this_o rule_n in_o any_o of_o your_o self-examinings_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v he_o have_v the_o heart_n he_o may_v have_v much_o of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o not_o our_o heart_n but_o when_o we_o know_v he_o so_o thorough_o as_o to_o will_v he_o unfeigned_o than_o he_o have_v our_o heart_n affectionate_a work_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v sweet_a thing_n and_o high_a and_o noble_a duty_n and_o such_o as_o all_o christian_n shall_v strive_v for_o but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o safe_a mark_n to_o try_v our_o state_n by_o 1._o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a sincere_a intention_n and_o choice_n in_o and_o of_o the_o will_n when_o there_o be_v little_o stir_v perceive_v in_o the_o affection_n 2._o because_o the_o will_n be_v the_o master_n command_v faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_a that_o man_n be_v upright_o and_o safe_a 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to_o be_v obtain_v through_o christ_n by_o a_o holy_a self-denying_a life_n be_v set_v before_o you_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o will_v resolve_o take_v the_o former_a and_o refuse_v the_o late_a indeed_o they_o be_v thus_o set_v before_o you_o and_o upon_o your_o choice_n depend_v your_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n though_o that_o choice_n must_v come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o yet_o must_v you_o well_o remember_v that_o this_o willingness_n and_o choice_n be_v still_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o mention_v a_o hearty_a willingness_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o perfect_a willingness_n there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o most_o gracious_a soul_n on_o earth_n much_o undisposedness_n backwardness_n and_o withdraw_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v too_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o unwillingness_n to_o duty_n especial_o to_o those_o 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that_o know_v it_o ordinary_o to_o reject_v it_o 6._o also_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o when_o i_o say_v that_o true_a willingness_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o christ_n will_v show_v itself_o in_o actual_a obedience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v it_o of_o every_o particular_a individual_a act_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o if_o you_o shall_v judge_v yourself_o graceless_a for_o every_o particular_a omission_n of_o a_o duty_n no_o though_o you_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o though_o you_o consider_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a habituate_v inclination_n and_o willingness_n to_o obey_v christ_n root_v in_o the_o heart_n when_o yet_o by_o the_o force_n of_o a_o temptation_n the_o actual_a prevalency_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o act_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o suppress_v 2._o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o do_v hold_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o obedience_n in_o other_o duty_n 3._o and_o when_o the_o temptation_n be_v 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he_o have_v do_v dare_v not_o dawb_v nor_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o fear_v of_o trouble_v such_o skinning_n over_o the_o wound_n will_v but_o prepare_v for_o more_o trouble_n &_o a_o further_a cure_n christ_n think_v it_o meet_v even_o to_o tell_v young_a beginner_n of_o the_o worst_a though_o it_o may_v possible_o discourage_v they_o and_o do_v turn_v some_o back_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v to_o he_o upon_o mistake_a expectation_n and_o he_o require_v all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n and_o he_o save_v to_o count_v their_o cost_n before_o hand_n and_o reckon_v what_o it_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o if_o they_o can_v undergo_v his_o term_n that_o be_v to_o deny_v themselves_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o christ_n have_v rather_o they_o know_v it_o before_o hand_n then_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o turn_v back_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o what_o they_o 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possible_o but_o the_o foundation_n must_v be_v hold_v 11._o observe_v well_o lest_o you_o mistake_v i_o that_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o present_a resolve_v to_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n if_o he_o call_v you_o to_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o your_o absolute_a promise_n or_o prediction_n that_o eventual_o you_o shall_v not_o deny_v or_o forsake_v he_o you_o may_v be_v uncertain_a how_o you_o shall_v be_v uphold_v in_o a_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o yet_o you_o may_v now_o be_v resolve_v or_o full_o purpose_a in_o your_o own_o mind_n what_o to_o do_v to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o consent_v purpose_n or_o resolve_v unless_o i_o be_v certain_a to_o perform_v my_o resolution_n and_o not_o to_o flag_n or_o change_n again_o this_o be_v but_o to_o say_v i_o will_v be_v no_o christian_n unless_o i_o be_v sure_a to_o persevere_v i_o will_v not_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v draw_v to_o break_v my_o covenant_n with_o he_o 12._o also_o observe_v that_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o your_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v away_o your_o state_n or_o life_n but_o to_o submit_v it_o to_o his_o dispose_n and_o to_o relinquish_v it_o only_o in_o case_n that_o he_o command_v you_o so_o 13._o and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a thus_o to_o resolve_v of_o yourself_o without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o without_o it_o to_o continue_v those_o resolution_n much_o less_o to_o perform_v they_o by_o actual_a suffering_n object_n but_o i_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v give_v i_o grace_n to_o persevere_v or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o deny_v he_o as_o peter_n do_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v neither_o promise_v nor_o resolve_v what_o i_o can_v be_v
certain_a to_o perform_v answ_n 1._o i_o suppose_v you_o have_v read_v the_o many_o scripture_n and_o argument_n which_o our_o divine_n ordinary_o use_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o true_a believer_n shall_v not_o fall_v quite_o away_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o the_o opposer_n can_v answer_v that_o text_n which_o themselves_o use_v to_o allege_v for_o the_o contrary_a mat._n 13.6_o 21._o those_o that_o believe_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v because_o the_o seed_n have_v not_o depth_n of_o earth_n the_o word_n never_o take_v root_a in_o their_o heart_n whence_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o infer_v that_o those_o shall_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n in_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o that_o be_v in_o they_o in_o who_o heart_n or_o will_n christ_n have_v a_o strong_a interest_n than_o the_o creature_n or_o those_o that_o have_v a_o well-grounded_n unreserved_a habituate_v or_o settle_v resolution_n to_o be_v for_o christ_n 2._o however_o your_o present_a resolution_n and_o your_o covenant_v with_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o say_v i_o do_v consent_n or_o this_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n 3._o else_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v baptise_a or_o become_v a_o christian_n because_o he_o be_v uncertain_a to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n for_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a do_v covenant_n and_o vow_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n and_o fight_v under_o christ_n banner_n to_o their_o life_n end_v understand_v i_o therefore_o that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o promise_v to_o do_v this_o by_o your_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n as_o know_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n for_o the_o aid_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n 14._o if_o your_o resolution_n at_o present_a be_v hearty_a you_o ought_v not_o to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v your_o mind_n with_o doubtful_a torment_a fear_n what_o you_o shall_v do_v if_o you_o be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o forsake_v all_o and_o suffer_v death_n for_o christ_n for_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o lay_v no_o more_o on_o we_o than_o we_o can_v bear_v but_o with_o the_o temptation_n will_v make_v we_o a_o way_n to_o come_v forth_o 1_o cor._n 10_o 13._o either_o he_o will_v not_o bring_v we_o into_o trial_n beyond_o our_o strength_n or_o else_o he_o will_v increase_v our_o strength_n according_a to_o our_o trial_n he_o have_v bid_v we_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o will_v give_v we_o so_o that_o if_o once_o you_o can_v but_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v your_o full_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n if_o he_o call_v you_o to_o it_o and_o that_o on_o the_o forementioned_a ground_n you_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o vex_v your_o soul_n with_o fear_n of_o the_o issue_n for_o that_o be_v but_o to_o distrust_n god_n your_o father_n and_o your_o strength_n only_o you_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v your_o duty_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o your_o present_a resolution_n and_o to_o wait_v obedient_o on_o god_n for_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o beg_v it_o earnest_o at_o his_o hand_n 15._o much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o feign_v and_o suppose_v such_o calamity_n to_o themselves_o as_o god_n do_v never_o try_v man_n by_o and_o then_o to_o ask_v themselves_o can_v i_o bear_v these_o for_o christ_n and_o so_o to_o try_v themselves_o on_o false_a and_o dangerous_a ground_n some_o use_n to_o be_v trouble_v lest_o if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o long_o and_o exquisite_a torment_n for_o christ_n they_o shall_v renounce_v he_o one_o say_v i_o can_v endure_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n for_o christ_n another_o say_v can_v i_o endure_v to_o be_v roast_v or_o tear_v in_o piece_n so_o many_o week_n or_o day_n together_o or_o can_v i_o endure_v to_o die_v so_o many_o time_n over_o these_o be_v foolish_a sinful_a question_n which_o christ_n never_o desire_v you_o to_o put_v to_o yourselves_o he_o never_o try_v man_n faith_n on_o this_o manner_n tormentor_n can_v go_v beyond_o his_o will._n nay_o it_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o he_o try_v by_o death_n and_o few_o by_o a_o extreme_a torment_a death_n all_o this_o therefore_o proceed_v from_o error_n 16._o observe_v from_o the_o five_o mark_n that_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o resolution_n now_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o you_o encounter_v with_o may_v well_o encourage_v you_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v hereafter_o if_o god_n bring_v you_o into_o great_a trial_n can_v you_o now_o follow_v christ_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n though_o your_o flesh_n repine_v and_o will_v have_v its_o liberty_n and_o pleasure_n and_o though_o the_o world_n deride_v or_o threaten_v you_o or_o great_a one_o turn_v against_o you_o and_o threaten_v your_o undo_n can_v you_o part_v with_o your_o money_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o work_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o estate_n that_o god_n have_v allot_v you_o notwithstanding_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a some_o trial_n you_o have_v now_o if_o you_o can_v go_v well_o through_o these_o you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o disquiet_v your_o mind_n with_o fear_n of_o fall_v in_o great_a trial_n but_o he_o that_o can_v now_o deny_v his_o greedy_a appetite_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v so_o far_o as_o to_o forbear_v excess_n nor_o can_v deny_v his_o credit_n with_o man_n nor_o bear_v the_o scorn_n or_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v on_o the_o strong_a side_n and_o decline_v his_o duty_n to_o avoid_v danger_n whatever_o become_v of_o conscience_n or_o god_n favour_n this_o man_n be_v not_o like_a to_o forsake_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o 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if_o you_o careful_o observe_v your_o own_o heart_n you_o may_v discern_v whether_o the_o spirit_n and_o your_o resolution_n be_v prevalent_a by_o their_o daily_a subdue_a and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n nay_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o victory_n of_o god_n spirit_n over_o the_o flatter_a entice_a world_n in_o prosperity_n be_v as_o great_a and_o glorious_a if_o not_o more_o then_o that_o over_o the_o frown_a persecute_v world_n in_o adversity_n and_o therefore_o find_v the_o one_o and_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o other_o though_o i_o confess_v that_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o fall_v so_o visible_o and_o shameful_o always_o in_o prosperity_n as_o in_o adversity_n for_o they_o have_v more_o pretence_n advantage_n and_o carnal_a shift_n to_o hide_v the_o shame_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o for_o that_o in_o the_o parable_n in_o mat._n 13._o i_o pray_v you_o mark_v one_o thing_n christ_n seem_v to_o speak_v of_o every_o several_a sort_n of_o hearer_n by_o a_o 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pray_v more_o oft_o and_o earnest_o than_o we_o do_v and_o instruct_v our_o family_n more_o diligent_o and_o speak_v against_o sin_n more_o bold_o and_o admonish_v our_o neighbour_n more_o faithful_o with_o many_o the_o like_a the_o good_a that_o we_o will_v do_v we_o do_v not_o rom._n 7.19_o nay_o the_o flesh_n so_o strive_v against_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o good_a we_o will_v gal._n 5.17_o nay_o many_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n have_v be_v draw_v to_o omit_v secret_a prayer_n or_o family_n duty_n almost_o whole_o for_o a_o certain_a space_n of_o time_n yea_o and_o perhaps_o to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n as_o to_o think_v he_o do_v well_o in_o it_o as_o also_o in_o forbear_v praise_v god_n by_o psalm_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n public_o etc._n etc._n for_o what_o duty_n almost_o be_v not_o deny_v of_o late_a and_o perhaps_o may_v not_o 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the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.24_o and_o that_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v rom._n 8.13_o and_o his_o servant_n we_o be_v to_o who_o we_o obey_v whether_o of_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o of_o obedience_n unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 6.16_o and_o if_o we_o delight_v in_o iniquity_n or_o regard_v it_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v our_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o and_o that_o he_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n 1_o tim._n 2.19_o and_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v all_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o bid_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n depart_v from_o he_o mat._n â—_o 23_o now_o can_v any_o man_n on_o earth_n tell_v we_o just_o how_o great_a or_o how_o often_o sin_v will_v stand_v with_o true_a grace_n and_o how_o much_o will_v not_o who_o can_v find_v those_o punctual_a bound_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o at_o 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in_o they_o that_o have_v so_o small_a and_o almost_o undiscernible_a a_o measure_n of_o grace_n to_o discover_v 6._o yet_o further_o the_o conception_n apprehension_n and_o consequent_o the_o sensible_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o especial_o the_o passion_n be_v all_o natural_o exceed_v mutable_a and_o while_o the_o mobile_a agile_a spirit_n be_v any_o way_n the_o instrument_n it_o will_v be_v so_o especial_o where_o the_o impression_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o small_a and_o weak_a naturally_n man_n mind_n and_o will_n be_v exceed_o mutable_a turn_v into_o a_o hundred_o shape_n in_o a_o few_o day_n according_a as_o object_n be_v present_v to_o we_o and_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n
he_o to_o have_v die_v and_o satisfy_v in_o vain_a you_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o not_o a_o christian_a and_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o paul_n so_o much_o dispute_v against_o that_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n nay_o you_o must_v not_o to_o much_o as_o once_o imagine_v that_o all_o your_o own_o work_n can_v be_v any_o part_n of_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o worthiness_n to_o you_o only_a christ_n satisfaction_n and_o merit_n be_v in_o stead_n of_o this_o our_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o worthiness_n god_n never_o give_v christ_n and_o mercy_n to_o any_o but_o the_o unworthy_a in_o this_o sense_n if_o you_o know_v not_o yourself_o to_o be_v unworthy_a and_o unrighteous_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n you_o can_v know_v what_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v do_v christ_n come_v to_o save_v any_o but_o sinner_n and_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v what_o need_v you_o a_o saviour_n if_o you_o be_v not_o condemn_v and_o how_o come_v you_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o you_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a and_o unworthy_a but_o then_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o evangelical_n personal_a worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n bestow_v christ_n righteousness_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o all_o have_v that_o will_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v that_o why_o it_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o condition_n and_o worthiness_n require_v to_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o pardon_n of_o all_o your_o sin_n past_a and_o your_o adoption_n and_o justification_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o your_o hearty_a thankful_a acceptance_n of_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v free_o give_v you_o of_o god_n by_o his_o covenant-grant_a that_o be_v christ_n and_o life_n in_o he_o 1_o john_n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o there_o be_v no_o worthiness_n require_v in_o you_o before_o faith_n as_o a_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n will_v give_v you_o faith_n but_o only_o certain_a mean_v you_o be_v appoint_v to_o use_v for_o the_o obtain_n it_o and_o faith_n itself_o be_v but_o the_o acceptance_n of_o a_o free_a gift_n god_n require_v you_o not_o to_o bring_v any_o other_o worthiness_n or_o price_n in_o your_o hand_n but_o that_o you_o consent_v unfeigned_o to_o have_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v and_o to_o the_o end_n and_o use_n that_o he_o be_v offer_v that_o be_v as_o one_o that_o have_v satisfy_v for_o you_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o merit_n to_o put_v away_o your_o sin_n and_o as_o one_o that_o must_v illuminate_v and_o teach_v you_o sanctify_v and_o guide_n and_o govern_v you_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o as_o king_n and_o judge_n will_v full_o and_o final_o justify_v you_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o give_v you_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n christ_n on_o his_o part_n 1._o have_v merit_v your_o pardon_n by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o proper_o by_o his_o sanctify_v you_o 2._o and_o sanctify_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o rule_v you_o by_o his_o law_n and_o not_o direct_o by_o his_o bloodshed_n 3._o and_o he_o will_v justify_v you_o at_o judgement_n as_o king_n and_o judge_n and_o not_o as_o satisfier_n or_o sanctifier_n but_o the_o condition_n on_o your_o part_n of_o obtain_v interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v that_o our_o faith_n which_o accept_v he_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n both_o as_o king_n priest_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o all_o these_o end_n conjunct_o but_o then_o 2._o the_o condition_n and_o worthyness_n require_v to_o the_o continuation_n and_o consummate_v on_o of_o your_o pardon_n justification_n and_o right_a to_o glory_n be_v both_o the_o continuance_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o your_o sincere_a obedience_n even_o your_o keep_n the_o baptismal_a covenant_n that_o you_o make_v with_o christ_n by_o your_o parent_n and_o the_o covenant_n which_o you_o in_o your_o own_o person_n make_v with_o he_o in_o your_o first_o true_a believe_v these_o indeed_o be_v call_v worthiness_n and_o righteousness_n frequent_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v no_o worthiness_n consist_v in_o any_o such_o work_n which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v of_o debt_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n of_o which_o paul_n speak_v but_o only_a in_o faith_n and_o such_o gospel_n work_v as_o james_n speak_v of_o which_o make_v the_o reward_n to_o be_v whole_o of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n now_o if_o you_o say_v you_o be_v unworthy_a in_o this_o evangelical_n sense_n than_o you_o must_v mean_v if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v a_o infidel_n or_o unbeliever_n or_o a_o impenitent_a obstinate_a rebel_n that_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o he_o for_o the_o gospel_n call_v none_o unworthy_a as_o non-performer_n of_o its_o condition_n but_o only_o these_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o dare_v not_o charge_v yourself_o with_o such_o infidelity_n and_o wilful_a rebellion_n doubt_v xii_o though_o god_n have_v keep_v i_o from_o gross_a sin_n yet_o i_o find_v such_o a_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o little_a averseness_n from_o sin_n in_o my_o mind_n iâ—_n that_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o shall_v commit_v it_o if_o i_o lie_v under_o temptation_n and_o also_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o hold_v out_o in_o trial_n if_o i_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v death_n or_o any_o grievous_a calamity_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o endure_v mere_o for_o want_n of_o a_o temptation_n be_v no_o true_a obedience_n answer_n 1._o i_o have_v full_o answer_v this_o before_o if_o you_o can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v distrustful_o whether_o you_o shall_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o adversity_n and_o if_o god_n give_v you_o grace_n to_o avoid_v temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o fly_v occasion_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v and_o to_o overcome_v they_o where_o you_o can_v avoid_v they_o you_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o distrust_v his_o preservation_n of_o you_o and_o your_o steadfastness_n thereby_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o great_a temptation_n indeed_o if_o you_o feel_v not_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_v as_o to_o possess_v you_o with_o some_o sensible_a hatred_n of_o it_o you_o have_v need_n to_o look_v to_o your_o heart_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o that_o belief_n and_o hatred_n and_o fear_v your_o heart_n with_o a_o godly_a preserve_a jealousy_n but_o not_o with_o torment_v disquiet_v doubt_n whatever_o your_o passionate_a hatred_n be_v if_o you_o have_v a_o settle_a well-grounded_n resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o death_n you_o may_v confident_o &_o comfortable_o trust_v he_o for_o your_o preservation_n who_o give_v you_o those_o resolution_n 2._o and_o the_o last_o sentence_n of_o this_o doubt_n have_v need_n of_o great_a caution_n before_o you_o conclude_v it_o a_o certain_a truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o obedience_n which_o by_o a_o ordinary_a temptation_n such_o as_o man_n may_v expect_v will_v be_v overthrow_v be_v not_o well_o ground_v and_o root_v before_o it_o be_v overthrow_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o degree_n of_o temptation_n possible_a which_o will_v overcome_v the_o resolution_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a have_v such_o assistance_n as_o the_o spirit_n usual_o give_v believer_n in_o temptation_n and_o whether_o some_o temptation_n which_o overcome_v not_o a_o strong_a christian_a will_v not_o overcome_v a_o weak_a one_o who_o yet_o have_v true_a grace_n i_o conclude_v nothing_o of_o these_o doubt_n but_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o trouble_v yourself_o upon_o confident_a conclusion_n on_o so_o doubtful_a ground_n this_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o 1._o that_o the_o strong_a christian_n shall_v take_v heed_n of_o temptation_n and_o not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o presume_v on_o god_n preservation_n while_o he_o wilful_o cast_v himself_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o danger_n nor_o to_o be_v encourage_v hereunto_o upon_o any_o persuasion_n of_o a_o impossibility_n of_o his_o fall_v away_o o_o the_o fall_v the_o fearful_a fall_n that_o i_o have_v know_v alas_o how_o often_o the_o eminent_a man_n for_o godliness_n that_o ever_o i_o know_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o by_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o temptation_n i_o confess_v i_o will_v never_o be_v confident_a of_o that_o man_n perseverance_n be_v he_o the_o best_a that_o i_o know_v on_o earth_n who_o cast_v himself_o upon_o violent_a temptation_n espeâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—mptations_n of_o sensuality_n prosperity_n and_o seducement_n 2._o i_o know_v god_n have_v teach_v we_o daily_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a i_o never_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o petition_n feel_o till_o i_o see_v the_o example_n of_o these_o
thing_n before_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v be_v a_o strengthen_n to_o my_o own_o faith_n to_o see_v the_o devil_n such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o to_o the_o godhead_n itself_o but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o mere_a temptation_n from_o satan_n that_o i_o complain_v of_o but_o it_o take_v too_o much_o with_o my_o sinful_a heart_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o doubt_v ofttimes_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o whether_o his_o providence_n determine_v of_o the_o thing_n here_o below_o or_o whether_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o the_o soul_n immortal_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o you_o ought_v to_o bewail_v and_o abhor_v it_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n make_v not_o light_a of_o it_o but_o look_v to_o it_o betimes_o but_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o degree_n of_o this_o blasphemy_n and_o infidelity_n may_v remain_v with_o the_o true_a save_v faith_n the_o best_a may_v say_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o my_o judgement_n when_o your_o unbelief_n be_v such_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o graceless_a soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n if_o your_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v so_o great_a that_o you_o will_v not_o let_v go_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n and_o part_n with_o all_o if_o god_n call_v you_o to_o it_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o glory_n promise_v and_o to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v because_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o as_o uncertain_a thing_n then_o be_v your_o belief_n no_o save_a belief_n but_o your_o unbelief_n be_v prevalent_a but_o if_o for_o all_o your_o staggering_n you_o see_v so_o much_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o venture_v and_o part_n with_o if_o call_v to_o it_o all_o worldly_a hope_n 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themselves_o to_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o thy_o promise_a glory_n righteous_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o have_v preserve_v the_o humble_a from_o this_o condemnation_n and_o have_v permit_v only_o the_o proud_a and_o sensual_a professor_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o hellish_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o hellish_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o a_o terror_n to_o other_o than_o a_o snare_n i_o call_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n hellish_a from_o its_o original_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n but_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o opinion_n or_o practice_n in_o hell_n he_o that_o tempt_v other_o to_o deny_v the_o godhead_n the_o christian_a faith_n the_o scripture_n the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v no_o whit_n doubt_v of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o himself_o but_o believe_v and_o tremble_v o_o fearful_a blindness_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v hear_v if_o not_o receive_v these_o blasphemy_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o apostate_n professor_n which_o they_o will_v abhor_v if_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o the_o devil_n himself_o with_o what_o sad_a complaint_n and_o tremble_a do_v poor_a sinner_n cry_v out_o and_o not_o without_o cause_n o_o i_o be_o haunt_v with_o such_o blaspemous_a temptation_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a lest_o god_n shall_v sudden_o destroy_v i_o that_o ever_o such_o thought_n shall_v come_v into_o my_o heart_n but_o if_o a_o instrument_n of_o the_o devil_n come_v and_o plead_v against_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o christ_n himself_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o with_o less_o detestation_n the_o devil_n know_v that_o familiarity_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o take_v that_o from_o a_o man_n which_o we_o will_v abhor_v from_o the_o devil_n himself_o immediate_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o give_v you_o now_o a_o particular_a preservative_n against_o each_o of_o these_o temptation_n only_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o direct_a way_n to_o infidelity_n apostasy_n and_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o by_o any_o seducer_n the_o devil_n do_v overcome_v you_o herein_o you_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o your_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o fire_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n doubt_v xviii_o i_o have_v so_o great_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v with_o god_n that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v no_o grace_n for_o if_o i_o have_v paul_n spirit_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o he_o i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n whereas_o now_o no_o news_n will_v be_v to_o i_o more_o unwelcome_a answer_n there_o be_v a_o loathness_n to_o die_v that_o come_v from_o a_o desire_n to_o do_v god_n more_o service_n and_o another_o that_o come_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o unreadiness_n when_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v more_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n first_o or_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o meet_v our_o lord_n blame_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v somewhat_o backward_o that_o know_v it_o must_v go_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n according_a as_o he_o be_v find_v at_o death_n but_o these_o two_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v as_o a_o loathness_n to_o die_v now_o at_o this_o time_n 3._o there_o be_v also_o in_o all_o man_n live_v good_a and_o bad_a a_o natural_a abhorrence_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n god_n have_v put_v this_o into_o man_n nature_n even_o in_o innocency_n to_o be_v his_o great_a mean_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n no_o man_n will_v live_v in_o ordâ—â—_n or_o be_v keep_v in_o obedience_n but_o for_o this_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o own_o life_n be_v master_n of_o another_o grace_n do_v not_o root_v out_o this_o abhorrency_n of_o death_n no_o more_o than_o it_o unman_v we_o only_o it_o restrain_v it_o from_o excess_n and_o so_o far_o overcome_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o passion_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o better_a life_n beyond_o death_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v the_o more_o quiet_o and_o willing_o submit_v to_o it_o paul_n himself_o desire_v not_o death_n but_o the_o life_n which_o follow_v it_o he_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n that_o be_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v in_o heaven_n then_o on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v content_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o penal_a sharp_a passage_n god_n do_v not_o command_v you_o to_o desire_v death_n itself_o nor_o forbid_v you_o fear_v it_o as_o a_o evil_n to_o nature_n and_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n only_o he_o