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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n spirit_n witness_n witness_v 2,517 5 10.2077 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A43709 The believers duty towards the Spirit, and the Spirits office towards believers, or, A discourse concerning believers not grieving the Spirit, and the Spirits sealing up believers to the day of redemption grounded on Ephes. 4. 30. Hickman, Henry, d. 1692. 1665 (1665) Wing H1906; ESTC R2810 113,118 243

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indeed_o have_v his_o revelation_n but_o those_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a stand_v last_a ground_n of_o his_o gloriation_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o have_v have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o cor._n 1.12_o what_o that_o we_o be_v bid_v by_o st._n peter_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2._o epist_n 1.10_o which_o impli_v that_o assurance_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o extraordinary_a immediate_a revelation_n 2._o if_o we_o can_v have_v assurance_n it_o be_v either_o because_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o what_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o because_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v in_o that_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v what_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o make_v we_o child_n of_o god_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o great_a a_o absurdity_n for_o the_o papist_n themselves_o to_o swallow_n it_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o scripture_n needless_a for_o what_o do_v scripture_n more_o design_n then_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o distinguish_a mark_n betwixt_o sincerity_n and_o hypocrysie_n faith_n and_o unbelief_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o form_n it_o will_v therefore_o perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o true_a grace_n be_v but_o we_o can_v know_v ourselves_o to_o have_v true_a grace_n wrought_v in_o we_o because_o of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n now_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o either_o study_v scripture_n or_o his_o own_o heart_n but_o we_o may_v well_o say_v that_o the_o deceitfulness_n whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v be_v in_o part_n cure_v and_o remove_v by_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n also_o do_v assist_v as_o be_v more_o to_o be_v show_v hereafter_o the_o sanctify_a faculty_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o its_o own_o frame_n and_o therefore_o its_o remain_a deceitfulness_n notwithstanding_o it_o may_v come_v to_o some_o certainty_n of_o its_o own_o condition_n to_o make_v short_a i_o ask_v be_v conscience_n design_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o a_o judge_n do_v he_o intend_v it_o shall_v sometime_o justify_v sometime_o condemn_v if_o he_o do_v not_o design_n it_o to_o any_o such_o work_n or_o office_n why_o then_o all_o both_o heathen_n and_o christian_n have_v mistake_v its_o nature_n and_o office_n if_o he_o do_v why_o then_o may_v not_o a_o renew_a conscience_n witness_v concern_v a_o man_n renew_a and_o justify_v condition_n doubtless_o it_o may_v witness_v and_o give_v such_o a_o testimony_n as_o god_n will_v own_v hereafter_o and_o man_n may_v for_o the_o present_a comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o as_o from_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o god_n will_v condemn_v we_o so_o from_o our_o heart_n not_o condemn_v we_o we_o may_v collect_v that_o god_n will_v not_o condemn_v we_o and_o that_o with_o such_o firmness_n or_o certainty_n as_o will_v give_v we_o boldness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o john_n 3.20_o 21._o have_v the_o testimony_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a as_o papist_n make_v it_o to_o be_v st._n paul_n will_v not_o have_v so_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o it_o as_o we_o before_o observe_v he_o to_o do_v from_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o 3._o if_o no_o assurance_n be_v attainable_a than_o some_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o will_v be_v altogether_o either_o unprofitable_a or_o impossible_a i_o instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o why_o be_v we_o bid_v to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v right_a why_o be_v we_o bid_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 13._o if_o it_o can_v be_v know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n how_o shall_v we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n if_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o our_o title_n to_o heaven_n must_v be_v uncertain_a if_o we_o may_v at_o last_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a have_v our_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n set_a a_o man_n upon_o a_o very_a high_a pinnacle_n and_o let_v he_o know_v he_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o and_o see_v whether_o you_o can_v persuade_v he_o to_o rejoice_v the_o possibility_n and_o much_o more_o the_o probability_n of_o any_o danger_n that_o be_v intolerable_a must_v needs_o damp_n all_o joy_n much_o less_o can_v a_o christian_a be_v earnest_a and_o vehement_a in_o his_o desire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o be_v with_o christ_n if_o he_o can_v have_v no_o sure_a hope_n that_o when_o he_o be_v dissolve_v he_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o christ_n why_o have_v god_n set_v promise_n as_o thick_a in_o the_o word_n as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n if_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v clear_v up_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o if_o the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o the_o covenant_n be_v strain_v into_o one_o single_a promise_n what_o will_v that_o avail_v i_o if_o by_o no_o mean_n i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v permit_v to_o taste_v of_o it_o this_o argument_n do_v horrible_o puzzle_v bellarmine_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o he_o recite_v three_o opinion_n of_o catholic_n as_o he_o call_v they_o according_a to_o none_o of_o which_o he_o think_v man_n will_v be_v leave_v under_o any_o necessity_n of_o doubt_v concern_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o at_o last_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o they_o contend_v against_o be_v only_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o we_o be_v wise_a than_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o so_o material_a a_o question_n upon_o a_o school-phrase_n let_v it_o but_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n as_o make_v it_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o mistake_v we_o shall_v sit_v down_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o that_o concession_n and_o eat_v the_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o it_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o tridentine_a doctor_n to_o determine_v whether_o this_o may_v be_v call_v faith_n catholic_n and_o if_o not_o whether_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v call_v divine_a faith_n differ_v from_o catholic_n faith_n differ_v not_o in_o certainty_n and_o exclusion_n of_o doubt_v but_o only_o in_o universality_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o understand_v not_o how_o any_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o believe_v and_o if_o any_o of_o our_o writer_n have_v so_o express_v themselves_o which_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v they_o speak_v not_o proper_o wendeline_n in_o his_o large_a system_n of_o divinity_n propound_v against_o himself_o this_o objection_n as_o from_o the_o papist_n what_o be_v certain_a with_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v either_o express_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o by_o due_a consequence_n may_v be_v thence_o deduce_v but_o that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n i_o or_o thou_o do_v true_o believe_v be_v not_o express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n nor_o can_v by_o any_o due_a consequence_n be_v thence_o deduce_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v certain_a with_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n do_v well_o answer_v the_o conclusion_n do_v not_o contradict_v we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o in_o kind_n say_v that_o we_o can_v by_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_a that_o we_o true_o believe_v but_o indefinite_o that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a with_o what_o certainty_n then_o i_o answer_v with_o a_o certainty_n of_o inward_a vision_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o do_v true_o believe_v this_o certainty_n therefore_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o in_o the_o book_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o we_o believe_v not_o that_o we_o believe_v but_o see_v feel_v as_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o do_v think_v of_o god_n but_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o our_o mind_n quote_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o answer_n a_o elegant_a sentence_n of_o s._n augustine_n lib._n 13._o de_fw-fr trin._n fidem_fw-la svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la habet_fw-la videt_fw-la in_o cord_n svo_fw-la &_o tenet_fw-la certissimâ_fw-la scientiâ_fw-la &_o clamante_fw-la conscientia_fw-la in_o which_o way_n if_o he_o have_v proceed_v in_o answer_v the_o self_n same_o objection_n
uncertainty_n concern_v ourselves_o do_v we_o not_o sleight_v some_o ordinance_n or_o omit_v some_o duty_n or_o give_v way_n to_o some_o lust_n 3._o though_o one_o may_v be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n who_o do_v want_v this_o assurance_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o child_n of_o god_n who_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v under_o the_o want_n of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n uncertainty_n of_o our_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o light_a a_o evil_a as_o that_o a_o christian_n can_v carry_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o burden_n nay_o but_o he_o follow_v christ_n with_o unutterable_a sigh_n and_o groan_n he_o travel_v from_o ordinance_n to_o ordinance_n till_o his_o evidence_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o his_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n be_v make_v out_o if_o a_o child_n shall_v have_v some_o doubt_v throw_v into_o his_o mind_n concern_v his_o father_n love_n to_o he_o will_v he_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o it_o be_v remove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o believer_n be_v himself_o under_o prevail_a doubt_n concern_v the_o good_a will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v god_n promise_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n have_v he_o beside_o his_o covenant_n give_v we_o his_o sacrament_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o more_o abundant_a consolation_n and_o after_o all_o this_o shall_v we_o quiet_o sit_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o if_o nothing_o ail_v we_o how_o then_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o especial_o those_o who_o have_v sometime_o have_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v on_o they_o and_o have_v after_o lose_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v restless_a till_o they_o have_v recover_v it_o thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v psal_n 30._o v._n 7._o trouble_a with_o a_o witness_n for_o it_o be_v his_o daily_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n yea_o it_o be_v as_o death_n to_o he_o for_o this_o he_o make_v his_o tear_n day_n and_o night_n he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o he_o and_o his_o upbraid_n by_o his_o enemy_n with_o this_o be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o bone_n psal_n 42.3_o 4_o 10._o as_o for_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n we_o do_v find_v chap._n 5._o v._n 6._o that_o when_o her_o belove_a have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v her_o soul_n fail_v when_o she_o speak_v she_o seek_v but_o she_o can_v not_o find_v he_o she_o call_v but_o he_o make_v no_o answer_n hereupon_o she_o go_v to_o the_o watchman_n to_o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n charge_v they_o if_o they_o find_v she_o belove_v to_o tell_v he_o she_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n v._o 7.8_o he_o never_o due_o estimate_v the_o friendship_n of_o christ_n who_o can_v bear_v his_o strangeness_n without_o great_a sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n of_o heart_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n assurance_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o say_v his_o way_n of_o work_v be_v very_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o assurance_n itself_o be_v better_o feel_v then_o express_v compare_v therefore_o as_o some_o conceive_v rev._n 2.17_o to_o the_o manna_n that_o be_v hide_v and_o to_o the_o white_a stono_fw-mi and_o the_o new_a name_n write_v in_o the_o stone_n which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v inexpressible_a compare_v therefore_o john_n 3._o to_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v the_o sound_n whereof_o we_o hear_v but_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whether_o it_o go_v his_o work_n in_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v be_v much_o more_o inexpressible_a there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o act_n in_o the_o soul_n 1._o direct_v act_n such_o as_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n cleave_v to_o christ_n or_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n 2._o reflex_n act_n such_o as_o be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o man_n return_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v though_o not_o believe_v yet_o know_v that_o he_o believe_v believe_v sincere_o such_o reflex_n act_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a royal_a operation_n '_o the_o most_o refine_a spiritual_a working_n sufficient_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o such_o working_n of_o the_o soul_n usual_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o transient_a radius_fw-la reflexus_fw-la languet_fw-la be_v the_o rule_n in_o optic_n and_o which_o leave_v we_o at_o a_o great_a loss_n those_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v borrow_v our_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o vex_v with_o variety_n of_o descant_n and_o interpretation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o will_v quite_o tire_v out_o the_o patience_n of_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n if_o i_o shall_v but_o recite_v the_o variety_n of_o comment_n on_o that_o place_n 1_o john_n 5.8_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n the_o water_n the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o that_o indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o plain_a rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o first_o grotius_n will_v have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o he_o bring_v for_o proof_n a_o place_n or_o two_o in_o scripture_n in_o which_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o use_v because_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n well_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n to_o build_v his_o conceit_n on_o we_o may_v easy_o rid_v our_o hand_n of_o he_o for_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o joint_a witness_n it_o witness_v together_o with_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v as_o some_o think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o then_o grant_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v signify_v a_o joint-witnessing_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o other_o partner_n be_v that_o be_v join_v with_o god_n spirit_n in_o this_o action_n as_o we_o translate_v it_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v our_o own_o spirit_n but_o the_o rhemist_n translate_v not_o with_o our_o spirit_n but_o to_o our_o spirit_n which_o translation_n be_v put_v into_o the_o margin_n of_o the_o english_a bible_n now_o read_v and_o be_v in_o the_o text_n of_o those_o former_o use_v and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n whether_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o the_o joint-witness_a but_o only_o the_o recipient_a of_o this_o witness_n and_o the_o joint-witness_a the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o voice_n cause_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o some_o do_v therefore_o want_v assurance_n because_o they_o look_v for_o it_o in_o a_o undue_a and_o unwarrantable_a manner_n expect_v some_o vocal_a testimony_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o unfold_v the_o matter_n as_o i_o be_o able_a and_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o look_v in_o what_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n do_v work_v fear_n in_o the_o same_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n do_v work_v hope_n and_o assurance_n now_o the_o spirit_n bring_v unconvert_v person_n under_o fear_n and_o trouble_v concern_v their_o estate_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o demerit_n of_o sin_n and_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n john_n 16.8_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v errorem_fw-la pr●…conceptum_fw-la profligare_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o fallacy_n in_o which_o something_o only_a seem_o and_o not_o real_o contradictory_n to_o the_o question_n be_v prove_v be_v call_v ab_fw-la ignoratione_n elenebi_fw-la the_o secure_a unconsider_v sinner_n live_v in_o sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o very_a harmless_a innocent_a thing_n he_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o to_o awaken_v he_o out_o of_o his_o security_n and_o to_o put_v he_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o inquire_v after_o a_o saviour_n do_v join_v with_o his_o conscience_n bring_v he_o under_o a_o threefold_a conviction_n of_o law_n of_o fact_n of_o state_n by_o some_o such_o syllogism_n every_o liar_n shall_v have_v his_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o be_o a_o liar_n therefore_o i_o shall_v have_v my_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n or_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o i_o believe_v not_o therefore_o i_o be_o condemn_v already_o or_o he_o that_o
by_o inward_a sense_n therefore_o the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o make_v such_o conclusion_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n not_o immediate_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n and_o that_o on_o supposition_n that_o a_o proposition_n certain_a from_o inward_a sense_n be_v strong_a than_o a_o proposition_n certain_a from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a nor_o yet_o do_v we_o say_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v make_v we_o infallible_o certain_a only_o we_o say_v that_o it_o make_v those_o who_o keep_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n have_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o any_o actual_a torment_a doubt_n or_o fear_n so_o as_o they_o can_v their_o heart_n not_o accuse_v they_o nor_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o presumption_n call_v god_n father_n and_o christ_n their_o elder_a brother_n and_o the_o spirit_n their_o advocate_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o will_v thereby_o do_v a_o act_n sufficient_a to_o darken_v all_o the_o evidence_n they_o before_o have_v of_o their_o adoption_n for_o no_o one_o have_v power_n to_o require_v such_o a_o oath_n nor_o can_v any_o controversy_n be_v end_v by_o such_o a_o oath_n which_o can_v not_o be_v end_v without_o it_o otherwise_o we_o do_v swear_v in_o sundry_a matter_n in_o the_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o great_a or_o so_o great_a a_o evidence_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v of_o his_o adoption_n and_o in_o all_o church_n there_o be_v either_o from_o the_o parent_n or_o other_o surety_n require_v as_o oft_o as_o child_n be_v baptize_v a_o abrenunciation_n of_o the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n and_o when_o the_o baptize_v child_n come_v to_o be_v adult_n and_o receive_v confirmation_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o profess_v before_o the_o 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patient_a to_o wait_v for_o his_o assurance_n in_o a_o way_n of_o self-reflection_n and_o commune_n with_o his_o own_o heart_n look_v for_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o vocal_a testimony_n i_o may_v say_v as_o do_v gregory_n to_o gregoria_n 16._o videat_fw-la cvi_fw-la ad_fw-la manus_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la gregorii_n epistolae_fw-la a_o lapide_fw-la in_o 8●_n ad_fw-la rom._n v._n 16._o who_o have_v write_v to_o he_o that_o she_o will_v not_o let_v he_o alone_o till_o he_o have_v obtain_v a_o revelation_n that_o her_o sin_n be_v pardon_v rem_fw-la &_o difficilem_fw-la postulas_fw-la &_o inutilem_fw-la a_o difficult_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o god_n in_o these_o day_n shall_v so_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o unprofitable_a because_o i_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o ado_n perhaps_o to_o distinguish_v that_o voice_n as_o to_o discern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o own_o action_n consult_v history_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o where_o one_o have_v be_v mistake_v that_o do_v search_v and_o try_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n hundred_o have_v be_v delude_v by_o voice_n apparition_n impression_n these_o delusion_n have_v be_v most_o frequent_a among_o the_o romanist_n the_o sense_n whereof_o make_v luther_n not_o many_o year_n before_o creep_v out_o from_o among_o they_o to_o say_v pactum_fw-la feci_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la meo_fw-la ne_fw-la vel_fw-la visiones_fw-la vel_fw-la somnia_fw-la vel_fw-la etiam_fw-la angelos_fw-la mihi_fw-la mittat_fw-la com._n on_o gen._n cap._n 38._o i_o have_v agree_v with_o god_n that_o he_o send_v neither_o vision_n nor_o dream_n nor_o angel_n object_n do_v not_o very_o eminent_a divine_n say_v that_o faith_n be_v general_a or_o special_a and_o that_o general_a faith_n be_v little_a worth_n without_o special_a faith_n answ_n they_o do_v so_o and_o a_o good_a and_o convenient_a interpretation_n may_v be_v give_v of_o that_o distinction_n yea_o be_v give_v by_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n as_o to_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v dissemble_v that_o some_o of_o great_a note_n have_v make_v the_o essence_n of_o faith_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o particular_a persuasion_n that_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v pardon_v a_o error_n purposely_o refute_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o which_o i_o be_o glad_a to_o observe_v reject_v now_o almost_o by_o all_o divine_n indeed_o it_o make_v we_o justify_v before_o faith_n and_o therefore_o tend_v manifest_o to_o harden_v unconvert_v sinner_n in_o their_o unbelief_n and_o put_v the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o upon_o most_o horrible_a shift_n in_o expound_v sundry_a place_n of_o scripture_n i_o instance_n in_o one_o which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a sheet_n make_v much_o use_n of_o ephes_n 1.13_o in_o who_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v who_o will_v hence_o conclude_v that_o faith_n do_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n if_o not_o of_o time_n go_v before_o seal_v or_o assurance_n how_o can_v any_o who_o place_v faith_n in_o fiducial_a assurance_n bring_v himself_o off_o but_o poor_o for_o piscator_fw-la who_o be_v even_o by_o arminius_n a_o professor_n of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o he_o much_o commend_v for_o solidity_n and_o clearness_n vid._n epist_n ecclesiasticas_fw-la will_v not_o yield_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v have_v believe_v but_o in_o the_o present_a believe_v so_o the_o vulgar_a latin_n credentes_fw-la which_o estius_n be_v fain_o to_o excuse_v by_o ampliation_n a_o kind_n of_o licentia_fw-la logica_fw-la must_v be_v the_o best_a translation_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n to_o work_v faith_n but_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o assent_n to_o this_o that_o john_n or_o thomas_n be_v pardon_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o explain_v how_o any_o man_n who_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n
glory_n if_o they_o find_v not_o in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n the_o only_a seed_n and_o root_n of_o this_o hope_n answ_n this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v divers_a good_a reason_n why_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v put_v grace_n into_o our_o heart_n may_v yet_o not_o publish_v it_o in_o our_o conscience_n for_o 1._o if_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o moderate_a but_o of_o high_a assurance_n i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o wine_n too_o strong_a for_o our_o weak_a head_n a_o wine_n too_o strong_a for_o our_o vessel_n to_o hold_v long_o a_o glimpse_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n neither_o our_o body_n nor_o our_o soul_n can_v long_o hold_v much_o of_o heaven_n glory_n consult_v experience_n and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o transfiguration_n but_o they_o be_v then_o beside_o themselves_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v mar._n 9.6_o paul_n when_o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n see_v thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o utter_v but_o the_o sight_n transport_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v 2_o cor._n 12.3_o 4._o some_o christian_n especial_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n be_v all_o affection_n do_v too_o much_o slight_v a_o settle_a calm_a and_o peace_n of_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n fall_v upon_o such_o passage_n as_o rom._n 15._o fill_v with_o all_o joy_n in_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o they_o think_v god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o that_o they_o want_v faith_n when_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o sugar_a joy_n and_o delight_n as_o the_o judicious_a mr._n richard_n hooker_n sit_o call_v it_o pag._n 546._o but_o to_o such_o i_o say_v they_o know_v not_o their_o own_o strength_n shall_v god_n so_o feast_v they_o continual_o they_o will_v be_v less_o healthy_a and_o sound_a unfit_a for_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ordinary_a particular_a calling_n and_o employment_n too_o much_o honey_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o author_n ibid._n do_v turn_v to_o gall_n and_o too_o much_o joy_n even_o spiritual_a will_v make_v we_o wanton_n yea_o as_o the_o full_a spring_n tide_n be_v preparatory_a to_o a_o low_a ebb_n so_o usual_o these_o high_a passionate_a joy_n do_v make_v way_n for_o or_o at_o least_o go_v before_o the_o high_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n therefore_o it_o be_v well_o all_o thing_n consider_v that_o such_o cordial_n be_v not_o make_v our_o diet_n that_o such_o suavity_n be_v not_o common_a but_o if_o we_o speak_v even_o of_o moderate_a assurance_n there_o be_v sundry_a reason_n that_o may_v move_v god_n to_o let_v his_o servant_n be_v without_o that_o at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n 1._o to_o keep_v they_o from_o relapse_n shall_v a_o father_n after_o manifold_a foul_a miscarriage_n upon_o the_o first_o submission_n of_o his_o son_n receive_v he_o to_o table_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o paternal_a smile_n he_o will_v but_o encourage_v he_o to_o return_v to_o his_o former_a disorderly_a conversation_n but_o by_o keep_v he_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o return_v into_o favour_n with_o he_o by_o degree_n he_o make_v he_o more_o watchful_a semblable_o if_o god_n upon_o our_o first_o recovery_n from_o the_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o have_v fall_v shall_v present_o pardon_v we_o not_o only_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n but_o also_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o pardon_v we_o but_o also_o let_v we_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o too_o slight_a thought_n of_o sin_n guilt_n and_o too_o easy_o run_v into_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o by_o let_v we_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o anguish_n of_o sin_n for_o day_n month_n year_n he_o make_v we_o more_o watchful_a he_o cause_v we_o to_o make_v the_o straight_a path_n unto_o our_o foot_n for_o ever_o after_o david_n be_v leave_v under_o the_o anguish_n of_o break_a bone_n under_o the_o quick_a and_o smart_a sense_n of_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n do_v more_o ever_o after_o dread_v those_o sin_n than_o ever_o do_v a_o burn_a child_n dread_v the_o fire_n let_v no_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o low_a and_o legal_a business_n to_o keep_v from_o sin_n because_o of_o its_o bitterness_n for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a motive_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a for_o those_o who_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o i_o very_o believe_v the_o most_o refine_a christian_n have_v they_o not_o either_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o sin_n themselves_o or_o converse_v with_o those_o that_o have_v will_v make_v too_o many_o bold_a adventure_n on_o the_o patience_n forbearance_n and_o long-sufferance_n of_o god_n after_o all_o this_o be_v come_v on_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n aod_a for_o our_o great_a trespass_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n ezr._n 9.13_o 14._o 2._o to_o keep_v they_o humble_a for_o though_o time_n of_o assurance_n shall_v be_v time_n of_o humility_n yet_o few_o be_v of_o so_o strong_a a_o grace_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n pride_n will_v not_o soon_o breed_v in_o any_o thing_n then_o in_o those_o sweet_a consolation_n that_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o vision_n of_o god_n which_o be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n abhor_v itself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42.5_o 6._o do_v through_o the_o corruption_n in_o we_o but_o puff_v it_o up_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n enjoy_v revelation_n to_o a_o hyperbole_n god_n then_o think_v meet_v to_o buffet_v he_o with_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n after_o such_o extraordinary_a vision_n of_o god_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o look_v on_o himself_o rather_o as_o a_o angel_n then_o as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n therefore_o be_v there_o give_v he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o have_v either_o some_o very_a violent_a temptation_n to_o some_o fleshly_a lust_n or_o some_o other_o very_o pierce_a trial_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o twice_o in_o one_o verse_n 2_o cor._n 12.7_o that_o this_o befall_v he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n also_o when_o moses_n have_v be_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o have_v acquire_v a_o lustre_n by_o converse_v with_o god_n it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o at_o the_o very_a foot_n of_o the_o mount_n he_o meet_v with_o something_o to_o humble_v he_o and_o take_v he_o down_o thy_o people_n have_v make_v a_o golden_a calf_n than_o which_o no_o word_n can_v possible_o have_v more_o cut_v his_o heart_n our_o saviour_n who_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v tempt_v like_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o have_v just_o hear_v the_o voice_n this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v matth._n 3.17.4.1_o happy_a a_o great_a deal_n be_v that_o man_n case_n who_o soul_n by_o inward_a desolation_n be_v humble_v than_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v through_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n lift_v up_o and_o exalt_v above_o measure_n better_o it_o be_v sometime_o to_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n with_o he_o who_o behold_v darkness_n and_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o inward_a joy_n and_o consolation_n cry_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o low_a hell_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o then_o continual_o to_o walk_v arm_n in_o arm_n with_o angel_n to_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o to_o have_v no_o thought_n no_o cogitation_n but_o i_o thank_v my_o god_n it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o as_o with_o other_o say_v the_o learned_a hooker_n pag._n 546._o 3._o god_n may_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o his_o servant_n and_o let_v they_o be_v in_o dark_a to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o earnest_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n as_o among_o we_o father_n do_v hide_v themselves_o that_o their_o child_n may_v seek_v after_o they_o and_o purposely_o make_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o they_o may_v either_o come_v near_o they_o or_o cry_v loud_o none_o more_o servant_n none_o more_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n than_o they_o who_o do_v once_o live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o have_v lose_v it_o read_v but_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n pen_v by_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o any_o desertion_n you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n
they_o can_v it_o seem_v marvellous_a that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o suffer_v to_o despair_v everlasting_o vii_o many_o be_v keep_v from_o assurance_n through_o groundless_a irrational_a scruple_n cause_v they_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o other_o sanctify_a mean_n in_o which_o assurance_n be_v usual_o wrought_v will_v a_o sick_a man_n ever_o recover_v health_n that_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o physic_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n ever_o recover_v strength_n that_o shall_v abstain_v from_o the_o good_a wholesome_a food_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o beget_v blood_n and_o spirit_n why_o no_o more_o will_v they_o ever_o meet_v with_o god_n or_o enjoy_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n who_o come_v not_o near_o the_o place_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a who_o will_v not_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n needs_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a thirst_n who_o will_v not_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n to_o quench_v their_o thirst_n yet_o how_o many_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o the_o fire_n because_o they_o be_v cold_a and_o to_o put_v on_o their_o clothes_n because_o they_o be_v naked_a or_o to_o come_v to_o the_o physician_n because_o they_o be_v so_o extreme_o sick_a tell_v they_o they_o must_v pray_v they_o will_v answer_v no_o because_o be_v wicked_a their_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n invite_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o find_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o put_v they_o upon_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v than_o they_o have_v something_o to_o object_n against_o either_o the_o call_v or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o minister_n such_o scruple_n as_o these_o be_v the_o thief_n that_o do_v waste_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o worm_n that_o eat_v up_o the_o 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if_o he_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o can_v be_v give_v in_o exchange_n for_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o bestow_v too_o much_o time_n on_o some_o one_o part_n of_o obedience_n and_o we_o do_v so_o as_o oft_o as_o we_o suffer_v it_o to_o justle_v out_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n be_v the_o service_n of_o god_n when_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o they_o when_o so_o do_v we_o may_v from_o the_o lord_n expect_v to_o receive_v a_o reward_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o devil_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n suggest_v what_o will_v thou_o eat_v or_o drink_v card_n or_o spin_v study_v any_o humane_a author_n when_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o thou_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o moment_n he_o must_v be_v answer_v that_o obey_v god_n set_v no_o one_o near_a hell_n and_o that_o though_o pray_v be_v in_o itself_o better_a than_o any_o either_o natural_a or_o civil_a action_n yet_o he_o that_o command_v it_o command_v they_o also_o and_o therefore_o they_o also_o be_v in_o their_o season_n to_o be_v do_v the_o devil_n have_v that_o soul_n at_o advantage_n enough_o who_o he_o can_v persuade_v either_o not_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o pray_v viii_o the_o great_a and_o most_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o want_n of_o assurance_n be_v some_o unmortified_a lust_n some_o secret_a bosom_n corruption_n unto_o which_o man_n give_v entertainment_n or_o at_o lest_o which_o they_o do_v not_o so_o vigorous_o oppose_v and_o hearty_o renounce_v as_o they_o may_v hinc_fw-la illae_fw-la lachrymae_fw-la this_o be_v that_o which_o cast_v they_o on_o sore_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o see_v god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o holy_a either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o those_o who_o harbour_n his_o know_a enemy_n in_o their_o bosom_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o whining_n and_o complain_n of_o those_o who_o dally_v with_o that_o very_a sin_n which_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o connive_v at_o the_o stir_n of_o that_o very_a lust_n for_o which_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o do_v any_o one_o come_v to_o his_o minister_n or_o to_o his_o christian_a friend_n and_o say_v be_v it_o peace_n they_o must_v all_o answer_n what_o peace_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v beget_v upon_o sin_n either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a if_o the_o sin_n be_v but_o imaginary_a a_o rectify_a judgement_n may_v scatter_v the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v mist_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v real_a no_o cure_v the_o doubt_n thence_o arise_v but_o by_o a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n if_o i_o will_v produce_v all_o the_o scripture_n that_o prove_v this_o i_o must_v transcribe_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o bible_n but_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a so_o to_o do_v see_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o notion_n engrave_v even_o on_o natural_a conscience_n that_o sin_n so_o defile_v person_n that_o till_o they_o be_v wash_v from_o it_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o service_n can_v be_v accept_v from_o whence_o arise_v the_o custom_n of_o set_v water-pot_n at_o their_o entrance_n into_o their_o temple_n or_o place_n of_o worship_n and_o those_o phrase_n eo_fw-la lavatum_fw-la ut_fw-la sacrificem_fw-la and_o num_fw-la lavabis_fw-la ut_fw-la rem_fw-la divinam_fw-la facias_fw-la quest_n 5._o what_o be_v the_o motive_n or_o argument_n by_o which_o we_o may_v quicken_v ourselves_o to_o look_v after_o this_o seal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n answ_n be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n do_v not_o the_o new_a creature_n natural_o pant_v after_o assurance_n as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o river_n of_o water_n yea_o may_v not_o the_o rational_a 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christian_a that_o can_v either_o desire_n or_o so_o much_o as_o adventure_v in_o cool_a blood_n to_o die_v all_o other_o must_v needs_o all_o their_o life_n time_n be_v in_o continual_a bondage_n through_o fear_n of_o death_n tell_v not_o i_o that_o some_o wicked_a ruffle_n gallant_n who_o neither_o have_v assurance_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o near_a capacity_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v yet_o very_o prodigal_a of_o their_o life_n for_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o brute_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o reason_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a folly_n and_o misery_n to_o lose_v they_o not_o of_o those_o who_o have_v banish_v all_o thought_n of_o
forementioned_a place_n earnest_a though_o by_o the_o rhemist_n constant_o pledge_v for_o it_o do_v among_o the_o greek_a father_n so_o signify_v and_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v he_o that_o have_v this_o spirit_n may_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n chrysostome_n phrase_n no_o wonder_n that_o he_o who_o have_v this_o earnest_n of_o the_o true_a riches_n can_v part_v with_o the_o unrighteous_a mammon_n no_o wonder_n that_o he_o who_o be_v secure_v of_o what_o be_v his_o own_o can_v lose_v that_o which_o be_v another_o man_n especial_o if_o call_v to_o part_v with_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n who_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n purchase_v the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n for_o he_o iii_o assurance_n will_v marvellous_o strengthen_v against_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o why_o shall_v he_o count_v it_o any_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n who_o know_v that_o god_n have_v justify_v he_o what_o need_v it_o disquiet_v he_o that_o the_o world_n account_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n who_o have_v god_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v sincere_a what_o need_v he_o be_v cast_v down_o that_o some_o do_v brand_v he_o for_o a_o factious_a fellow_n so_o long_o as_o he_o see_v himself_o by_o the_o spirit_n seal_v for_o a_o son_n of_o peace_n or_o other_o call_v he_o a_o tobias_n and_o sanballat_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o oppose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v building_n babel_n and_o not_o zion_n it_o be_v because_o our_o conscience_n give_v but_o a_o dark_a testimony_n that_o we_o be_v so_o disquiet_v with_o the_o rail_n of_o those_o who_o tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n be_v we_o but_o once_o sure_a that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o man_n we_o be_v represent_v to_o be_v we_o may_v then_o glory_v in_o our_o reproach_n and_o esteem_v they_o great_a riches_n know_v that_o they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o our_o sonship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n come_v when_o our_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v out_o as_o the_o light_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o every_o adversary_n be_v stop_v 1_o pet._n 1.14_o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n and_o conclude_v therefrom_o that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n on_o this_o behalf_n vers_fw-la 16._o he_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o also_o that_o he_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a he_o may_v glory_v that_o he_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v reproach_n 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god_n for_o those_o enjoyment_n they_o have_v of_o he_o in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n but_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o satisfy_v with_o any_o such_o enjoyment_n as_o not_o to_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v dissolve_v and_o so_o they_o put_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o house_n in_o heaven_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_n be_v burden_v not_o for_o that_o we_o will_v be_v unclothe_v but_o clothe_v upon_o 2_o cor._n 5.4_o i_o confess_v in_o this_o i_o look_v on_o st._n paul_n as_o our_o pattern_n rather_o than_o as_o our_o standard_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o earnest_o groan_v after_o absence_n from_o the_o body_n and_o presence_n with_o the_o lord_n but_o all_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v else_o have_v not_o all_o by_o christ_n be_v teach_v to_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v as_o for_o you_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n i_o can_v exhort_v you_o to_o desire_v this_o day_n 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our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o but_o see_v the_o seal_n here_o intend_v be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n after_o believe_v ephes_n 1.13_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o the_o make_n of_o the_o elect_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o the_o assure_v of_o they_o that_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o it_o the_o persuade_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o have_v god_n mark_v on_o we_o god_n seal_v we_o with_o his_o spirit_n not_o that_o he_o may_v know_v we_o to_o be_v his_o but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o we_o be_v his_o and_o that_o he_o will_v own_v we_o for_o he_o when_o to_o other_o he_o shall_v say_v depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o we_o be_v by_o he_o regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n but_o i_o think_v regeneration_n be_v rather_o the_o spirit_n write_v the_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o the_o epistle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o seal_n in_o the_o text_n intend_v be_v the_o spirit_n testify_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n redeem_v once_o and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n redeem_v once_o now_o there_o be_v five_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v think_v to_o give_v assurance_n 1._o election_n 2._o vocation_n 3._o justification_n 4._o perseverance_n 5._o eternal_a life_n but_o because_o of_o some_o of_o these_o there_o be_v dispute_v and_o because_o it_o be_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n grant_v that_o effectual_a vocation_n regeneration_n conversion_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o other_o of_o that_o chief_o and_o well_o nigh_o only_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o cast_v all_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o it_o into_o a_o answer_n to_o these_o six_o question_n 1._o whether_o such_o assurance_n may_v be_v have_v 2._o whether_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v separate_v from_o faith_n 3._o how_o the_o spirit_n work_v it_o 4._o why_o so_o many_o christian_n be_v so_o long_o without_o it_o 5._o what_o motive_n there_o be_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o labour_v after_o it_o 6._o what_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v 1._o to_o gain_v it_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o 2._o to_o keep_v it_o if_o we_o have_v it_o 3._o to_o regain_v it_o if_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o 1._o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n whether_o such_o assurance_n may_v be_v have_v i_o say_v it_o may_v which_o i_o prove_v 1._o by_o argue_v ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la assurance_n have_v by_o many_o be_v attain_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v that_o it_o have_v be_v attain_v be_v so_o evident_a that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o evident_a there_o be_v not_o one_o saint_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n concern_v who_o much_o be_v say_v of_o who_o something_o be_v not_o say_v from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v that_o he_o have_v sometime_o or_o other_o good_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n be_v job_n think_v we_o without_o assurance_n who_o maintain_v his_o integrity_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n club_a their_o wit_n to_o prove_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o assurance_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v be_v not_o the_o spouse_n assure_v when_o she_o say_v i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o beloved_n be_v i_o be_v not_o st._n paul_n assure_v when_o he_o so_o triumph_v in_o christ_n rom._n 8.38_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o papist_n do_v not_o much_o deny_v but_o that_o these_o person_n and_o sundry_a other_o mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v assurance_n only_o they_o say_v they_o come_v to_o it_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o mere_a evasion_n and_o shift_n there_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n the_o least_o hint_n that_o these_o come_v to_o their_o assurance_n in_o any_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o make_v manifest_a that_o they_o attain_v their_o certainty_n in_o a_o discursive_a way_n argue_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o fruit_n to_o the_o root_n from_o their_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o st._n paul_n
glory_v in_o my_o infirmity_n that_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n may_v rest_v on_o i_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o indeed_o so_o vast_a a_o disproportion_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o carnal_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n that_o shall_v a_o christian_a always_o have_v assurance_n of_o his_o title_n to_o the_o former_a it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o wonder_v at_o if_o he_o despise_v the_o late_a but_o herein_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v see_v that_o he_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o the_o strict_a despise_a way_n of_o holiness_n with_o a_o resolution_n if_o he_o perish_v there_o to_o perish_v that_o he_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n even_o when_o he_o doubt_n whether_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o portion_n among_o those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v herein_o be_v see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o he_o keep_v man_n captive_a while_o he_o have_v honour_n and_o pleasure_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o but_o that_o he_o can_v make_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o their_o sin_n when_o god_n judgement_n have_v lay_v hold_v of_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n god_n speak_v of_o such_o not_o without_o some_o admiration_n amos_n 4.6_o i_o have_v smite_v you_o thus_o and_o thus_o yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o set_v a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n on_o ahaz_n because_o be_v sin_v yet_o more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n 2_o chron._n 28.22_o likewise_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v then_o most_o manifest_a when_o he_o make_v any_o to_o hold_v their_o sincerity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o tentation_n and_o opposition_n every_o christian_a be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n but_o in_o none_o do_v his_o eternal_a power_n so_o evident_o appear_v as_o in_o such_o god_n do_v even_o boast_v of_o such_o job_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o satan_n have_v thou_o not_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o still_o he_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n although_o thou_o move_v i_o against_o he_o to_o destroy_v he_o without_o cause_n and_o as_o his_o power_n appear_v in_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o low_a condition_n so_o do_v his_o patience_n in_o bear_v with_o all_o their_o froward_a and_o passionate_a thought_n and_o speech_n during_o desertion_n and_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o bring_v they_o from_o under_o it_o isa_n 41.17_o when_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a seek_v water_n and_o there_o be_v none_o and_o their_o tongue_n fail_v for_o thirst_n i_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v they_o i_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o i_o will_v open_v river_n in_o high_a place_n and_o fountain_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o valley_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o know_v and_o consider_v and_o understand_v together_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v this_o and_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n have_v create_v it_o corrollary_n see_v god_n may_v have_v all_o these_o gracious_a and_o holy_a end_n in_o withdraw_a from_o we_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o will_v not_o become_v we_o to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o or_o to_o entertain_v any_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a or_o as_o if_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v cease_v for_o ever_o such_o thought_n will_v be_v rise_v for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o david_n psal_n 77._o but_o we_o must_v chide_v ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o he_o do_v for_o 10._o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n but_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a as_o also_o he_o do_v in_o another_o psalm_n 22._o after_o he_o hide_v complain_v ver_fw-la 1._o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o he_o proceed_v but_o thou_o be_v holy_a o_o thou_o that_o inhabite_v the_o praise_n of_o israel_n this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n we_o must_v hold_v and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v beat_v from_o that_o god_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a if_o we_o hold_v this_o fast_n we_o shall_v do_v as_o christian_n and_o though_o we_o see_v not_o how_o at_o present_a to_o reconcile_v god_n providence_n with_o his_o attribute_n yet_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o that_o can_v wait_v be_v bless_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o confidence_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v question_n second_o part_n of_o the_o four_o question_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v still_o behind_o what_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n that_o do_v procure_v the_o want_n of_o assurance_n answ_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_a observation_n and_o experience_n which_o be_v so_o many_o and_o various_a that_o i_o reckon_v it_o next_o to_o impossible_a to_o put_v they_o into_o order_n as_o for_o the_o more_o common_a sinful_a let_n and_o impediment_n of_o assurance_n they_o have_v be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o handle_v by_o so_o many_o already_o in_o print_n that_o if_o i_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o by_o promise_n to_o say_v something_o about_o they_o i_o may_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n or_o content_v myself_o to_o paraphrase_n on_o some_o scripture_n in_o job_n the_o psalm_n and_o isaiah_n relate_v to_o this_o head_n but_o the_o law_n of_o method_n call_v i_o to_o say_v something_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o question_n also_o i_o shall_v so_o do_v but_o yet_o brief_o 1._o the_o smallness_n and_o littleness_n of_o some_o man_n grace_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v want_v assurance_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o see_v it_o not_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v but_o small_a and_o cover_v over_o with_o many_o sinful_a infirmity_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o i_o must_v not_o so_o far_o contradict_v experience_n as_o to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v never_o make_v the_o time_n of_o conversion_n when_o grace_n be_v comparative_o but_o small_a a_o time_n of_o seal_v he_o do_v so_o usual_o in_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o then_o man_n come_v out_o of_o gross_a darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n and_o turn_v from_o serve_v dumb_a idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n their_o change_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o easy_a observation_n than_o it_o be_v now_o when_o person_n have_v suck_v in_o christian_a religion_n with_o their_o mother_n milk_n turn_v only_o from_o a_o careless_a to_o a_o more_o diligent_a way_n of_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o beside_o religion_n have_v then_o nothing_o to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n affection_n but_o only_o its_o own_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n but_o now_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v unto_o it_o nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_v mother_n we_o can_v have_v so_o little_a ground_n of_o suspect_v our_o unsincerity_n as_o may_v they_o who_o do_v no_o soon_o make_v confession_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o become_v the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n yea_o even_o in_o these_o day_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o after_o great_a legal_a humiliation_n to_o let_v in_o some_o hope_n while_o grace_n be_v but_o low_a lest_o his_o creature_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o sorrow_n however_o usual_o a_o little_a faith_n as_o to_o any_o settle_a last_a comfort_n be_v as_o no_o faith_n and_o time_n with_o weak_a christian_n be_v more_o profitable_o spend_v in_o multiply_v those_o act_n which_o may_v strengthen_v the_o habit_n then_o in_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v already_o sincere_a habit_n can_v of_o themselves_o be_v feel_v but_o they_o discover_v themselves_o by_o their_o action_n and_o weak_a habit_n put_v forth_o such_o faint_a action_n and_o with_o so_o much_o interruption_n that_o it_o can_v easy_o be_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o common_a or_o special_a grace_n object_n but_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o irradiate_a the_o very_a lest_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o make_v it_o visible_a and_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n answ_n no_o question_n the_o spirit_n can_v so_o do_v but_o we_o now_o inquire_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o usual_o do_v and_o this_o may_v safe_o be_v say_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o usual_o witness_v to_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o least_o measure_n
of_o save_a grace_n and_o must_v necessary_o by_o their_o frequent_a fail_n and_o transgression_n make_v much_o work_n for_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o less_o obedient_a and_o exact_a christian_n to_o have_v assurance_n rather_o it_o may_v beget_v in_o they_o security_n and_o pride_n sin_n to_o which_o novice_n be_v prone_a object_n be_v it_o not_o say_v gal._n 4.6_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n embolden_v to_o cry_n abba_n father_n be_v give_v to_o son_n because_o they_o be_v son_n than_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o son_n even_o new_o bear_v babe_n who_o be_v as_o true_o son_n as_o those_o who_o be_v most_o grow_v in_o grace_n answ_n some_o to_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n do_v not_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o but_o that_o and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o render_v and_o a_o very_a fair_a sense_n give_v of_o the_o word_n viz._n the_o spirit_n be_v send_v into_o their_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v son_n but_o let_v it_o be_v render_v as_o by_o most_o it_o be_v because_o you_o be_v son_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o by_o son_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o all_o who_o be_v no_o bastard_n but_o only_o such_o son_n as_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v child_n and_o be_v no_o long_o under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n such_o be_v not_o those_o christian_n of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v for_o though_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o be_v they_o as_o ignorant_a and_o carnal_a as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o it_o object_n do_v not_o this_o put_v the_o poor_a new_o convert_v christian_n into_o continual_a doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o comfort_n answ_n we_o be_v not_o creator_n of_o comfort_n but_o only_a dispenser_n we_o can_v make_v a_o easy_a or_o speedy_a way_n to_o assurance_n then_o christ_n have_v make_v nor_o can_v we_o approve_v of_o or_o so_o much_o as_o excuse_v those_o who_o do_v snatch_v at_o comfort_n before_o they_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o can_v assure_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v remission_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n the_o receive_n of_o he_o as_o prophet_n priest_n king_n and_o that_o all_o who_o repent_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o not_o justify_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o in_o due_a season_n their_o own_o conscience_n shall_v justify_v they_o also_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o merciful_a god_n shall_v 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the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d void_a of_o judgement_n it_o be_v only_o for_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n heb._n 5.14_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v phil._n 1.9_o that_o their_o love_n may_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a or_o that_o they_o may_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o present_a translation_n and_o in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o former_a