the_o hard_a condition_n that_o can_v befall_v it_o for_o what_o be_v other_o cross_n which_o be_v to_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n &_o what_o be_v other_o comfort_n so_o long_o as_o the_o main_a iâ—_n want_v that_o soul_n have_v more_o than_o good_a reason_n cheerful_o and_o careful_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v bestow_v so_o precious_a a_o pearl_n upon_o it_o but_o alas_o i_o miss_v all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o my_o case_n be_v most_o doleful_a p._n 188_o indeed_o i_o may_v just_o accuse_v myself_o that_o my_o pray_n have_v not_o be_v so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o fervent_a so_o constant_a nor_o so_o earnest_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o i_o have_v often_o pray_v and_o as_o earnest_o as_o i_o can_v and_o find_v but_o little_a increase_n either_o of_o faith_n itself_o or_o of_o these_o mark_n of_o faith_n p._n 190._o i_o dare_v not_o apply_v the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n to_o myself_o i_o think_v they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o although_o very_o sweet_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o because_o i_o fiâ—d_v not_o these_o mark_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o god_n child_n now_o the_o promise_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o p._n 198._o 205._o 248._o whether_o our_o good_a work_n and_o sanctification_n of_o â—ife_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o mark_v of_o assurance_n p._n 200_o i_o have_v spend_v all_o my_o day_n in_o sin_v so_o that_o just_o i_o may_v fear_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v expire_v the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v p._n 213_o i_o continual_o slide_v back_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n daily_o p._n 215._o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v why_o may_v not_o i_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o p._n 219._o but_o you_o will_v say_v although_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v the_o first_o yet_o when_o we_o break_v with_o he_o as_o we_o do_v continual_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n then_o as_o he_o may_v most_o just_o break_v with_o we_o and_o so_o alter_v the_o covenant_n p._n 244._o i_o hear_v that_o upon_o my_o repentance_n i_o shall_v have_v access_n to_o this_o precious_a covenant_n though_o after_o 70._o time_n 7._o time_n sin_v yea_o infinite_o often_o for_o god_n way_n be_v not_o like_o man_n way_n but_o be_v above_o they_o as_o far_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o also_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v pain_n with_o i_o to_o bring_v i_o to_o repentance_n will_v visit_v i_o with_o the_o rod_n etc._n etc._n o_o but_o what_o if_o i_o continue_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n if_o i_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v no_o not_o by_o rod_n and_o so_o fall_v away_o altogether_o p._n 228._o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sureness_n everlastingnes_n and_o steadfastnesse_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ready_a to_o fast_a security_n and_o to_o prove_v a_o obstruction_n to_o christian_a obedience_n p._n 249._o when_o i_o consider_v this_o sureness_n and_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o covenant_n sure_o i_o must_v think_v they_o happy_a that_o have_v propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o have_v none_o p._n 251_o o_o but_o i_o be_o so_o unworthy_a guilty_a sinful_a graceless_a i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o i_o p._n 252_o o_o but_o this_o covenant_n promise_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o new_a heart_n be_v cleanse_v from_o my_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n those_o thing_n i_o find_v not_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o just_o i_o doubt_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n belong_v not_o to_o i_o see_v the_o other_o promise_n of_o sanctification_n be_v not_o accomplish_v p._n 255._o o_o but_o i_o fail_v in_o these_o two_o i_o can_v believe_v nor_o pray_v as_o i_o shall_v and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v to_o come_v short_a of_o these_o precious_a promise_n p._n 261._o o_o but_o i_o be_o so_o unworthy_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v it_o belong_v to_o i_o so_o graceless_a and_o so_o full_a of_o want_n so_o full_a of_o bypass_a guiltiness_n of_o present_a sinfulness_n p._n 264._o o_o but_o i_o want_v the_o condition_n that_o shall_v be_v on_o my_o part_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o can_v repent_v how_o shall_v i_o then_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n see_v it_o be_v at_o what_o time_n a_o sinner_n repent_v the_o lord_n will_v do_v away_o his_o iniquity_n p._n 264._o the_o touchstone_n of_o conversion_n or_o the_o mark_n of_o true_a faith_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n q._n what_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o whereof_o ourselves_o be_v so_o slack_a and_o so_o secure_a to_o discharge_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n diligent_o and_o without_o delay_n a._n i._o you_o shall_v serious_o consider_v the_o doleful_a and_o dreadful_a case_n of_o those_o who_o want_v this_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n which_o certain_o if_o true_o believe_v thorough_o see_v and_o due_o think_v upon_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a condition_n for_o it_o be_v full_a of_o sinfulness_n and_o guiltiness_n they_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes_n 2.7_o yea_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o devil_n rom._n 6.16_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n ephes_n 2.13_o now_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n even_o in_o this_o life_n psal_n 90.11_o beside_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o thes_n 5.10_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a kind_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o they_o ephes_n 2.12_o which_o be_v lamentable_a as_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o favour_n but_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v be_v most_o dreadful_a they_o have_v the_o infinite_o holy_a just_a powerful_a sovereign_a god_n for_o their_o unreconciled_a enemy_n col._n 1.21_o which_o make_v they_o liable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n or_o clear_o to_o set_v down_o unto_o you_o the_o fearful_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o want_v this_o true_a faith_n they_o be_v without_o the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o all_o blessing_n spiritual_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a and_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a if_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o see_v it_o first_o i_o say_v they_o be_v without_o right_n or_o interest_n to_o any_o blessing_n or_o favour_n for_o for_o spiritual_a favour_n they_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o they_o they_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n without_o christ_n or_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephe._n 2.12_o for_o temporal_a blessing_n they_o may_v well_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o 1._o without_o right_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n 2._o without_o any_o assurance_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v without_o the_o promise_n 3._o they_o but_o tend_v to_o their_o conviction_n their_o table_n be_v a_o snare_n to_o they_o and_o so_o all_o thing_n else_o as_o all_o evil_n work_v for_o the_o best_a to_o god_n child_n so_o all_o good_a thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o worst_a to_o they_o and_o for_o eternal_a blessing_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n they_o shall_v be_v without_o be_v debar_v from_o that_o celestial_a jerusalem_n rev._n 22.15_o they_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 2.23_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n &_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n then_o shall_v they_o be_v thrust_v out_o luke_n 13.28_o as_o they_o have_v not_o interest_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n as_o be_v stranger_n from_o he_o so_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n as_o be_v his_o enemy_n 1._o to_o spiritual_a judgement_n blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n of_o heart_n vileness_n of_o affection_n benumbedness_n of_o conscience_n a_o man_n that_o want_v this_o true_a save_a faith_n all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n be_v sinful_a without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v think_v speak_a do_v he_o be_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n upon_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v his_o plough_v be_v sin_n and_o so_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o call_n all_o his_o
such_o a_o covenant_n so_o everlasting_a so_o free_a so_o complete_a and_o absolute_a a_o covenant_n able_a to_o answer_v all_o thy_o doubt_n obj._n o_o but_o i_o be_o so_o unworthy_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v it_o belong_v to_o i_o so_o graceless_a and_o full_a of_o want_n so_o full_a of_o bypass_a guiltiness_n of_o present_a sinfulness_n a._n in_o all_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v a_o free_a covenant_n dispense_n with_o all_o these_o three_o as_o you_o hear_v the_o lord_n undertake_v and_o promise_v to_o redress_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o thou_o so_o thou_o will_v by_o faith_n subscribe_v and_o enter_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n with_o he_o he_o know_v thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o or_o else_o why_o shall_v he_o make_v such_o promise_n to_o thou_o to_o pardon_v to_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n to_o cleanse_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o this_o stay_v he_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o q._n o_o but_o i_o want_v the_o condition_n that_o shall_v be_v on_o my_o part_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o can_v repent_v how_o shall_v i_o then_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n see_v it_o be_v at_o what_o time_n a_o sinner_n repent_v the_o lord_n will_v do_v away_o his_o iniquitiâ—t_n a._n even_o these_o condition_n be_v promise_v for_o we_o as_o you_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o absolute_a covenant_n have_v absolute_a promise_n a_o complete_a covenant_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v undertake_v both_o for_o his_o own_o part_n and_o for_o we_o obj._n but_o i_o break_v the_o covenant_n daily_o and_o how_o shall_v i_o think_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v also_o break_v with_o i_o a._n it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n although_o thou_o break_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o break_v for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n if_o thou_o break_v he_o may_v well_o chastise_v thou_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n but_o his_o everlasting_a mercy_n his_o love_a kindness_n will_v he_o never_o take_v from_o thou_o yea_o even_o in_o this_o point_n of_o chastisement_n he_o will_v give_v thou_o leave_v to_o prevent_v he_o by_o hold_v a_o assize_n upon_o thyself_o if_o thou_o will_v judge_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v yea_o although_o thou_o fail_v even_o in_o this_o yet_o he_o will_v correct_v thou_o in_o measure_n both_o for_o degree_n lay_v no_o more_o upon_o thou_o than_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o also_o for_o time_n his_o anger_n endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n o_o how_o gracious_a a_o god_n how_o gracious_a a_o covenant_n and_o whereas_o thou_o say_v thou_o break_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v a_o final_a nor_o a_o full_a breach_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n into_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o thus_o far_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o new_a covenant_n only_o a_o word_n for_o caution_n and_o it_o be_v this_o if_o ever_o we_o think_v to_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o covenant_n we_o shall_v embrace_v it_o full_o that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o only_o to_o be_v save_v but_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o it_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o the_o promise_n not_o only_o of_o justification_n but_o of_o sanctification_n also_o or_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v miss_v both_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o fail_v not_o in_o this_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v divide_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v conjoin_v we_o shall_v prove_v ourselves_o to_o want_v both_o thankfulness_n and_o sincerity_n we_o may_v see_v how_o the_o lord_n put_v these_o together_o isa_n 56.4_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o the_o eunuch_n that_o keep_v my_o sabbath_n and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v i_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o my_o covenant_n these_o two_o must_v go_v together_o and_o most_o clear_o psal_n 50.16_o 17._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o easte_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o our_o saviour_n also_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenat_n he_o tell_v we_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o he_o math._n 11._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n etc._n etc._n stay_v he_o here_o no_o but_o if_o he_o have_v case_v thou_o of_o one_o burden_n thou_o must_v take_v on_o another_o have_v he_o ease_v thou_o of_o a_o great_a burden_n that_o will_v have_v press_v thou_o to_o hell_n thou_o must_v take_v up_o for_o he_o a_o light_a one_o and_o be_v it_o not_o most_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v take_v upon_o you_o my_o yoke_n my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a o_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v this_o when_o we_o be_v about_o the_o crucify_a of_o corruption_n the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n this_o also_o be_v clear_a isa_n 55._o where_o the_o covenant_n be_v mention_v let_v the_o wicked_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n see_v the_o place_n the_o last_o mean_a of_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n which_o i_o shall_v propose_v unto_o you_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a one_o to_o wit_n to_o confider_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o purpose_n this_o oath_n be_v set_v down_o psal_n 89_o once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n unto_o david_n but_o most_o pregnant_o and_o in_o most_o pathetic_a term_n heb._n 6.16_o 17_o 18._o for_o say_v he_o man_n swear_v by_o a_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o this_o point_n betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o this_o oath_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o strife_n of_o our_o infidelity_n which_o so_o much_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o believe_v even_o like_o a_o incredulous_a body_n that_o will_v give_v no_o trust_n he_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o neighbour_n until_o he_o swear_v to_o he_o and_o then_o he_o rest_v satisfy_v even_o so_o deal_v we_o with_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o believe_v so_o slow_a to_o believe_v as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v that_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o lord_n bare_a promise_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n rather_o pity_v then_o punish_v our_o infidelity_n he_o condescend_v thus_o far_o for_o will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o there_o be_v here_o many_o strengthen_n and_o confirm_v word_n and_o great_o comfortable_a and_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n see_v the_o lord_n have_v go_v so_o far_o on_o with_o we_o let_v we_o not_o distrust_v he_o let_v we_o not_o strive_v any_o more_o by_o infidelity_n against_o he_o but_o let_v this_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n betwixt_o our_o infidelity_n and_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o with_o abraham_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o believe_v and_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o abundant_a and_o strong_a consolation_n yea_o let_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v otherways_o for_o we_o may_v see_v how_o fain_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o how_o acceptable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o he_o to_o believe_v he_o delight_v in_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n as_o also_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o infidelity_n &_o how_o hardly_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v so_o likewise_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v how_o heinous_a a_o sin_n infidelity_n be_v for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o lord_n a_o liar_n who_o can_v lie_v but_o it_o be_v also_o to_o make_v he_o a_o covenant-breaker_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o faithful_a one_o therefore_o serious_o weigh_v and_o effectual_o improve_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v so_o shall_v god_n be_v great_o glorify_v and_o thy_o own_o soul_n eternal_o save_v finis_fw-la
civil_a action_n his_o pray_v be_v sin_n and_o so_o all_o his_o religion_n exercise_n yea_o every_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a continual_o thus_o be_v it_o wiâ—h_v the_o person_n or_o â—_z that_o want_n faith_n 2._o again_o for_o temporal_a judgement_n though_o he_o may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o further_a conviction_n and_o more_o fearful_a torment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v nor_o be_v he_o sure_a of_o a_o freedom_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v hang_v over_o his_o head_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o hair_n he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o shall_v overtake_v he_o for_o they_o come_v sudden_o as_o travel_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n or_o as_o a_o inundation_n of_o water_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o he_o know_v not_o when_o the_o angel_n will_v pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o he_o yea_o the_o angel_n may_v have_v the_o sword_n already_o draw_v though_o he_o like_o blind_a balaam_n do_v not_o see_v it_o and_o then_o last_o for_o eternal_a judgement_n when_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o moment_n there_o be_v nothing_o attend_v he_o but_o instant_o utter_v darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n everlasting_a burn_n the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n everlasting_a fiâ—e_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25_o 41._o revel_v 21._o this_o be_v the_o doleful_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o want_v true_a faith_n which_o consideration_n alone_o may_v serve_v to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o without_o delay_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o prove_v &_o try_v whither_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o but_o for_o your_o further_a stir_v up_o ii_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v how_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o case_n of_o these_o that_o want_v this_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v most_o lamentable_a yet_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v but_o very_a few_o that_o either_o have_v or_o shall_v have_v this_o precious_a jewel_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o to_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o truth_n make_v clear_o good_a many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v straight_a and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n &_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v therein_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v shall_v scarce_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o serious_o consider_v will_v make_v man_n look_v more_o narrow_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v iii_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o yet_o further_o to_o this_o trial_n consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o true_a faith_n belong_v to_o very_a few_o yet_o every_o one_o think_v he_o have_v it_o whereby_o alas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o the_o most_o part_n be_v pitiful_o deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o most_o man_n be_v but_o a_o fantasy_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o incident_a to_o we_o then_o presumption_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n which_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o our_o affection_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o laodicean_n yea_o in_o those_o who_o preach_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o christ_n name_n which_o be_v fearful_a yea_o the_o very_a gross_a sinner_n think_v they_o true_o believe_v which_o be_v strange_a and_o show_v the_o great_a power_n of_o presumption_n q._n i_o grant_v you_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v about_o this_o present_a duty_n of_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o that_o both_o diligent_o and_o due_o lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o so_o many_o other_o and_o also_o without_o delay_n the_o point_n be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o our_o life_n of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o importance_n which_o betoken_v wonderful_a security_n madness_n yea_o spiritual_a deadness_n tell_v i_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o some_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o sure_a mark_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v try_v myself_o thereby_o a._n for_o your_o better_a remember_v of_o they_o you_o may_v take_v they_o up_o in_o 3._o sort_n to_o wit_n they_o be_v either_o take_v from_o these_o thing_n which_o go_v before_o faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o accompany_v faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v after_o it_o from_o the_o antecedent_n from_o the_o concomitant_n and_o from_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_n q._n what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o go_v before_o faith_n a._n first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o general_a where_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o before_o it_o he_o work_v in_o they_o that_o preparatorie_n and_o groundwork_n of_o humiliation_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o very_a sensible_a change_n a_o work_n indeed_o painful_a &_o not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o most_o necessary_a for_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n as_o all_o by_o nature_n be_v this_o he_o do_v by_o send_v his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n thereby_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sinfulness_n guiltiness_n and_o want_n john_n 16.8_o and_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8._o v._n 15._o now_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a sensible_a work_n and_o make_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sensible_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o put_v a_o stir_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o a_o awaken_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o before_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n &_o so_o need_v some_o strong_a alarm_n it_o be_v the_o very_a pain_n and_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n which_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v both_o painful_a and_o sensible_a it_o be_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o strong_a man_n who_o although_o while_o he_o hold_v the_o house_n all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n yet_o will_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o without_o sensible_a unquietness_n see_v then_o the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o sensible_a see_v and_o consider_v if_o ever_o thou_o have_v find_v any_o such_o change_n in_o thy_o soul_n or_o not_o qu._n but_o what_o be_v the_o particular_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n by_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o these_o three_o chief_o as_o both_o scripture_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n own_o child_n do_v testify_v i._o the_o first_o great_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o of_o his_o be_v convince_v thereof_o for_o whereas_o before_o his_o mind_n &_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o false_a presumption_n &_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n nothing_o but_o mercy_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o no_o see_v of_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n now_o be_v they_o quite_o contrary_a in_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n the_o case_n be_v change_v nothing_o so_o much_o before_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o anger_n against_o sin_n the_o sight_n of_o mercy_n almost_o be_v quite_o eclipse_v he_o be_v uphold_v only_o with_o a_o glimmer_a as_o it_o be_v thereof_o a_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n and_o hang_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o very_a hair_n of_o hope_n jona_n 2._o v._n 4._o nothing_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n so_o much_o as_o justice_n and_o wrath_n hence_o these_o say_n lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n his_o former_a and_o forget_a sin_n be_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n as_o we_o see_v it_o fare_v with_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o order_n before_o he_o psa_n 50.21_o he_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n isa_n 66.2_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n like_v as_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a trouble_v he_o and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o joh._n now_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o very_o good_a end_n to_o wit_n these_o two_o especial_o first_o for_o their_o bypass_a sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n the_o horn_n of_o salvation_n luke_n 1.69_o that_o they_o may_v fly_v earnest_o or_o at_o least_o in_o sincerity_n unto_o he_o for_o a_o refuge_n heb._n 6.18_o to_o his_o merit_n righteousness_n intercession_n
a_o word_n they_o may_v know_v grosser_n sin_n but_o not_o lesser_a as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o christ_n interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n yea_o paul_n say_v i_o know_v not_o concupiscence_n to_o be_v sin_n but_o by_o the_o law_n the_o natural_a man_n light_n or_o sight_n of_o sin_n be_v like_o a_o ordinary_a light_n which_o discern_v gross_a palpable_a filthiness_n but_o will_v not_o discover_v moat_n but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n light_n be_v like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o discover_v very_a moat_n which_o a_o ordinary_a light_n will_v not_o discover_v 2._o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n they_o see_v their_o faith_n love_n repentance_n fear_v to_o be_v weak_a i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n i_o love_v lord_n help_v my_o love_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n thus_o they_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o wicked_a and_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o so_o but_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n they_o think_v they_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o so_o look_v to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o man_n o_o why_o fear_v i_o not_o love_v i_o not_o god_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o work_v he_o give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o unrighteousness_n even_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o best_a action_n our_o righteousness_n be_v like_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n say_v the_o prophet_n when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v do_v say_v that_o you_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n they_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n and_o they_o see_v so_o manifold_a imperfection_n defect_n corruption_n in_o their_o best_a action_n â—o_o that_o instead_o of_o merit_v by_o they_o they_o think_v it_o a_o mercy_n not_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o their_o heart_n rest_v not_o till_o they_o fly_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n to_o he_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o holy_a thing_n who_o perfume_v the_o very_a prayer_n of_o his_o saint_n with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n the_o ungodly_a not_o so_o the_o hypocrite_n please_v himself_o with_o the_o work_n do_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n care_v not_o for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o that_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi not_o only_o please_v but_o puff_v up_o with_o good_a service_n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n etc._n etc._n the_o papist_n think_v to_o merit_v no_o less_o than_o heaven_n by_o they_o and_o that_o to_o other_o now_o the_o application_n be_v easy_a 1._o for_o comfort_n first_o of_o all_o have_v thou_o get_v indeed_o a_o sight_n of_o thy_o sinfulness_n corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n corruption_n of_o the_o several_a faculty_n of_o thy_o sinful_a nature_n so_o that_o from_o the_o heart_n &_o condiscend_v upon_o particular_n thou_o can_v say_v that_o thou_o aâ—â—_n sinful_a o_o than_o thou_o be_v in_o case_n for_o the_o physician_n the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o these_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o â—ee_o their_o spiritual_a sickness_n thou_o be_v one_o who_o christ_n call_v i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n that_o be_v that_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n behold_v he_o call_v thou_o 2._o have_v thou_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o thy_o own_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n o_o than_o thou_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o so_o bless_v thou_o be_v in_o a_o better_a case_n than_o those_o of_o laodicea_n 3._o see_v thou_o the_o imperfection_n of_o thy_o best_a service_n thou_o be_v not_o like_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o hypocrite_n who_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o work_n do_v who_o 1._o ponder_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 2._o a_o token_n thou_o resâ—s_v not_o upon_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o do_v labour_v after_o the_o power_n 3._o thou_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n now_o for_o conviction_n o_o but_o thou_o who_o 1_o see_v not_o thy_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n may_v well_o for_o the_o fashion_n confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o can_v not_o condescend_v to_o particular_n or_o if_o to_o any_o it_o be_v but_o to_o outward_a gross_a one_o which_o the_o natural_a mind_n may_v see_v but_o see_v not_o the_o whore_v of_o the_o heart_n unthankfulness_n impenitency_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thou_o who_o think_v that_o thou_o believe_v love_v fear_v sufficienly_a and_o do_v never_o find_v the_o weakness_n of_o these_o thou_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attain_v to_o the_o very_a first_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n thou_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v not_o the_o very_a first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o have_v not_o get_v the_o eyesalve_n and_o three_o thou_o who_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o thy_o service_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v they_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o get_v they_o right_o perform_v when_o thou_o be_v about_o they_o 1._o thou_o i_o say_v pondere_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o thy_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n 2._o thou_o have_v but_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3._o thou_o worship_v not_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o show_n and_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o draw_v â—eer_n with_o the_o lip_n etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o second_o mark_n of_o true_a humiliation_n and_o of_o that_o preparatory_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v before_o faith_n be_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o one_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n justice_n anger_n threaten_n judgement_n against_o he_o for_o they_o fear_n go_v before_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o lord_n he_o first_o put_v his_o fear_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o in_o who_o he_o work_v effectual_o by_o his_o spirit_n even_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o otherways_o they_o will_v never_o prize_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n they_o will_v never_o be_v humble_v for_o bypass_a sin_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v save_v according_a to_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v as_o also_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o and_o also_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o awe_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o other_o main_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n work_v this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n and_o fear_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o see_v then_o if_o you_o have_v this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o a_o token_n that_o one_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o but_o take_v heed_n that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o constant_a fear_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o even_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v some_o fear_n of_o commit_v sin_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o right_a fear_n now_o try_v it_o by_o the_o two_o mark_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v god_n fear_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o the_o wicked_a man_n i_o say_v he_o may_v have_v some_o fear_n of_o commit_v sin_n but_o this_o his_o fear_n 1._o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o stand_v not_o to_o commit_v small_a sin_n that_o man_n count_v small_a i_o mean_v as_o to_o ban_v swear_v be_v profane_a in_o discourse_n miscall_v his_o neighbour_n and_o he_o stand_v not_o also_o to_o commit_v secret_a sin_n entertain_v sin_n in_o his_o thought_n omit_v secret_a duty_n though_o both_o these_o be_v offensive_a to_o the_o lord_n who_o see_v not_o then_o that_o this_o his_o fear_n be_v a_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n do_v thou_o commiâ—_n little_a sin_n do_v thou_o entertain_v any_o secret_a siâ—_n though_o but_o in_o thy_o thought_n thou_o have_v never_o have_v this_o fear_n which_o be_v aâ—mâ—ke_o go_v before_o faith_n then_o shâ—ll_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a wheâ—_n i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n again_o a_o wicked_a man_n