only_o a_o free_a but_o also_o a_o bold_a speak_v before_o god_n it_o be_v that_o boldness_n with_o confidence_n ephes_n 3._o 12._o this_o be_v more_o rare_o impart_v unto_o man_n than_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v ordinary_a it_o have_v in_o it_o beside_o what_o we_o speak_v before_o some_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o faith_n make_v it_o put_v out_o some_o vigorous_a act_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o sweet_a mournful_a frame_n of_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o man_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o with_o some_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n plead_v his_o cause_n before_o he_o as_o a_o live_a god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o sensible_a presence_n that_o many_o saint_n do_v attain_v unto_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o doubt_n about_o a_o man_n estate_n in_o point_n of_o liberty_n before_o god_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o essential_a to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o a_o gracious_a state_n here_o some_o have_v it_o some_o want_n some_o have_v it_o at_o sometime_o and_o not_o at_o other_o time_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o up_o and_o down_o yet_o i_o may_v say_v gracious_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o a_o very_a ordinary_a influence_n in_o contribute_v towards_o the_o attain_n and_o retain_v or_o keep_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n six_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n call_v influence_n or_o breathe_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o gracious_a influence_n for_o of_o such_o only_o do_v i_o now_o speak_v be_v either_o ordinary_a and_o this_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n there_o whereby_o they_o be_v still_o keep_v alive_a and_o in_o some_o exercise_n and_o act_n although_o not_o very_o discernible_a this_o influence_n i_o conceive_v do_v always_o attend_v believer_n and_o be_v that_o keep_n and_o water_v night_n and_o day_n and_o every_o moment_n promise_v isa_n 27._o 3._o or_o this_o influence_n be_v more_o singular_a and_o special_a and_o be_v the_o same_o to_o a_o gracious_a although_o a_o wither_a soul_n as_o the_o wind_n and_o breath_n to_o the_o dry_a bone_n put_v they_o in_o good_a ease_n ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o and_o as_o the_o dew_n or_o rain_n to_o the_o grass_n or_o new_o mow_v field_n and_o parch_a ground_n psal_n 72._o 6._o such_o influence_n be_v mean_v cant._n 4._o 16._o by_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o south_n wind_n make_v the_o spice_n to_o flow_v out_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o edge_n put_v upon_o the_o graâ—es_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v mad_a to_o act_v more_o vigorous_o this_o be_v the_o enlarge_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o a_o 〈◊〉_d do_v run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n psal_n 119._o 32._o this_o influence_n be_v more_o discernible_a than_o the_o former_a and_o not_o so_o ordinary_o communicate_v also_o here_o sometime_o the_o wind_n blow_v more_o upon_o one_o grace_n and_o sometime_o more_o discernable_o upon_o another_o and_o often_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o grace_n together_o and_o according_a to_o the_o lesser_a or_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influence_n the_o soul_n act_v more_o or_o less_o vigorous_o towards_o god_n and_o since_o faith_n be_v a_o create_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v upon_o it_o sometime_o less_o sometime_o more_o and_o according_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n small_a or_o great_a seven_o there_o be_v the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n often_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n and_o many_o vex_v themselves_o about_o it_o allege_v that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o experimental_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o favourable_a hear_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v it_o be_v two_o fold_n either_o 1._o it_o be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v simple_o to_o believe_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n on_o scriptural_a ground_n as_o if_o i_o be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o do_v approach_n unto_o god_n in_o he_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o will_n not_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n exercise_v faith_n about_o the_o thing_n i_o pray_v for_o absolute_o or_o conditional_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o promise_n about_o it_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o will_v give_v what_o be_v good_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 14._o 13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o 1_o john_n 5._o 14._o this_o be_v our_o confidence_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o mark_v 3._o 24._o believe_v that_o you_o receive_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v what_o you_o desire_v psal_n 66._o 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v then_o if_o i_o regard_v not_o iniquity_n i_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o do_v hear_v i_o or_o 2._o a_o man_n do_v sensible_o perceive_v that_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n it_o be_v make_v out_o to_o his_o heart_n without_o any_o syllogistical_a deduction_n such_o a_o hear_n of_o prayer_n get_v hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1._o 8._o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a sure_o the_o lord_n do_v breath_n upon_o her_o faith_n and_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o she_o be_v hear_v and_o she_o can_v not_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o argument_n for_o she_o have_v not_o ground_n whereupon_o to_o build_v the_o premise_n of_o the_o argument_n according_a to_o scripture_n in_o that_o particular_a god_n do_v stamp_v it_o in_o some_o way_n upon_o her_o heart_n sensible_o and_o so_o make_v she_o believe_v it_o this_o be_v but_o rare_o grant_v especial_o in_o case_n clear_o deducible_a in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o people_n be_v much_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o exercise_v their_o faith_n about_o the_o other_o and_o let_v god_n give_v of_o this_o latter_a what_o he_o please_v a_o man_n gracious_a state_n shall_v not_o be_v bring_v upon_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o hear_n of_o prayer_n eight_o there_o be_v assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n by_o the_o witness_v of_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o assurance_n be_v deduce_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n syllogistical_o thus_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v never_o perish_v but_o i_o do_v believe_v on_o christ_n therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o perish_v whoso_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n therefore_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a i_o say_v by_o reason_v thus_o and_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o good_a certainty_n of_o his_o gracious_a state_n it_o be_v suppose_v 1_o john_n 3._o 18_o 19_o that_o by_o love_v the_o brethren_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n we_o may_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v rejoice_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o a_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o we_o may_v then_o attain_v unto_o some_o assurance_n although_o not_o full_a assurance_n by_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o in_o this_o witness_v of_o our_o spirit_n towards_o assurance_n there_o be_v some_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o need_v but_o a_o very_a ordinary_a influence_n without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o now_o this_o assurance_n such_o as_o it_o be_v may_v be_v reach_v by_o intelligent_a believer_n who_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o their_o walk_n so_o i_o hope_v there_o needs_o be_v no_o debate_n about_o it_o as_o to_o a_o man_n gracious_a state_n for_o if_o a_o man_n will_v clear_v himself_o of_o heart_n condemning_n he_o will_v speedy_o reach_v this_o assurance_n nine_o there_o be_v a_o witness_v of_o god_n spirit_n mention_v rom._n 8._o 16._o a_o bear_a witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v best_a understand_v if_o we_o produce_v any_o syllogism_n by_o which_o our_o spirit_n do_v witness_v our_o sonship_n as_o for_o example_n whosoever_o love_v the_o brethren_n be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o i_o love_v the_o brother_n therefore_o i_o be_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n here_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o three_o operation_n rather_o the_o first_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n upon_o the_o first_o proposition_n persuade_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v witness_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o
infallible_a word_n of_o god_n far_o beyond_o all_o other_o argument_n can_v be_v use_v for_o it_o the_o second_o operation_n be_v a_o glorious_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n shine_v upon_o the_o second_o proposiâ—â—n_n and_o so_o upon_o his_o own_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n discover_v they_o to_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n call_v so_o thus_o be_v we_o say_v to_o know_v by_o his_o spirit_n the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 13._o the_o three_o operation_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o the_o conclusion_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n upon_o faith_n strengthen_v it_o to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n of_o full_a assurance_n upon_o the_o foresay_a premise_n now_o with_o submission_n unto_o other_o who_o have_v great_a light_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o more_o experience_n of_o these_o precious_a communication_n i_o do_v conceive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o witness_v of_o it_o which_o be_v mention_v rom._n 8._o 16._o be_v not_o that_o first_o operation_n upon_o the_o first_o proposition_n for_o that_o operation_n be_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o gracious_a man_n and_o such_o a_o operation_n may_v be_v upon_o a_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n sonship_n or_o interest_n in_o christ_n at_o all_o the_o spirit_n may_v so_o shine_v upon_o any_o truth_n relate_v to_o duty_n or_o any_o other_o fundamental_a truth_n persuade_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o upon_o and_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o speak_v nothing_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o christ_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o make_v faith_n bold_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n this_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o operation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o influence_n upon_o faith_n bring_v it_o out_o to_o full_a assurance_n but_o that_o whereupon_o this_o full_a assurance_n be_v draw_v or_o put_v out_o be_v somewhat_o depone_v and_o witness_v already_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v the_o second_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o second_o proposition_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n be_v that_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o â—eaâ—_n of_o divine_a light_n shine_v upon_o those_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v very_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o witness_n the_o shine_a so_o on_o they_o in_o his_o witness_v for_o only_o here_o in_o this_o proposition_n and_o in_o this_o operation_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prove_v a_o co-witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n for_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o spirit_n lie_v be_v the_o second_o proposition_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n be_v also_o in_o that_o same_o proposition_n so_o these_o two_o witness_n have_v depone_v and_o witness_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n viz._n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o and_o such_o grace_n in_o the_o man_n which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n do_v depone_v according_a to_o its_o knowledge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v certain_o affirm_v and_o witness_v to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o sentence_n draw_v forth_o and_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o man_n sonship_n by_o the_o man_n faith_n breathe_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o effect_n and_o this_o conclusion_n bear_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o man_n sonship_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o some_o true_a saint_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o this_o all_o their_o day_n as_o heb._n 2._o 15._o ten_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o hope_v according_a to_o scripture_n if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v let_v out_o to_o some_o of_o his_o people_n sometime_o it_o be_v somewhat_o beside_o if_o not_o beyond_o that_o witness_v of_o a_o sonship_n speak_v of_o before_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a divine_a manifestation_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n shed_v abroad_o god_n love_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n better_o feel_v than_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o audible_a voice_n but_o it_o be_v a_o glance_n of_o glory_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o god_n as_o he_o be_v life_n light_n love_n and_o liberty_n countervail_v that_o audible_a voice_n o_o man_n great_o belove_v dan._n 9_o 22_o 33._o put_v a_o man_n in_o a_o transport_n with_o this_o on_o his_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o as_o mat._n 17._o 4._o it_o be_v that_o which_o go_v out_o from_o christ_n to_o mary_n when_o he_o but_o mention_v her_o name_n john_n 20._o 16._o he_o have_v speak_v some_o word_n to_o she_o before_o and_o she_o understand_v not_o that_o it_o be_v he_o but_o when_o he_o utter_v this_o one_o word_n mary_n there_o be_v some_o admirable_a divine_a conveyance_n and_o manifestation_n make_v out_o unto_o her_o heart_n by_o which_o she_o be_v so_o satisfy_o fill_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o argue_v and_o dispute_v whether_o or_o not_o that_o be_v christ_n and_o if_o she_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o he_o that_o manifestation_n make_v faith_n to_o itself_o and_o do_v purchase_v credit_n and_o trust_v to_o itself_o and_o be_v equivalent_a with_o tâ—us_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v such_o a_o glance_n of_o glory_n that_o it_o may_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o earnest_n or_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o inheritance_n for_o it_o be_v a_o feel_a armful_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n almost_o whole_o conform_v the_o man_n unto_o his_o likeness_n so_o swallow_v he_o up_o that_o he_o forget_v all_o thing_n except_o the_o present_a manifestation_n o_o how_o glorious_a be_v this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i'faith_o here_o rise_v to_o so_o full_a a_o assurance_n that_o it_o resolve_v whole_o into_o sensible_a embracement_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v best_a deserve_v the_o title_n of_o sensible_a presence_n and_o it_o be_v like_a be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o believer_n some_o whereof_o be_v all_o their_o day_n under_o bondage_n and_o in_o fear_n heb._n 2._o 15._o but_o here_o love_v almost_o perfect_a cast_v out_o fear_n this_o be_v so_o absolute_o let_v out_o upon_o the_o master_n pleasure_n and_o so_o transient_a and_o pass_o or_o quick_o go_v when_o it_o be_v that_o no_o man_n may_v bring_v his_o gracious_a state_n upon_o debate_n for_o want_v of_o it_o eleven_o there_o be_v a_o thing_n we_o call_v peace_n about_o which_o many_o do_v vex_v themselves_o this_o peace_n be_v either_o about_o a_o man_n state_n that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o it_o be_v about_o his_o present_a case_n and_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v walk_v so_o as_o approve_v of_o god_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v no_o quarrel_n or_o controversy_n between_o god_n and_o he_o threaten_v a_o stroke_n both_o of_o these_o be_v either_o such_o in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o in_o god_n account_n or_o in_o the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n as_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sure_a in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n do_v by_o faith_n close_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n rom._n 5._o 1._o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n it_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a in_o the_o court_n of_o scripture_n it_o shall_v hold_v sure_a in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n conscience_n it_o be_v right_o inform_v for_o in_o that_o case_n it_o still_o speak_v according_a to_o scripture_n but_o because_o often_o the_o conscience_n be_v misinform_v or_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o there_o be_v often_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n state_n according_a to_o scripture_n whilst_o his_o conscience_n do_v threaten_v the_o contrary_a and_o do_v still_o condemn_v and_o refuse_v to_o assoil_v the_o man_n as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n the_o conscience_n must_v be_v inform_v and_o the_o man_n gracious_a state_n make_v out_o by_o the_o mark_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o here_o the_o witness_n of_o my_o own_o spirit_n will_v do_v much_o to_o allay_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n join_v his_o witness_n and_o testimony_n the_o conscience_n be_v perfect_o satisfy_v and_o proclaim_v peace_n to_o the_o man_n the_o other_o peace_n about_o a_o man_n present_a case_n or_o condition_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v
the_o covenant_n with_o man_n after_o their_o transgression_n psal_n 89._o 30._o 37._o else_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o betrothe_v we_o to_o himself_o for_o ever_o hos_fw-la 2._o 19_o 20._o and_o how_o can_v the_o covenant_n be_v call_v everlasting_a order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a if_o there_o be_v not_o ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o it_o even_o when_o our_o house_n be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o with_o god_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 25._o yea_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n if_o those_o who_o enter_v it_o with_o god_n can_v so_o depart_v from_o he_o again_o as_o to_o make_v it_o void_a unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v in_o before_o they_o make_v it_o jer._n 32._o 40._o compare_v with_o heb._n 8._o 6._o the_o lord_n hate_v put_v away_o mal._n 2._o 16._o no_o honest_a heart_n will_v stumble_v on_o this_o but_o will_v rather_o be_v strengthen_v thereby_o in_o duty_n hos_fw-la 14._o 9_o for_o other_o tie_n and_o bond_n beside_o divorce_n and_o punishment_n by_o death_n do_v oblige_v the_o ingenuous_a wife_n unto_o duty_n so_o here_o man_n will_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n hos_fw-la 3._o 5._o object_n i_o have_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o at_o some_o other_o occasion_n covenant_v express_o and_o verbal_o with_o god_n but_o my_o barrenness_n in_o his_o way_n and_o the_o renew_a jealousy_n of_o my_o gracious_a state_n make_v i_o question_v if_o ever_o i_o transact_v with_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o i_o think_v i_o can_v do_v it_o no_o other_o way_n than_o i_o have_v do_v it_o answ_n 1._o man_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v fruitfulness_n according_a to_o their_o desire_n nor_o full_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n immediate_o after_o they_o have_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o express_o transact_v with_o god_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n will_v keep_v a_o man_n on_o work_n all_o his_o day_n the_o saint_n have_v their_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n yea_o and_o backslide_n with_o many_o fit_n of_o dangerous_a mis-belief_n after_o they_o have_v very_o serious_o and_o sincere_o and_o express_o close_v with_o god_n as_o their_o god_n in_o christ_n 2._o many_o do_v look_v for_o faithfulness_n in_o their_o walk_n and_o establishment_n of_o faith_n from_o their_o own_o sincerity_n in_o transact_v with_o god_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o fix_v their_o heart_n in_o their_o own_o honesty_n and_o resolution_n and_o not_o in_o the_o bless_a root_n christ_n jesus_n without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o be_v vanity_n altogether_o in_o our_o best_a estate_n man_n shall_v remember_v that_o one_o piece_n of_o grace_n can_v produce_v any_o degree_n of_o grace_n further_o nothing_o can_v work_v grace_n but_o the_o arm_n of_o jehovah_n and_o if_o man_n will_v lean_v unto_o christ_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o their_o duty_n absolute_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n at_o least_o look_v only_o to_o he_o for_o the_o suitable_a fruit_n it_o shall_v be_v far_o better_o with_o they_o god_n please_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o christ_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o for_o a_o season_n until_o they_o see_v if_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n and_o establishment_n shall_v follow_v purpose_v to_o disclaim_v their_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o the_o covenant_n if_o such_o and_o such_o fruit_n do_v not_o appear_v within_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n this_o be_v to_o put_v the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o trial_n and_o be_v very_o displease_v unto_o he_o man_n must_v absolute_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o resolve_v to_o maintain_v these_o thing_n as_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o reach_v fruit_n whatsoever_o shall_v follow_v thereupon_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n within_o they_o that_o they_o serious_o design_v conformity_n to_o his_o reveal_v will_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o they_o that_o have_v close_v covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o same_o end_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v save_v thereby_o 3._o man_n shall_v be_v spare_v to_o bring_v in_o question_n their_o sincerity_n in_o transact_v with_o god_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o same_o or_o have_v great_a presumption_n for_o it_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v any_o deceit_n or_o guile_n in_o your_o transact_n with_o he_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o disclaim_v and_o rectify_v it_o and_o to_o transact_v with_o god_n honest_o and_o without_o guile_n but_o if_o you_o know_v nothing_o of_o your_o deceit_n or_o guile_n in_o the_o day_n you_o do_v transact_v with_o he_o yea_o you_o can_v say_v that_o you_o do_v appeal_v unto_o god_n in_o that_o day_n that_o you_o deal_v honest_o with_o he_o and_o intend_v not_o to_o deceive_v and_o do_v obtest_v he_o according_a to_o his_o faithfulness_n to_o search_v and_o try_v if_o there_o be_v any_o crookedness_n in_o your_o way_n and_o to_o discover_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o heal_v it_o psal_n 139._o 23_o 24._o and_o afterward_o you_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o your_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a john_n 3._o 20_o 21._o and_o you_o can_v say_v that_o god_n answer_n from_o his_o word_n to_o you_o in_o so_o far_o as_o you_o can_v understand_v be_v answer_n of_o peace_n and_o confirmation_n of_o your_o sincerity_n yea_o further_o you_o dare_v say_v that_o if_o upon_o life_n and_o death_n you_o be_v again_o to_o transact_v with_o he_o you_o can_v do_v it_o no_o other_o way_n nor_o intend_v more_o sincerity_n and_o seriousness_n than_o before_o then_o i_o dare_v say_v unto_o thou_o in_o the_o lord_n name_n thou_o ought_v not_o to_o question_v thy_o sincerity_n in_o transact_v with_o god_n but_o to_o have_v confidence_n before_o god_n since_o thy_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v thou_o 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o and_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n deal_v upright_o with_o the_o upright_a man_n and_o with_o the_o pure_a do_v show_v himself_o pure_a psal_n 18._o 25_o 26._o if_o a_o man_n intend_v honest_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o beguile_v himself_o yea_o the_o lord_n suffer_v no_o man_n to_o deceive_v himself_o unless_o the_o man_n intend_v to_o deceive_v both_o god_n and_o men._n 4._o therefore_o impute_v your_o unfruitfulness_n to_o your_o unwatchfulness_n and_o your_o mis-belief_n and_o impute_v your_o want_n of_o full_a assurance_n unto_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n help_v by_o satan_n to_o act_v against_o the_o glorious_a free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o charge_v not_o these_o thing_n upon_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o your_o close_n with_o christ_n and_o resolve_v henceforth_o to_o abide_v close_o by_o the_o root_n and_o you_o shall_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n and_o by_o much_o fruit_n you_o lay_v yourself_o open_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o will_v testify_v with_o your_o spirit_n that_o you_o have_v sincere_o and_o honest_o close_v with_o god_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o work_n be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o he_o and_o so_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n join_v with_o the_o blood_n whereupon_o you_o be_v to_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o where_o alone_o you_o be_v to_o sink_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n due_a unto_o you_o for_o all_o your_o sin_n and_o fail_n in_o your_o best_a thing_n these_o three_o do_v agree_v in_o one_o viz._n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o you_o have_v interest_n therein_o and_o so_o you_o come_v to_o quietness_n and_o full_a assurance_n john_n 15._o 4_o 5._o and_o 14._o 21_o 23._o rom._n 8._o 16._o 1_o john_n 5._o 1._o o_o bless_a bargain_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o thrice_o bless_a mediator_n of_o the_o same_o let_v he_o ride_v prosperous_o and_o subdue_v nation_n and_o language_n and_o gather_v in_o all_o his_o jewel_n that_o honourable_a company_n of_o the_o first-born_a and_o stately_a troop_n of_o king_n and_o priest_n who_o glory_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o have_v wash_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o spotless_a lamb_n and_o who_o happiness_n shall_v continual_o flourish_v in_o follow_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v and_o in_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a company_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n one_o sight_n of_o who_o face_n shall_v make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n forget_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n o_o if_o i_o can_v persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o and_o to_o make_v haste_n towards_o he_o who_o haste_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o to_o call_v man_n to_o a_o account_n especial_o about_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o gospel_n even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n
the_o christian_n great_a interest_n or_o a_o short_a treatise_n divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o contain_v the_o trial_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n the_o second_o point_v forth_o plain_o the_o way_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o wherein_o somewhat_o be_v likewise_o speak_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o express_a covenant_v with_o god_n by_o w._n guthrie_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o scotland_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 10._o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a etc._n etc._n 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n the_o seven_o impression_n wherein_o the_o errata_n of_o the_o former_a impression_n be_v amend_v and_o several_a word_n which_o sound_v hard_o in_o the_o english_a render_v more_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a london_n print_v for_o dorman_n newman_n at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o poultry_n 1681._o the_o stationer_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o epistle_n commendatory_a from_o a_o christian_a friend_n give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o thought_n upon_o perusal_n of_o this_o book_n christian_n friend_n i_o have_v send_v you_o by_o the_o bearer_n this_o book_n which_o by_o providence_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n and_o a_o bless_a providence_n indeed_o it_o be_v to_o i_o for_o i_o hope_v the_o same_o mercy_n that_o bring_v it_o to_o my_o hand_n have_v bring_v the_o savour_n of_o it_o to_o my_o heart_n upon_o perusal_n of_o it_o i_o find_v such_o a_o bless_a and_o happy_a conjunction_n betwixt_o the_o gift_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a condescension_n to_o my_o plain_a capacity_n such_o a_o serious_a handle_n of_o serious_a truth_n that_o the_o language_n of_o my_o heart_n upon_o perusal_n of_o it_o be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o of_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n joh._n 4._o 29._o come_v see_v one_o that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v or_o rather_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v in_o i_o and_o for_o i_o he_o that_o have_v wade_v much_o in_o the_o water_n of_o soul-trouble_a may_v here_o behold_v a_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n in_o all_o its_o terror_n and_o trouble_n and_o he_o who_o be_v get_v out_o of_o these_o and_o be_v sun_v his_o soul_n in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n may_v here_o behold_v the_o light_a side_n of_o the_o cloud_n i_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o all_o its_o beautiful_a colour_n the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n set_v forth_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o storm_n when_o the_o law_n come_v thunder_v to_o the_o conscience_n the_o latter_a lead_v it_o into_o a_o calm_a of_o sweet_a peace_n and_o serenity_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v to_o a_o trouble_a soul_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n once_o come_v to_o the_o trouble_a sea_n with_o a_o peace_n be_v still_o mat._n 4._o 29._o but_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v thus_o the_o believer_n be_v here_o direct_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o want_v what_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o give_v and_o to_o know_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o give_v when_o he_o will_v what_o he_o will_v and_o how_o he_o will_v i_o find_v now_o that_o peace_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 97._o 11._o but_o all_o do_v not_o reap_v the_o crop_n till_o they_o come_v into_o emmanuel_n land_n isa_n 8._o 8._o there_o our_o joy_n as_o well_o as_o our_o light_n shall_v be_v clear_a and_o our_o love_n perfect_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o more_o concern_v in_o this_o piece_n than_o other_o though_o it_o deal_v forth_o its_o bread_n to_o all_o it_o be_v young_a man_n and_o young_a convert_v the_o latter_a may_v here_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o map_n or_o mirror_n the_o several_a providence_n and_o various_a work_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n that_o have_v all_o concur_v in_o the_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o god_n and_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o inducement_n and_o remora_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n that_o as_o moses_n be_v to_o write_v a_o history_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n pass_v through_o the_o wilderness_n numb_a 33._o 2._o so_o do_v this_o book_n with_o a_o holy_a kind_n of_o elegancy_n describe_v the_o spirit_n lead_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o its_o bewildered_a estate_n into_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n never_o leave_v it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n cant._n 8._o 14._o out_o of_o satan_n gunshot_n where_o his_o habitation_n shall_v be_v a_o munition_n of_o rock_n isa_n 33._o 16._o neither_o be_v there_o one_o path_n omit_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v ever_o read_v or_o gather_v from_o my_o own_o or_o other_o experience_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unfit_o term_v a_o spiritual_a day-book_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n between_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o regeneration_n work_v which_o be_v no_o loss_n profitable_a than_o delightful_a for_o the_o believer_n to_o be_v read_v over_o the_o record_n of_o god_n love_v manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o care_n and_o cost_n he_o take_v with_o he_o to_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n for_o trial_n bringâ—â—ruth_n to_o light_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o through_o many_o cloudâ—_n intercept_n may_v have_v lose_v their_o remembrance_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v here_o clear_o discover_v that_o they_o have_v be_v although_o for_o the_o present_a the_o beliâ—â—_n 〈…〉_z how_o be_v the_o gold_n become_v dim_a how_o be_v the_o fine_a gold_n hang_v and_o the_o look_v over_o paâ—_n experienâ—â—_n bring_v a_o renew_a favour_n and_o spiritual_a relliâ—â—_n of_o those_o thing_n upon_o the_o heart_n to_o they_o who_o have_v thus_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a at_o least_o support_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a feel_n whilst_o it_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o day_n of_o old_a the_o year_n of_o god_n right_a hand_n but_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o methinks_v i_o can_v never_o write_v enough_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o this_o piece_n the_o lord_n make_v it_o so_o profitable_a to_o other_o as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o i_o to_o his_o blessing_n i_o leave_v both_o you_o and_o it_o and_o remain_v your_o true_a christian_a friend_n g._n b._n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n while_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o these_o day_n by_o their_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o low_a and_o base_a interest_n have_v proclaim_v as_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n how_o much_o they_o have_v forget_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o better_a part_n which_o if_o choose_v shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o i_o have_v make_v a_o essay_n such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o take_v thou_o off_o from_o this_o unprofitable_a though_o painful_a pursuit_n by_o propose_v the_o chief_a of_o interest_n even_o the_o christian_n great_a interest_n to_o be_v serious_o ponder_v and_o constant_o pursue_v by_o thou_o thou_o may_v think_v it_o strange_a to_o see_v any_o in_o print_n from_o my_o pen_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o surprise_n to_o myself_o but_o necessity_n have_v make_v i_o for_o this_o once_o to_o offer_v so_o much_o violence_n to_o my_o own_o inclination_n in_o regard_n that_o some_o without_o my_o knowledge_n have_v late_o publish_v some_o imperfect_a note_n of_o a_o few_o of_o my_o sermon_n most_o confuse_o together_a prefix_v withal_o this_o vain_a title_n as_o dispealse_v to_o myself_o as_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o clear_a attractive_a warming-beam_n etc._n etc._n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o publish_v this_o late_a piece_n wherein_o i_o have_v purposely_o use_v a_o most_o homely_a and_o plain_a stile_n lest_o other_o way_n though_o when_o i_o have_v stretch_v myself_o to_o the_o utmost_a i_o be_o below_o the_o judicious_a and_o more_o understanding_n i_o shall_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a who_o advantage_n i_o have_v main_o if_o not_o only_o consult_v i_o have_v likewise_o study_v brevity_n in_o every_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v consistent_a with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n know_v that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o i_o address_v myself_o herein_o have_v neither_o much_o money_n to_o spend_v upon_o book_n nor_o much_o time_n to_o spare_v upon_o read_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o rigid_a critic_n i_o know_v thou_o may_v meet_v with_o several_a thing_n to_o carp_v at_o yet_o assure_v thyself_o that_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o offend_v thou_o neither_o will_v thy_o simple_a approbation_n satisfy_v i_o it_o be_v thy_o
hinder_v many_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o some_o special_a principle_n of_o religion_n as_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v free_a love_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o nothing_o in_o man_n that_o move_v he_o to_o send_v a_o saviour_n to_o perfect_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n joh._n 3._o 16._o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v etc._n etc._n man_n be_v still_o seek_v some_o ground_n for_o that_o business_n in_o themselves_o which_o lead_v away_o from_o suitable_a and_o high_a apprehension_n of_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o rise_v of_o god_n covenant-favour_n to_o his_o people_n which_o have_v no_o reason_n cause_n or_o motive_n in_o we_o and_o so_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o interest_n 2._o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o love_n do_v effectual_o discover_v itself_o to_o a_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o he_o have_v ground_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o viz._n that_o ordinary_o it_o do_v first_o discover_v his_o break_a state_n in_o himself_o because_o of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n defile_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o any_o thing_n in_o he_o that_o may_v be_v call_v a_o righteousness_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v loss_n and_o dung_n phil._n 3._o 6_o 7_o second_o it_o discover_v christ_n as_o the_o full_a and_o satisfy_a treasure_n above_o all_o thing_n the_o man_n find_v a_o treasure_n for_o which_o with_o joy_n he_o sell_v all_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 13._o 44_o 46._o three_o it_o determine_v the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o approach_v unto_o a_o live_a god_n in_o the_o ordinance_n psal_n 65._o 4._o and_o cause_v the_o heart_n to_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o 62._o 5._o my_o soul_n wait_v thou_o only_o upon_o god_n thus_o have_v drop_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o form_v christ_n there_o gal._n 4._o 19_o the_o heart_n be_v change_v and_o make_v new_a in_o the_o aforesaid_a work_n ezek._n 36._o 26._o and_o god_n law_n be_v so_o stamp_v upon_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o change_n jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o the_o whole_a yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o man_n without_o exception_n rom._n 7._o 12._o 16._o the_o law_n be_v acknowledge_v good_a holy_a just_a and_o spiritual_a upon_o all_o which_o from_o that_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n there_o flow_v out_o act_n of_o a_o new_a life_n gal._n 5._o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o love_n rom._n 6._o 18_o 22._o and_o the_o man_n become_v a_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n and_o unto_o god_n which_o do_v especial_o appear_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o worship_n joh._n 4._o 24._o rom._n 7._o 6._o man_n then_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o tenderness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o man_n than_o exercise_v himself_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n etc._n etc._n act_v 24._o 16._o now_o this_o way_n do_v the_o love_n god_n discover_v itself_o unto_o man_n and_o act_v on_o he_o so_o as_o he_o have_v ground_n of_o lay_v some_o good_a claim_n to_o it_o so_o as_o he_o may_v just_o think_v that_o the_o love_n which_o send_v a_o saviour_n have_v respect_n to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o have_v find_v these_o thing_n make_v out_o unto_o he_o sure_o ignorance_n of_o this_o do_v hinder_v many_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n for_o if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o god_n work_v with_o a_o person_n so_o as_o he_o may_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o his_o love_n which_o be_v from_o eternity_n he_o will_v wander_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o not_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o 3._o many_o be_v also_o ignorant_a of_o this_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v call_v the_o hope_n of_o israel_n jer._n 14._o 8._o although_o inherent_a quallification_n be_v evidence_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o stay_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o full_a blessing_n and_o satisfy_v portion_n be_v faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n must_v be_v in_o god_n and_o the_o only_a proper_a condition_n which_o give_v right_a to_o the_o save_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n rom._n 4._o 5._o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v faith_n be_v impute_v for_o righteousness_n indeed_o if_o any_o person_n take_v liberty_n here_o and_o turn_v grace_n into_o wantonness_n there_o be_v without_o doubt_n in_o so_o far_o a_o delusion_n since_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o he_o upon_o condition_n that_o it_o conciliate_v fear_n to_o he_o psal_n 130._o 14._o yea_o hardly_o can_v any_o man_n who_o have_v find_v the_o foresay_a expression_n of_o god_n love_v make_v out_o upon_o he_o make_v a_o cloak_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o sinful_a liberty_n without_o some_o measure_n of_o a_o spiritual_a conflict_n in_o this_o respect_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o he_o who_o do_v so_o sin_n have_v not_o see_v god_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 6_o 9_o i_o say_v god_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o people_n and_o not_o their_o own_o holiness_n if_o they_o intend_v honest_o and_o long_o serious_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o many_o fail_n shall_v not_o weaken_v their_o hope_n and_o confidence_n for_o it_o be_v in_o he_o who_o change_v not_o mal._n 3._o 6._o and_o if_o any_o man_n sin_v he_o have_v a_o advocate_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o now_o when_o man_n place_v their_o hope_n in_o any_o other_o thing_n beside_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o stagger_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o make_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o hope_n since_o they_o give_v not_o to_o god_n the_o glory_n due_a to_o his_o name_n and_o which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unto_o another_o compare_v psal_n 9_o 10._o they_o who_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o with_o isa_n 42._o 9_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v my_o name_n 4._o many_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o different_a way_n and_o degree_n of_o god_n work_v with_o his_o people_n and_o it_o do_v much_o darken_v their_o knowledge_n and_o reflex_n act_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o he_o this_o ignorance_n do_v run_v main_o on_o three_o head_n 1._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o different_a degree_n and_o way_n of_o that_o law-work_n which_o ordinary_o deal_v with_o man_n and_o of_o the_o different_a way_n how_o the_o lord_n bring_v home_o people_n at_o first_o to_o christ_n they_o consider_v not_o that_o the_o jailor_n be_v not_o keep_v a_o hour_n in_o bondage_n act_v 16._o paul_n be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n three_o day_n act_n 9_o zacheus_n not_o one_o moment_n luke_n 19_o 2._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o different_a the_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o honourable_a appearing_n thereof_o before_o man_n in_o some_o and_o the_o sad_a blemish_v thereof_o in_o other_o some_o be_v very_o blameless_a and_o more_o free_a of_o gross_a outbreaking_n adorn_v their_o profession_n much_o as_o job_n job_n 1._o and_o zachariah_n luke_n 1_o those_o be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n other_o be_v subject_a to_o very_o gross_a and_o sad_a evil_n as_o solomon_n asa_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o different_a communication_n of_o god_n face_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o presence_n some_o do_v walk_v much_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o be_v much_o in_o sensible_a fellowship_n with_o he_o as_o david_n be_v other_o be_v all_o their_o day_n keep_v in_o bondage_n through_o â—ear_n of_o death_n heb._n 2._o 25._o sure_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o different_a way_n of_o god_n work_v and_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n do_v very_o much_o darken_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o he_o whilst_o they_o usual_o stint_v the_o lord_n to_o one_o way_n of_o work_v which_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a example_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o do_v darken_v man_n about_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v there_o be_v one_o thing_n or_o other_o wherein_o their_o heart_n in_o some_o respect_n do_v condemn_v they_o as_o deal_v deceitful_o and_o guileful_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o these_o can_v come_v to_o clearness_n about_o their_o interest_n who_o heart_n do_v condemn_v they_o for_o keep_v up_o some_o know_a transgression_n against_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o will_v not_o let_v go_v neither_o be_v use_v the_o mean_n which_o
for_o clear_v and_o confirmation_n 1._o he_o have_v some_o desire_n to_o see_v christ_n and_o such_o a_o desire_n as_o make_v he_o wave_v that_o which_o some_o will_v have_v judge_v prudence_n and_o discretion_n while_o he_o climb_v up_o upon_o a_o tree_n that_o he_o may_v see_v he_o 2._o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o heart_n and_o that_o word_n take_v such_o hold_n upon_o he_o that_o present_o with_o joy_n he_o do_v accept_v of_o christ_n offer_n and_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o lord_n while_o few_o of_o any_o note_n be_v follow_v he_o 3._o upon_o this_o his_o heart_n do_v open_a to_o the_o poor_a although_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v a_o covetous_a man_n before_o 4._o he_o have_v a_o due_a impression_n of_o his_o former_a way_n evidence_v his_o respect_n to_o moses_n his_o law_n and_o this_o he_o do_v signify_v before_o all_o the_o company_n then_o present_a not_o care_v to_o shame_v himself_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o probable_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o world_n 5._o upon_o all_o these_o thing_n christ_n confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o bargain_n by_o his_o word_n recommend_v to_o he_o that_o oneness_n of_o interest_n which_o behove_v to_o be_v between_o he_o and_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o lose_a condition_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o come_v and_o seek_v he_o and_o find_v he_o all_o which_o be_v clear_a luke_n 19_o 3_o 10._o we_o grant_v the_o lord_n call_v some_o so_o and_o if_o any_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o special_a thing_n we_o have_v now_o hint_v they_o have_v a_o good_a confirmation_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o from_o that_o scripture_n neither_o be_v they_o to_o vex_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o a_o distinct_a preparatory_a law-work_n if_o their_o heart_n have_v yield_v unto_o christ_n for_o a_o law_n work_n be_v not_o desirable_a except_o for_o this_o end_n therefore_o christ_n do_v offer_v himself_o direct_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o people_n be_v invite_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o although_o many_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o surety_n until_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n distress_n they_o for_o their_o debt_n yet_o if_o any_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o lose_a estate_n will_v flee_v and_o yield_v to_o christ_n none_o may_v warrantable_o press_v a_o law-work_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o other_o who_o christ_n persuade_v by_o a_o word_n to_o follow_v he_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o howsoever_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o at_o his_o first_o meeting_n with_o they_o we_o must_v rational_o suppose_v that_o then_o he_o discover_v so_o much_o of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o his_o own_o fullness_n and_o excellency_n to_o they_o as_o make_v they_o quit_v all_o and_o run_v after_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o to_o any_o we_o crave_v no_o more_o since_o there_o be_v room_n enough_o there_o for_o the_o physician_n so_o that_o from_o all_o this_o as_o some_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v with_o who_o god_n have_v so_o deal_v so_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n nor_o occasion_n for_o delude_a soul_n to_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o condition_n who_o remain_v ignorant_a and_o senseless_a of_o their_o own_o misery_n and_o christ_n all-sufficiency_n and_o hold_v fast_a deceit_n three_o there_o be_v some_o bring_v in_o to_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n yet_o more_o declarative_a of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o this_o be_v when_o he_o effectual_o call_v man_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n we_o find_v somewhat_o record_v of_o this_o way_n in_o that_o pregnant_a example_n of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n luk._n 23._o 39_o 41._o although_o this_o seem_v not_o very_o pertinent_a for_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n yet_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a of_o it_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n man_n may_v be_v spare_v to_o judge_v and_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o either_o themselves_o or_o other_o before_o the_o last_o breath_n and_o we_o shall_v so_o circumstantiate_v it_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n none_o may_v dare_v to_o delay_v so_o great_a a_o business_n to_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o their_o life_n we_o find_v these_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o that_o business_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o thief_n 1._o the_o man_n fall_v at_o odds_o with_o his_o former_a companion_n 2._o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v a_o wrong_a word_n of_o god_n who_o hand_n be_v on_o he_o but_o justify_v he_o in_o all_o that_o be_v befall_v he_o 3._o he_o now_o see_v jesus_n christ_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n without_o a_o cause_n and_o most_o injurious_o 4._o he_o discover_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o a_o king_n whilst_o enemy_n seem_v to_o have_v he_o under_o 5._o he_o believe_v a_o be_v of_o glory_n after_o death_n so_o real_o that_o he_o prefer_v a_o portion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o present_a safety_n of_o his_o bodily_a life_n which_o he_o know_v christ_n be_v able_a to_o grant_v to_o he_o at_o that_o time_n and_o he_o may_v have_v choose_v that_o with_o the_o other_o thief_n 6._o although_o he_o be_v much_o abase_v in_o himself_o and_o humble_v that_o he_o plead_v but_o that_o christ_n will_v remember_v he_o yet_o he_o be_v noble_o dare_v to_o throw_v himself_o upon_o the_o covenant_n on_o life_n and_o death_n and_o he_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n of_o christ_n all-sufficiency_n that_o he_o judge_v a_o simple_a remembrance_n from_o christ_n will_v satisfy_o do_v his_o business_n 7._o he_o acquiesce_v sweet_o in_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n speak_v to_o he_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o comfort_n all_o which_o be_v very_o clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o that_o poor_a die_a man_n and_o do_v prove_v a_o very_a real_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o heart_n as_o this_o example_n may_v encourage_v some_o to_o wait_v for_o good_a from_o god_n who_o can_v as_o yet_o lay_v clear_a claim_n to_o any_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o we_o beseech_v all_o as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n not_o to_o delay_v their_o soul-business_n hope_v for_o such_o a_o cast_n of_o christ_n hand_n in_o the_o end_n as_o too_o many_o do_v this_o be_v a_o rare_a miracle_n of_o mercy_n with_o the_o glory_n whereof_o christ_n do_v honourable_o triumph_v over_o the_o ignominy_n of_o his_o cross_n a_o parallel_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o yea_o as_o there_o be_v but_o few_o at_o all_o save_v mat._n 20._o 16._o and_o most_o few_o save_v this_o way_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v peremptory_o threaten_v to_o laugh_v at_o the_o calamity_n and_o not_o to_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o such_o as_o mock_v former_o at_o his_o reproof_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v when_o he_o call_v to_o they_o prov._n 1._o 24_o 26._o which_o scripture_n although_o it_o do_v not_o shut_v mercy_n door_n upon_o any_o who_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n do_v sincere_o judge_v themselves_o and_o flee_v unto_o christ_n as_o this_o penitent_a thief_n do_v yet_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o imply_v that_o very_o few_o who_o fit_a the_o offer_n until_o then_o be_v honour_v with_o repentance_n as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o their_o cry_n as_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n shall_v not_o be_v hear_v the_o four_o and_o most_o ordinary_a way_n by_o which_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o discernible_a work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o humiliation_n which_o we_o ordinary_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o every_o one_o who_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v with_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o wrath_n do_v real_o close_a with_o christ_n the_o contrary_n do_v appear_v in_o gain_n saul_n judas_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o conviction_n of_o sin_n awaken_n of_o conscience_n and_o work_v of_o humiliation_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v circumstantiate_v it_o do_v rare_o miscarry_v or_o fail_v of_o a_o gracious_a issue_n but_o ordinary_o do_v resolve_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o a_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o because_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o many_o sinner_n this_o way_n and_o we_o find_v that_o many_o be_v much_o puzzle_v about_o the_o give_a judgement_n of_o this_o law-work_n this_o work_n be_v either_o more_o violent_a and_o sudden_a or_o it_o be_v more_o sober_a and_o long_o protract_v through_o a_o great_a length_n of_o time_n and_o so_o as_o the_o step_n of_o it_o be_v very_o discernible_a it_o be_v more_o violent_a in_o some_o as_o in_o the_o jailor_n paul_n and_o some_o other_o convert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o who_o christ_n do_v break_v in_o at_o a_o instant_n and_o fall_v on_o they_o as_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a terrible_o and_o because_o