o man_n and_o by_o glorify_v his_o name_n in_o our_o godly_a &_o christian_a life_n what_o can_v be_v more_o please_v to_o a_o thankful_a mind_n then_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n of_o express_v thankfulfulnesse_n to_o he_o unto_o who_o we_o be_v so_o much_o bind_v last_o as_o by_o our_o speedy_a conversion_n unto_o god_n we_o live_v in_o sweet_a comfort_n and_o joyful_a peace_n so_o also_o we_o secure_o expect_v death_n and_o give_v it_o entertainment_n when_o it_o come_v with_o cheerful_a countenance_n for_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n we_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v nail_v to_o christ_n cross_n that_o he_o be_v condemn_v that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v and_o put_v to_o death_n that_o we_o may_v live_v eternal_o that_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o into_o heaven_n to_o prepare_v we_o a_o place_n there_o and_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o give_v we_o joyful_a entertainment_n when_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o have_v make_v a_o sovereign_a medicine_n against_o this_o poison_n with_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o therefore_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v death_n nay_o rather_o we_o may_v wish_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v speedy_o dissolve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n see_v that_o be_v best_a of_o all_o as_o it_o be_v phil._n 1.23_o neither_o need_n we_o to_o fear_v the_o destruction_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n see_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o have_v a_o building_n give_v we_o of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o cor._n 5.1_o moreover_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v either_o sudden_a death_n or_o a_o evil_a death_n for_o it_o can_v be_v sudden_a to_o they_o who_o be_v always_o prepare_v ne_n potest_fw-la malè_fw-la mori_fw-la qui_fw-la benè_fw-la vixit_fw-la august_n august_n neither_o can_v he_o die_v ill_o who_o have_v live_v well_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o defer_v their_o repentance_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n when_o death_n approach_v be_v fill_v with_o horror_n &_o fear_n when_o as_o they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v still_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o every_o minute_n in_o danger_n of_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n when_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n press_v they_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o death_n wait_v on_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o everlasting_a death_n hell_n and_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o see_v so_o many_o benefit_n accompany_v our_o speedy_a conversion_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o so_o many_o evil_n follow_v our_o delay_n let_v we_o not_o be_v move_v by_o satan_n tentation_n the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n nor_o with_o the_o allure_a vanity_n of_o this_o deceitful_a world_n to_o defer_v our_o repentance_n from_o day_n to_o day_n but_o let_v we_o now_o harken_v while_o god_n yet_o call_v we_o and_o take_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a time_n when_o he_o offer_v it_o unto_o us._n §_o sect._n 4_o the_o eight_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o speedy_a conversion_n acceptable_a the_o 8._o motive_n because_o repentance_n defer_v to_o old_a age_n be_v not_o so_o excellent_a or_o acceptable_a be_v that_o our_o turn_n unto_o god_n be_v defer_v to_o our_o old_a age_n or_o till_o the_o time_n we_o lie_v sick_a on_o our_o deathbedde_n be_v not_o so_o excellent_a in_o it_o one_o nature_n nor_o so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o youth_n for_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o if_o we_o leave_v our_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n with_o the_o riches_n honour_v and_o pleasure_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o abandon_v we_o to_o embrace_v mortification_n when_o as_o our_o body_n be_v mortify_v with_o sickness_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a when_o we_o can_v keep_v our_o good_n no_o long_o to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n when_o as_o we_o can_v not_o offer_v they_o any_o further_a wrong_n or_o violence_n to_o commend_v our_o wife_n and_o child_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o as_o we_o ourselves_o can_v no_o long_o defend_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o cease_v to_o swear_v and_o blaspheme_v god_n name_n when_o as_o soon_o after_o we_o shall_v cease_v to_o speak_v moreover_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o this_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o as_o we_o do_v not_o come_v unto_o he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n forsake_v we_o nor_o crave_v his_o help_n till_o we_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o other_o succour_n nor_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o his_o service_n before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o rather_o for_o fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_v of_o reward_n then_o for_o any_o love_n we_o bear_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o in_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o whensoever_o we_o true_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n shall_v we_o take_v occasion_n hereof_o to_o defer_v our_o conversion_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n shall_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o
we_o be_v not_o true_a branch_n of_o this_o vine_n for_o if_o we_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o ever_o in_o former_a time_n we_o have_v bring_v forth_o any_o right_a and_o kindly_a fruit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o true_a godliness_n we_o be_v true_a branch_n of_o the_o vine_n christ_n which_o he_o will_v lop_v and_o prune_v and_o again_o make_v fruitful_a for_o out_o of_o he_o we_o can_v never_o have_v bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n and_o those_o who_o be_v once_o ingraft_v into_o he_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v pluck_v away_o by_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n 10.28_o joh._n 15.4_o joh._n 10.28_o though_o as_o i_o say_v they_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v nip_v and_o shrewd_o weather_n beat_v chap._n xxxviii_o satan_n tentation_n object_v to_o the_o weak_a christian_n unrepentancie_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v that_o general_a temptation_n of_o satan_n repentance_n how_o satan_n persuade_v the_o weak_a christan_n that_o he_o have_v no_o repentance_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o rob_v and_o deprive_v the_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n of_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n which_o he_o may_v reap_v in_o apply_v unto_o himself_o the_o gracious_a promise_n and_o sweet_a comfort_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o persuade_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o effectual_o call_v wherewith_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v he_o descend_v from_o the_o general_a to_o the_o particular_n and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o far_o off_o discharge_v his_o shot_n of_o dangerous_a temptation_n without_o inflict_v desire_a hurt_n and_o destruction_n he_o approach_v near_a and_o fight_v against_o the_o poor_a christian_n with_o handy_a blow_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v beat_v he_o down_o into_o deep_a desperation_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v will_v be_v say_v that_o thou_o be_v call_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o hereof_o that_o thou_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o have_v say_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o why_o may_v not_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o great_a number_n neither_o be_v the_o call_n thou_o speak_v of_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o thou_o vain_o hope_v be_v not_o make_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o be_v call_v but_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o true_a justify_n faith_n which_o be_v always_o join_v with_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o if_o thou_o examine_v thyself_o aright_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o both_o these_o be_v want_v in_o thou_o for_o to_o begin_v first_o with_o repentance_n which_o be_v most_o sensible_a and_o to_o be_v discern_v with_o great_a ease_n if_o thou_o search_v thy_o hart_n without_o any_o affectionate_a partiality_n or_o vain_a conceit_n thou_o shall_v find_v that_o thou_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a thereof_o for_o be_v not_o thy_o hart_n so_o obstinate_o hard_a and_o so_o stubberne_o rebellious_a that_o thou_o can_v not_o bewail_v thy_o sin_n with_o any_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n nor_o scarce_o with_o much_o strain_v force_n one_o tear_n whereas_o for_o any_o worldly_a loss_n or_o temporary_a affliction_n which_o indeed_o touch_v thou_o with_o true_a grief_n thou_o can_v without_o any_o difficulty_n weep_v more_o bitter_o than_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o shed_v as_o many_o tear_n as_o marie_n magdalene_n beside_o whereas_o those_o who_o repent_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n with_o a_o trueand_a unreconcilable_a hatred_n of_o they_o and_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereas_o they_o have_v their_o hard_a stony_a heart_n mollify_v and_o turn_v into_o heart_n of_o flesh_n which_o be_v flexible_a unto_o holy_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o perform_v service_n to_o god_n thou_o through_o thy_o hardness_n and_o heart_n that_o can_v repent_v live_v still_o in_o thy_o sin_n and_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o thy_o time_n in_o vanity_n and_o worldly_a delight_n thy_o heart_n as_o hard_o as_o the_o adamant_n be_v ready_a soon_o to_o break_v then_o to_o bow_v to_o god_n will_v and_o when_o thou_o force_v thyself_o hereunto_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o discern_v the_o blindness_n of_o thy_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v so_o sharp_a and_o eagle_n sight_v in_o matter_n concern_v the_o world_n thy_o spirit_n so_o dull_a &_o blockish_a &_o thy_o affection_n so_o glut_v &_o tire_v in_o perform_v service_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v so_o full_a of_o life_n &_o alacrity_n in_o follow_v worldly_a vanity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o thou_o shall_v have_v any_o true_a repentance_n for_o how_o can_v repentance_n and_o hardness_n of_o hart_n a_o hart_n of_o flesh_n &_o a_o hart_n of_o stone_n be_v atonce_o in_o thou_o §_o sect._n 2_o against_o which_o tentation_n of_o satan_n if_o we_o will_v arm_v ourselves_o avoid_v for_o the_o answer_v that_o former_a tentation_n 2._o extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v it_o behove_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o two_o dangerous_a extreme_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v secure_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o our_o good_a estate_n when_o as_o in_o turth_o it_o be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a the_o other_o that_o we_o do_v not_o too_o much_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v deject_a and_o cast_v down_o though_o we_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o attain_v to_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o our_o heart_n desire_v insensible_a two_o sort_n of_o hardness_n of_o hart_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v insensible_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v of_o they_o who_o being_n most_o hard_o heart_a notwithstanding_o do_v not_o feel_v nor_o perceive_v it_o the_o other_o of_o those_o who_o feel_v their_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v greeve_v therewith_o and_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o mollify_v soften_v and_o even_o resolve_v into_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v damnable_a or_o at_o least_o most_o dangerous_a for_o it_o lull_v we_o asleep_a in_o carnal_a security_n it_o take_v away_o all_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o all_o sorrow_n whereby_o we_o shall_v bewail_v it_o it_o scare_v and_o braw_v the_o conscience_n cover_v it_o as_o it_o be_v on_o all_o side_n with_o a_o thick_a hard_a skin_n which_o will_v never_o or_o most_o hardly_o be_v pierce_v either_o by_o god_n justice_n and_o threaten_n to_o cause_n we_o to_o fear_v lest_o we_o incur_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n or_o by_o his_o mercy_n and_o gracious_a promise_n to_o move_v we_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o love_n in_o acceptable_a obediencd_a it_o repell_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n &_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o such_o drowsy_a dulness_n and_o blockish_a deadness_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o perform_v any_o service_n unto_o god_n and_o most_o apoto_fw-mi entertain_v any_o of_o satan_n tentation_n and_o this_o insensible_a hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a lethurgie_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n obstinacy_n the_o insensible_a hardness_n of_o hart_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o join_v with_o obstinacy_n the_o first_o be_v join_v with_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o affect_a rebellion_n whereby_o man_n advise_o and_o contemptuous_o withstand_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n with_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v move_v and_o muite_v they_o to_o serious_a repentance_n a_o example_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o pharaoh_n who_o harden_v his_o heart_n against_o the_o lord_n oppose_v himself_o against_o his_o ambassage_n deliver_v unto_o he_o by_o moysos_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o also_o obstimate_o and_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n of_o rebellion_n check_v and_o quenchen_n the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o he_o be_v sometime_o move_v to_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o lord_n righteous_a as_o also_o in_o saul_n who_o against_o his_o conscience_n persecute_v david_n because_o the_o lord_n love_v &_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o he_o to_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n and_o howsoever_o sometime_o by_o occasion_n of_o some_o notable_a fruit_n of_o david_n innocence_n he_o be_v move_v to_o condemn_v himself_o and_o to_o justify_v he_o yet_o present_o he_o harden_v his_o heart_n again_o and_o rage_v against_o he_o with_o wont_a malice_n and_o thus_o likewise_o be_v those_o israelite_n harden_v and_o freeze_a stiff_a in_o the_o dregs_n of_o their_o sin_n
own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o apprehend_v nothing_o but_o god_n wrath_n and_o grievous_a displeasure_n and_o lamentable_o complain_v as_o a_o man_n abandon_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o love_n and_o favour_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o which_o word_n show_v both_o christ_n affiance_n in_o god_n and_o his_o present_a apprehension_n in_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o affiance_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n he_o call_v he_o still_o his_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v forsake_v whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o a_o time_n apprehend_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n that_o he_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o combat_n of_o tentation_n let_v not_o sathan_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o the_o love_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n because_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o tentation_n and_o greevousnesse_n of_o our_o affliction_n we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o nor_o that_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o we_o do_v not_o sensible_o discern_v they_o in_o our_o feel_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o end_n thereof_o chap._n xlv_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v §_o sect._n 1_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v those_o reason_n whereby_o we_o may_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v faith_n increase_v that_o all_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v increase_v and_o also_o answer_v satan_n tentation_n whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v destitute_a thereof_o the_o second_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arm_v ourselves_o against_o satan_n and_o his_o suggestion_n be_v that_o we_o most_o earnest_o labour_v and_o endeavour_n after_o we_o have_v find_v that_o we_o have_v some_o faith_n to_o increase_v therein_o and_o grow_v up_o from_o say_v to_o say_v until_o we_o come_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o will_v bring_v such_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o tentation_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o disturb_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o subject_a to_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o exceed_o shake_v with_o satan_n tentation_n and_o in_o truth_n not_o without_o cause_n if_o we_o stand_v still_o at_o a_o state_n for_o howsoever_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a faith_n to_o quench_v and_o utter_o to_o destroy_v it_o yet_o this_o will_v bring_v no_o sound_a comfort_n unto_o those_o which_o rest_v content_v with_o this_o little_a quantity_n and_o never_o labour_v after_o increase_v because_o this_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_n for_o assoon_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v sow_v in_o we_o and_o have_v take_v root_n it_o sproot_v up_o and_o till_o it_o come_v to_o full_a ripeness_n in_o which_o respect_n our_o saviour_n compare_v it_o to_o agraine_v of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o seed_n of_o the_o garden_n yet_o it_o grow_v to_o a_o great_a tree_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n which_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a pittance_n and_o never_o labour_v after_o more_o for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v taste_v and_o eat_v a_o little_a bit_n of_o some_o delicious_a meat_n do_v not_o with_o a_o hunger_a appetite_n desire_v more_o till_o he_o be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v any_o weak_a title_n and_o assurance_n of_o some_o goodly_a inheritance_n do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v and_o use_v all_o good_a &_o lawful_a mean_n whereby_o his_o title_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o his_o assurance_n confirm_v and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o any_o have_v true_o taste_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o excellent_a benefit_n which_o accompany_v it_o as_o namely_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n peace_n of_o conscience_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o a_o little_a modicum_fw-la and_o never_o hunger_n after_o more_o or_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o have_v any_o small_a title_n or_o true_a assurance_n of_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o that_o unluable_a patrimony_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n if_o we_o never_o use_v mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o title_n and_o strengthen_v our_o assurance_n sure_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o sound_a comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o we_o will_v ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n indeed_o let_v we_o use_v most_o careful_o and_o diligent_o all_o good_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n until_o it_o grow_v from_o a_o small_a seed_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n which_o will_v bring_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o until_o it_o wax_v of_o a_o small_a spark_n unto_o a_o great_a flame_n which_o will_v thorough_o warm_v our_o heart_n with_o true_a comfort_n which_o be_v natural_o freeze_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_v for_o howsoever_o satan_n can_v quench_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o lively_a faith_n yet_o he_o will_v so_o cover_v it_o with_o the_o ash_n of_o his_o tentation_n that_o we_o shall_v neither_o discern_v the_o light_n nor_o feel_v the_o heat_n thereof_o §_o sect._n 2_o now_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o be_v thus_o careful_o to_o use_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n word_n the_o 1._o mean_n to_o increase_v faith_n be_v the_o diligent_a hear_v god_n word_n the_o first_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n the_o other_o serve_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n the_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v diverse_a the_o first_o be_v the_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n for_o as_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v beget_v and_o begin_v in_o we_o so_o be_v it_o a_o chief_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o it_o be_v that_o lively_a seed_n from_o which_o faith_n do_v spring_n so_o be_v it_o that_o heavenly_a dew_n whereby_o it_o be_v water_v and_o increase_v from_o a_o little_a plant_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o fruitful_a harvest_n that_o the_o blade_n or_o branch_n shall_v sprout_v up_o unless_o it_o be_v water_v continual_o with_o sweet_a dew_n and_o shower_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o preserve_v from_o die_v and_o wither_v so_o if_o ever_o we_o mean_v to_o reap_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o our_o everlasting_a comfort_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o not_o only_o it_o take_v root_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o blade_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v water_v with_o this_o heavenly_a dew_n of_o god_n word_n otherwise_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n arise_v it_o will_v die_v and_o wither_v word_n the_o 2._o mean_n meditation_n in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o mediate_v in_o god_n word_n especial_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o be_v contain_v those_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o definite_o unto_o all_o who_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n will_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh_n 5.39_o because_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o he_o joh._n 5.39_o and_o hereby_o david_n say_v that_o he_o be_v comfort_v in_o his_o trouble_n &_o even_o quicken_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a psal_n 119.50_o 119.50_o psal_n 119.50_o conferece_n the_o 3._o mean_n holy_a conferece_n the_o three_o mean_n be_v holy_a conference_n with_o our_o godly_a brethren_n for_o hereby_o those_o which_o be_v fall_v be_v confirm_v and_o the_o weary_a hand_n and_o weak_a knee_n strengthen_v as_o eliphas_n speak_v job._n 43.4_o 4.3.4_o job._n 4.3.4_o and_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n be_v comfort_v and_o establish_v
with_o the_o godly_a instruction_n profitable_a exhortation_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n exhort_v those_o who_o have_v attain_a unto_o agreat_a measure_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a into_o their_o company_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o christian_a conference_n to_o the_o end_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v rom._n 14.1_o 14.1_o rom._n 14.1_o sacrament_n the_o 4._o mean_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o four_o mean_n be_v the_o holy_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v they_o as_o seal_v to_o the_o handwriting_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_v for_o whereas_o the_o weak_a conscience_n may_v make_v some_o scruple_n in_o respect_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v deliver_v indefinite_o and_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v assure_v unto_o they_o particular_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o name_n and_o that_o not_o after_o some_o obscure_a and_o hide_a manner_n but_o most_o familiar_o by_o such_o common_a sign_n be_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o shallow_a capacity_n work_n the_o 5._o mean_n good_a work_n a_o five_o mean_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o good_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a obedience_n for_o hereby_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o by_o exercise_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v whereas_o contrariwise_o the_o neglect_n hereof_o do_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o so_o quench_v the_o lively_a heat_n of_o faith_n that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o sensible_o be_v discern_v as_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o for_o want_v thereof_o wax_v faint_a and_o languish_v and_o as_o the_o stomach_n be_v by_o outward_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n make_v more_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n of_o concoction_n so_o our_o faith_n be_v exercise_v in_o good_a work_n be_v make_v more_o strong_a and_o fit_a to_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o apply_v christ_n and_o the_o sweet_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o and_o without_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n it_o wax_v faint_a and_o the_o strength_n thereof_o abate_v prayer_n the_o 6._o mean_n fervent_a prayer_n the_o last_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o faith_n be_v continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o ephe._n 2.8_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n come_v unto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o the_o father_n 2.8_o ephe._n 2.8_o as_o himself_o speak_v 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o joh._n 6.65_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v it_o 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o luk._n 17.5_o and_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v grievos_o assault_v with_o doubt_v and_o infidelity_n we_o be_v in_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o possess_a child_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n mark_n 9.24_o mark_n 9.24_o 9.24_o and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o godly_a desire_n make_v we_o to_o grow_v up_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n till_o at_o length_n we_o attain_v unto_o such_o a_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.38.39_o ro._n 8.38.39_o 8.38.39_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o proper_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_v of_o our_o faith_n desperation_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n which_o whosoever_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o use_v they_o shall_v assure_o find_v they_o effectual_a for_o this_o purpose_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o doubt_v and_o desperation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o see_v the_o most_o of_o these_o point_n be_v handle_v before_o mean_n the_o 1._o mean_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o desperation_n be_v to_o call_v continual_o unto_o our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a exclude_v none_o how_o unworthy_a and_o sinful_a soever_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o so_o mat._n 11.28_o our_o saviour_n call_v all_o humble_a and_o repentant_a sinner_n without_o exception_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_a béloved_a son_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 9.13_o mat._n 9.13_o so_o matth._n 9.13_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n either_o than_o refuse_v the_o name_n of_o repentant_a sinner_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o come_v to_o save_v thou_o and_o joh._n 6.40_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n who_o send_v he_o that_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a l_o fe_o see_v therefore_o god_n take_v no_o exception_n nor_o exclude_v any_o let_v we_o not_o exclude_v ourselves_o through_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n mean_n the_o 2._o mean_n second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o only_o propound_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o we_o but_o also_o have_v command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o 3.23_o mark_n 1.15_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o so_o mark_n 1.15_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o 1._o joh._n 3.23_o this_o then_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n for_o this_o even_o the_o devil_n believe_v also_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n &_o to_o rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o for_o our_o salvation_n &_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o doubt_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v this_o commandment_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o add_v unto_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n 6.18_o heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.18_o yea_o he_o have_v also_o unto_o his_o word_n and_o handwriting_n annex_v his_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_v see_v therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o commandment_n let_v we_o not_o now_o dispute_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v worthy_a to_o believe_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o such_o grievous_a sinner_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o duty_n but_o set_v all_o excuse_n aside_o let_v we_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n mean_n the_o 3._o mean_n three_o we_o must_v not_o always_o set_v before_o we_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o huge_a weight_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o withal_o call_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v offer_v unto_o his_o father_n a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n 2.2_o 1._o john_n 2.2_o and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o world_n