thou_o have_v loose_v thy_o sin_n and_o ambrose_n say_v if_o he_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v and_o obtain_v pardon_n before_o he_o confess_v how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v confess_v say_v i_o know_v my_o iniquity_n be_v his_o sin_n pardon_v gregory_n on_o this_o psal._n say_v mark_v how_o speedy_o pardon_n come_v and_o how_o great_a be_v the_o commendation_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o that_o pardon_n come_v together_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o confession_n and_o remission_n come_v to_o the_o heart_n before_o confession_n break_v forth_o in_o speech_n ii_o conclusion_n the_o first_o material_a beginning_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o small_a measure_n ofrenewing_a grace_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o exposition_n the_o beginning_n of_o conversion_n must_v be_v distinguish_v some_o be_v beginning_n of_o preparation_n some_o beginning_n of_o composition_n beginning_n of_o preparation_n be_v such_o as_o bring_v under_o tame_a &_o subdue_v the_o stubborness_n of_o man_n nature_n without_o make_v any_o change_n at_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n fear_n and_o terror_n arise_v thence_o compunction_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n anger_n against_o sin_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a i_o exclude_v in_o the_o conclusion_n for_o though_o they_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o sinner_n to_o his_o conversion_n follow_v yet_o be_v they_o no_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o fruit_n both_o of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o ministry_n of_o death_n as_o also_o of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n beginning_n of_o composition_n i_o term_v all_o those_o inward_a motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o follow_v after_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o rise_v upon_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o promise_v righteousness_n and_o life_n everlasting_a by_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o motion_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n arise_v and_o of_o which_o it_o consist_v what_o these_o be_v it_o shall_v afterward_o appear_v again_o grace_n must_v be_v distinguish_v it_o be_v twofold_a restrain_v grace_n or_o renew_v grace_n restrain_v grace_n i_o term_v certain_a common_a gift_n of_o god_n serve_v only_o to_o order_n and_o frame_v the_o outward_a conversation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o serve_v to_o bereave_v man_n of_o excuse_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o this_o kind_n of_o grace_n heathen_a man_n have_v be_v liberal_a just_a sober_a valiant_a &_o merciful_a by_o it_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n have_v rejoice_v therein_o and_o for_o a_o time_n outward_o conform_v themselves_o thereto_o renew_v grace_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o man_n but_o proper_a to_o the_o elect_a &_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v not_o only_o restrain_v but_o also_o mortify_v and_o the_o decay_a image_n of_o god_n restore_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n now_o than_o the_o conclusion_n must_v only_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o second_o and_o not_o of_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o of_o this_o restrain_v grace_n yet_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o create_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o sanctify_v he_o he_o be_v as_o far_o from_o salvation_n as_o another_o thus_o than_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o the_o very_a lest_o measure_n of_o save_v grace_n and_o the_o very_a beginning_n or_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n do_v declare_v and_o after_o a_o sort_n give_v title_n to_o man_n of_o all_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o concern_v this_o life_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o be_v therefore_o approve_v of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o accept_v as_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v of_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n math._n 17._o 20._o if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o to_o yonder_o place_n and_o it_o shall_v remove_v must_v by_o the_o law_n of_o equal_a proportion_n be_v apply_v to_o save_v faith_n repentance_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n if_o they_o be_v true_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n though_o they_o be_v but_o as_o small_a as_o one_o little_a grain_n of_o mustardseed_n they_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o effectual_a to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n for_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 42._o 3._o say_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n let_v the_o comparison_n be_v mark_v fire_n in_o flax_n must_v be_v both_o little_a and_o weak_a in_o quantity_n as_o a_o spark_n or_o twain_o that_o can_v cause_v a_o flame_n but_o only_o a_o smoke_n special_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o easy_a to_o burn_v here_o they_o be_v signify_v that_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v both_o for_o measure_n &_o strength_n as_o a_o spark_n or_o twain_o of_o fire_n shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o rather_o accept_v and_o cherish_v by_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n hear_v the_o young_a man_n make_v a_o confession_n of_o a_o practice_n but_o of_o outward_a and_o civil_a righteousness_n he_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o mark_n 10._o 21._o and_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o scribe_n to_o speak_v discreet_o but_o one_o good_a speech_n that_o to_o love_v god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v above_o all_o sacrifice_n he_o say_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v love_v with_o a_o more_o special_a love_n and_o accept_v as_o the_o good_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n those_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o further_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bear_v a_o new_a of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n iii_o conclusion_n a_o constant_a and_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o touch_v heart_n be_v in_o acceptation_n with_o god_n as_o reconciliation_n faith_n repentance_n itself_o the_o exposition_n lvst_o or_o desire_n be_v two_o fold_n natural_a &_o supernatural_a natural_a be_v that_o who_o beginning_n and_o object_n be_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v which_o arise_v of_o the_o natural_a will_n of_o man_n and_o affect_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v think_v to_o be_v good_a according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o desire_n have_v his_o degree_n yet_o so_o as_o they_o be_v all_o limit_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n some_o desire_v riches_n honour_n pleasure_n some_o learning_n &_o knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v the_o light_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n some_o go_v further_o &_o seek_v after_o the_o virtue_n of_o justice_n temperance_n liberality_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o many_o heathen_a man_n have_v excel_v some_o again_o desire_v true_a happiness_n as_o balaam_n do_v who_o wish_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a because_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o nature_n to_o seek_v the_o preservation_n of_o itself_o but_o here_o nature_n stay_v itself_o for_o where_o the_o mind_n reveal_v not_o the_o will_n affect_v not_o supernatural_a desire_n be_v such_o as_o both_o for_o their_o beginning_n and_o object_n be_v above_o nature_n for_o their_o beginning_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n about_o which_o they_o be_v conversant_a be_v thing_n divine_a and_o spiritual_a which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n again_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o desire_n but_o may_v the_o better_o discern_v they_o from_o flitter_v and_o fleet_a motion_n i_o add_v three_o restraint_n first_o of_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o reconciliation_n the_o desire_n to_o believe_v or_o the_o desire_n to_o repent_v etc._n etc._n must_v be_v constant_a and_o have_v continuance_n otherwise_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suspect_v second_o it_o must_v be_v earnest_a &_o serious_a though_o not_o always_o yet_o at_o sometime_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o david_n my_o soul_n desire_v after_o thou_o o_o lord_n as_o the_o thirsty_a land_n and_o as_o the_o hart_n brai_v after_o the_o river_n of_o water_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n even_o the_o live_a god_n three_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o touch_v heart_n for_o when_o a_o
man_n be_v touch_v in_o conscience_n the_o heart_n be_v cast_v down_o and_o as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v it_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o spiritual_a motion_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o unto_o god_n they_o be_v without_o doubt_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n thus_o then_o i_o avouch_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v reconciliation_n itself_o the_o desire_n to_o believe_v be_v faith_n indeed_o &_o the_o desire_n to_o repent_v repentance_n itself_o but_o mark_v how_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v reconcile_v be_v not_o reconciliation_n in_o nature_n for_o the_o desire_n be_v one_o thing_n &_o reconciliation_n be_v another_o but_o in_o god_n acceptation_n for_o if_o we_o be_v touch_v thorough_o for_o our_o sin_n do_v desire_n to_o have_v they_o pardon_v and_o to_o be_v at_o one_o with_o god_n god_n accept_v we_o as_o reconcile_v again_o desire_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o faith_n in_o nature_n but_o only_o in_o god_n acceptation_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o of_o all_o god_n have_v annex_v a_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n &_o of_o life_n everlasting_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o grace_n mat._n 5._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v joh._n 7._o 38._o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v to_o i_o and_o drink_v revel_v 2._o 1._o i_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v a_o thirst_n of_o the_o well_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o now_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thirst_n proper_o it_o be_v when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o drought_n or_o dryness_n and_o want_v drink_v to_o refresh_v we_o &_o desire_v it_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o resemblance_n they_o be_v say_v to_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n that_o want_v it_o and_o will_v fain_o have_v it_o and_o they_o thirst_v after_o christ_n that_o feel_v themselves_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o desire_v yea_o long_o after_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v refresh_v with_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n here_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o want_n of_o mercy_n be_v the_o obtain_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o desire_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v faith_n mark_v then_o though_o as_o yet_o thou_o want_v firm_a and_o lively_a grace_n yet_o be_v thou_o not_o altogether_o void_a of_o grace_n if_o thou_o can_v unfeigned_o desire_v it_o thy_o desire_n be_v the_o seed_n conception_n or_o bud_n of_o that_o which_o thou_o want_v now_o be_v the_o spring-time_n of_o the_o engraft_a word_n or_o the_o immortal_a seed_n cast_v into_o the_o furrow_n of_o thy_o heart_n wait_v but_o a_o while_n use_v the_o good_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n appoint_v and_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o leaf_n blossom_n &_o fruit_n will_v short_o follow_v after_o second_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o the_o lively_a invocation_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n psal._n 10._o god_n hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a psal._n 145._o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o he_o that_o fear_v he_o when_o moses_n say_v nothing_o but_o only_o desire_v in_o heart_n the_o help_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o why_o cry_v thou_o unto_o i_o exod._n 14._o 15._o and_o when_o we_o know_v not_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v paul_n say_v that_o the_o spirit_n make_v request_n by_o the_o inward_a groan_n of_o the_o heart_n rom._n 8._o 26._o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o when_o a_o man_n in_o his_o weakness_n pray_v with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o lively_a faith_n the_o want_n whereof_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o his_o very_a prayer_n on_o this_o manner_n make_v be_v as_o true_o in_o acceptation_n with_o god_n as_o a_o prayer_n make_v in_o lively_a faith_n and_o here_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o paul_n call_v these_o groan_n unspeakable_a and_o why_o of_o most_o interpreter_n they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v unspeakable_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o greatness_n and_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o seem_v nevertheless_o that_o they_o be_v so_o term_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n for_o they_o be_v common_o small_a weak_a and_o confuse_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n when_o they_o be_v distress_v and_o the_o word_n follow_v seem_v to_o import_v thus_o much_o for_o when_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o make_v request_n with_o groan_n not_o to_o be_v utter_v some_o man_n may_v happy_o reply_v and_o say_v if_o we_o can_v discern_v and_o utter_v these_o groan_n in_o ourselves_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a paul_n add_v therefore_o that_o although_o we_o know_v not_o yet_o god_n a_o searcher_n of_o all_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o heart_n know_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n yet_o further_o afoard_v a_o comfortable_a instruction_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n namely_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n whether_o in_o life_n or_o death_n if_o by_o grace_n we_o can_v but_o sigh_v or_o sob_v unto_o god_n though_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a like_o the_o faint_a pulse_n in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n we_o or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o do_v indeed_o make_v request_n unto_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v hear_v yea_o as_o the_o word_n be_v we_o do_v more_o than_o make_v request_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o always_o see_v what_o god_n spirit_n make_v we_o to_o sigh_v after_o yet_o god_n do_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n not_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n but_o to_o show_v a_o consent_n and_o to_o prove_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o avouch_v be_v no_o private_a fantasy_n of_o any_o man_n easy_o say_v ambrose_n of_o god_n be_v he_o reconcile_v 66._o 36._o if_o he_o be_v instant_o entreat_v augustine_n say_v let_v thy_o desire_n be_v before_o he_o and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o for_o thy_o desire_n be_v thy_o prayer_n and_o if_o thy_o desire_n be_v continual_a thy_o prayer_n be_v continual_a he_o add_v further_a in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o desire_n be_v a_o continual_a voice_n and_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o inward_a invocation_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v make_v without_o intermission_n again_o to_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o grace_n again_o â—_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a be_v a_o holy_a will_n and_o desire_v and_o that_o which_o thou_o desire_v thou_o see_v not_o but_o by_o desire_v art_n as_o it_o be_v enlarge_a and_o make_v capable_a that_o when_o it_o shall_v come_v which_o thou_o shall_v see_v thou_o may_v be_v fill_v basil_n say_v humility_n only_o thou_o must_v will_n and_o god_n will_v come_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n 84._o bernard_n say_v what_o be_v not_o desire_v a_o voice_n yea_o a_o very_a strong_a voice_n god_n hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o a_o continual_a desire_n though_o we_o speak_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o voice_n continue_v 124._o luther_n say_v christ_n be_v then_o true_o omnipotent_a and_o then_o true_o reign_v in_o we_o when_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o we_o can_v scarce_o give_v any_o groan_n for_o paul_n say_v that_o one_o such_o groan_n be_v a_o strong_a cry_n in_o the_o care_n of_o god_n fill_v both_o heaven_n &_o earth_n 156_o again_o very_o few_o know_v how_o weak_a and_o small_a faith_n and_o hope_n be_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o temptation_n for_o it_o appear_v then_o to_o be_v as_o smoke_a flax_n which_o a_o good_a blast_n of_o wind_n will_v praesent_o put_v out_o but_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o these_o combat_n and_o terror_n against_o hope_n under_o hope_n that_o be_v oppose_v themselves_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o feel_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v find_v afterward_o that_o this_o little_a spark_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o reason_n which_o hardly_o perceive_v it_o be_v peradventure_o as_o the_o whole_a element_n of_o fire_n which_o fill_v all_o heaven_n and_o swallow_v up_o all_o terror_n and_o sin_n 300_o again_o the_o more_o we_o find_v our_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o less_o we_o find_v the_o promise_n to_o belong_v unto_o we_o the_o more_o must_v we_o desire_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o desire_n do_v great_o please_v god_n who_o desire_v and_o
apprehend_v he_o for_o we_o phi._n 3._o v._n 12._o and_o rather_o in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v know_v of_o he_o then_o that_o we_o know_v he_o gal._n 4._o 9_o out_o of_o this_o conclusion_n spring_v a_o other_o not_o to_o be_v omit_v that_o god_n accept_v the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o obey_v for_o perfect_a obedience_n itself_o that_o be_v if_o man_n endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o judge_v their_o do_n by_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n but_o will_v accept_v their_o little_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v by_o his_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n but_o here_o remember_v i_o put_v this_o caveat_n that_o this_o indeevour_n must_v be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o very_a mind_n conscience_n will_n and_o affection_n do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o thus_o the_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v from_o civil_a righteousness_n which_o may_v be_v in_o heathen_a man_n and_o be_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a and_o not_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o conclusion_n appear_v by_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n say_v that_o god_n will_v spare_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o as_o a_o father_n spare_v his_o child_n who_o accept_v the_o thing_n do_v as_o well_o do_v if_o the_o child_n show_v his_o good_a will_n to_o please_v his_o father_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v iv._o conclusion_n to_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o want_n of_o any_o grace_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n and_o to_o be_v grieve_v therefore_o be_v the_o grace_n itself_o the_o exposition_n understand_v this_o conclusion_n as_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o grief_n of_o the_o hart_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v as_o much_o with_o god_n as_o the_o grace_n itself_o when_o be_v in_o distress_n we_o can_v pray_v as_o we_o ought_v god_n accept_v the_o very_a groan_n sob_n and_o sigh_n of_o the_o perplex_a heart_n as_o the_o prayer_n itself_o rom._n 8._o 26._o when_o we_o be_v grieve_v because_o we_o can_v be_v grieve_v for_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n &_o measure_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n before_o god_n fine_a augustine_n say_v well_o sometime_o our_o prayer_n be_v lukewarm_a or_o rather_o cold_a and_o almost_o no_o prayer_n nay_o sometime_o it_o be_v altogether_o no_o prayer_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o can_v with_o grief_n perceive_v this_o in_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o can_v but_o grieve_v because_o we_o can_v pray_v we_o now_o pray_v indeed_o hierom_n say_v pelagianos_fw-la then_o we_o be_v just_a when_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n again_o this_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n of_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v imperfect_a and_o that_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o just_a man_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v imperfect_a augustine_n again_o say_v that_o the_o virtue_n which_o be_v now_o in_o a_o just_a man_n be_v thus_o far_o forth_o perfect_a that_o unto_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o there_o belong_v a_o true_a acknowledgement_n and_o a_o humble_a confession_n of_o the_o imperfection_n thereof_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n after_o a_o offence_n be_v as_o much_o with_o god_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o offence_n at_o al._n and_o therefore_o so_o soon_o as_o david_n after_o his_o grievous_a fall_n in_o heaviness_n of_o heart_n confess_v his_o sin_n say_v in_o effect_n but_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v sin_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o present_o v._o conclusion_n he_o that_o have_v begin_v to_o subject_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n though_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v ignorant_a in_o most_o point_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v a_o care_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o to_o practice_v that_o which_o he_o know_v he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o a_o true_a believer_n the_o exposition_n sundry_a person_n by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v say_v to_o believe_v which_o have_v only_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o yet_o have_v make_v no_o further_a proceed_n but_o to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o he_o &_o his_o doctrine_n which_o afterward_o shall_v be_v teach_v on_o this_o manner_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v and_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n upon_o her_o report_n and_o a_o certain_a ruler_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o his_o son_n be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o household_n joh._n 4._o 42._o 52._o when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n commend_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n term_v it_o a_o rock_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o plentiful_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o namely_o of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v withal_o resolve_v themselves_o to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o bless_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o teach_v though_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o point_n the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v the_o faith_n of_o rahab_n when_o she_o receive_v the_o spy_n now_o this_o her_o faith_n be_v indeed_o but_o a_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o lively_a faith_n for_o than_o she_o have_v only_o hear_v of_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o egypt_n and_o of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o be_v thereupon_o smite_v with_o fear_n and_o have_v conceive_v a_o resolution_n with_o herself_o to_o join_v herself_o to_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v term_v believer_n upon_o just_a cause_n for_o though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a as_o yet_o yet_o their_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v no_o continue_v or_o last_a ignorance_n and_o they_o have_v excellent_a seed_n of_o grace_n namely_o a_o purpose_n of_o hart_n to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o a_o care_n to_o profit_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n whereof_o they_o have_v some_o little_a knowledge_n vi_o conclusion_n the_o foresay_a beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v counterfeit_a unless_o they_o increase_v the_o exposition_n the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o hypocrisy_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n may_v &_o can_v easy_o transform_v himself_o into_o the_o counterfeit_n and_o resemblance_n of_o any_o grace_n of_o god_n therefore_o i_o put_v down_o in_o this_o last_o conclusion_n a_o certain_a note_n whereby_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v discern_v namely_o that_o they_o grow_v up_o and_o increase_v as_o the_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n to_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o bear_v fruit_n answerable_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n in_o two_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v small_a to_o see_v to_o at_o the_o beginning_n second_o after_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o increase_v speedy_o and_o spread_v itself_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n at_o the_o first_o have_v but_o some_o little_a feel_n of_o his_o want_n some_o weak_a and_o faint_a desire_n some_o small_a obedience_n he_o must_v not_o let_v this_o spark_n of_o grace_n go_v out_o but_o these_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v increase_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o they_o must_v daily_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o meditate_v endeavour_v strive_v ask_v seek_v knocking_z the_o master_n deliver_v his_o talent_n to_o his_o servant_n say_v unto_o they_o occupie_n till_o i_o come_v and_o not_o hide_v in_o the_o earth_n matth._n 25._o 26_o paul_n use_v a_o excellent_a speech_n to_o timothy_n i_o exhort_v thou_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o namely_o as_o fire_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o often_o blow_v and_o put_v to_o of_o wood_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 6._o as_o for_o such_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o last_o for_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n and_o after_o vanish_v away_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v &_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n ose_n complain_v of_o they_o say_v o_o ephraim_n thy_o righteousness_n be_v like_o the_o morning_n dew_n chap._n 6._o therefore_o consider_v grace_n unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o exercise_v be_v indeed_o no_o grace_n i_o will_v here_o add_v certain_a rule_n of_o direction_n that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o put_v in_o practice_v the_o
thanks_n so_o often_o as_o any_o occaon_n shall_v be_v offer_v 14._o think_v often_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o grievous_a thing_n that_o may_v befall_v thou_o either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o death_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n make_v a_o reckon_n of_o they_o and_o prepare_v thyself_o to_o bear_v they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v they_o may_v not_o seem_v strange_a but_o be_v bear_v the_o more_o easy_o 15._o make_v conscience_n of_o idle_a vain_a unhonest_a and_o ungodly_a thought_n for_o these_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o actual_a sin_n in_o word_n &_o in_o deed_n this_o want_n of_o care_n in_o order_v and_o compose_v of_o our_o thought_n be_v often_o punish_v with_o a_o fearful_a temptation_n in_o the_o very_a thought_n call_v of_o divine_n tentatio_fw-la blasphemiarum_fw-la a_o tentation_n of_o blasphemy_n 16._o when_o any_o good_a motion_n or_o affection_n rise_v in_o the_o heart_n suffer_v it_o not_o pass_v away_o but_o feed_v it_o by_o read_v meditate_v pray_v 17._o whatsoever_o good_a thing_n thou_o go_v about_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v it_o not_o in_o a_o conceit_n of_o thyself_o or_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o thy_o heart_n but_o in_o humility_n ascribe_v the_o power_n whereby_o thou_o do_v thy_o work_n and_o the_o praise_n thereof_o to_o god_n otherwise_o thou_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n god_n will_v curse_v thy_o best_a do_n 18._o despise_v not_o civil_a honesty_n good_a conscience_n and_o good_a manner_n must_v go_v together_o therefore_o remember_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o lie_v and_o of_o customable_a swear_n in_o common_a talk_n contend_v not_o either_o in_o deed_n or_o word_n with_o any_o man_n be_v courteous_a and_o gentle_a to_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a bear_v with_o man_n want_n and_o frailty_n as_o hastiness_n frowardness_n selfelike_v curiousness_n etc._n etc._n pass_v by_o they_o as_o be_v not_o perceive_v return_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n but_o rather_o good_a for_o evil_n use_v meat_n drink_n and_o apparel_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o they_o may_v further_o godliness_n and_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v sign_n in_o which_o thou_o may_v express_v the_o hide_a grace_n of_o thy_o heart_n strive_v not_o to_o go_v beyond_o any_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o good_a thing_n go_v before_o thy_o equal_n in_o give_v of_o honour_n rather_o than_o in_o take_v of_o it_o make_v conscience_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o let_v it_o be_v as_o a_o bond_n profess_v no_o more_o outward_o they_o thou_o have_v inward_o in_o heart_n opresse_n or_o defraud_v no_o man_n in_o bargain_v in_o all_o company_n either_o do_v good_a or_o take_v good_a 19_o cleave_v not_o by_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o any_o creature_n but_o above_o all_o thing_n quiet_a &_o rest_v thy_o mind_n in_o christ_n above_o all_o dignity_n and_o honour_n above_o all_o cunning_a and_o policy_n above_o all_o glory_n and_o honour_n above_o all_o health_n and_o beauty_n above_o all_o wealth_n and_o treasure_n above_o all_o joy_n and_o delight_n above_o all_o fame_n &_o praise_n above_o all_o mirth_n and_o consolation_n that_o man_n heart_n can_v feel_v or_o devise_v beside_o christ._n with_o these_o rule_n of_o practice_n join_v rule_n of_o meditation_n whereof_o i_o propound_v six_o unto_o thou_o as_o i_o find_v they_o set_v down_o by_o a_o learned_a divine_a call_v victorius_n strigelius_n i._o we_o must_v not_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n for_o any_o creature_n ii_o infinite_a eternity_n be_v far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o short_a race_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n iii_o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n though_o we_o lose_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o they_o also_o in_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v leave_v iv._o let_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o and_o prevail_v against_o all_o other_o affection_n v._o it_o be_v the_o principal_a art_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o believe_v thing_n invisible_a to_o hope_v for_o thing_n defer_v to_o love_n god_n when_o he_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o enemy_n and_o thus_o to_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n vi_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o any_o grief_n to_o quiet_v ourselves_o in_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o help_n of_o god_n and_o to_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o withal_o to_o wait_v either_o for_o some_o easement_n or_o deliverance_n vii_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v in_o contrary_a mean_n finis_fw-la lib._n 7._o in_o luc._n c._n 66._o 66._o si_fw-mi impensè_fw-la rogatur_fw-la on_o psal._n 36._o 36._o exposit._fw-la epist._n john_n tract_n 4._o cap._n â—_o hom._n of_o humility_n humility_n sup._n cant._n ser._n 84._o 84._o tom._n 4._o pag._n 124._o 124._o ib._n fol._n 156_o 156_o lib._n fol._n 300_o 300_o resp._n ad_fw-la acta_fw-la colloq_fw-la monpel_v monpel_v locor_fw-la come_v par_fw-fr 1._o 1._o catechis_n catechis_n epistle_n to_o careless_a careless_a book_n of_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n child_n com._n 4._o l._n 1._o ad_fw-la simpli_fw-la in_o fine_a lib._n 1._o contra_fw-la pelagianos_fw-la
a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n or_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n correct_v and_o amend_v by_o w._n perkins_n print_a at_o london_n by_o john_n legate_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n 1611._o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n as_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o simon_n waterson_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n margaret_n countess_n of_o cumberland_n grace_n and_o peace_n right_o honourable_a the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v so_o oft_o be_v proper_o a_o certain_a state_n or_o condition_n whereby_o we_o stand_v in_o the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o christ._n and_o this_o kingdom_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n be_v even_o at_o that_o instant_n already_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o the_o lord_n that_o good_a husbandman_n have_v cast_v but_o some_o little_a portion_n of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o one_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n of_o this_o little_a grain_n i_o have_v pen_v this_o treatise_n in_o quantity_n answerable_a thereto_o and_o i_o now_o present_a the_o same_o to_o your_o ladyship_n not_o to_o supply_v your_o want_n for_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v store_v with_o many_o grain_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o to_o perform_v some_o duty_n on_o my_o part_n hope_v therefore_o that_o your_o ladyship_n will_v read_v and_o accept_v the_o same_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n commend_v you_o to_o the_o blessing_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a your_o honour_n to_o command_v w._n perkins_n a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n or_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a point_n to_o be_v know_v what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v befall_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n lesser_a than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o true_a comfort_n unto_o all_o trouble_a &_o touch_v conscience_n second_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o stir_v up_o thankfulness_n in_o they_o that_o have_v any_o grace_n at_o all_o when_o they_o shall_v in_o examination_n of_o then_o self_n consider_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n or_o more_o three_o it_o will_v be_v a_o inducement_n and_o a_o spur_n unto_o many_o careless_a and_o unrepentant_a person_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o begin_v repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o shall_v perceive_v and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n accept_v the_o very_a seed_n and_o rudiment_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n at_o the_o first_o though_o they_o be_v but_o in_o measure_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o musterd-seed_n now_o then_o for_o open_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v set_v down_o five_o several_a conclusion_n in_o such_o order_n as_o one_o shall_v confirm_v and_o explain_v the_o other_o and_o one_o depend_v upon_o the_o other_o i._o conclusion_n a_o man_n that_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o be_v convert_v be_v even_o at_o that_o instant_n the_o very_a child_n of_o god_n though_o inward_o he_o be_v more_o carnal_a than_o spiritual_a the_o exposition_n in_o a_o man_n there_o must_v be_v consider_v three_o thing_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n whereof_o man_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v the_o faculty_n place_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o exercise_v in_o the_o body_n as_o understanding_n will_n affection_n the_o integrity_n tegritie_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o faculty_n whereby_o they_o be_v comformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n man_n be_v not_o deprive_v of_o his_o substance_n or_o of_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o only_o of_o the_o three_o which_o be_v the_o purity_n or_o integrity_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n whereof_o the_o conclusion_n speak_v be_v not_o the_o change_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o man_n or_o of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o that_o purity_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v lose_v by_o man_n fall_n with_o the_o abolishment_n of_o that_o natural_a corruption_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o of_o god_n alone_o and_o that_o on_o this_o manner_n first_o of_o all_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v a_o change_n in_o any_o he_o do_v it_o not_o first_o in_o one_o part_n then_o afterward_o in_o another_o as_o he_o that_o repair_v a_o decay_a house_n by_o piecemeal_o but_o the_o work_n both_o for_o the_o beginning_n continuance_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o every_o part_n at_o once_o special_o in_o the_o mind_n conscience_n will_n and_o affection_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o adam_n lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n he_o lose_v it_o in_o every_o part_n second_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v not_o wrought_v all_o at_o one_o instant_a but_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n &_o that_o by_o certain_a measure_n and_o degree_n and_o a_o man_n be_v then_o in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o his_o conversion_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o word_n inspire_v he_o with_o some_o spiritual_a motion_n &_o begin_v to_o regenerate_a and_o renew_v the_o inward_a power_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o may_v in_o this_o case_n very_o fit_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o night_n in_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n in_o which_o though_o the_o darkness_n remain_v and_o be_v more_o in_o quantity_n then_o the_o light_n yet_o the_o sun_n have_v already_o cast_v some_o beam_n of_o light_n into_o the_o air_n whereupon_o we_o term_v it_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n now_o then_o the_o very_a point_n which_o i_o teach_v be_v that_o a_o man_n at_o this_o instant_n and_o in_o this_o very_a state_n god_n as_o yet_o have_v but_o lay_v certain_a beginning_n of_o true_a conversion_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v the_o very_a child_n of_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n as_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o indeed_o by_o actual_a adoption_n and_o this_o be_v plain_a by_o a_o manifest_a reason_n there_o be_v four_o special_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o every_o child_n of_o god_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n his_o adoption_n justification_n and_o conversion_n &_o these_o four_o be_v wrought_v all_o at_o one_o instant_a so_o as_o for_o order_n of_o time_n neither_o go_v before_o nor_o after_o other_o and_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n of_o nature_n union_n with_o christ_n justification_n and_o adoption_n go_v before_o the_o inward_a conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n it_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o all_o upon_o this_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o a_o sinner_n in_o the_o very_a first_o act_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v justify_v adopt_v and_o incorporate_v into_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n the_o father_n with_o joy_n receive_v his_o wicked_a child_n but_o when_o sure_o when_o he_o see_v he_o come_v a_o far_o off_o and_o when_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v make_v no_o confession_n or_o humiliation_n to_o his_o father_n but_o only_o have_v conceive_v with_o himself_o a_o purpose_n to_o return_v and_o to_o say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o paul_n say_v of_o many_o of_o the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o as_o spiritual_a man_n but_o as_o carnal_a even_a babe_n in_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 3._o 1._o when_o david_n reprove_v by_o nathan_n do_v but_o begin_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o say_v i_o have_v sin_v present_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o thy_o sin_n of_o this_o thing_n david_n seem_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o 32._o psal._n v._n 5._o i_o say_v that_o be_v i_o purpose_v and_o think_v with_o myself_o i_o will_v confess_v against_o myself_o my_o unrighteousness_n and_o thou_o forgave_v my_o iniquity_n upon_o these_o word_n augustine_n say_v mark_v he_o do_v not_o confess_v but_o promise_v to_o confess_v &_o god_n forgive_v he_o again_o there_o be_v say_v he_o three_o syllable_n peccavi_fw-la i_o have_v sin_v and_o from_o these_o three_o syllable_n the_o flame_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n do_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o god_n chrysostome_n say_v say_v thou_o have_v sin_v and_o