cast_v out_o and_o be_v break_v off_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n so_o also_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o baptize_v who_o turn_v the_o true_a covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o another_o of_o their_o own_o frame_n do_v still_o stand_v tie_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o true_a covenant_n and_o their_o right_n to_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o confederate_a do_v remain_v still_o in_o some_o sort_n even_o when_o they_o be_v inter-dyted_n from_o the_o honourable_a possession_n thereof_o by_o excommunication_n for_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o excommunicate_a remain_n as_o to_o their_o ecclesiastic_a state_n albeit_o not_o as_o to_o their_o present_a ecclesiastic_a condition_n citizens_z and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subject_a to_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastic_a and_o to_o christ_n discipline_n because_o when_o they_o be_v judge_v and_o be_v under_o censure_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v within_o the_o kirk_n and_o not_o without_o it_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v also_o they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o these_o that_o be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n as_o to_o their_o present_a external_a condition_n remain_v notwithstanding_o as_o to_o their_o external_a state_n the_o domestics_n of_o god_n under_o the_o discipline_n of_o god_n house_n and_o be_v press_v by_o the_o censure_n lay_v on_o they_o to_o learn_v to_o cease_v from_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o special_o from_o these_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o be_v censure_v and_o correct_v by_o their_o excommunication_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n be_v give_v over_o to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v that_o be_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n they_o may_v return_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o a_o reverend_a speak_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o so_o the_o right_a to_o be_v count_v brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n albeit_o under_o censure_n restraint_n and_o disrespect_n till_o they_o repent_v be_v not_o take_v altogether_o from_o they_o even_o under_o excommunication_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o private_a duty_n of_o charity_n due_a to_o brethren_n in_o that_o fearful_a condition_n to_o be_v altogether_o deny_v unto_o they_o even_o when_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o former_a honour_n of_o blameless_a brethren_n be_v take_v from_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o albeit_o excommunicate_a to_o be_v esteem_v still_o censure_v brethren_n and_o not_o look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n â—_o thess._n 3._o 14_o 15._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n to_o wiâ—_n by_o put_v the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n on_o he_o and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o such_o and_o such_o member_n and_o the_o use_n of_o excommunication_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v lest_o the_o excommunicate_a be_v over-burdened_n by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o censure_n shall_v seem_v to_o themselves_o altogether_o exclude_v from_o church-society_n and_o so_o despair_v of_o return_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o privilege_n but_o may_v know_v that_o the_o right_n of_o citizen_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n be_v reserve_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v by_o way_n of_o possession_n after_o their_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o christian_a charity_n of_o the_o brethren_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v lie_v under_o the_o sentence_n that_o they_o may_v so_o much_o the_o soon_o return_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o ecclesiastic_a honour_n obj._n but_o here_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a doubt_n and_o objection_n how_o and_o upon_o what_o reason_n god_n do_v require_v the_o condition_n of_o faith_n which_o man_n can_v perform_v except_o it_o be_v give_v of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v ephes._n 2._o 8._o you_o be_v save_v of_o grace_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ans._n the_o equity_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n present_a power_n or_o strength_n of_o who_o the_o condition_n be_v require_v but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o ability_n be_v give_v to_o adam_n and_o to_o his_o posterity_n in_o he_o for_o all_o enjoin_v service_n and_o so_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v found_v upon_o man_n natural_a obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o moral_a law_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o command_n adam_n be_v bind_v and_o we_o in_o he_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n already_o reveal_v unto_o he_o but_o to_o believe_v also_o every_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reveal_v and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n not_o only_o of_o these_o which_o already_o do_v show_v forth_o themselves_o in_o his_o work_n but_o also_o of_o these_o attribute_n which_o as_o yet_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o themselves_o in_o actual_a exercise_n for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o avenge_a justice_n upon_o his_o threaten_a to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n of_o death_n in_o case_n man_n shall_v sin_v albeit_o he_o can_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o before_o he_o fall_v so_o also_o it_o be_v manifest_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n albeit_o no_o object_n of_o show_v mercy_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v find_v and_o that_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o perfection_n unto_o god_n whereof_o mercy_n be_v one_o and_o partly_o upon_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v of_o god_n manifest_v goodness_n in_o his_o creation_n and_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o about_o eternal_a life_n upon_o so_o easy_a and_o equitable_a term_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n even_o after_o the_o fall_n adam_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o despair_v nor_o fly_v nor_o hide_v himself_o from_o god_n from_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o can_v escape_v it_o can_v then_o be_v reasonable_o deny_v but_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o god_n when_o he_o speak_v and_o bind_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o he_o offer_v himself_o as_o a_o friend_n and_o a_o father_n to_o he_o and_o when_o god_n bid_v he_o seek_v his_o face_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o more_o and_o more_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o adam_n in_o his_o integrity_n can_v not_o formal_o and_o actual_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o a_o redeemer_n partly_o because_o this_o mystery_n be_v not_o yet_o reveal_v partly_o because_o he_o not_o have_v yet_o sin_v have_v not_o need_v of_o a_o redeemer_n or_o of_o remission_n of_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o believe_v in_o god_n according_a as_o god_n shall_v let_v forth_o his_o will_n and_o the_o power_n to_o adhere_v unto_o god_n and_o rest_n on_o his_o goodness_n and_o goodwill_n be_v give_v to_o man_n in_o his_o creation_n for_o this_o perfection_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v even_o as_o the_o habit_n of_o show_v mercy_n on_o the_o miserable_a though_o such_o a_o object_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v while_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o original_a holiness_n in_o he_o and_o if_o this_o ground_n hold_v not_o sinner_n by_o their_o sin_v once_o shall_v make_v themselves_o free_a to_o sin_n for_o ever_o after_o and_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o 2._o because_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n esteem_v themselves_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v and_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n yea_o and_o to_o give_v credit_n or_o not_o to_o what_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o see_v reason_n be_v it_o not_o equitable_a then_o to_o put_v all_o man_n to_o it_o who_o judge_v themselves_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o be_v require_v to_o the_o end_n that_o after_o experience_n and_o trial_n take_v of_o themselves_o they_o shall_v either_o acknowledge_v their_o natural_a inability_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o go_v
compare_v the_o word_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o the_o commentary_n thereupon_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o jeremiah_n say_v that_o they_o do_v transgress_v the_o covenant_n albeit_o god_n do_v show_v himself_o a_o husband_n unto_o these_o un-believing_a father_n that_o be_v they_o change_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n and_o transgress_v that_o covenant_n also_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v not_o continue_v in_o that_o covenant_n because_o they_o change_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n according_a to_o which_o covenant_n god_n do_v deal_v with_o they_o for_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o he_o exact_v of_o they_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o break_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o lord_v it_o over_o they_o and_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o heb._n 8._o 6._o for_o they_o seek_v after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o not_o to_o have_v righteousness_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v he_o despise_v they_o and_o deal_v with_o they_o after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o jeremiah_n do_v comprehend_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n for_o the_o word_n may_v bear_v both_o that_o god_n be_v a_o husband_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n in_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o they_o and_o that_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o a_o lord_n over_o they_o by_o exact_v of_o they_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o break_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o the_o reject_a covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o â—o_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o express_a term_n first_o by_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n second_o by_o his_o set_n better_a promise_n before_o they_o then_o these_o be_v which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n three_o by_o his_o giving_z no_o other_o cause_n of_o bestow_v so_o great_a blessing_n on_o they_o but_o his_o own_o goodwill_n and_o pleasure_n four_o by_o his_o require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o they_o but_o say_v that_o they_o who_o feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o want_n and_o need_v of_o the_o promise_a blessing_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v give_v credit_n unto_o god_n that_o make_v the_o promise_n and_o so_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o use_n as_o to_o the_o external_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v external_o call_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o covenant_n make_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o the_o elect_a father_n and_o reprobat_fw-la with_o the_o believer_n and_o un-believer_n with_o those_o that_o reject_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o offer_n of_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n and_o with_o those_o who_o look_v through_o the_o vail_n afar_o off_o to_o christ_n come_v and_o be_v save_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o external_a form_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v more_o obscure_a and_o veil_v over_o by_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o levitical_a ceremony_n before_o christ_n come_v but_o after_o his_o come_n it_o be_v propound_v in_o clear_a and_o better_a promise_n 3._o a_o day_n be_v set_v to_o wit_n the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o these_o shadow_n and_o typical_a figure_n shall_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v set_v before_o his_o people_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o open_a face_n 4._o and_o yet_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o hide_v and_o obscure_o propound_v to_o the_o church_n before_o christ_n come_n as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o shadow_n and_o dark_a typ_n the_o starlight_n of_o gracious_a promise_n do_v shine_v and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v in_o substance_n hold_v forth_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o one_o instance_n thereof_o do_v appear_v in_o this_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n as_o to_o the_o internal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n first_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o that_o covenant_n do_v declare_v in_o what_o state_n god_n do_v find_v man_n who_o he_o do_v convert_v and_o draw_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o himself_o to_o know_v he_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n he_o presupposeth_a that_o lawless_a rebellion_n do_v reign_v in_o they_o with_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o that_o the_o elect_n by_o nature_n be_v without_o law_n without_o god_n without_o faith_n before_o he_o reform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o article_n or_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n 2._o albeit_o by_o nature_n the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a moral_a duty_n and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a for_o their_o contraveen_v these_o spark_n of_o light_n rom._n 1._o â—0_n and_o 2_o 14._o 15._o yet_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o law_n here_o promise_v be_v spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a enlighten_v their_o mind_n by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o renew_v their_o heart_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o thing_n promise_v be_v actual_a conversion_n of_o they_o 3._o and_o see_v conversion_n be_v here_o promise_v by_o christ_n the_o testator_n absolute_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n absolute_o to_o effectuate_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o they_o please_v to_o suffer_v i_o but_o determinate_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a who_o be_v averse_a and_o obedient_a to_o my_o law_n who_o be_v rebellious_a 4._o christ_n the_o testator_n do_v in_o all_o this_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o by_o promise_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o incline_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o a_o time_n but_o promise_v also_o to_o make_v a_o solid_a and_o permanent_a work_n of_o it_o by_o make_v they_o persevere_v which_o be_v import_v in_o the_o word_n i_o will_v put_v and_o i_o will_v write_v it_o for_o to_o write_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o fix_v and_o engrave_v it_o that_o it_o may_v remain_v 5._o the_o chief_a head_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o which_o in_o substance_n do_v contain_v all_o blessing_n be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n for_o by_o this_o promise_n right_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o true_a heartconvert_v and_o confederate_a first_o unto_o god_n himself_o then_o unto_o all_o his_o benefit_n whereof_o he_o have_v need_n in_o order_n to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o they_o who_o god_n the_o lord_n be_v they_o do_v live_v and_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o as_o christ_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n matth._n 22._o 32._o and_o all_o particular_a promise_n what_o be_v they_o else_o but_o explication_n of_o this_o great_a and_o first_o promise_n and_o application_n thereof_o to_o his_o child_n case_n in_o particular_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v here_o and_o enduement_n whereof_o disciple_n have_v need_n whereof_o pilgrim_n go_v home_o to_o that_o heavenly_a city_n have_v need_v yea_o the_o spirit_n himself_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o who_o be_v to_o remain_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n as_o a_o direct_a and_o leader_n they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v as_o christ_n do_v interpret_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n joh._n 6._o 45._o 7._o the_o lord_n show_v here_o that_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o man_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o with_o reasonable_a creature_n by_o preserve_v and_o not_o destroy_v they_o in_o their_o simple_a natural_n by_o maintain_v and_o not_o overturning_a the_o liberty_n of_o their_o freewill_n i_o will_v make_v a_o covenant_n say_v he_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n now_o a_o covenant_n be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntar_n contract_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o over-ruler_n of_o man_n will_n who_o can_v turn_v it_o about_o as_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o hinder_v nor_o impede_v to_o execute_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v purpose_v to_o do_v by_o the_o
faith_n in_o christ_n bestow_v on_o himself_o now_o in_o experience_n have_v flow_v from_o that_o fountain_n of_o god_n love_n and_o free_a grace_n through_o christ._n except_o this_o order_n be_v keep_v a_o man_n can_v warrantable_o and_o with_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n make_v application_n of_o these_o covenant_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a and_o perilous_a course_n which_o some_o do_v follow_v and_o press_v other_o to_o follow_v that_o present_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o man_n shall_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o he_o for_o christ_n call_v no_o man_n warrand_v no_o man_n to_o come_v to_o he_o except_o he_o first_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o wrath_n condemnation_n and_o hell_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o save_v himself_o by_o any_o mean_a save_v by_o christ_n for_o luke_n 5._o 32._o christ_n say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n unto_o repentance_n neither_o do_v christ_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n sheep_n for_o who_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n except_o he_o come_v by_o faith_n as_o a_o lose_a sinner_n to_o he_o and_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o pastoral_a care_n over_o he_o for_o joh._n 17._o 9_o christ_n say_v i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o these_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o himself_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n to_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o come_v in_o the_o order_n foresay_a unto_o christ_n and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o christ_n resolve_v to_o abide_v with_o he_o then_o may_v he_o say_v the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o christ_n and_o draw_v i_o to_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v the_o mark_n which_o christ_n give_v joh._n 6._o 37._o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o again_o vers_fw-la 44._o no_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o order_n alâ—o_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o grace_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o the_o evangel_n first_o christ_n himself_o be_v offer_v as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o next_o unto_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v christ_n hearty_o all_o christ_n benefit_n be_v promise_v to_o come_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v justification_n adoption_n the_o indwel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n love_n joy_n peace_n gentleness_n bounty_n fidelity_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o other_o christian_a grace_n gal_n 5._o 22._o for_o no_o man_n have_v right_a unto_o christ_n benefit_n before_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ._n but_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o foresay_a order_n be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n and_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o by_o faith_n straight_a way_n a_o door_n and_o entresse_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o unto_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o be_v give_v to_o he_o unto_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o not_o before_o a_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n not_o to_o a_o man_n without_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o a_o man_n in_o christ._n 4._o therefore_o they_o wrong_v both_o god_n and_o their_o own_o self_n who_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n do_v prescribe_v unto_o god_n another_o order_n of_o work_v than_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n crave_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consolation_n and_o sensible_a peace_n in_o their_o conscience_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o god_n will_v work_v some_o such_o save_a grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o the_o reprobat_fw-la can_v counterfeit_v which_o direction_n if_o god_n will_v take_v off_o their_o hand_n and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n on_o they_o sensible_o as_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o than_o they_o will_v stand_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o their_o direction_n obey_v and_o their_o petition_n in_o their_o order_n grant_v then_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n they_o begin_v to_o complain_v and_o to_o pretend_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o god_n or_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o these_o petition_n be_v not_o first_o grant_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v grant_v this_o temptation_n do_v invert_v and_o overturn_v the_o order_n of_o goâ—s_n call_v for_o christ_n do_v not_o call_v unto_o he_o well-doer_n or_o these_o that_o do_v find_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o own_o good_a behaviour_n and_o lean_a to_o their_o own_o work_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o find_v in_o themselves_o before_o they_o fasten_v faith_n on_o christ_n but_o christ_n do_v call_v sinner_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n who_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v he_o call_v such_o as_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o do_v feel_v themselves_o utter_o unable_a so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n by_o he_o and_o christ_n will_n be_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o suck_v by_o faith_n out_o of_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n do_v suck_v sap_n out_o of_o the_o tree_n grace_v to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n more_o and_o more_o abundant_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n which_o christ_n do_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o whosoever_o therefore_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o do_v think_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o approach_v unto_o he_o till_o first_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o evident_a fruit_n of_o save_a faith_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n change_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v suspend_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o find_v work_n to_o build_v upon_o when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n the_o more_o they_o feel_v their_o barrenness_n so_o much_o the_o more_o strait_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o hold_v he_o fast_o and_o ply_v he_o with_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o who_o do_v abide_v in_o he_o joh._n 15._o 5._o 5._o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o press_v every_o man_n who_o do_v believe_v his_o justification_n by_o faith_n that_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v the_o moral_a law_n or_o ten_o command_n as_o the_o perpetual_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o good_a work_n prescribe_v of_o god_n for_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o matth._n 5._o 17._o he_o have_v indeed_o unto_o believer_n in_o he_o dissolve_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n get_v but_o no_o absolution_n from_o sin_n rom._n 3._o 20._o but_o also_o by_o absolve_v every_o believer_n in_o he_o that_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n from_o all_o condemnation_n rom._n 8._o 1â—_n mean_a while_o he_o have_v not_o break_v the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n from_o off_o the_o believer_n as_o he_o have_v break_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a he_o prescribe_v to_o they_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o and_o bring_v forth_o work_v of_o new_a obedience_n matth._n 11._o 29._o and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v tit._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o profitable_a unto_o man_n 6._o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o to_o be_v press_v that_o the_o hearer_n whether_o un-converted_n or_o convert_v may_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v or_o disobey_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n that_o the_o law_n may_v ever_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v a_o pedagogue_n unto_o christ_n for_o before_o conversion_n
satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o external_a sacrifice_n of_o some_o clean_a beast_n offer_v to_o god_n or_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o their_o body_n and_o their_o clothes_n such_o also_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o now_o adays_o many_o make_v with_o god_n cut_v short_a with_o the_o old_a pharisee_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n by_o extend_v it_o no_o further_o than_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o same_o that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v their_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n the_o long_o &_o conform_v unto_o their_o own_o clip_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n after_o baptism_n and_o by_o extenuate_v and_o diminish_v many_o fault_n as_o but_o light_n and_o venial_a as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o by_o devise_v satisfaction_n for_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o live_n by_o penance_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o of_o the_o dead_a by_o their_o suffering_n in_o their_o imaginary_a purgatory_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o work_n and_o suffering_n such_o also_o be_v their_o covenant_n who_o seek_v justification_n by_o decease_a saint_n merit_n hope_v they_o may_v so_o have_v absolution_n from_o sin_n and_o obtain_v life_n eternal_a and_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o covenant_n of_o man_n frame_v we_o call_v bastard-covenant_n of_o work_n because_o god_n will_v not_o admit_v any_o other_o covenant_n of_o work_n then_o that_o which_o require_v perfect_a personal_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o so_o many_o as_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n do_v stand_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o perfect_a personal_a obedience_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o will_v be_v find_v not_o only_o utter_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n but_o also_o to_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 5._o 3_o 4._o do_v teach_v we_o obj._n see_v god_n do_v abhor_v these_o bastard-covenant_n of_o work_n and_o do_v well_o know_v that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o performance_n of_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o unable_a before_o they_o be_v reconcile_v through_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o do_v so_o much_o as_o one_o acceptable_a work_n as_o the_o psalmist_n teach_v psal._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n exact_v perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n from_o sinner_n why_o do_v he_o press_v so_o instant_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o true_a covenant_n of_o work_n ans._n the_o lord_n just_o do_v abhor_v and_o reject_v these_o bastard-covenant_n because_o they_o evacuat_v and_o make_v void_a both_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o he_o do_v press_v all_o man_n to_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n whereunto_o they_o be_v natural_o oblige_v to_o the_o end_n that_o proud_a man_n conceity_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n may_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o so_o despair_v of_o righteousness_n by_o their_o work_n and_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n through_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fir_v from_o that_o covenant_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o begin_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n furniture_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4_o and_o the_o law_n enter_v that_o man_n may_v by_o the_o law_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o offence_n do_v abound_v and_o then_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o 〈…〉_z â—â—grâ—ce_n by_o christ_n do_v superabound_a rom._n 〈…〉_z and_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 5._o the_o end_n of_o the_o command_n be_v 〈…〉_z of_o a_o purâ—_n heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfamed_a this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o mount_n sinai_n that_o a_o stiff-necked_a people_n trust_v in_o their_o own_o ability_n may_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o imperfection_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o this_o also_o god_n superadd_v the_o external_a yoke_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o posterity_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v act_n 15._o 10._o that_o the_o people_n perceive_v their_o manifold_a pollution_n and_o guiltiness_n wherein_o they_o be_v daily_o involve_v by_o break_v of_o god_n law_n may_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o burden_n lie_v on_o they_o and_o of_o their_o damnable_a estate_n under_o it_o fly_v to_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v represent_v and_o offer_v to_o their_o sight_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n of_o this_o end_n of_o press_v the_o law_n upon_o proud_a man_n we_o have_v a_o example_n math._n 19_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o in_o the_o conference_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o young_a conceity_n rich_a man_n who_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o of_o his_o ability_n be_v hudg_o swell_v as_o if_o he_o have_v already_o for_o time_n bygone_a satisfy_v the_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v any_o good_a work_n which_o can_v be_v prescribe_v unto_o he_o for_o obtain_v of_o eternal_a life_n who_o proud_a conceit_n that_o christ_n may_v humble_v and_o bring_v down_o he_o crave_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o command_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n deny_v that_o he_o have_v break_v the_o law_n he_o prove_v he_o guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o vile_a idolatry_n from_o this_o that_o he_o put_v a_o high_a estimation_n on_o his_o riches_n than_o on_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v love_v they_o more_o than_o heaven_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o eternal_a life_n in_o all_o this_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o albeit_o man_n confidence_n in_o their_o work_n do_v displease_v god_n yet_o good_a work_n do_v not_o displease_v he_o but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a motive_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o his_o people_n a_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v after_o good_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o partly_o by_o set_v before_o they_o the_o reward_n if_o they_o obey_v partly_o by_o set_v punishment_n before_o theiâ—_n eye_n if_o they_o obey_v not_o yea_o and_o the_o very_a observation_n of_o external_a moral_a duty_n and_o obedience_n such_o as_o may_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n albeit_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o justification_n do_v esteem_v it_o pollute_v and_o vile_a yet_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o external_a work_n by_o give_v they_o external_a and_o temporal_a benefit_n for_o their_o encouragement_n for_o even_o ahab'_v temporary_a humiliation_n the_o lord_n so_o far_o accept_v that_o there-upon_a he_o take_v occasion_n to_o delay_v to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o he_o 1_o king_n 21._o 27_o 28_o 29._o likewise_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o recompense_v the_o civil_a justice_n of_o pagan_n with_o a_o temporal_a reward_n yea_o and_o to_o reward_v the_o outward_a diligence_n of_o every_o man_n in_o every_o lawful_a occupation_n with_o some_o answerable_a outward_a reward_n the_o very_a pharisee_n who_o for_o the_o raise_n to_o themselves_o a_o fame_n and_o high_a estimation_n for_o holiness_n do_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n in_o prayer_n in_o the_o street_n and_o mercat-place_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n want_v not_o a_o answerable_a reward_n verily_a say_v christ_n they_o have_v their_o reward_n matth._n 6._o 2._o and_o this_o course_n the_o lord_n do_v keep_v that_o he_o may_v encertain_a and_o foster_v the_o civil_a society_n of_o man_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o his_o people_n look_v on_o this_o bounty_n of_o god_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o the_o more_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o merciful_a promise_v better_a reward_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v beside_o what_o they_o may_v have_v in_o this_o life_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o three_o and_o last_o covenant_n concern_v man_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v between_o god_n and_o man_n through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n grace_n sometimes_o simple_o and_o absolute_o take_v be_v oppose_v to_o merit_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o good_a thing_n which_o of_o god_n good_a pleasure_n be_v ordain_v or_o promise_v or_o actual_o bestow_v on_o the_o
the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o his_o holy_a heart_n can_v not_o admit_v such_o a_o temptation_n and_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 6._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n do_v warn_v the_o saint_n that_o our_o adversary_n satan_n use_v to_o throw_v fiery_a dart_n at_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o fiery_a and_o poisonable_a dart_n the_o regenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o nor_o finger_v they_o but_o by_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o speed_n quench_v and_o extinguish_v they_o but_o when_o a_o probable_a reason_n be_v join_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o the_o temptation_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o fear_n that_o the_o tentation_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o except_o the_o scruple_n be_v remove_v then_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v examine_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o reason_n or_o sylogism_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v try_v to_o be_v null_a it_o may_v be_v reject_v or_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v communicate_v to_o a_o prudent_a friend_n or_o pastor_n who_o may_v discover_v the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o if_o the_o temptation_n shall_v be_v slight_v and_o not_o discuss_v albeit_o it_o lie_v quiet_a for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o will_v return_v again_o and_o raise_v more_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n to_o the_o conscience_n than_o it_o do_v before_o 11._o in_o answer_v of_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n tend_v to_o weaken_v faith_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o observe_v and_o ishew_v a_o usual_a stratagem_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o do_v multiply_v and_o heap_v together_o a_o number_n of_o doubt_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suggest_v one_o doubt_n present_o do_v suggest_v on_o the_o back_n of_o that_o another_o and_o after_o that_o another_o whereby_o he_o mar_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o doubt_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o some_o faithful_a friend_n or_o minister_n be_v offer_v for_o solution_n thereof_o by_o this_o mean_a satan_n endeavour_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o afflict_a person_n may_v at_o one_o time_n both_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_n offer_v and_o be_v take_v up_o whole_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o new_a suggest_a doubt_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o new_a doubt_n have_v no_o place_n because_o the_o afflict_a party_n do_v not_o take_v heed_n thereto_o in_o this_o case_n both_o the_o party_n afflict_v and_o the_o party_n offer_v consolation_n must_v hold_v to_o the_o first_o doubt_n and_o not_o suffer_v any_o other_o new_a doubt_n to_o have_v place_n till_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o doubt_n and_o after_o that_o let_v every_o objection_n move_v by_o the_o party_n afflict_v be_v answer_v one_o after_o another_o in_o order_n 12._o see_v every_o doubt_n whereby_o the_o regenerate_a person_n be_v trouble_v do_v tend_v either_o to_o weaken_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o bring_v forth_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n let_v no_o answer_n to_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v esteem_v sufficient_a except_o it_o lead_v the_o afflict_a person_n unto_o christ_n teach_v he_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v low_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o lay_v hold_n by_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n and_o relief_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o after_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o physician_n to_o request_v for_o the_o remedy_n of_o that_o evil_n which_o have_v move_v and_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o doubt_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o every_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o the_o enjoin_v of_o such_o and_o such_o moral_a duty_n whereby_o unskillful_a physician_n use_v to_o over-charge_n disease_a conscience_n command_v the_o afflict_a party_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o go_v about_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n as_o may_v remove_v the_o evil_n which_o give_v ground_n to_o the_o doubt_n can_v never_o avail_v the_o disease_a person_n except_o he_o be_v lead_v first_o unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o acceptation_n of_o his_o person_n that_o in_o he_o power_n to_o do_v these_o duty_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o by_o his_o spirit_n moral_a precept_n may_v be_v quicken_v for_o if_o these_o precept_n be_v press_v upon_o the_o disease_a without_o christ_n they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o detain_v the_o afflict_a in_o self_n confidence_n and_o make_v he_o hope_v in_o vain_a that_o he_o may_v or_o can_v by_o his_o own_o work_n overcome_v the_o evil_n feel_v in_o he_o or_o that_o he_o can_v by_o himself_o attain_v to_o that_o good_a which_o he_o conceive_v necessary_a for_o lose_v of_o his_o doubt_n but_o let_v he_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o strength_n to_o go_v about_o the_o duty_n 13._o because_o almost_o in_o all_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n some_o grace_n or_o christian_a virtue_n be_v pitch_v upon_o and_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o he_o or_o not_o heed_n must_v be_v take_v that_o evangelic_n grace_n virtue_n or_o action_n be_v not_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n wherein_o nothing_o have_v weight_n which_o come_v short_a of_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o personal_a obedience_n for_o in_o the_o strict_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n no_o mere_a man_n nor_o any_o action_n of_o man_n can_v stand_v ps._n 130._o 3._o for_o there_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n and_o blemish_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o their_o best_a work_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n that_o whatsoever_o lustre_n or_o appearance_n of_o good_a may_v be_v in_o a_o work_n it_o be_v bleck_v and_o make_v to_o hide_v its_o face_n before_o the_o law_n but_o let_v the_o tender_a bud_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v examine_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o judge_v of_o the_o begin_v obedience_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o man_n aim_v at_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n how_o short_a soever_o he_o come_v of_o his_o aim_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v true_a the_o evangel_n require_v that_o a_o man_n flee_v to_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n shall_v set_v himself_o to_o work_v the_o work_v prescribe_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o exact_a obedience_n of_o all_o the_o command_n yet_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o reject_v a_o good_a work_n for_o the_o defect_n imperfection_n and_o blemish_n thereof_o but_o accept_v and_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o first_o fruit_n and_o bud_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o do_v foster_v the_o tender_a and_o small_a beginning_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v and_o increase_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o justification_n of_o our_o person_n before_o god_n by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o then_o teach_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o justification_n of_o our_o faith_n before_o man_n in_o our_o own_o and_o other_o conscience_n by_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o 14._o while_o we_o be_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n take_v heed_n leave_v we_o foster_v presumption_n and_o hinder_v either_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o do_v diligence_n in_o follow_v duty_n for_o christian_a grace_n do_v not_o impede_fw-la but_o help_v and_o strengthen_v one_o another_o if_o they_o be_v real_a and_o kind_o because_o they_o must_v flow_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o do_v run_v towards_o the_o same_o end_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o press_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n so_o as_o we_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o exalt_a prince_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o so_o cry_v up_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o neglect_v not_o to_o press_v the_o regenerate_a man_n free_o justify_v by_o grace_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o
from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v be_v our_o deed_n word_n and_o thought_n actual_o do_v or_o omit_v the_o neglect_n of_o which_o examination_n be_v reprove_v jerem._n 8._o c._n and_o revel_v 2._o 19_o 20._o 7._o the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v unto_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o former_a respect_n which_o be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o to_o we_o what_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o disobedience_n and_o here_o if_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o well_o inform_v and_o the_o rule_n close_o cleave_v unto_o the_o err_a conscience_n may_v swallow_v down_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o cry_v up_o diana_n for_o a_o great_a goddess_n act._n 19_o 28_o and_o make_v the_o murderer_n of_o the_o saint_n conceive_v that_o in_o kill_v they_o they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n joh._n 16._o 2._o 8._o the_o four_o thing_n be_v the_o judicial_a process_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o give_v such_o a_o sentence_n of_o direction_n for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n in_o the_o point_n examine_v and_o find_v do_v or_o not_o do_v which_o process_n if_o the_o conscience_n be_v well_o inform_v be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o clear_a reason_n by_o way_n of_o syllogism_n wherein_o we_o lie_v down_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n in_o the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n then_o we_o do_v lay_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o assume_v proposition_n and_o from_o the_o comparison_n of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n we_o give_v out_o sentence_n in_o the_o three_o room_n which_o be_v call_v the_o conclusion_n as_o for_o example_n if_o the_o conscience_n be_v about_o to_o give_v direction_n for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v it_o reason_v thus_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n i_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o follow_v it_o as_o the_o rule_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n therefore_o i_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n or_o more_o short_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o he_o offer_v reconciliation_n in_o christ_n therefore_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o conscience_n unto_o conviction_n or_o absolution_n sometime_o more_o sometime_o few_o reason_n be_v use_v as_o for_o example_n for_o conviction_n the_o process_n go_v thus_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v i_o i_o shall_v have_v â—one_n but_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o he_o have_v command_v i_o therefore_o i_o shall_v have_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n again_o he_o that_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n in_o repent_v of_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n be_v under_o great_a guiltiness_n and_o worthy_a of_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_o i_o may_v every_o impenitent_a person_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o may_v conclude_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o under_o great_a guiltiness_n and_o worthy_a of_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n likeways_o in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o conscience_n a_o humble_a person_n well_o inform_v may_v reason_v thus_o that_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o self-condemned_n sinner_n to_o follow_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o follow_v but_o this_o way_n and_o no_o other_o have_v god_n appoint_v that_o the_o sinner_n convince_v of_o sin_n and_o of_o deserve_a wrath_n shall_v flee_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n that_o by_o he_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o save_v therefore_o this_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o no_o other_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o follow_v again_o whosoever_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o in_o christ_n strength_n be_v endeavour_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v undoubted_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o child_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_o i_o may_v the_o humble_a sinner_n flee_v to_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o therefore_o i_o be_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n undoubted_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o again_o he_o may_v go_v on_o to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n thus_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n poverty_n and_o weakness_n have_v flee_v to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o he_o and_o have_v consecrate_v himself_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v new_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o heir_n with_o isaac_n of_o the_o promise_a blessing_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o have_v they_o perfect_o in_o possession_n at_o last_o but_o such_o a_o one_o be_o i_o may_v the_o humble_a sinner_n flee_v to_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a blessing_n with_o isaac_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o have_v they_o perfect_o in_o possession_n at_o last_o such_o a_o process_n as_o this_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n follow_v when_o he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o sentence_v himself_o worthy_a of_o what_o the_o law_n pronounce_v against_o his_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n through_o who_o alone_o he_o be_v fir_v from_o the_o deserve_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n 9_o as_o to_o the_o five_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n it_o have_v pronounce_v because_o the_o conscience_n be_v set_v over_o the_o man_n by_o god_n as_o judge-depute_a therefore_o it_o go_v about_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o and_o by_o to_o execute_v as_o it_o may_v the_o sentence_n just_o pronounce_v by_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n or_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o it_o it_o stir_v up_o divers_a motion_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o of_o they_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a some_o of_o they_o joyful_a and_o comfortable_a the_o sad_a and_o bitter_a passion_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o conviction_n and_o condemnation_n just_o pronounce_v be_v shame_n grief_n fear_n anxiety_n vexation_n and_o suchlike_a whereby_o the_o guilty_a sinner_n be_v either_o fret_v as_o with_o a_o worm_n or_o fire_v and_o torment_v of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n who_o be_v convict_v in_o his_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n do_v flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n all_o amaze_a and_o a_o fright_a gen._n 3._o 9_o 10._o the_o lord_n call_v unto_o adam_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o where_o be_v thou_o and_o he_o say_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o i_o be_v afraid_a because_o i_o be_v naked_a and_o i_o hide_v myself_o but_o the_o conscience_n after_o it_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a believer_n flee_v to_o christ_n do_v stir_v up_o more_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n such_o as_o be_v peace_n comfort_n joy_n gladness_n exultation_n confidence_n and_o such_o like_a a_o example_n whereof_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n 2_o cor_n 1._o 2._o our_o rejoice_v say_v he_o be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_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 we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o conscience_n after_o it_o be_v wound_v by_o the_o man_n transgression_n do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n cite_v the_o man_n before_o its_o tribunal_n and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o officer_n present_v the_o man_n at_o the_o bar_n and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o accuser_n challenge_v the_o man_n for_o his_o transgression_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o recorder_n produce_v the_o book_n of_o statute_n and_o the_o part_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n prove_v and_o convince_a he_o of_o the_o deed_n do_v again_o it_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n and_o condemn_v the_o convict_a transgressor_n and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o sergeant_n and_o marshal_n bind_v the_o condemn_a wretch_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o
prison_n and_o stock_n pinch_v and_o press_v the_o bind_v sinner_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o burrio_fw-la scourge_v and_o torment_v he_o but_o the_o conscience_n after_o examination_n find_v the_o man_n either_o innocent_a and_o free_a of_o the_o crime_n or_o forgive_v and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n after_o repentance_n and_o faith_n embrace_v the_o redeemer_n it_o do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o honest_a friend_n careful_o comfort_v the_o innocent_a or_o penitent_a and_o the_o part_n of_o a_o advocate_n excuse_v and_o defend_v the_o man_n against_o all_o challenge_n and_o the_o part_n of_o witness_n compurgatour_n and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o judge_n absolve_v and_o the_o part_n of_o the_o rewarder_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v suffice_v our_o purpose_n chap._n ii_o of_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_n a_o case_n of_o conscience_n take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n comprehend_v every_o accident_n which_o any_o way_n affect_v or_o qualifi_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o persuasion_n and_o certainty_n which_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v the_o soundness_n health_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v call_v case_n and_o good_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n so_o also_o any_o effect_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v peace_n of_o conscience_n comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v call_v case_n of_o the_o conscience_n also_o but_o the_o case_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v be_v the_o ill_a case_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o soundness_n and_o straightness_n it_o shall_v have_v which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wound_n disease_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereunto_o that_o we_o may_v descend_v to_o speak_v more_o orderly_o a_o twofold_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 2._o first_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o healthy_a and_o a_o sick_a conscience_n a_o healthy_a conscience_n be_v that_o which_o after_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v just_o absolve_v we_o and_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o towards_o god_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n it_o be_v say_v by_o solomon_n a_o sound_a heart_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n prov._n 14._o 30._o by_o the_o heart_n he_o mean_v the_o conscience_n which_o ordinary_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o heart_n and_o he_o say_v the_o sound_a conscience_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o the_o body_n be_v so_o much_o in_o better_a case_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v at_o peace_n towards_o god_n and_o this_o blessing_n be_v allow_v upon_o every_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o his_o orderly_a walk_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n a_o conscience_n in_o this_o disposition_n need_v not_o medicine_n but_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o exercise_n in_o all_o christian-duty_n a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o call_v that_o which_o either_o be_v senseless_a of_o its_o own_o evil_n and_o danger_n it_o be_v in_o and_o sit_v down_o secure_o and_o rest_v without_o a_o warrant_n or_o which_o be_v just_o wound_v and_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o pain_n or_o which_o be_v unquiet_a upon_o mistake_n and_o ignorance_n of_o make_v use_n of_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o such_o a_o sick_a conscience_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v if_o possible_a by_o god_n blessing_n a_o word_n in_o season_n may_v be_v speak_v to_o waken_v a_o secure_a conscience_n or_o to_o refresh_v the_o weary_a soul_n that_o be_v recover_v from_o its_o malady_n it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ._n 3._o second_o we_o must_v put_v difference_n between_o a_o trouble_a soul_n and_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o large_o take_v then_o the_o conscience_n the_o soul_n comprehend_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o man_n but_o the_o conscience_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v only_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n judge_v of_o the_o man_n moral_n ill_a or_o well-being_n and_o so_o all_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v case_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o all_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o case_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v trouble_v while_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o trouble_v at_o all_o yea_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o commendable_a trouble_n in_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o see_v god_n dishonour_v or_o his_o church_n in_o hazard_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v trouble_v that_o such_o a_o holy_a trouble_n strengthen_v his_o conscience_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n as_o be_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o psalm_n to_o be_v see_v again_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v trouble_v by_o sundry_a natural_a or_o civil_a motive_n while_o the_o conscience_n be_v allowable_o quiet_a as_o in_o loss_n of_o thing_n temporal_a fear_n pain_n or_o unexpected_a inconvenience_n occur_v yea_o there_o may_v be_v passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o person_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o young_a infant_n and_o in_o the_o elder_a sort_n in_o fit_n of_o fever_n melancholy_a and_o frenzy_n and_o yet_o further_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o passion_n perturbation_n and_o trouble_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v find_v without_o any_o disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n be_v a_o man_n acquaint_v with_o sorrow_n but_o be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o sin_n or_o any_o self-challenging_a for_o he_o know_v no_o sin_n in_o himself_o he_o have_v trouble_v in_o his_o soul_n but_o can_v not_o have_v trouble_n of_o conscience_n job_n 12._o 27._o now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v â—ather_o save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o speak_v not_o here_o but_o of_o the_o sinful_a disease_n of_o the_o conscience_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o a_o three_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o common_a case_n of_o conscience_n and_o these_o that_o special_o concern_v regeneration_n common_a case_n comprehend_v all_o these_o question_n and_o doubt_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n be_v seek_v light_n and_o resolution_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v better_o inform_v itself_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o about_o the_o application_n thereof_o in_o the_o point_n of_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n these_o common_a case_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o bulk_n of_o divinity_n as_o large_a as_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v as_o a_o point_n of_o piety_n or_o righteousness_n about_o which_o question_n may_v not_o be_v move_v and_o case_n propound_v wherein_o the_o conscience_n may_v seek_v satisfaction_n of_o this_o huge_a great_a tree_n we_o take_v but_o only_o one_o branch_n to_o speak_v of_o so_o far_o as_o make_v for_o our_o purpose_n concern_v regeneration_n chap._n iii_o of_o regeneration_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o regenerate_a man_n who_o he_o be_v we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o elect_a infant_n die_v in_o their_o infancy_n god_n have_v his_o own_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o but_o of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v outward_o call_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o may_v thus_o describe_v regeneration_n be_v one_o in_o effect_n with_o effectual_a cal_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n invincible_a power_n and_o mere_a grace_n wherein_o by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v his_o word_n he_o quicken_v a_o redeem_a person_n lie_v dead_a in_o his_o sin_n and_o renew_v he_o in_o his_o mind_n will_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n convince_v he_o saving_o of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o make_v he_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o consecrat_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n 2._o the_o main_a thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o in_o this_o work_n be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n entire_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n regeneration_n be_v neither_o give_v to_o man_n nor_o man_n make_v sharer_n of_o the_o glory_n with_o god_n but_o god_n may_v have_v
whereby_o he_o be_v make_v more_o capable_a of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o for_o the_o material_a disposition_n of_o he_o fit_v he_o for_o regeneration_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o regeneration_n for_o albeit_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o these_o preparatory_a disposition_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v man_n bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o external_a mean_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o because_o by_o the_o use_n of_o external_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v hear_v of_o the_o word_n catechise_v and_o conference_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v more_o near_o unto_o regeneration_n as_o christ_n do_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o speech_n to_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o answer_v discreedy_a unto_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o far_o say_v he_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_n 12._o 24._o this_o preparatory_a disposition_n in_o order_n unto_o regeneration_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o dry_n of_o timber_n to_o make_v it_o soon_o take_v fire_n when_o it_o be_v casten_z into_o it_o for_o dryness_n in_o the_o timber_n be_v neither_o a_o part_n nor_o a_o degree_n of_o kindle_v or_o inflammation_n of_o it_o but_o only_o a_o preparation_n of_o the_o timber_n to_o receive_v inflammation_n when_o the_o fire_n shall_v be_v set_v to_o it_o or_o it_o put_v in_o the_o fire_n possible_o a_o long_a time_n after_o in_o these_o preparatory_a exercise_n then_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n unrenewed_a have_v a_o natural_a power_n to_o go_v and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n preach_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o catechise_v and_o conference_n of_o religion_n and_o regeneration_n whereof_o god_n when_o he_o please_v may_v make_v use_n in_o regeneration_n of_o the_o man_n wherefore_o whosoever_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charge_v and_o command_v to_o repent_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o these_o external_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o duty_n require_v and_o of_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereunto_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o external_a mean_n they_o may_v meet_v with_o sundry_a common_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v or_o convert_v whereof_o the_o use_n may_v be_v sound_a not_o only_o in_o but_o also_o after_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v refuse_v slight_a or_o neglect_v to_o follow_v these_o preparatory_a exercise_n which_o may_v prepare_v he_o for_o conversion_n he_o be_v inexcusable_a before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o guilty_a of_o reject_v of_o the_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n yea_o guilty_a of_o resist_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n the_o holy_a martyr_n stephen_n charge_v the_o misbelieve_a jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o 8._o as_o for_o the_o regenerate_a man_n he_o it_o be_v who_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o deserve_a misery_n and_o of_o his_o utter_a inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o part_n and_o possible_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o flee_v to_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o christ_n alone_o he_o may_v have_v true_a wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n and_o do_v with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n consecrat_v himself_o and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o description_n we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip._n 3._o 3_o where_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n and_o the_o counterfeit_n he_o say_v we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n who_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o which_o description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n the_o apostle_n first_o point_v forth_o unto_o we_o three_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n than_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o only_a circumciser_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o worth_n wit_n freewill_n and_o strength_n to_o help_v himself_o so_o that_o the_o man_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o operation_n be_v the_o infusion_n of_o save_a faith_n make_v the_o man_n humble_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a remedy_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o christ_n become_v to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o rejoice_v and_o gloriation_n the_o three_o operation_n be_v the_o upstirring_a and_o enable_v of_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o endeavour_v new_a obedience_n and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o for_o the_o three_o duty_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v the_o first_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o point_n of_o more_o and_o more_o humble_v of_o himself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o eshew_v of_o all_o lean_v on_o his_o own_o part_n gift_n work_n or_o suffering_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o christ_n he_o must_v have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n to_o be_v let_v forth_o to_o the_o believer_n employ_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o comfort_v himself_o in_o christ_n against_o all_o difficulty_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o new_a obedience_n in_o all_o case_n worship_v and_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o must_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o man_n regenerate_v and_o circumcise_v in_o heart_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v in_o these_o three_o duty_n joint_o so_o as_o each_o of_o they_o may_v advance_v another_o for_o many_o fail_n and_o short-coming_n will_v be_v find_v in_o our_o new_a obedience_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n but_o let_v these_o fail_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o extinguish_v and_o abolish_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o part_n and_o righteousness_n that_o our_o daily_a fail_n may_v humble_v we_o and_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o all_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o let_v not_o these_o fail_n so_o discourage_v we_o as_o to_o hinder_v we_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o contrair_a the_o less_o ground_n of_o confidence_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o let_v we_o raise_v so_o much_o high_a the_o estimation_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o draw_v more_o strength_n and_o ability_n out_o of_o christ_n for_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v more_o holy_o and_o righteous_o before_o god_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o he_o let_v we_o not_o turn_v his_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n but_o the_o more_o we_o believe_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o strive_v in_o his_o strength_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o new_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n let_v we_o wind_v ourselves_o up_o stair_n towards_o heaven_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o such_o as_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a isaiah_n 40._o 31._o in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v find_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o all_o these_o three_o duty_n the_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n be_v by_o so_o much_o darken_v and_o short_a for_o probation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n regenerate_v that_o he_o be_v drive_v from_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o fill_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n because_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o more_o than_o that_o may_v perish_v in_o this_o miserable_a condition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o judas_n the_o traitor_n who_o conscience_n be_v burden_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o
and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n or_o regenerate_a person_n and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v visible_a saint_n whole_a liâ—e_z at_o least_o do_v not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n and_o such_o as_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v esteem_v regenerate_v ans._n christ_n visible_a church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o he_o the_o company_n of_o they_o that_o be_v consecrat_fw-mi to_o god_n and_o engage_v by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o holiness_n by_o â—â—lling_v they_o be_v saint_n albeit_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v â—ound_v pollute_v in_o their_o manner_n thus_o do_v god_n himself_o reach_v we_o to_o judge_v psal._n 50._o 5._o gather_v unto_o i_o my_o saint_n say_v he_o and_o who_o be_v these_o these_o who_o have_v make_v a_o coâ—â—nant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n now_o of_o these_o many_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n but_o place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o ceremony_n and_o go_v about_o by_o their_o outward_a sacrifice_n to_o pacify_v god_n and_o to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n as_o be_v plain_a vers_fw-la 7._o 8._o other_o of_o these_o call_v saint_n consecrat_fw-mi unto_o god_n and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a covenant_n be_v very_o wicked_a who_o no_o way_n behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v covenanter_n with_o god_n and_o who_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n except_o they_o repent_v for_o they_o hate_v true_a holiness_n and_o do_v cast_v the_o command_n behind_o their_o back_n vers_n 16._o be_v thief_n and_o adulterer_n slanderer_n and_o calumniatour_n of_o their_o brethren_n vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o do_v in_o a_o fatherly_a manner_n reprove_v they_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o not_o perish_v 2._o there_o be_v no_o question_n whether_o all_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v both_o in_o open_a conversation_n and_o in_o heart_n holy_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v damn_v and_o perish_v that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o the_o question_n be_v here_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o it_o whether_o they_o shall_v exclude_v from_o church-membership_a all_o who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v at_o least_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n or_o whether_o all_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o church-member_n and_o keep_v within_o the_o church_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o by_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v by_o mean_n they_o may_v be_v regenerate_v and_o be_v regenerate_v be_v help_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o precept_n concern_v the_o personal_a sanctification_n of_o every_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o precept_n give_v for_o the_o govern_n of_o other_o and_o keep_v holy_a society_n with_o the_o call_v saint_n renew_v or_o unrenewed_a in_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o far_o as_o god_n word_n give_v light_a and_o order_n for_o it_o be_v command_v to_o i_o and_o thou_o that_o we_o pursue_v peace_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o i_o or_o thou_o that_o we_o shall_v keep_v no_o church-fellowship_n in_o god_n ordinance_n except_o with_o the_o regenerate_a it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o must_v examine_v every_o person_n concern_v their_o regeneration_n neither_o be_v they_o forbid_v to_o adâ—â—t_v any_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n save_o these_o who_o they_o esteem_v regenerate_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o church_n all_o that_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n with_o their_o child_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o promove_v their_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n for_o so_o many_o do_v christ_n commission_n to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n import_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o 4._o regeneration_n be_v not_o the_o just_a measure_n whereby_o to_o square_v the_o dimension_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o confederation_n and_o obsignation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n for_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n visible_a kingdom_n who_o visible_a subject_n be_v all_o they_o who_o solemn_o be_v engage_v to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v not_o to_o be_v define_v the_o company_n of_o the_o regenerate_a but_o the_o company_n of_o the_o confederate_a with_o god_n and_o call_v unto_o holiness_n among_o who_o christ_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v few_o elect_a and_o so_o few_o regenerate_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o barn-floor_n whereinto_o be_v gather_v both_o the_o chaff_n and_o the_o wheat_n both_o they_o that_o have_v faith_n and_o they_o that_o profess_v faith_n out_o of_o who_o christ_n do_v gather_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o redeem_a one_o obj._n but_o at_o least_o in_o gather_v of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n respect_n must_v be_v have_v that_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v serious_a and_o how_o can_v the_o consent_n be_v serious_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o sincere_a where_o the_o person_n be_v not_o regenerate_v such_o a_o man_n consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v without_o save_a faith_n be_v but_o feign_a counterfeit_a hypocritical_a and_o such_o a_o consent_n as_o may_v hinder_v the_o man_n regeneration_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o the_o man_n and_o the_o receiver_n or_o admitter_n of_o he_o also_o ans._n serious_n be_v sometime_o oppose_v to_o sport_n or_o play_v and_o so_o a_o mater_fw-la may_v be_v serious_a which_o be_v in_o earnest_n go_v about_o and_o be_v not_o open_o histrionical_a and_o sometime_o serious_a be_v oppose_v to_o the_o intention_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o so_o that_o may_v be_v call_v serious_a which_o be_v do_v without_o a_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v or_o beguile_v the_o party_n but_o when_o the_o consenter_n to_o engage_v in_o covenant_n speak_v as_o he_o think_v albeit_o possible_o his_o own_o heart_n deceive_v he_o his_o consent_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v just_o be_v call_v serious_a because_o he_o intend_v to_o deal_v in_o earnest_n as_o in_o a_o weighty_a business_n and_o such_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n unto_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n exod._n 19_o likewise_o counterfeit_a and_o hypocritical_a be_v sometime_o call_v so_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v real_a true_a and_o spiritual_a and_o so_o all_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v but_o feign_a faith_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o save_v faith_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v serious_a and_o moral_o honest_a like_o israel_n exod._n 14._o 20._o and_o so_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o covenant_n and_o to_o tie_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o man_n to_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v lead_v to_o salvation_n again_o feign_a connterfeit_a hypocritical_a be_v call_v that_o which_o a_o man_n purposely_o do_v fain_o make_v show_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v not_o to_o be_v be_v conscious_a to_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o such_o a_o feign_a consent_n we_o grant_v do_v provoke_v god_n against_o such_o a_o person_n but_o the_o church_n be_v not_o judge_v of_o this_o so_o long_o as_o they_o know_v not_o of_o this_o gross_a hypocrisy_n we_o hold_v then_o that_o there_o may_v be_v and_o usual_o fall_v forth_o such_o a_o moral_a consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o save_a faith_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o serious_a real_o honest_a consent_n as_o to_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o mouth_n of_o the_o covenanter_n such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o ordinary_a civil_a contract_n between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o external_a church-covenanting_a with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o consent_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o make_v a_o covenant_n be_v not_o feign_v neither_o be_v it_o displease_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o own_o kind_n albeit_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n unto_o the_o person_n salvation_n for_o so_o much_o do_v god_n himself_o testify_v deut._n 5._o speak_v
every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v to_o these_o water_n etc._n etc._n isa._n 55._o and_o beside_o these_o promise_n which_o contain_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v to_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o condition_n and_o do_v already_o believe_v such_o as_o be_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o shall_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v conditional_a serve_v to_o make_v man_n who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v real_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o least_o outward_o and_o solemn_o enter_v such_o as_o joh._n 15._o 7_o 10._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v ask_v what_o you_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o you_o and_o if_o you_o keep_v my_o command_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o joh._n 12._o 26._o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n and_o joh._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o obj._n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o the_o do_v of_o one_o or_o more_o work_n but_o faith_n receive_v christ_n offer_v without_o respect_n to_o our_o work_n as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o see_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o have_v or_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n but_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o work_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o and_o do_v exercise_n such_o virtue_n ans._n albeit_o the_o endeavour_n to_o work_v good_a work_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n can_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o then_o no_o man_n can_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n till_o first_o he_o shall_v find_v these_o virtue_n in_o himself_o and_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o his_o constant_a exercise_n thereof_o yet_o such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v make_v use_n of_o after_o a_o man_n have_v close_v covenant_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o condition_n require_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o that_o because_o many_o make_v pretence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o do_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v themselves_o to_o new_a obedience_n unto_o god_n law_n and_o be_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o profess_a repentance_n but_o be_v indulgent_a to_o their_o vicious_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o in_o effect_n do_v renounce_v all_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v good_a work_n in_o stead_n of_o renounce_v a_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o good_a work_n therefore_o god_n do_v put_v the_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v christian_a virtue_n on_o all_o profess_a believer_n as_o a_o condition_n distinguish_v a_o sincere_a believer_n from_o a_o hypocrite_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v please_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v external_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n while_n it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a faith_n not_o work_v by_o love_n against_o which_o sort_n of_o pretend_a believer_n jame_v chap._n 2._o dispute_v such_o conditional_a promise_n be_v direct_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v outward_o already_o in_o covenant_n and_o do_v serve_v for_o these_o several_a use_n first_o that_o such_o as_o both_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v endeavour_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o such_o conditional_a promise_n may_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n grace_n for_o grace_n grace_v to_o believe_v and_o grace_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o the_o honest_a heart_a may_v be_v encourage_v te_fw-la set_v upon_o these_o duty_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v furnish_v for_o they_o out_o of_o the_o rich_a fountain_n of_o christ_n grace_n john_n 1._o 16._o three_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o in-lake_n of_o any_o such_o command_v duty_n or_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o any_o vice_n in_o themselves_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o aâ—d_v to_o fly_v more_o earnest_o to_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n that_o first_o they_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o from_o he_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v joh._n 15._o 5._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o you_o shall_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n four_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v believer_n in_o christ_n subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o give_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o work_v one_o grace_n before_o another_o in_o his_o own_o order_n as_o the_o foresay_a promise_n do_v import_v five_o they_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o believer_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o love_n and_o exercise_v of_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_a reward_n six_o they_o serve_v to_o move_v believer_n to_o join_v one_o virtue_n to_o another_o for_o certify_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o call_n and_o election_n by_o their_o growth_n therein_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o 12._o last_o of_o all_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v these_o who_o be_v destitute_a and_o void_a of_o such_o qualification_n and_o be_v careless_a to_o have_v they_o manifest_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v a_o far_o off_o and_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v in_o baptism_n ecclesiastical_o purge_v form_n their_o old_a sin_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 9_o obj._n how_o can_v this_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o solemn_a make_n of_o a_o covenant_n with_o all_o that_o profess_v they_o do_v accept_v of_o the_o offer_n stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o or_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o not_o of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n ans._n the_o election_n of_o some_o and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o be_v make_v clear_a of_o old_a by_o god_n make_v offer_n of_o grace_n unto_o and_o covenant_v with_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o not_o with_o any_o other_o psa._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n anâ—_n as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o 2._o and_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o covenant_v with_o all_o that_o profess_v to_o accept_v the_o offer_n do_v consist_v with_o the_o election_n of_o some_o only_a as_o well_o now_o as_o of_o old_a when_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n external_a and_o conditional_a with_o all_o israel_n of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v not_o elect_v to_o life_n and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v albeit_o they_o be_v in_o number_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v save_v isa._n 10._o 22._o for_o by_o this_o course_n god_n be_v not_o frustrate_v of_o his_o purpose_n and_o fruit_n of_o his_o covenant_v with_o the_o mix_a multitude_n of_o israelit_n for_o the_o elect_a by_o faith_n obtain_v righteousness_n and_o life_n but_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v rom._n 11._o 7._o 3._o this_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o moral_a covenant_n with_o all_o that_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o accept_v the_o offer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n redeem_v the_o elect_a only_o no_o less_o now_o then_o of_o old_a when_o christ_n do_v make_v offer_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o his_o sheep_n joh._n 10._o 26._o and_o do_v receive_v sundry_a in_o among_o his_o disciple_n in_o external_a covenant_n who_o do_v afterward_o forsake_v he_o joh._n 6._o 66._o but_o yet_o he_o do_v save_v and_o do_v save_o all_o his_o elect_a sheep_n who_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o joh._n 10._o 65._o and_o however_o this_o doctrine_n sound_v harsh_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o reprobat_fw-la or_o not_o elect_v or_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o all_o and_o every_o man_n but_o for_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o proud_a man_n
and_o at_o length_n that_o they_o shall_v whole_o give_v themselves_o to_o religious_a exercise_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n mean_v time_n they_o conceive_v they_o may_v come_v in_o among_o the_o true_a convert_n and_o young_a beginner_n albeit_o they_o come_v not_o up_o the_o length_n which_o they_o intend_v but_o be_v unde_fw-la the_o power_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o they_o can_v rid_v themselves_o of_o but_o do_v hope_v they_o shall_v betimes_o overcome_v they_o such_o man_n do_v miserable_o mistake_v the_o mater_fw-la first_o in_o that_o they_o think_v their_o purpose_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n breed_v in_o they_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o very_a grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o begin_v sanctification_n second_o they_o conceive_v that_o the_o lust_n which_o do_v reign_v in_o themselves_o be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o regenerate_v person_n of_o who_o few_o or_o none_o think_v they_o want_v their_o own_o gross_a fault_n three_o they_o conceive_v they_o can_v repent_v more_o serious_o when_o they_o please_v and_o will_v repent_v after_o a_o while_n follow_v of_o their_o belove_a lust_n as_o if_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o they_o do_v daily_o provoke_v by_o their_o vileness_n but_o a_o work_n in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n freewill_n be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n four_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o delay_n of_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o all_o sin_n unto_o god_n their_o heart_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o god_n judgement_n harden_v and_o god_n provoke_v to_o punish_v their_o voluntary_a impenitence_n with_o judicial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v such_o man_n our_o lord_n compare_v to_o the_o disobedient_a son_n who_o promise_v to_o his_o father_n he_o will_v go_v work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o go_v not_o math._n 21._o 30._o such_o man_n be_v they_o who_o know_v the_o well_o of_o the_o lord_n but_o do_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o double_a punishment_n math_n 12._o 47._o the_o â—â—medy_n of_o this_o evil_a christ_n give_v luk._n 13._o 24_o 25_o 26._o strive_v to_o enter_v at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o â—_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a mâ—n_z know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v shut_v the_o door_n therefore_o man_n have_v need_v while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n not_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n psal_n 95._o 8._o 2._o other_o some_o be_v who_o be_v of_o a_o civil_a life_n profess_v and_o do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o indeed_o do_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v certain_o expect_v salvation_n free_o of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o pose_v any_o such_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v present_o answer_v that_o they_o firm_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o they_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v their_o sweet_a saviour_n who_o die_v for_o they_o if_o you_o press_v they_o to_o speak_v in_o earnest_n from_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v present_o be_v ill_o please_v with_o the_o question_n and_o ask_v what_o cause_n of_o suspect_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v be_v just_o allege_v or_o what_o cause_n have_v any_o man_n to_o suspect_v they_o or_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v say_v they_o if_o not_o in_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o other_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n beside_o he_o if_o a_o man_n please_v to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v forthwith_o affirm_v that_o they_o repent_v day_n and_o night_n and_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o always_o repent_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n such_o man_n be_v these_o of_o who_o christ_n speak_v that_o they_o will_v confident_o come_v to_o he_o and_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v no_o way_n careful_a to_o do_v the_o lord_n will_v but_o servant_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n 3._o such_o man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o first_o by_o frame_v to_o themselves_o such_o carnal_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o save_a hope_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o in_o their_o fantasy_n they_o conceive_v they_o do_v practice_v which_o conception_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o they_o esteem_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o mind_n unto_o the_o truth_n commend_v these_o duty_n unto_o man_n as_o good_a as_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v take_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o equity_n of_o such_o duty_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o while_o their_o conscience_n say_v why_o shall_v not_o i_o do_v so_o they_o take_v that_o for_o as_o good_a as_o if_o it_o have_v say_v i_o do_v so_o but_o save_v grace_n go_v deep_a than_o civil_a carriage_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o enough_o except_o they_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n also_o in_o daily_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o fly_v to_o christ_n daily_o to_o be_v washen_n and_o more_o and_o more_o sanctify_a 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v imagine_v a_o faith_n which_o need_v not_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o good_a work_n at_o all_o and_o so_o they_o take_v off_o the_o justify_v man_n from_o all_o necessity_n of_o follow_v good_a work_n as_o far_o as_o they_o take_v off_o good_a work_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o justification_n and_o do_v open_a a_o door_n to_o themselves_o to_o live_v after_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o flesh_n conceive_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v fir_v not_o only_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n against_o who_o our_o lord_n do_v speak_v and_o do_v cut_v off_o such_o libertine_n and_o turner_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o guard_v against_o this_o self-deceit_n heb._n 12._o 14._o command_v to_o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 5._o some_o there_o be_v who_o pretend_v to_o esteem_v well_o of_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o marriage-supper_n do_v yet_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a when_o they_o have_v much_o ado_n in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n albeit_o they_o prefer_v the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o thing_n outward_a unto_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o entertain_a communion_n with_o god_n yea_o they_o conceive_v that_o god_n will_v allow_v they_o in_o so_o do_v as_o christ_n do_v insinuat_fw-la in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o guest_n invite_v to_o the_o feast_n answer_v the_o invitation_n with_o i_o pray_v have_v i_o excuse_v luke_n 14._o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o rise_v evil_a in_o great_a personage_n rich_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v much_o implove_v in_o earthly_a affair_n such_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o first_o in_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n with_o themselves_o that_o their_o earthly_a affair_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o do_v first_o and_o most_o sensible_o appear_v must_v in_o the_o first_o room_n be_v cared-for_a and_o that_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a may_v be_v follow_v after_o as_o their_o civil_a and_o earthly_a affair_n may_v permit_v second_o they_o reckon_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o for_o they_o can_v be_v persuade_v when_o gain_n may_v be_v have_v that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o slip_v the_o occasion_n or_o to_o put_v his_o worldly_a good_n in_o hazard_n by_o defend_v or_o follow_v matter_n of_o religion_n three_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o wise_a as_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o serve_v two_o master_n god_n and_o covetousness_n albeit_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o serve_v not_o god_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n this_o error_n our_o lord_n refute_v and_o give_v warning_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o matth._n 6._o 24._o and_o luke_n 21._o 34._o take_v heed_n
to_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o he_o must_v be_v prove_v also_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n a_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n a_o man_n justify_v and_o a_o adopt_a child_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o for_o prove_v a_o man_n to_o be_v regenerate_v to_o know_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o the_o true_o regenerate_v circumcise_v in_o heart_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o sinless_a but_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o sinfulness_n as_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o himself_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o himself_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a of_o accusation_n or_o tentation_n and_o doubt_n but_o he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n but_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 1._o he_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n 2._o he_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o relief_n 3._o he_o put_v on_o christ_n yoke_n math._n 11._o 28_o 29._o if_o a_o man_n have_v these_o three_o property_n joint_o in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o regenerae_fw-la man_n and_o may_v defend_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o right_o to_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o divine_a operation_n and_o save_a grace_n which_o accompany_v salvation_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n repentance_n unto_o life_n hope_v christian_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n reconciliation_n adoption_n go_v together_o in_o time_n by_o god_n gift_n but_o one_o of_o they_o go_v before_o another_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o effectual_a calling_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o faith_n go_v before_o hope_n and_o before_o charity_n or_o love_n again_o these_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o redeem_a child_n of_o god_n joint_o in_o respect_n of_o time_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o evidence_n alike_o soon_o in_o time_n nor_o do_v they_o equal_o manifest_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v in_o time_n and_o so_o the_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v discern_v in_o not_o a_o few_o convert_n before_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v show_v itself_o in_o they_o clear_o so_o also_o love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ofttimes_o may_v be_v discern_v in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o himself_o dare_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ._n 4._o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o regenerate_a person_n who_o for_o the_o present_a time_n can_v perceive_v in_o themselves_o any_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o their_o conversion_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o to_o their_o own_o unspeakable_a comfort_n be_v assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o be_v point_v out_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o all_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n clear_a and_o certain_a to_o themselves_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o whether_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o or_o not_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o for_o otherwise_o except_o a_o convert_n know_v certain_o the_o blessedness_n of_o his_o own_o state_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o be_v make_v a_o reconcile_a subject_n and_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n or_o set_v cheerful_o himself_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o comfortable_o call_v on_o god_n as_o a_o father_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n wherefore_o all_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n unto_o christ_n shall_v deal_v by_o prayer_n earnest_o with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o they_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o operation_n in_o they_o they_o may_v know_v the_o save_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v free_o bestow_v upon_o they_o of_o which_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n own_o regeneration_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o clearness_n and_o assurance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n wherein_o a_o man_n true_o convert_v may_v be_v for_o many_o doubt_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o man_n regenerate_v which_o may_v darken_v his_o sight_n and_o hinder_v the_o assurance_n of_o save_a grace_n grant_v unto_o he_o whereof_o sundry_a cause_n may_v be_v find_v and_o in_o special_a these_o four_o among_o other_o 1._o in_o a_o man_n illuminat_fw-la and_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o remain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n much_o doubt_v mix_v with_o faith_n by_o reason_n of_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o the_o convert_n to_o examine_v and_o discern_v this_o bless_a change_n make_v in_o he_o where_o through_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o young_a convert_n which_o will_v be_v see_v in_o infant_n who_o have_v a_o soul_n indeed_o but_o do_v not_o know_v or_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v a_o soul_n till_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n of_o discretion_n yea_o many_o sound_a christian_n be_v ofttimes_o at_o a_o stand_n about_o their_o regeneration_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o their_o faith_n or_o repentance_n especial_o when_o they_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o strength_n of_o natural_a corruption_n in_o themselves_o and_o great_a indisposition_n for_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v force_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o cry_v miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o rom._n 7._o 24._o mean_a time_n for_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o to_o wrestle_v against_o discouragement_n and_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o apostle_n thank_v god_n through_o christ._n 2._o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o satan_n ofttimes_o the_o persuasion_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v darken_v so_o as_o they_o can_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o regeneration_n clear_o for_o satan_n set_v himself_o to_o vex_v the_o saint_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o bond_n who_o albeit_o he_o know_v that_o he_o can_v destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v they_o that_o at_o least_o he_o may_v make_v they_o some_o way_n unfit_a for_o god_n service_n and_o mar_v their_o cheerfulness_n in_o his_o service_n and_o because_o he_o fear_v harm_n from_o they_o unto_o his_o kingdom_n by_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o unconvert_v to_o repent_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n therefore_o he_o find_v they_o work_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n and_o put_v they_o to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o to_o forbear_v to_o invade_v his_o subject_n till_o they_o be_v settle_v themselves_o 3._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n be_v offend_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o special_o by_o their_o gross_a transgression_n for_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v do_v for_o a_o time_n cease_v from_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v not_o bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v 4._o ofttime_n the_o lord_n by_o suffer_a doubt_n to_o arise_v in_o their_o heart_n use_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n and_o thereby_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o pursue_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o righteousness_n more_o vigorous_o and_o sincere_o that_o after_o victory_n obtain_v over_o these_o tentation_n they_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o his_o obedience_n 6._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o while_o the_o true_a convert_n do_v most_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o regeneration_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o he_o and_o clear_o see_v by_o other_o more_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o howsoever_o the_o weak_a convert_n and_o child_n of_o light_n walk_v
deep_o call_v unto_o deep_a at_o the_o noise_n of_o thy_o water-spout_n all_o thy_o wave_n and_o billow_n be_v go_v over_o i_o and_o psal._n 77._o 7_o 8._o will_n the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o grace_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o etc._n etc._n at_o last_o he_o discover_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o conclude_v against_o himself_o that_o his_o give_v so_o far_o way_n to_o the_o tentation_n be_v his_o infirmity_n 19_o we_o must_v distinguish_v worldy_a sorrow_n and_o hypochondriack-passion_n and_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n from_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o the_o wrestle_n of_o faith_n that_o for_o a_o natural_a disease_n and_o distemper_v a_o pertinent_a remedy_n may_v be_v call_v for_o from_o the_o bodily_a physician_n and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o spiritual_a exercise_n the_o doubt_n of_o their_o conscience_n may_v be_v prudent_o louse_v in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o both_o the_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v join_v circumspection_n be_v necessary_a that_o proportionable_a remedy_n be_v use_v by_o the_o physician_n and_o the_o pastor_n or_o prudent_a friend_n that_o bodily_a medicine_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n may_v be_v each_o in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o order_n wise_o make_v use_n of_o and_o because_o it_o use_v to_o fall_v out_o that_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n and_o distemper_n of_o bodily_a humour_n be_v oftentimes_o join_v one_o with_o another_o let_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o a_o word_n be_v casten_z in_o here_o for_o advertisement_n 20._o in_o cure_v case_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o louse_v some_o one_o doubt_n or_o other_o but_o after_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o the_o party_n afflict_v concern_v the_o present_a case_n which_o have_v trouble_v they_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o observe_v other_o cause_n which_o may_v trouble_v they_o afterward_o wherewith_o for_o the_o present_a they_o possible_o be_v not_o trouble_v and_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v relief_n from_o every_o sin_n and_o every_o sort_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o must_v consecrat_v and_o devout_a themselves_o to_o he_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o at_o all_o time_n whatsoever_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v they_o for_o whosoever_o do_v come_v unto_o christ_n must_v come_v of_o set_a purpose_n to_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o never_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o draw_v grace_n after_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n to_o mortify_v sin_n grace_v to_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o according_a as_o they_o find_v new_a guiltiness_n contract_v and_o weakness_n in_o themselves_o to_o do_v command_v duty_n for_o except_o the_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v easy_o slide_v back_o from_o their_o begin_a sanctification_n and_o furnish_v mater_fw-la to_o satan_n for_o raise_v of_o new_a doubt_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o new_a tentation_n unto_o sin_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o fall_v before_o therefore_o must_v they_o keep_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o actual_a exercise_n daily_o 21._o in_o deal_v with_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n let_v not_o the_o comforter_n whether_o a_o pastor_n or_o a_o prudent_a friend_n trust_v to_o his_o ability_n or_o arrogat_fw-la to_o himself_o above_o what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o but_o let_v he_o keep_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o heart_n be_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n giving_z glory_n to_o god_n express_o if_o he_o perceive_v the_o afflict_a party_n lay_v hold_n on_o god_n word_n deliver_v by_o he_o and_o let_v he_o also_o teach_v the_o afflict_a to_o lift_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o word_n of_o consolation_n be_v dispense_v to_o he_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o prudent_a friend_n that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o glory_n in_o his_o consolation_n and_o no_o more_o ascribe_v to_o the_o instrument_n than_o be_v due_a for_o the_o minister_n may_v sow_v the_o seed_n and_o plant_v and_o water_n but_o god_n only_o can_v give_v the_o increase_n man_n be_v ready_a to_o fail_v in_o this_o point_n and_o mar_v the_o blessing_n for_o god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o 22._o in_o case_n the_o expect_a consolation_n be_v not_o find_v or_o the_o doubt_n propound_v be_v not_o solve_v so_o soon_o as_o be_v desire_v let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v that_o he_o make_v not_o haste_n in_o seek_v comfort_n but_o patient_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n will_v in_o exercise_v he_o for_o a_o while_n and_o humble_v himself_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n in_o meekness_n wait_v for_o clearness_n and_o comfort_n in_o due_a time_n for_o affliction_n be_v send_v to_o work_v patience_n and_o patience_n to_o work_v experience_n and_o experience_n to_o work_v hope_n which_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o patient_a man_n ashamed_a and_o it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o lie_v for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o affliction_n till_o it_o be_v daunt_v and_o subdue_v then_o before_o patience_n have_v have_v the_o perfect_a work_n to_o seek_v to_o have_v its_o foolish_a wish_n grant_v unto_o it_o for_o if_o once_o a_o soul_n hearty_o submit_v itself_o to_o god_n or_o strive_v to_o submit_v and_o patient_o wait_v on_o consolation_n will_v be_v find_v not_o far_o off_o 23._o in_o regard_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n may_v begin_v before_o it_o can_v be_v mark_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o he_o who_o meddle_v with_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o afflict_a and_o so_o to_o temper_v his_o speech_n as_o he_o may_v both_o further_a repentance_n and_o faith_n pre-supposing_a the_o party_n exercise_n may_v prove_v a_o begin_a work_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o judge_v in_o charity_n of_o god_n dispensation_n then_o to_o foster_v sinister_a suspicion_n of_o the_o party_n afflict_v which_o may_v ready_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o unhappy_a expression_n to_o the_o hurt_v of_o the_o patient_a and_o hinder_v his_o profit_v by_o what_o may_v be_v say_v beside_o 24._o because_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o book_n with_o the_o weak_a believer_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n be_v flee_v or_o fly_v unto_o christ_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o do_v fear_v they_o be_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o this_o and_o that_o pretend_a reason_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v to_o purpose_n in_o comfort_v they_o to_o make_v use_n as_o of_o other_o scripture_n so_o in_o special_a of_o these_o two_o passage_n the_o one_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o other_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 30._o the_o one_o serve_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o christ_n how_o strong_o soever_o they_o be_v assault_v with_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v otherways_o for_o in_o this_o passage_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o few_o word_n hold_v forth_o first_o that_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n in_o three_o person_n be_v in_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o mediator_n christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o transgression_n unto_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n tender_v through_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n second_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n â—ath_v commit_v unto_o his_o minister_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o they_o with_o authority_n may_v offer_v reconciliation_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n unto_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v send_v forth_o and_o direct_v as_o ambassador_n to_o exhort_v and_o request_v mâ—n_z in_o god_n name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n god_n mediator_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n four_o that_o so_o many_o as_o do_v consent_n unto_o and_o embrace_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v reckon_v to_o be_v believer_n even_o all_o they_o who_o do_v acknowledge_v their_o natural_a enimity_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o do_v welcome_a the_o message_n of_o reconciliation_n send_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v engage_v themselves_o to_o hold_v fast_o this_o covenant_n
will_v most_o exercise_v faith_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v find_v least_o able_a to_o do_v it_o yea_o he_o find_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a to_o observe_v the_o whole_a moral_a law_n then_o solid_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n hence_o arise_v anxiety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o afflict_a while_o he_o neither_o there_fw-mi depart_v from_o christ_n nor_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o approach_v unto_o he_o confident_o in_o this_o case_n many_o new_a doubt_n and_o temptation_n do_v arise_v which_o weaken_v his_o faith_n yet_o more_o and_o hinder_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o discharge_n of_o duty_n not_o a_o little_a that_o this_o sometime_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o convert_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n make_v evident_a ps._n 30._o 7._o lord_n say_v david_n by_o thy_o favour_n thou_o have_v make_v my_o mountain_n to_o stand_v strong_a thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v and_o in_o his_o prayer_n ps._n 61._o 2._o while_o his_o mind_n be_v overwhelm_v in_o he_o with_o perplex_v thought_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o no_o strength_n or_o ability_n to_o deliver_v himself_o or_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o mediator_n as_o he_o will_v have_v do_v but_o pray_v that_o while_o he_o be_v now_o exile_v and_o drive_v far_o off_o from_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o tip_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o rock_n of_o all_o salvation_n which_o rock_n of_o salvation_n he_o perceive_v to_o be_v a_o high_a mystery_n than_o he_o can_v discover_v or_o ascend_v upon_o without_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o therefore_o say_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o when_o my_o heart_n be_v overwhelm_v lead_v i_o to_o the_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o i._n yea_o the_o godly_a afflict_a hebrew_n fall_v in_o this_o sickness_n who_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o they_o heb._n 12._o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n 2._o for_o answer_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a person_n must_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o sinful_a dissidence_n because_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o whatsoever_o sort_n of_o trouble_n he_o have_v be_v discourage_v and_o faint_v which_o do_v not_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o pretend_a reason_n but_o this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o give_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v and_o hope_v to_o give_v before_o he_o be_v put_v to_o trial_n second_o he_o must_v consider_v how_o far_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o lean_v to_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o which_o self-confidence_n the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v empty_v the_o more_o speedy_o he_o shall_v be_v furnish_v if_o be_v empty_v he_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o supply_v this_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 10._o who_o be_v make_v weak_a in_o himself_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o his_o weakness_n and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o feel_a infirmity_n and_o that_o he_o do_v with_o good_a success_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a say_v he_o then_o be_o i_o strong_a who_o example_n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o follow_v three_o after_o search_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o person_n afflict_v under_o the_o notion_n and_o expression_n of_o i_o can_v believe_v have_v in_o effect_n this_o meaning_n i_o can_v find_v such_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o will_v be_v at_o or_o i_o can_v find_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o approbation_n of_o my_o â—aiah_o as_o can_v satisfy_v i_o and_o persuade_v i_o that_o i_o do_v believe_v real_o in_o christ._n and_o so_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n and_o another_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v seek_v than_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o approven_v faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o believer_n but_o to_o he_o that_o sight_n the_o fight_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o his_o trial_n adher_v close_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n as_o the_o clause_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o seven_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n do_v teach_v we_o rev._n 2._o 3._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v i_o will_v give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o eat_v of_o that_o hide_a manna_n i_o will_v give_v he_o that_o white_a stone_n and_o a_o new_a name_n write_v thereon_o which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o four_o the_o afflict_a must_v be_v instruct_v or_o put_v in_o mind_n to_o distinguish_v between_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o know_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n as_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 13._o these_o thing_n i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v distinguish_v between_o true_a though_o weak_a say_v faith_n and_o strong_a faith_n true_a save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o be_v pursue_v by_o the_o law_n do_v fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o the_o man_n that_o dwell_v in_o this_o city_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v use_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n have_v right_o unto_o that_o strong_a and_o well-grounded_n consolation_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6._o 17_o 18_o 19_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n hearty_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o a_o person_n have_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v reckon_v himself_o among_o believer_n in_o christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v christ_n to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n true_a and_o save_a faith_n be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o enimity_n against_o god_n do_v answer_v the_o request_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n with_o a_o hearty_a consent_n unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n offer_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliateon_n now_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o that_o be_v christ_n to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a answer_n thus_o i_o receive_v the_o offer_n and_o do_v consent_n upon_o these_o term_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n for_o thou_o have_v say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n and_o my_o soul_n answer_v thy_o face_n o_o lord_n will_v i_o seek_v hide_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o ps._n 27._o 8_o 9_o he_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n and_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v unto_o he_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o confirmation_n whereof_o let_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n outward_a and_o inward_a which_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o afflict_a himself_o or_o by_o his_o comforter_n be_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o let_v he_o rest_v and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o the_o doubt_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n concern_v his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o apprehend_a defect_n of_o humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v answer_v some_o regenerate_a person_n will_v be_v find_v who_o mourn_v indeed_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o
and_o bring_v the_o believer_n flee_v unto_o he_o on_o upon_o his_o way_n till_o he_o put_v he_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o misery_n but_o yet_o this_o felicity_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o piece_n and_o piece_n and_o not_o without_o conflict_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o not_o without_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v exhort_v to_o take_v courage_n unto_o he_o as_o become_v a_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o hope_n and_o patience_n be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v sure_o perform_v in_o that_o manner_n measure_n order_n and_o time_n and_o by_o his_o own_o appoint_a mean_n as_o he_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n 6._o the_o three_o practical_a error_n of_o the_o afflict_a in_o the_o foresay_a case_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n nor_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o of_o his_o own_o faith_n he_o judge_v no_o otherways_o than_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o man_n whileas_o there_o be_v a_o diverse_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o faith_n then_o of_o another_o man_n faith_n for_o because_o i_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o another_o man_n therefore_o i_o must_v judge_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o james_n give_v chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 10._o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n yet_o of_o my_o own_o faith_n i_o may_v judge_v not_o only_o by_o the_o external_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o in_o the_o first_o close_v with_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o observable_a possible_o but_o also_o by_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n do_v reveal_v unto_o i_o by_o make_v i_o not_o only_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_v he_o but_o also_o can_v make_v i_o reflect_v and_o turn_v back_o my_o eye_n upon_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o i_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n again_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o judge_v right_o of_o his_o own_o fruit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n do_v judge_n he_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o work_n may_v be_v do_v upright_o and_o yet_o be_v imperfect_a he_o shall_v distinguish_v what_o be_v god_n part_n in_o the_o work_n from_o that_o which_o be_v wrong_a and_o corrupt_a flow_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v confound_v and_o do_v so_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wrong_a when_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n both_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v wrong_a that_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o cast_v away_o all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n and_o to_o observe_v also_o what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n in_o his_o work_n proceed_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o so_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o in_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isa._n 42._o 3._o 7._o for_o remedy_v therefore_o of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o his_o faith_n both_o internal_a and_o external_a both_o on_o the_o elicit_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o imperat_fw-la act_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n and_o let_v he_o judge_v of_o both_o according_a to_o what_o be_v right_a and_o equitable_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o may_v be_v difference_v from_o the_o mixture_n of_o infirmity_n defect_n or_o corruption_n and_o let_v he_o not_o judge_v of_o his_o work_n according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n who_o always_o condemn_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v what_o be_v good_a in_o god_n child_n or_o if_o he_o can_v condemn_v it_o do_v labour_n to_o have_v it_o abuse_v second_o let_v the_o afflict_a observe_v the_o due_a order_n both_o in_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o judge_v thereof_o for_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v first_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o christ_n before_o he_o can_v pass_v judgement_n on_o it_o and_o let_v he_o first_o do_v the_o work_v command_v to_o the_o believer_n and_o then_o pass_v sentence_n that_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v to_o do_v more_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o present_v they_o to_o god_n to_o be_v washen_n accept_v and_o amend_v in_o his_o follow_a service_n three_o let_v he_o careful_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o he_o shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o judge_v of_o his_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o end_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o we_o find_v any_o thing_n do_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o conceive_v all_o be_v wrong_a after_o we_o have_v examine_v matter_n 6._o the_o four_o practical_a error_n be_v that_o the_o afflict_v first_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v wound_v and_o weaken_v by_o satan_n tentation_n and_o then_o to_o be_v draw_v forth_o to_o the_o field_n to_o give_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o some_o difficile_a duty_n before_o the_o wound_n of_o faith_n be_v bind_v up_o or_o heal_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n about_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v sincere_a or_o not_o when_o faith_n be_v wound_v yea_o faint_v and_o be_v bring_v in_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n or_o not_o now_o this_o be_v a_o special_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n of_o satan_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_v he_o can_v to_o hurt_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n that_o he_o may_v by_o that_o mar_v communion-keeping_a with_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o if_o he_o can_v the_o conduit_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o believer_n for_o make_v he_o give_v acceptable_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficile_a when_o faith_n be_v wrest_v and_o for_o a_o time_n out_o of_o joint_n to_o set_v about_o acceptable_a service_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o set_v upon_o his_o work_n when_o his_o arm_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o for_o remedy_n of_o this_o error_n let_v the_o afflict_a so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v his_o â—aith_n wound_v incontinent_a set_v himself_o down_o before_o god_n humble_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o foolishness_n want_v of_o watch_v unworthiness_n and_o inability_n either_o to_o know_v how_o he_o have_v grieve_v god_n spirit_n and_o make_v open_v a_o door_n for_o the_o tempter_n to_o fall_v in_o upon_o he_o or_o to_o repent_v the_o sin_n which_o he_o know_v may_v have_v provoke_v god_n so_o to_o exercise_v he_o and_o next_o let_v he_o look_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n reconcil_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n on_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v find_v help_n for_o the_o present_a need_n and_o thereafter_o also_o to_o walk_v more_o wise_o for_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n do_v give_v to_o the_o corrupt_a church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3._o 2._o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v thus_o may_v the_o afflict_a recover_v strength_n of_o faith_n and_o ability_n to_o resist_v satan_n and_o furniture_n for_o bring_v forth_o unquestionable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o regenerate_a man_n doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n arise_v from_o his_o unquietness_n of_o spirit_n be_v answer_v this_o case_n be_v incident_a to_o many_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o may_v befall_v champion_n in_o time_n of_o sad_a affliction_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o prophet_n ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o but_o even_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o when_o no_o great_a affliction_n bodily_a lie_v on_o many_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n have_v flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v take_v
the_o believer_n as_o may_v bestâ—erve_v the_o good_a of_o the_o believer_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n â—gracious_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o three_o let_v the_o afflected_a person_n whatsoever_o crossedispensatiâ—n_v he_o meâ—_n with_o whatsoever_o distemper_n of_o soul_n he_o 〈◊〉_d into_o uâ—aâ—soever_o grace_n or_o measure_n of_o grace_n he_o missâ—â—_n or_o colb_v short_a of_o seek_v his_o relief_n in_o god_n order_n 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o say_v let_v he_o justify_v the_o lord_n wisdom_n and_o jâ—ice_n humble_v himself_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n renew_v act_n of_o repentance_n in_o humility_n turn_v his_o face_n to_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n by_o the_o renew_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o lay_v hâ—d_n on_o his_o right_n unto_o christ_n person_n and_o benefit_n that_o â—â—may_n â—om_n to_o the_o sensible_a feel_n of_o what_o he_o have_v right_a â—to_z by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o whatsoever_o dect_v transgression_n temptation_n unto_o discouragement_n and_o â—isbelief_n do_v brangle_v his_o confidence_n let_v they_o humble_v himself_o indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o drive_v he_o from_o that_o covenant_n but_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o spur_n and_o forcible_a motive_n to_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o infinite_a grace_n contract_v in_o that_o covenant_n 17._o the_o eight_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n daily_o lament_v his_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o daily_o trouble_v with_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o bless_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o felt_n maniâ—old_a corruption_n shall_v meet_v either_o with_o the_o calumny_n of_o man_n or_o coâ—forters_n like_o iob_n friend_n who_o in_o stead_n of_o heal_v his_o wound_n in_o his_o affliction_n shall_v foster_v his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o estate_n by_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n complaint_n of_o himself_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o affected_a do_v not_o maintain_v his_o righteousness_n by_o â—aith_n in_o christ_n as_o job_n do_v and_o his_o upright_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n which_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o daily_a godly_a grief_n for_o his_o short_a come_n in_o his_o aimed-at_a holiness_n no_o wonder_n he_o be_v disquiet_v 18._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o cause_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v right_a in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o beware_v to_o confound_v these_o for_o example_n 1._o this_o be_v right_a that_o he_o do_v not_o lean_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o his_o own_o work_n nor_o be_v puss_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o himself_o before_o god_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o sinful_a imperfection_n and_o corruption_n and_o of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o original_a sin_n in_o he_o 3._o it_o be_v right_a in_o he_o also_o that_o he_o aim_v towards_o perfection_n forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n and_o prize_n of_o his_o call_n but_o this_o be_v wrong_n in_o he_o 1._o that_o he_o foster_v suspicion_n unjust_o of_o his_o own_o bless_a estate_n 2._o that_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o himself_o so_o careful_o as_o he_o observe_v his_o imperfection_n and_o corruption_n 3._o that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o the_o more_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n as_o he_o find_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n 4._o that_o he_o measure_v god_n estimation_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o estimation_n he_o have_v of_o himself_o when_o indeed_o god_n in_o scripture_n do_v show_v no_o less_o approbation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o wrestle_n than_o he_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o victory_n and_o quiet_a condition_n 5._o that_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o way_n he_o do_v walk_v into_o which_o be_v good_a from_o the_o fliding_n imperfection_n error_n and_o mistake_n in_o particular_a action_n and_o passage_n in_o that_o way_n 6._o that_o he_o do_v lay_v more_o weight_n ofttimes_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o mistake_v spectator_n of_o his_o course_n than_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v and_o do_v not_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o contrite_a the_o meek_a and_o lowly_a disciple_n these_o thing_n let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v and_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o for_o his_o encouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o new_a obedience_n 19_o the_o nine_o cause_n of_o disquietness_n be_v or_o may_v be_v this_o if_o the_o true_a convert_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v many_o honest_a and_o tender-hearted_a convert_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v flee_v unto_o christ_n resolve_v never_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o careful_a to_o lead_v a_o blameless_a life_n who_o notwithstanding_o whensoever_o they_o meet_v with_o change_n of_o dispensation_n with_o variety_n of_o temptation_n fresh_a feeling_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o or_o any_o cross_a bodily_a or_o spiritual_a be_v disquiet_v and_o cast_v in_o suspicion_n of_o their_o state_n and_o albeit_o they_o neither_o will_v give_v over_o to_o follow_v after_o christ_n nor_o will_v god_n suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v yet_o they_o make_v themselves_o a_o uncomfortable_a and_o miserable_a life_n by_o their_o lean_v to_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n when_o they_o shall_v remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v not_o by_o sight_n but_o by_o faith_n they_o be_v cast_v down_o do_v mourn_v and_o complain_v because_o it_o be_v not_o with_o they_o as_o they_o will_v and_o be_v most_o part_n malcontent_a with_o their_o lot_n frequent_o regrate_v unto_o god_n their_o want_n and_o imperfection_n and_o seldom_o be_v they_o praise_v or_o thank_v god_n for_o what_o they_o have_v get_v of_o he_o 20._o for_o remove_v this_o cause_n let_v the_o afflict_a first_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o afflict_a hebrew_n heb._n 10._o 36._o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n for_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o he_o that_o will_v come_v shall_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v now_o the_o just_a man_n shall_v live_v by_o faith_n say_v he_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n do_v require_v these_o six_o duty_n 1._o that_o we_o renounce_v our_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o sense_n lest_o we_o count_v that_o to_o be_v our_o life_n which_o may_v be_v see_v or_o feel_v or_o that_o which_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o change_v but_o reckon_v that_o to_o be_v our_o life_n which_o be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v reveal_v at_o the_o glorious_a come_n of_o our_o lord_n 2._o that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o rich_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v esteem_v of_o we_o as_o our_o meet_a and_o drink_v whereby_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v sustain_v in_o all_o adversity_n and_o our_o hope_n uphold_v in_o patience_n through_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o all_o god_n benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o new_a right_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n for_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o 4._o that_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o implore_v and_o seek_v our_o strength_n from_o christ_n and_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o the_o measure_n whatsoever_o he_o bestow_v so_o do_v the_o apostle_n live_v gal._n 2._o 20._o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o that_o we_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v more_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n than_o we_o grieve_v for_o our_o trouble_n whatsoever_o whereby_o as_o with_o a_o sharp_a pinsell_n he_o be_v draw_v in_o we_o the_o lineament_n of_o his_o own_o image_n and_o conformity_n with_o himself_o so_o do_v the_o saint_n rom._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o last_o of_o all_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n require_v that_o in_o every_o condition_n we_o shall_v keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o esteem_v ourselves_o bless_v of_o the_o lord_n albeit_o we_o be_v toss_v with_o trouble_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o exercise_v we_o albeit_o we_o do_v fall_v in_o manifold_a tentation_n be_v assault_v with_o doubt_n and_o persecute_v unjust_o by_o man_n for_o it_o shall_v and_o may_v suffice_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v not_o distress_v albeit_o he_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n he_o must_v not_o despair_v albeit_o he_o be_v perplex_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v forsake_v albeit_o he_o be_v persecute_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v albeit_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o upon_o
faith_n when_o the_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o we_o be_v put_v to_o hard_a exercise_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o glorify_v our_o god_n for_o his_o truth_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o have_v sometime_o have_v confirmation_n by_o feel_a consolation_n and_o patient_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o restore_v unto_o we_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o in_o the_o want_n of_o sensible_a consolation_n we_o shall_v put_v aspersion_n upon_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o call_v they_o in_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o so_o do_v more_o careful_a of_o self-satisfaction_n then_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o four_o let_v the_o afflict_a learn_v so_o to_o describe_v and_o define_v every_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v love_n and_o mortification_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o description_n may_v take_v in_o the_o mean_a measure_n of_o those_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n for_o the_o hungry_a look_v of_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n unto_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o shed_v of_o tear_n for_o many_o other_o sign_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v find_v where_o these_o be_v seldom_o such_o as_o be_v the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n strive_v against_o all_o tentation_n unto_o it_o and_o fly_v from_o all_o occasion_n which_o may_v ensnare_v the_o believer_n in_o christ_n in_o trespass_n five_o let_v the_o afflict_a distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o joy_n both_o be_v god_n gift_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n whereupon_o we_o be_v command_v to_o rest_v ourselves_o shall_v be_v rest_v on_o constant_o whatsoever_o dispensation_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o and_o this_o be_v our_o perpetual_a duty_n but_o sense_n be_v at_o god_n free_a dispensation_n to_o give_v and_o withdraw_v and_o restore_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o be_v a_o movable_a benefit_n which_o the_o lord_n as_o his_o wisdom_n see_v expedient_a for_o our_o good_a do_v give_v and_o continue_v withdraw_v and_o restore_v diminish_v or_o augment_v and_o therefore_o the_o afflict_a be_v bind_v by_o duty_n still_o to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v in_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v the_o joy_n of_o sense_n also_o he_o may_v lawful_o study_v but_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o prophet_n do_v teach_v we_o ps._n 42._o 11._o and_o 43._o 5._o and_o 88_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o afflict_a be_v pose_v upon_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o dare_v condemn_v his_o fly_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o no_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o he_o there_fw-mi deny_v his_o hunger_n after_o renew_a consolation_n and_o behold_v of_o god_n with_o joy_n as_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o of_o communion_n with_o he_o therefore_o let_v he_o confess_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 77._o 10._o this_o my_o doubt_v be_v my_o infirmity_n i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n chap._n xvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v of_o his_o regeneration_n because_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v for_o his_o growth_n some_o true_a convert_n be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v their_o own_o regeneration_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n sundry_a complain_n and_o say_v i_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o lord_n blessing_n on_o my_o pain_n and_o diligence_n i_o grow_v not_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a my_o faith_n do_v not_o grow_v by_o hear_v nor_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o meditation_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o prevail_v in_o wrestle_v against_o my_o inbred_a sin_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n neither_o by_o prayer_n nor_o fast_v and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v i_o judge_v of_o my_o state_n but_o that_o it_o be_v like_a i_o be_o not_o convert_v and_o renew_v for_o if_o i_o be_v indeed_o convert_v and_o reconcile_v with_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v fair_o otherways_o with_o i_o than_o it_o do_v 2._o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v in_o hazard_n of_o grow_v slack_a and_o careless_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o limit_v of_o he_o unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profit_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o make_v he_o know_v how_o far_o he_o have_v profit_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n yea_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o in_o this_o case_n the_o convert_v not_o only_o become_v cold-rife_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o also_o turn_v loose_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o far_o hearken_v to_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o think_v it_o in_o vain_a that_o he_o have_v washen_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n as_o ps._n 73._o befall_v the_o prophet_n 3._o for_o remove_v of_o this_o doubt_n the_o afflict_a have_v reason_n to_o check_v himself_o for_o harken_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o temptation_n as_o to_o join_v with_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o complaint_n isa._n 58._o 5._o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o â—â—st_n not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o like_v no_o knowledge_n but_o because_o nothing_o do_v more_o trouble_v the_o afflict_a then_o his_o suspicion_n of_o his_o own_o hypocrisy_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v search_v from_o which_o his_o suspicion_n do_v arise_v one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o afflict_a be_v more_o and_o more_o open_v to_o perceive_v the_o power_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n more_o clear_o than_o he_o perceive_v before_o and_o this_o decipher_n of_o sin_n more_o and_o more_o do_v hinder_v he_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n of_o his_o light_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o manifest_a sin_n join_v with_o the_o overturning_a of_o his_o own_o high_a imagination_n and_o native_a pride_n another_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v promise_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n more_o and_o great_a benefit_n spiritual_a from_o god_n than_o he_o do_v by_o experience_n find_v which_o because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v he_o think_v he_o have_v not_o profit_v a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o the_o purge_n of_o he_o from_o practical_a error_n such_o as_o be_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o his_o own_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o merit_n annex_v unto_o the_o work_v prescribe_v to_o the_o convert_n by_o the_o lord_n or_o as_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n have_v in_o they_o some_o force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n in_o he_o as_o the_o convert_n have_v expect_v or_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o bless_v sensible_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o diligent_a man_n satisfaction_n 4._o therefore_o first_o let_v the_o afflict_a continue_v in_o his_o diligence_n and_o bewar_n of_o the_o foresay_a practical_a error_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v more_o virtue_n out_o of_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o â—indeth_v sin_n himself_o and_o not_o profiâ—ing_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o on_o christ_n offer_v therein_o for_o give_v righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n second_o let_v he_o set_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o duty_n with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o duty_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o god_n grace_n and_o after_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n let_v he_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o from_o he_o he_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n for_o without_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o acceptable_o nor_o with_o profit_n last_o of_o all_o let_v he_o not_o esteem_v light_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n as_o if_o he_o do_v no_o way_n profit_n but_o when_o he_o have_v right_o consider_v matter_n if_o he_o find_v the_o least_o fruit_n follow_v his_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n let_v he_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o giver_n thereof_o and_o humble_o put_v up_o
unfruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o acknowledge_v of_o christ_n yet_o be_v frequent_o call_v in_o question_n about_o their_o state_n in_o grace_n for_o when_o their_o conscience_n be_v quiet_a they_o fall_v in_o suspicion_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o presumption_n and_o when_o through_o tentation_n in_o adversity_n they_o be_v put_v to_o wrestle_v their_o suspicion_n be_v that_o then_o feel_v weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o wrestle_v be_v but_o misbelief_n and_o when_o the_o frequent_a perturbation_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v make_v they_o indispose_v for_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n a_o suspicion_n be_v raise_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v but_o dead_a because_o when_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n what_o shall_v i_o think_v of_o my_o estate_n faith_n the_o afflict_a who_o when_o a_o enemy_n do_v not_o appear_v be_o secure_v and_o when_o i_o must_v enter_v the_o combat_n with_o the_o adversary_n i_o faint_v and_o ofttimes_o when_o i_o be_o call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o confound_v i_o be_o stupid_a and_o impotent_a to_o discharge_v any_o duty_n therein_o 2._o that_o this_o doubt_n may_v be_v solve_v the_o three_o cause_n of_o his_o doubt_n must_v be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o suspicion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v presumption_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o carnal_a confidence_n in_o prosperity_n use_v to_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o name_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o even_o true_a convert_n do_v sometime_o deceive_v themselves_o concern_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o faith_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o judge_a faith_n not_o question_v to_o be_v strong_a faith_n and_o â—aith_n in_o wrestle_v to_o be_v weak_a or_o none_o at_o all_o we_o grant_v also_o that_o some_o mixture_n of_o presumption_n will_v be_v find_v join_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o misbelief_n also_o which_o evil_n do_v lurk_v and_o hide_v their_o power_n till_o the_o man_n be_v put_v to_o some_o trial_n wherefore_o the_o afflict_a have_v need_n of_o discretion_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_a esteem_n both_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o native_a corruption_n in_o himself_o for_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o imperfection_n of_o it_o or_o for_o the_o mixture_n of_o presumption_n and_o misbelief_n with_o it_o and_o to_o help_v his_o judgement_n let_v he_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o prevalent_a presumption_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o presumption_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o false_a imagination_n without_o any_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n but_o faith_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o from_o the_o word_n it_o may_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o believe_v 2._o presumption_n be_v negligent_a and_o idle_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o duty_n but_o faith_n take_v head_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v diligent_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n 3._o the_o presumptuous_a man_n do_v not_o make_v question_n of_o his_o estate_n but_o bless_v himself_o when_o his_o way_n be_v to_o be_v hate_v for_o he_o do_v not_o examine_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v know_v certain_o in_o what_o condition_n he_o be_v but_o he_o that_o put_v his_o faith_n in_o exercise_n do_v careful_o examine_v his_o carriage_n and_o condition_n lest_o he_o deceive_v himself_o 4._o the_o presumptuous_a man_n in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o action_n be_v well_o please_v with_o himself_o but_o the_o believer_n because_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n he_o find_v in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v ill_o please_v with_o himself_o in_o his_o best_a action_n many_o time_n and_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o work_n that_o he_o may_v whole_o depend_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a therefore_o who_o so_o do_v look_v to_o the_o gospel_n as_o he_o also_o make_v use_n of_o the_o law_n both_o in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o be_v never_o so_o well_o please_v with_o himself_o but_o he_o observe_v the_o power_n of_o corruption_n in_o himself_o let_v he_o i_o say_v not_o reckon_v himself_o among_o the_o presumptuous_a let_v he_o not_o esteem_v his_o quietness_n in_o believe_v to_o be_v presumption_n 4._o as_o for_o his_o suspicion_n that_o his_o say_v be_v null_a because_o it_o prove_v weak_a in_o conflict_n let_v the_o afflict_a beware_v lest_o he_o help_v and_o strengthen_v satan_n tentation_n against_o his_o faith_n albeit_o he_o find_v his_o faith_n weak_a in_o trial_n and_o assault_n and_o not_o answerable_a either_o to_o his_o own_o hope_n or_o other_o expectation_n of_o he_o yet_o let_v he_o not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o let_v he_o follow_v christ_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n because_o of_o his_o defect_n and_o go_v about_o to_o strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v remain_v 2._o albeit_o in_o some_o fit_n of_o tentation_n he_o slide_v as_o peter_n do_v and_o find_v that_o he_o have_v presume_v too_o much_o of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o honest_a purpose_n as_o peter_n also_o do_v yet_o let_v he_o not_o think_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v null_a but_o let_v he_o weep_v with_o peter_n and_o turn_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o watch_v better_o over_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o time_n to_o come_v 5._o as_o for_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v dead_a or_o idle_a because_o when_o fruit_n be_v chief_o call_v for_o he_o find_v himself_o uterr_o indispose_v unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o discharge_v any_o work_n of_o religion_n as_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o time_n of_o passion_n perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o clear_v whereof_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o wrath_n and_o contention_n do_v hinder_v prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v insinuat_fw-la 1_o pet._n 3._o 7._o where_o he_o command_v husband_n to_o carry_v themselves_o discreet_o towards_o their_o wife_n lest_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o family_n or_o in_o secret_a be_v hinder_v and_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o the_o apostle_n command_v man_n to_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v we_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o not_o only_a wrath_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n or_o action_n which_o defile_v the_o conscience_n be_v able_a to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o discharge_v of_o christian_n duty_n at_o a_o time_n but_o also_o it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o any_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n albeit_o it_o do_v not_o defile_v or_o concern_v the_o conscience_n may_v in_o some_o part_n hinder_v the_o discharge_n of_o a_o religious_a exercise_n as_o may_v be_v see_v when_o any_o person_n be_v surprise_v with_o the_o report_n of_o some_o notable_a damnage_n or_o be_v possible_o wound_v by_o some_o accident_n or_o terrify_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o imminent_a danger_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v prove_v faith_n to_o be_v dead_a but_o do_v show_v the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n the_o use_n of_o who_o reason_n may_v be_v hinder_v for_o a_o time_n by_o perturbation_n and_o sudden_a passion_n and_o at_o the_o most_o the_o presuppose_a case_n may_v prove_v the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o interruption_n of_o it_o in_o the_o put_n forth_o itself_o vigorous_o for_o the_o time_n but_o can_v prove_v the_o deadness_n or_o nullity_n of_o faith_n whih_o after_o such_o passion_n be_v past_a do_v set_v forward_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o better_a measure_n wherefore_o let_v not_o the_o afflict_a halt_n in_o his_o way_n for_o such_o tentation_n but_o let_v he_o make_v straight_o step_v to_o himself_o lest_o that_o which_o be_v halt_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n let_v he_o reject_v these_o fiery_a dart_n and_o tentation_n tend_v to_o weaken_v his_o confidence_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o inherent_a corruption_n and_o wash_v frequent_o his_o conscience_n at_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v open_v up_o in_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o purge_v away_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n let_v he_o carry_v himself_o the_o more_o circumspect_o in_o all_o thing_n because_o of_o his_o frequent_a experience_n of_o satan_n malice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n chap._n xxiii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o a_o true_a convert_v regeneration_n arise_v from_o some_o false_a rule_n apply_v without_o reason_n to_o
free_a of_o gross_a out-breaking_n this_o last_o sort_n deceive_v themselves_o also_o because_o they_o esteem_v their_o natural_a sorrow_n for_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v gross_a and_o scandalous_a to_o be_v true_a repentance_n albeit_o they_o be_v not_o humble_v for_o the_o fountain_n of_o these_o out-breaking_n to_o wit_n their_o inborn_a corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o filthy_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o daily_a out-breaking_n thereof_o to_o the_o pollute_v of_o their_o spirit_n whereof_o they_o do_v take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o deceive_v themselves_o esteem_v the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o some_o work_n in_o themselves_o commendable_a to_o be_v sufficient_a fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o regeneration_n albeit_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o flee_v to_o christ_n sincere_o neither_o ever_o put_v a_o right_a estimation_n upon_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n such_o man_n when_o they_o shall_v renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sinfulness_n fly_v unto_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n offer_v in_o christ_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o he_o by_o faith_n draw_v strength_n and_o ability_n to_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n they_o run_v a_o contrary_a course_n for_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o go_v about_o sundry_a duty_n towards_o man_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n towards_o god_n trust_v in_o those_o work_n as_o if_o by_o work_v they_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v therefore_o just_o shall_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o never_o know_v you_o such_o be_v many_o of_o the_o israelit_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n these_o thing_n when_o one_o weak_a in_o faith_n do_v consider_v no_o wonder_n he_o be_v trouble_v and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o deceive_v himself_o and_o perish_v as_o other_o have_v do_v 3._o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a disease_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o cure_v it_o hinder_v much_o the_o tender_a beginning_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o it_o can_v come_v up_o to_o manly_a strength_n first_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a wise_o examine_v the_o course_n of_o his_o bygone_a life_n lest_o he_o either_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v himself_o rash_o and_o let_v he_o beware_v lest_o he_o esteem_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n because_o these_o that_o look_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o work_n can_v produce_v the_o like_a work_n second_o let_v the_o afflict_a call_n to_o mind_n whether_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o life_n the_o law_n as_o a_o pedagogue_n do_v lead_v he_o unto_o christ_n and_o whether_o since_o that_o time_n the_o law_n do_v daily_o put_v he_o on_o and_o force_v he_o to_o â—lye_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o have_v make_v he_o to_o study_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o as_o he_o perceive_v himself_o oblige_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v grace_n grant_v in_o christ_n to_o he_o for_o if_o any_o measure_n of_o the_o daily_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n if_o any_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o any_o measure_n of_o endeavour_n of_o new_a obedience_n be_v find_v after_o examination_n in_o the_o person_n afflict_v out_o of_o doubt_v the_o ground_n be_v lay_v solid_o of_o his_o salvation_n out_o of_o doubt_n he_o have_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o himself_o 4._o if_o in_o this_o examination_n the_o afflict_a be_v not_o clear_a but_o the_o doubt_n do_v yet_o stick_v because_o of_o the_o suspicion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o feel_a deceitfulness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n we_o offer_v unto_o he_o this_o counsel_n that_o he_o quick_o humble_a himself_o before_o god_n and_o do_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v the_o native_a perverseness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n let_v he_o embrace_v christ_n the_o redeemer_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o faith_n offer_v himself_o to_o every_o condemn_a sinner_n and_o let_v he_o thank_v god_n who_o have_v decipher_v unto_o he_o this_o deceitfulness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o offer_v christ_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o true_a remedy_n of_o this_o and_o every_o other_o sinful_a malady_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o himself_o and_o a_o hypocrite_n in_o who_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v neither_o acknowledge_v nor_o see_v but_o foster_v and_o defend_v for_o a_o close_a hypocrite_n after_o hear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v stand_v to_o the_o defend_n of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o will_v take_v it_o hardly_o if_o any_o man_n labour_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o any_o measure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o a_o true_a convert_n or_o regenerate_a person_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o much_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o and_o albeit_o he_o be_v sorrowful_a that_o this_o deceitfulness_n of_o heart_n have_v have_v lodging_n in_o he_o and_o lurk_v too_o long_o yet_o be_v he_o willing_a and_o glad_a to_o have_v this_o evil_n more_o and_o more_o discover_v unto_o he_o and_o hearty_o do_v he_o deliver_v up_o this_o traitor_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o abolish_v by_o his_o spirit_n 5._o but_o if_o the_o afflict_v can_v be_v quiet_a and_o satisfy_v still_o fear_v and_o suspect_v he_o be_v find_v a_o man_n unrenewed_a and_o that_o for_o the_o run_a issue_n of_o this_o filthy_a boil_v open_v up_o to_o he_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v he_o beware_v that_o he_o pass_v not_o permptor_n sentence_n against_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man_n altogether_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n but_o let_v he_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n the_o disputation_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v allow_v unto_o every_o self-condemned_n man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n that_o be_v quick_o let_v he_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n let_v he_o lay_v hold_n on_o that_o righteousness_n purchase_v by_o he_o and_o the_o more_o he_o fear_v to_o find_v god_n a_o severe_a judge_n let_v he_o the_o more_o firm_o lie_v hold_v on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o only_a solid_a way_n to_o persevere_v in_o faith_n to_o overcome_v satan_n to_o solve_v doubt_n to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o cure_v the_o wound_n make_v by_o satan_n fiery_a dart_n for_o unto_o that_o man_n who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o ill_a deserve_n and_o inability_n to_o help_v himself_o do_v fly_v unto_o christ_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o never_o know_v thou_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o person_n afflict_v have_v of_o new_a lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n and_o guard_v the_o fortress_n of_o faith_n and_o repulse_v the_o tempter_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o special_o by_o quarrel_v and_o question_v the_o bypass_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o weaken_v and_o overturn_v his_o faith_n for_o bygones_a and_o for_o the_o present_a also_o lest_o it_o shall_v convalesce_v and_o grow_v strong_a for_o time_n to_o come_v now_o i_o say_v let_v the_o afflict_a after_o victory_n return_v to_o the_o dispute_n and_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o he_o shall_v see_v all_o the_o begin_v save_v grace_n which_o be_v darken_v by_o temptation_n clear_o appear_v and_o shall_v perceive_v the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o he_o in_o former_a time_n more_o evident_o than_o he_o can_v discern_v they_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n and_o temptation_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o battle_n strongerin_o faith_n then_o he_o be_v before_o and_o more_o persuade_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o than_o he_o be_v before_o the_o temptation_n chap._n xxv_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o doubt_n of_o the_o true_a convert_v conversion_n arise_v from_o his_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o sincere_a convert_n who_o albeit_o they_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o penitent_n fly_v to_o christ_n be_v receive_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n be_v justify_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v obtain_v right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n yet_o they_o doubt_v
and_o when_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o his_o father_n blessing_n content_v himself_o with_o what_o portion_n in_o the_o earth_n he_o can_v have_v beside_o therefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a labour_n to_o understand_v well_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o several_a article_n thereof_o and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o be_v have_v by_o exclude_v of_o himself_o from_o that_o covenant_n but_o that_o if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v in_o every_o condition_n he_o must_v draw_v near_o to_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o he_o for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o fresh_a furniture_n of_o grace_n for_o every_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v good_a always_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o because_o he_o will_v destroy_v all_o they_o that_o depart_v far_o from_o he_o ps._n 73._o 27._o chap._n xxvi_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o find_v himself_o not_o only_o far_o from_o the_o measure_n of_o holiness_n which_o he_o observe_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o saint_n commend_v in_o scripture_n but_o also_o short_a of_o the_o measure_n which_o some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n have_v attain_v unto_o some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o in_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v about_o to_o strengthen_v their_o say_v by_o all_o mean_n do_v fall_n in_o comparision_n of_o themselves_o with_o other_o convert_v in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o their_o faith_n love_n endeavour_n and_o attainment_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o find_v themselves_o very_o short_a of_o that_o measure_n which_o not_o only_o saint_n commend_v in_o scripture_n have_v attain_v unto_o but_o also_o short_a of_o what_o sundry_a of_o their_o acquaintance_n have_v gain_v and_o give_v proof_n of_o sudden_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o sad_a suspicion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v none_o of_o the_o number_n of_o true_a convert_n as_o for_o example_n when_o they_o read_v what_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o hundred_o and_o nineteen_o psalm_n they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o so_o unlike_o the_o copy_n he_o have_v cast_v unto_o they_o so_o far_o short_a of_o that_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o that_o faith_n of_o that_o diligence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n of_o that_o patience_n of_o that_o fortitude_n in_o affliction_n and_o delectation_n in_o god_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v hold_v forth_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o a_o visible_a saint_n or_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n do_v forbear_v under_o this_o exercise_n to_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o the_o precious_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_o i_o say_v the_o afflict_a that_o i_o shall_v presume_v to_o intrude_v myself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v apply_v to_o myself_o what_o be_v promise_v to_o true_a convert_n and_o sincere_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v i_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o person_n or_o that_o person_n be_v i_o may_v then_o for_o my_o consolation_n apply_v promise_n make_v unto_o such_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o can_v apply_v their_o privilege_n except_o for_o conviction_n of_o my_o conscience_n that_o i_o be_o just_o for_o my_o unlikeness_n unto_o they_o seclude_v from_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o 2._o for_o louse_v of_o this_o doubt_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o comparison_n of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o by_o all_o and_o the_o comparison_n of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v attain_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o growth_n in_o holiness_n be_v very_o profitable_a if_o it_o be_v prudent_o manage_v for_o the_o first_o comparison_n teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v and_o the_o other_o teach_v we_o what_o may_v be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n attain_v unto_o even_o in_o this_o life_n again_o both_o these_o comparison_n do_v serve_v to_o humble_v we_o before_o god_n when_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o not_o only_o short_a of_o perfection_n which_o can_v be_v full_o attain_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o short_a of_o these_o degree_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v and_o have_v be_v attain_v by_o other_o in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v choose_v but_o think_v the_o more_o mean_o of_o ourselves_o and_o put_v down_o the_o sail_n of_o self-estimation_n three_o this_o sort_n of_o comparison_n be_v profitable_a to_o make_v we_o more_o upright_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n impute_v unto_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o according_a as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o renounce_v all_o confidence_n in_o his_o privilege_n performance_n suffering_n and_o inherent_a righteousness_n count_v they_o all_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 3._o but_o this_o sort_n of_o comparison_n be_v dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a when_o it_o tend_v to_o discouragement_n when_o it_o make_v we_o think_v little_a of_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n grant_v unto_o we_o when_o it_o make_v we_o heartless_a in_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n and_o hopeless_a that_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o the_o measure_n whereunto_o the_o saint_n have_v attain_v 4._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v rev._n 3._o 2._o let_v he_o beware_v lest_o he_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n or_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n wherein_o he_o have_v christ_n help_n to_o look_v unto_o isa._n 42._o 3._o again_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o save_a faith_n divers_a degree_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n for_o some_o be_v old_a man_n some_o young_a and_o strong_a man_n and_o some_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o same_o duty_n in_o the_o same_o measure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o tender_a and_o weak_a beginner_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o strong_a and_o experiment_a soldier_n 3._o let_v the_o afflict_a remember_v that_o nothing_o be_v give_v nor_o promise_v nor_o do_v unto_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n or_o in_o latter_a age_n for_o any_o merit_n or_o worthiness_n in_o they_o but_o altogether_o of_o free_a grace_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o shall_v this_o be_v remember_v as_o this_o doubt_n of_o the_o afflict_a arise_v from_o comparison_n of_o his_o condition_n with_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n in_o other_o do_v presuppone_v the_o contrary_a as_o if_o god_n do_v deal_v with_o his_o child_n according_a to_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o merit_n of_o their_o good_a work_n which_o be_v a_o false_a supposition_n for_o why_o do_v the_o afflict_a cast_v down_o his_o courage_n and_o weaken_v his_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n but_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n that_o he_o count_v himself_o a_o much_o more_o unworthy_a man_n and_o of_o less_o merit_n before_o god_n than_o those_o saint_n be_v or_o be_v with_o who_o he_o have_v compare_v himself_o 4._o let_v the_o afflict_a by_o so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v preceive_v himself_o more_o unworthy_a and_o more_o sinful_a than_o those_o saint_n with_o who_o he_o have_v compare_v himself_o thrust_v himself_o the_o more_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o rich_a grace_n let_v he_o so_o much_o the_o more_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n therewith_o and_o employ_v christ_n by_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o out_o of_o his_o fullness_n he_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o be_v make_v able_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o abundant_a fruit_n and_o come_v up_o near_o unto_o conformity_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n of_o renown_v saint_n 5._o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v that_o we_o must_v live_v by_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n aim_v sincere_o at_o obedience_n of_o holy_a precept_n albeit_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o that_o measure_n which_o other_o have_v attain_v unto_o chap._n xxvii_o wherein_o be_v solve_v the_o true_a convert_n doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a state_n
the_o present_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n a_o unrenewed_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n for_o the_o present_a in_o comparison_n with_o other_o unrenewed_a man_n or_o with_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n in_o which_o sense_n mark_v 12._o 34._o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o scribe_n who_o answer_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n discreet_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o far_o front_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o condition_n for_o the_o present_a of_o this_o scribe_n be_v better_a than_o his_o fellow_n and_o better_a than_o his_o own_o at_o another_o time_n and_o yet_o his_o person_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o wrath_n because_o he_o be_v not_o enter_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n howsoever_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o in_o this_o more_o strict_a sense_n the_o judicial_a state_n of_o the_o man_n person_n be_v fix_v so_o long_o as_o the_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n bind_v the_o unconvert_v to_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n louse_v the_o convert_v from_o the_o curse_n do_v stand_v but_o the_o moral_a disposition_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o nature_n be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a to_o the_o better_a or_o worse_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o or_o himself_o at_o another_o time_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a condition_n his_o state_n remain_v the_o same_o to_o wit_n good_a if_o he_o be_v renew_v and_o evil_a if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o nature_n unrenewed_a 2._o but_o here_o we_o be_v about_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n only_o which_o may_v be_v better_o at_o one_o time_n and_o worse_o at_o another_o time_n as_o his_o disposition_n and_o caâ—â—age_n in_o order_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v better_a or_o worse_o according_a as_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n be_v more_o or_o less_o conform_v to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n do_v its_o duty_n more_o or_o less_o commendable_o sometime_o his_o conscience_n upon_o good_a ground_n speak_v good_a to_o he_o while_o he_o study_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a and_o then_o he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 26._o 12._o my_o foot_n stand_v in_o a_o even_a place_n in_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o bless_v the_o lord_n to_o this_o good_a condition_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o because_o there_o be_v no_o present_a disease_n which_o call_v for_o cure_v of_o this_o case_n only_o it_o be_v for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n necessary_a to_o observe_v diet_n and_o exercise_n to_o maintain_v his_o good_a condition_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o go_v on_o therein_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v the_o ill_a condition_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n when_o his_o conscience_n do_v deceive_v he_o or_o do_v not_o discharge_v its_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o case_n only_a remedy_n and_o cure_n be_v call_v for_o 3._o as_o that_o condition_n wherein_o the_o convert_n be_v best_a please_v with_o himself_o be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a so_o neither_o be_v that_o condition_n wherewith_o he_o be_v worst_a please_v always_o the_o worst_a but_o that_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v most_o bear_v down_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o condition_n be_v the_o worst_a wherein_o sin_n most_o prevail_v and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n so_o the_o illnesse_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v estimat_fw-la by_o any_o eventual_a accident_n but_o by_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a effect_n as_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v ground_n of_o judgement_n of_o a_o good_a or_o ill_a condition_n for_o otherways_o by_o the_o default_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n the_o best_a condition_n may_v degenerate_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n as_o when_o a_o man_n do_v abuse_v divine_a consolation_n and_o after_o receive_v of_o the_o renew_a earnest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n grow_v carnal_o secure_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n or_o when_o after_o some_o gross_a pollution_n of_o himself_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n have_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o humble_a himself_o as_o become_v he_o but_o by_o satan_n suggestion_n of_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n and_o his_o former_a work_n in_o he_o do_v fall_v in_o suspicion_n of_o all_o former_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o he_o and_o miscalleth_a all_o these_o former_a experience_n and_o in_o his_o tentation_n esteem_v and_o name_v they_o among_o satan_n delusion_n or_o else_o at_o least_o suspect_v and_o fear_v they_o shall_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o such_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o worst_a condition_n of_o the_o renew_a man_n by_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v turn_v to_o advantage_n in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o renew_a man_n salvation_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o psalmist_n do_v show_v we_o psal._n 116_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o evil_a condition_n be_v so_o call_v either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o convert_v not_o only_o feel_v real_o but_o lament_v it_o serious_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v estimation_n only_o who_o lament_v his_o good_a condition_n without_o cause_n or_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o real_a evil_n which_o the_o convert_n lament_v not_o at_o all_o but_o lie_v under_o it_o secure_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n when_o he_o see_v his_o own_o blindness_n nakedness_n and_o misery_n the_o hardness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o do_v fly_v for_o remedy_n thereof_o to_o christ_n the_o true_a physician_n to_o cover_v and_o cure_v all_o his_o disease_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a only_a in_o respect_n of_o feel_v evil_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o convert_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o fly_v unto_o christ_n for_o relief_n therefrom_o it_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n because_o the_o disease_a convert_n carry_v himself_o well_o and_o wise_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o convert_v condition_n when_o his_o faith_n be_v put_v to_o trial_n by_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o tentation_n and_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n wherein_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o afflict_v himself_o but_o to_o judge_v this_o condition_n to_o be_v a_o good_a condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n jam._n 1._o 2_o 3._o my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v in_o divers_a tentation_n know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o convert_n who_o when_o for_o example_n he_o feel_v himself_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o pray_v or_o praise_n or_o discharge_v any_o duty_n hearty_o do_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o this_o his_o ill_a case_n but_o either_o layeth-by_a the_o do_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o do_v the_o work_n negligent_o and_o perfunctorious_o and_o please_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v for_o a_o time_n this_o condition_n be_v evil_a indeed_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o of_o his_o sinful_a slight_v the_o duty_n of_o seek_v relief_n thereof_o 5._o for_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o any_o or_o all_o of_o those_o condition_n first_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o sinful_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v evil_a indeed_o and_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o gift_n of_o eyesalve_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o discovery_n by_o fly_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a blessing_n even_o the_o work_n of_o god_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o saviour_n of_o soul_n the_o remedy_n of_o every_o evil_a second_o let_v difference_n be_v put_v between_o tentation_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n and_o yield_v to_o tentation_n under_o affliction_n the_o observation_n of_o tentation_n offer_v to_o make_v we_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o trial_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o joy_n but_o yield_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o mater_fw-la of_o
a_o notable_a defection_n from_o aim_v at_o the_o measure_n feel_v in_o his_o first_o love_n at_o his_o conversion_n for_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o daily_a distemper_n which_o the_o convert_n do_v mark_n and_o mourn_v for_o and_o be_v about_o to_o have_v heal_v by_o bring_v his_o wound_n unto_o christ_n to_o be_v cure_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n daily_o the_o second_o be_v the_o not_o observe_v of_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n or_o the_o man_n ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o daily_a sin_n want_n and_o wound_n for_o the_o remove_n and_o cure_v whereof_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v love_v daily_o no_o less_o than_o at_o the_o man_n his_o first_o conversion_n the_o three_o be_v the_o man_n be_v well_o please_v with_o this_o condition_n so_o long_o as_o his_o conversation_n be_v blameless_a whereof_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o ephesian_n rev._n 2._o who_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n zeal_n against_o hypocrite_n patience_n in_o trouble_n for_o christ_n cause_n be_v commend_v by_o christ._n but_o he_o reprove_v they_o first_o because_o they_o have_v leave_v their_o first_o love_n and_o do_v not_o only_o come_v short_a of_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o first_o love_n but_o do_v not_o lay_v to_o heart_n this_o sin_n do_v not_o repent_v it_o or_o take_v course_n to_o have_v that_o measure_n recover_v thou_o have_v leave_v or_o lay_v down_o thy_o first_o love_n that_o be_v 1._o thou_o have_v remit_v and_o come_v short_a of_o that_o measure_n of_o love_n which_o former_o thou_o have_v 2._o thou_o have_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o thyself_o in_o this_o thy_o defection_n 3._o thou_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o recover_v the_o measure_n of_o thy_o former_a love_n this_o condition_n be_v very_o dangerous_a as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n do_v cast_v themselves_o open_a to_o superstition_n and_o error_n and_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n by_o their_o defection_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n once_o receive_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o we_o say_v this_o defection_n in_o love_n be_v dangerous_a be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o rejoice_v in_o he_o be_v less_o than_o his_o excellency_n and_o merit_n at_o our_o hand_n do_v deserve_v if_o therefore_o we_o shall_v slide_v from_o our_o duty_n in_o aim_v to_o hold_v up_o this_o measure_n of_o love_n to_o he_o which_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v and_o cease_v to_o grow_v therein_o because_o his_o new_a mercy_n be_v daily_o let_v forth_o upon_o we_o from_o day_n to_o day_n in_o effect_n we_o judge_v our_o first_o love_n have_v be_v too_o too_o vehement_a and_o so_o christ_n be_v light_o esteem_v of_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o still_o to_o be_v love_v withal_o our_o mind_n heart_n and_o strength_n the_o next_o reason_n be_v this_o when_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o sanctify_a one_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o cool_v incontinent_a the_o external_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n begin_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o to_o go_v on_o more_o and_o more_o slow_o and_o so_o piece_n and_o piece_n to_o decay_v for_o as_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v smite_v in_o the_o root_n it_o may_v retain_v for_o a_o time_n green_a leaf_n but_o after_o a_o time_n it_o wither_v and_o neither_o fear_n ripe_a fruit_n nor_o leaf_n so_o also_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o plety_n and_o righteousness_n if_o love_n towards_o god_n our_o redeemer_n and_o delection_n in_o his_o service_n and_o obedience_n inward_o be_v diminish_v it_o may_v ready_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o very_a outward_a work_n yea_o and_o the_o profession_n of_o duty_n due_a to_o christ_n be_v take_v away_o also_o and_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n wherewith_o christ_n do_v threaten_v ephesus_n i_o will_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2._o 5._o the_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o christ_n who_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o love_v itself_o the_o very_a son_n of_o the_o father_n love_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o can_v long_o endure_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o love_n from_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o love_n therefore_o he_o do_v make_v haste_n to_o correct_v this_o slight_n of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o manifest_v his_o wrath_n against_o these_o that_o lie_v still_o well_o please_v with_o themselves_o under_o this_o condition_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o say_v he_o and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n rev._n 2._o 5._o 2._o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o true_a convert_n who_o be_v lie_v in_o this_o condition_n or_o be_v decline_v from_o his_o former_a measure_n of_o love_n may_v discharge_v its_o duty_n more_o easy_o and_o solid_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o his_o fault_n first_o consider_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o his_o first_o love_n or_o former_o feel_v measure_n of_o it_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o manifold_a sin_n wherein_o he_o lie_v before_o his_o conversion_n for_o the_o translate_n of_o he_o from_o darkness_n to_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v the_o proof_n which_o he_o have_v get_v by_o his_o conversion_n that_o christ_n have_v love_v he_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o call_v to_o mind_n with_o hearty_a affection_n the_o great_a need_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o stand_v for_o renew_a pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o furnish_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o more_o ripe_a and_o abundant_a fruit_n of_o new_a obedience_n shall_v bind_v he_o to_o abide_v and_o grow_v in_o his_o love_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v how_o useful_a and_o profitable_a unto_o we_o be_v fresh_a green_a and_o grow_a love_n unto_o he_o for_o love_v to_o he_o make_v we_o frequent_o to_o think_v of_o he_o frequent_o with_o delight_n to_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o seek_v after_o more_o and_o more_o near-communion_n with_o he_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n with_o he_o in_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n and_o to_o live_v in_o heaven_n where_o our_o love_n be_v more_o than_o where_o we_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n love_n make_v we_o love_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v what_o he_o hate_v love_n sharpen_v our_o desire_n after_o god_n in_o christ_n kindle_v and_o enlarge_v our_o affection_n towards_o he_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 63._o psalm_n do_v make_v evident_a and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v seem_v to_o withdraw_v himself_o love_n make_v the_o true_a convert_n follow_v hard_o after_o he_o ps._n 63._o 8._o love_n make_v â—old_a to_o encounter_v all_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n which_o may_v meet_v 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o course_n of_o follow_v after_o he_o much_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n in_o god_n service_n love_n keep_v a_o man_n 〈…〉_z strong_a and_o stout_a against_o his_o enemy_n in_o 〈…〉_z patient_a in_o profession_n sincere_a in_o pursue_v duty_n 〈…〉_z all_o condition_n submissive_a and_o after_o evidence_v of_o his_o affection_n with_o the_o psalmist_n ps._n 116._o 12._o to_o â—ay_n with_o the_o same_o psalmist_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o ps._n 116._o 12._o three_o 〈…〉_z convert_v who_o be_v begin_v to_o cool_v in_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d to_o remembrance_n what_o a_o felicity_n he_o feel_v when_o he_o entertain_v love_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v better_a to_o he_o then_o his_o life_n and_o sin_n be_v more_o formidable_a than_o death_n when_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o god_n word_n season_v and_o sanctify_v his_o bitter_a affliction_n four_o let_v he_o consider_v at_o what_o a_o loss_n he_o be_v of_o many_o spiritual_a comfort_n whereof_o he_o have_v deprive_v himself_o and_o in_o how_o many_o sin_n of_o omission_n at_o least_o he_o have_v fall_v since_o his_o decline_v from_o his_o first_o love_n and_o what_o misery_n he_o have_v draw_v upon_o his_o own_o spirit_n at_o least_o if_o not_o also_o temporal_a chastisement_n join_v therewith_o and_o after_o comparison_n of_o his_o condition_n when_o his_o love_n be_v servant_n with_o his_o present_a condition_n since_o his_o fall_n from_o his_o sometime-measure_n of_o love_n let_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o christ_n and_o fly_v in_o unto_o his_o rich_a
let_v the_o convert_v thus_o mistake_v after_o his_o experience_n feel_v that_o he_o have_v be_v carnal_o confident_a not_o be_v discourage_v as_o if_o his_o confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v place_v on_o god_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o in_o no_o degree_n spiritual_a but_o let_v he_o first_o be_v humble_v before_o god_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n rod_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v remove_v this_o prop_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o go_v astray_o to_o depend_v more_o on_o god_n than_o he_o have_v do_v 2._o let_v he_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o renor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o find_v his_o own_o unrighteousness_n in_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o creature-comfort_n to_o have_v be_v great_a 3._o let_v he_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 3._o 1._o 23._o and_o to_o loose_v his_o estimation_n and_o affection_n from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o earth_n 4._o because_o this_o sickness_n be_v not_o well_o observe_v except_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n let_v the_o afflict_a person_n approve_v himself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o sincerity_n of_o adherence_n unto_o god_n by_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n now_o when_o he_o want_v mean_n and_o creature-comfort_n as_o job_n do_v who_o in_o this_o condition_n bless_v god_n for_o the_o give_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o bless_a god_n at_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o from_o he_o job._n 1._o 21._o for_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v learn_v both_o to_o have_v and_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v teach_v phil_n 4._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o carnal_a confidence_n be_v that_o which_o too_o much_o lean_v to_o some_o apparent_a measure_n of_o the_o operation_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n observe_v by_o the_o convert_n in_o himself_o and_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v take_v up_o and_o perceive_v chief_o by_o comparison_n of_o the_o convert_v strong_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v find_v evidencâ—_n sign_n of_o his_o regeneration_n and_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o with_o â—is_n weak_a confidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o under_o the_o cloud_n of_o descrtion_n or_o under_o some_o powerful_a temptation_n when_o these_o evident_a sign_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v darken_v or_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o clear_o unto_o himself_o as_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o case_n his_o confidence_n be_v great_o weaken_v and_o his_o faith_n not_o a_o little_a shake_v with_o doubt_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o condition_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n stand_v fix_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o convert_v still_o adher_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o claim_v interest_n in_o christ_n more_o or_o less_o confident_a whence_o come_v then_o this_o difference_n between_o his_o former_a confidence_n which_o be_v strong_a and_o his_o weak_a confidence_n now_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o case_n be_v bring_v low_a certain_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o pillar_n whereupon_o his_o former_a confidence_n be_v too_o much_o fix_v for_o whensoever_o the_o mist_n be_v clear_v up_o and_o he_o find_v the_o livelynesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o himself_o his_o confidence_n convalesce_v and_o return_n to_o it_o be_v former_a strength_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o and_o when_o his_o grace_n be_v darken_v he_o fall_v in_o a_o languish_a weakness_n of_o faith_n this_o sickness_n be_v so_o frequent_o incident_a to_o the_o saint_n that_o few_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o again_o and_o again_o overtake_v in_o it_o for_o how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o be_v not_o much_o more_o confident_a when_o they_o find_v a_o heart_n free_o pour_v forth_o in_o prayer_n when_o they_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o â—ruits_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o themselves_o when_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o token_n of_o god_n savour_n towards_o they_o be_v manifest_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o find_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n change_v when_o darkness_n fall_v on_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o worship_n and_o unable_a to_o do_v service_n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o perceive_v token_n of_o fatherly_a wrath_n against_o they_o superadd_v unto_o the_o foresay_a evil_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v he_o that_o beside_o the_o inevitable_a perturbation_n of_o mind_n incident_a to_o those_o who_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n do_v not_o find_v a_o diminution_n of_o his_o former_a confidence_n and_o a_o conflict_n with_o temptation_n fear_n doubt_n and_o difficulty_n which_o diminution_n and_o abate_v of_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o trial_n and_o inward_a exercise_n do_v evident_o prove_v that_o in_o his_o best_a condition_n he_o have_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o on_o the_o mutable_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o so_o stucken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n through_o jesus_n as_o become_v he_o 2._o that_o this_o sickness_n may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o clear_v and_o cure_v it_o be_v expedient_a to_o answer_v some_o question_n which_o be_v discuss_v may_v inform_v and_o edify_v the_o afflict_a question_v 1_o the_o first_o question_n which_o the_o afflict_a may_v propound_v be_v this_o see_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n manifest_v in_o the_o bestow_n and_o continue_v of_o common_a benefit_n and_o gift_n outward_a and_o inward_a do_v certain_o serve_v to_o confirm_v a_o man_n faith_n in_o god_n be_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n manifest_v in_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o benefit_n do_v certain_o serve_v to_o debilitat_fw-la and_o weaken_v a_o man_n faith_n ans._n 1._o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o sign_n of_o god_n wrath_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a because_o god_n can_v carry_v love_n and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o be_v angry_a at_o he_o also_o for_o the_o present_a ill_a disposition_n wherein_o he_o be_v for_o love_n and_o fatherly_a wrath_n be_v not_o opposite_a and_o inconsistent_a but_o love_n and_o hatred_n be_v inconsistent_a 2._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o of_o god_n favour_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o convert_n for_o strengthen_v of_o his_o faith_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o take_v away_o of_o those_o sign_n of_o favour_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o weaken_v of_o a_o man_n faith_n for_o many_o thing_n may_v encourage_v a_o man_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o be_v remove_v must_v not_o discourage_v he_o or_o just_o hinder_v he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n who_o never_o find_v any_o other_o sign_n of_o god_n favour_n beside_o prosperity_n in_o common_a benefit_n and_o the_o man_n who_o beside_o common_a benefit_n have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o his_o spirit_n bring_v he_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o chase_v he_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v he_o to_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n can_v neither_o from_o the_o have_v nor_o want_v or_o removal_n of_o common_a benefit_n conclude_v eh_n be_v love_v or_o hate_v for_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v eccles._n 9_o 1_o 2_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o etc._n etc._n but_o a_o man_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v reason_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o send_n on_o he_o adversity_n and_o waken_n of_o he_o out_o of_o a_o flâ—shly_a and_o deadly_a security_n do_v speak_v more_o of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o than_o his_o prosperity_n do_v and_o this_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v feel_v a_o work_n of_o special_a grace_n on_o their_o heart_n may_v make_v use_n both_o of_o their_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o put_v case_n that_o a_o convert_n chase_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o bear_v christ_n yoke_n upon_o he_o shall_v find_v common_a benefit_n take_v back_o
be_v ready_a for_o new_a conflict_n and_o assault_n from_o satan_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n while_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v yoke_v in_o battle_n against_o sin_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o feel_v in_o himself_o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o case_n of_o a_o convert_n take_v some_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o be_v high_a presumption_n in_o his_o person_n this_o case_n be_v like_o the_o former_a some_o true_a convert_n be_v who_o have_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o delivery_n from_o perdition_n and_o have_v apply_v the_o promise_n make_v for_o sanctification_n and_o consolation_n and_o full_a salvation_n after_o this_o life_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o do_v suffice_v they_o for_o encouragement_n to_o wrestle_v with_o difficulty_n wherewith_o with_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o when_o the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v present_v to_o they_o and_o come_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o be_v sit_v together_o with_o christ_n in_o heavenly_a place_n eâ—hes_n 2._o 6._o be_v coheir_n annex_v with_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8._o 17._o so_o esteem_v of_o and_o love_v by_o christ_n that_o they_o who_o touch_v his_o saint_n do_v touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n judge_v the_o world_n and_o the_o damn_a angel_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 3._o and_o such_o like_a other_o privilege_n they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o there_fw-mi not_o apply_v these_o privilege_n for_o fear_n of_o high_a presumption_n 2._o neither_o must_v we_o wonder_v that_o a_o soul_n shall_v fall_v in_o this_o exercise_n and_o yet_o adhere_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o convert_n and_o true_a believer_n for_o when_o a_o sinner_n for_o fear_n of_o perdition_n be_v chase_v to_o a_o saviour_n and_o there_fw-mi not_o loose_v his_o grip_n lest_o he_o fall_v in_o the_o pit_n he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v in_o good_a case_n if_o he_o get_v in_o to_o christ_n albeit_o he_o do_v not_o thrust_v himself_o upon_o such_o high_a privilege_n and_o join_v himself_o with_o abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n like_o unto_o mephibosheth_n who_o judge_v himself_o to_o have_v find_v grace_n enough_o at_o david_n hand_n that_o his_o life_n be_v spare_v but_o tremble_v when_o he_o be_v privilege_v to_o come_v to_o the_o king_n table_n who_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o dead_a dog_n for_o his_o unworthiness_n as_o he_o judge_v of_o himself_o or_o like_o the_o prodigal_a in_o the_o gospel_n who_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v count_v a_o child_n of_o the_o family_n but_o content_a to_o be_v as_o one_o of_o the_o hire_a servant_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o wonderful_a largeness_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o true_a convert_n late_o come_v forth_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o stand_v so_o astonish_v that_o he_o there_fw-mi not_o take_v to_o he_o so_o glorious_a title_n privilege_n and_o consolation_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v allow_v he_o yea_o when_o he_o will_v lift_v up_o himself_o to_o believe_v the_o glory_n promise_v he_o can_v no_o more_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n propound_v and_o adjudge_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o can_v measure_v the_o heaven_n with_o his_o span_n or_o comprise_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o great_a globe_n and_o round_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n from_o such_o a_o consideration_n be_v it_o that_o peter_n do_v at_o first_o utter_o refuse_v to_o suffer_v christ_n to_o wash_v his_o foot_n and_o that_o martha_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o her_o conference_n with_o christ_n can_v not_o think_v of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o her_o brother_n lazarus_n before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 2._o the_o convert_n in_o this_o case_n do_v wrong_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o liberality_n and_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o long_o as_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bear_v down_o from_o embrace_v as_o safe_o he_o may_v the_o rich_a allowance_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o soul_n reconcile_v to_o he_o by_o â—aith_n in_o christ_n he_o not_o only_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o that_o measure_n of_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o may_v have_v but_o also_o give_v occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o satan_n to_o brangle_v and_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o man_n have_v indeed_o believe_v in_o christ_n at_o all_o or_o whether_o he_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n for_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o faith_n unâ—ained_v for_o if_o it_o be_v presumption_n for_o a_o self-condemned_n sinner_n fly_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o benefit_n which_o christ_n have_v prepare_v purchase_v and_o offer_v unto_o he_o upon_o this_o pretend_a reason_n that_o these_o benefit_n be_v so_o hudge_o great_a and_o the_o man_n so_o small_a and_o unworthy_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n why_o may_v not_o satan_n with_o as_o great_a reason_n if_o there_o be_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o call_v it_o presumption_n for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v claim_n unto_o christ_n who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o so_o beat_v he_o off_o from_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n the_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n make_v of_o god_n to_o poor_a sinner_n flee_v unto_o he_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 3._o wherefore_o to_o help_v the_o convert_n in_o this_o condition_n let_v he_o consider_v he_o do_v well_o to_o be_v fear_v for_o presumption_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a evil_n but_o let_v he_o remember_v to_o put_v due_a difference_n between_o presumption_n and_o true_a faith_n and_o confidence_n for_o 1_o presumption_n be_v proud_a and_o puâ—t_o up_o with_o self-conceit_n but_o we_o pre-suppose_a the_o convert_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o lay_v low_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n in_o this_o condition_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o 2._o presumption_n be_v secure_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o command_v duty_n but_o the_o convert_v we_o speak_v of_o be_v about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n diligent_a in_o discharge_v command_v duty_n in_o his_o call_n 3._o presumption_n lay_v hold_v upon_o promise_n not_o make_v to_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o trouble_v not_o itself_o with_o precept_n and_o threaten_n but_o the_o convert_n in_o this_o condition_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o regard_v both_o precept_n and_o threaten_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n without_o a_o warrant_n unto_o promise_n that_o he_o stand_v aloof_o from_o lay_v hold_n on_o more_o promise_n than_o he_o conceive_v necessary_a to_o save_v his_o soul_n from_o hell_n 4._o the_o presumptuous_a promise_v to_o himself_o felicity_n albeit_o he_o walk_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n encourage_v himself_o to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o this_o convert_v show_v sin_n and_o follow_v the_o way_n which_o may_v lead_v he_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o promise_n therefore_o 1._o let_v the_o convert_v in_o this_o condition_n remember_v that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v so_o join_v together_o in_o the_o grant_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o may_v confident_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 32._o that_o see_v christ_n be_v give_v to_o the_o believer_n fly_v unto_o he_o it_o can_v be_v but_o god_n with_o he_o will_v give_v all_o thing_n also_o 2._o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mater_fw-la not_o to_o give_v credit_n unto_o god_n faithful_a word_n hold_v forth_o in_o one_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o for_o see_v he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o receive_v into_o favour_n a_o sinner_n fly_v to_o christ_n why_o shall_v he_o not_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o full_a glorification_n of_o the_o man_n reconcile_v 3._o and_o last_o of_o all_o let_v the_o convert_v in_o this_o condition_n consider_v how_o near_o he_o draw_v to_o a_o popish_a error_n in_o this_o practice_n for_o papist_n do_v measure_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n by_o the_o man_n merit_n and_o well-deserving_a and_o not_o by_o mere_a grace_n only_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n do_v reckon_v it_o presumption_n for_o any_o ordinar_n christian_n to_o be_v assure_v in_o this_o life_n that_o god_n will_v guide_v they_o with_o his_o counsel_n and_o at_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n immediate_o receive_v they_o into_o glory_n for_o if_o the_o
this_o evil_a these_o five_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o afflict_a convert_n 1._o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n 2._o prayer_n in_o faith_n 3._o prayer_n with_o felt_n and_o observe_v affection_n in_o prayer_n 4._o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n 5._o prayer_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n or_o formality_n in_o prayer_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v be_v when_o a_o man_n pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n for_o thing_n necessary_a or_o lawful_a and_o be_v about_o the_o external_a work_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o he_o please_v himself_o and_o do_v rest_n upon_o the_o work_n wrought_v without_o affection_n of_o heart_n or_o faith_n as_o we_o see_v is._n 58._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o because_o he_o esteem_v his_o devotion_n to_o be_v but_o a_o formality_n he_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o be_v unquiet_a as_o to_o the_o second_o prayer_n in_o faith_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n miss_v freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o speech_n in_o his_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n yet_o because_o the_o duty_n be_v command_v he_o do_v offer_v it_o up_o to_o god_n with_o hope_n of_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o and_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o coldrife_n affection_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v but_o the_o not_o esteem_v this_o his_o devotion_n through_o christ_n acceptable_a be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o three_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o feel_a affection_n in_o discharge_v it_o be_v when_o the_o convert_n pour_v out_o his_o heart_n unto_o god_n with_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v quiet_a because_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v any_o sign_n of_o god_n approbation_n of_o he_o and_o hear_n of_o his_o supplication_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o psalmist_n in_o sundry_a psalm_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o convert_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o for_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o want_n of_o affection_n and_o do_v weaken_v his_o own_o faith_n which_o be_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o the_o four_o prayer_n approven_v of_o god_n be_v when_o the_o convert_n do_v offer_v his_o devotion_n to_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v promise_v in_o hope_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v in_o due_a time_n and_o this_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n be_v approven_v by_o god_n in_o scripture_n whether_o the_o convert_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o answerable_a affection_n to_o his_o word_n or_o not_o as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o this_o shall_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o convert_n of_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v for_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n and_o quiet_v of_o he_o albeit_o he_o neither_o find_v his_o affection_n move_v as_o he_o will_v nor_o find_v consolation_n from_o god_n as_o he_o will_v as_o to_o the_o five_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o god_n approbation_n be_v when_o god_n not_o only_o approve_v the_o convert_n prayer_n and_o devotion_n by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o his_o spirit_n do_v sensible_o comfort_v the_o supplicant_n and_o send_v he_o to_o his_o call_n with_o joy_n so_o do_v he_o deal_v ofttimes_o with_o the_o psalmist_n david_n and_o so_o do_v he_o comfort_n samuel_n mother_n in_o and_o after_o her_o prayer_n 1_o sam._n 1._o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o convert_v we_o speak_v of_o will_v be_v at_o and_o which_o will_v satisfy_v he_o if_o he_o can_v come_v to_o it_o 4._o this_o condition_n be_v the_o sweet_a to_o the_o supplicant_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n dispensation_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a condition_n acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o joh._n 5._o 14._o 15._o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o if_o we_o know_v that_o he_o hear_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o and_o that_o the_o mater_fw-la be_v so_o may_v be_v perceive_v in_o david_n condition_n at_o sundry_a time_n for_o ps._n 119_o seven_o or_o eight_o time_n he_o pray_v quicken_v thou_o i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o much_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n yet_o he_o continue_v meek_o pray_v to_o be_v quicken_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 5._o wherefore_o so_o oft_o as_o the_o convert_n be_v displease_v for_o any_o defect_n he_o find_v in_o his_o devotion_n let_v he_o 1._o humble_a himself_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o imperfection_n and_o betake_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v more_o firm_o upon_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o the_o mediator_n and_o draw_v by_o faith_n grace_n for_o grace_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n and_o let_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o sincerity_n worship_n god_n and_o live_v holy_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a that_o his_o devotion_n shall_v be_v esteem_v of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o lip-labour_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n let_v he_o right_o construe_v god_n dispensation_n and_o consider_v that_o his_o gift_n be_v wise_o give_v forth_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o he_o give_v to_o will_n that_o which_o be_v good_a without_o ability_n for_o the_o time_n to_o effectuate_v what_o the_o convert_n will_v he_o may_v give_v a_o willing_a heart_n to_o pray_v affectionate_o and_o not_o for_o the_o time_n grant_v ability_n to_o pray_v as_o his_o child_n will_v rom._n 7._o 18._o sometime_o he_o may_v give_v no_o more_o but_o to_o sigh_v and_o groan_n without_o ability_n to_o express_v the_o confuse_a desire_n of_o his_o heart_n rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o sometime_o he_o will_v suggest_v word_n and_o make_v the_o supplicant_n in_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n present_a the_o word_n put_v in_o his_o mouth_n hos_n 14._o 1._o 2._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o supplicant_n to_o bear_v out_o much_o disputation_n in_o his_o prayer_n without_o sensible_a consolation_n ps._n 77._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v the_o supplicant_n a_o lose_a heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o abundance_n of_o tear_n and_o yet_o seem_v for_o a_o time_n not_o to_o regard_v they_o ps._n 6._o sometime_o he_o will_v grant_v confidence_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o supplicant_n as_o ps._n 6._o and_o many_o other_o psalm_n and_o certain_o the_o variety_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n to_o his_o child_n can_v be_v tell_v in_o all_o which_o he_o require_v of_o his_o supplicant_n meek_a submission_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n with_o confidence_n to_o find_v a_o good_a answer_n at_o last_o for_o if_o his_o child_n do_v not_o accept_v well_o of_o the_o measure_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o he_o may_v ready_o find_v the_o measure_n he_o complain_v of_o more_o scant_o and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n without_o word_n to_o fall_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o wise_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n exercise_v of_o he_o he_o may_v fall_v in_o hard_a trouble_n and_o question_v of_o his_o state_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v tempt_v to_o restrain_v prayer_n till_o he_o cease_v complain_v and_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o come_v to_o a_o better_a estimation_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o presence_n with_o he_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o complain_v chap._n xviii_o concern_v the_o convert_n look_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o faith_n sincere_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o which_o grace_n the_o more_o we_o do_v exercise_v it_o the_o more_o we_o please_v god_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o this_o save_a grace_n the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n to_o put_v it_o unto_o trial_n and_o exercise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v train_v it_o on_o and_o foster_v and_o increase_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o light_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o child_n as_o be_v tell_v we_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 7._o in_o which_o exercise_n the_o true_a convert_n be_v ofttimes_o much_o mistake_v and_o do_v misconstrue_v his_o condition_n the_o reason_n be_v 1_o the_o faith_n of_o young_a convert_n be_v very_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v many_o
creature_n presuppose_v innocent_a be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o mere_a creature_n can_v proper_o merit_v any_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n because_o the_o creature_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o receive_v rom._n 11._o 35._o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o every_o gift_n or_o good_a bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o ill_a deserver_n in_o which_o sense_n gist_n common_a to_o elect_v and_o reprobat_fw-la be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n rom._n 1._o 5._o ephes._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o grace_n be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pactioâ—all_a merit_n of_o work_n or_o to_o the_o reward_n due_a by_o debt_n covenant_v as_o rom._n 4._o 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n in_o which_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v give_v for_o work_n be_v not_o give_v of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o take_v grace_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v the_o give_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o life_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o covenant_n may_v thus_o be_v describe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o contract_n between_o god_n and_o man_n procure_v by_o christ_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o whosoever_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n shall_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o righteousness_n and_o life_n shall_v have_v he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o christ_n wherein_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o all_o the_o elect_v give_v unto_o christ_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v in_o due_a time_n to_o god_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n this_o grace_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12._o 22._o of_o infant_n interest_n in_o this_o covenant_n quest._n what_o interest_n have_v infant_n in_o this_o covenant_n ans._n the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o express_v and_o formal_a make_v thereof_o with_o abraham_n to_o who_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o child_n who_o child_n all_o be_v who_o be_v in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27_o 28_o 29._o for_o of_o the_o redeem_v some_o come_v to_o age_n who_o god_n have_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v induce_v and_o effectual_o move_v to_o embrace_v solemn_o the_o offer_a fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o be_v other_o redeem_v one_o who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o who_o salvation_n god_n have_v express_v respect_n in_o make_v his_o covenant_n with_o their_o parent_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o exclude_v from_o the_o blessing_n when_o he_o call_v their_o parent_n to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o common_a offer_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n he_o make_v the_o promise_n joint_o to_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o child_n for_o in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o breath_n he_o say_v i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o gen._n 15._o 17._o whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v good_a use_n act_v 2._o 39_o declare_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o the_o call_v gentile_n and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n paul_n and_o silas_n timeous_o do_v offer_v consolation_n to_o the_o jailor_n tremble_v and_o anxious_a what_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o saying_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v thou_o and_o thy_o house_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o infant_n in_o convert_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v for_o this_o lie_v among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o search_v after_o deut._n 29._o 29._o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o god_n in_o covenant_v with_o the_o parent_n promise_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o child_n and_o according_a to_o this_o covenant_n the_o lord_n complain_v of_o their_o stay_n and_o offer_v their_o child_n unto_o idol_n call_v they_o his_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n ezek._n 16._o 20._o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n in_o the_o second_o command_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thousand_o generation_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n believe_v holy_a child_n because_o of_o their_o consecration_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o believe_a confederate_a parent_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n right_a and_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o family_n by_o covenant_n and_o christ_n our_o lord_n upon_o this_o ground_n do_v call_v the_o child_n of_o confederate_a parent_n burgess_n of_o heaven_n of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 19_o 13_o 14._o and_o because_o infant_n be_v dedicat_fw-la to_o christ_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o order_n they_o be_v call_v disciple_n act_n 15._o 10._o as_o the_o disputer_n for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christian_n child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v make_v it_o manifest_a and_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o baptism_n our_o lord_n give_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o every_o nation_n no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o covenant_n whole_a nation_n may_v be_v draw_v in_o and_o give_v up_o as_o disciple_n to_o his_o doctrine_n matth._n 28._o 29._o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n by_o your_o doctrine_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o child_n with_o the_o parent_n may_v be_v partaker_n by_o baptism_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n no_o less_o than_o the_o child_n of_o israelite_n be_v by_o circumcision_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o draw_v on_o the_o make_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o these_o mean_v we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o need_v not_o to_o insist_v more_o about_o they_o then_o to_o name_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o this_o bless_a covenant_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o be_v the_o external_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o teach_v man_n how_o great_a their_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o deliver_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o thankfulness_n be_v reconcile_v for_o such_o a_o mercy_n which_o ground_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v full_o and_o faithful_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o commit_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n inform_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v on_o his_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o obedience_n upon_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n be_v after_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n to_o the_o hearer_n for_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n and_o judgement_n to_o follow_v to_o wit_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o of_o condemnation_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o appear_v serious_o to_o consecrat_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o determine_v whether_o they_o be_v regenerate_v for_o the_o present_a or_o not_o the_o three_o mean_v be_v the_o solemn_a seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n for_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n by_o baptise_v both_o the_o parent_n that_o accept_v the_o covenant_n and_o their_o child_n also_o and_o by_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o commination_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o may_v more_o and_o more_o
convince_v they_o of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o duty_n of_o follow_v he_o to_o fix_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hearty_a purpose_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o be_v the_o lord_n command_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o love_n one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 23._o and_o his_o threaten_n if_o they_o believe_v not_o joh._n 3._o 18._o and_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o 11._o the_o four_o mean_v be_v the_o gather_n of_o these_o that_o have_v embrace_v this_o covenant_n into_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a church-communion_n with_o other_o his_o disciple_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v under_o their_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o testament_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v the_o way_n of_o god_n bring_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n into_o this_o covenant_n with_o himself_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o albeit_o of_o those_o that_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n with_o who_o god_n do_v formal_o and_o solemn_o make_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n many_o be_v external_o only_o call_v and_o few_o in_o comparison_n choose_v matth._n 20._o 21._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n otherways_o then_o by_o doctrine_n to_o separat_fw-la the_o elect_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o that_o be_v external_o call_v or_o to_o make_v the_o elect_v name_n know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o church_n know_v not_o but_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v ordain_v mean_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la to_o bring_v both_o unto_o the_o external_a embrace_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o continue_v external_o therein_o and_o he_o do_v bestow_v gift_n both_o to_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o to_o the_o other_o and_o he_o work_v in_o both_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o the_o other_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o as_o for_o inward_a and_o effectual_a call_n or_o special_a save_a grace_n which_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n and_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o reserve_v to_o the_o elect_a and_o redeem_v only_o to_o who_o in_o a_o time_n acceptable_a he_o reveal_v himself_o and_o seal_v they_o for_o his_o own_o service_n 2._o by_o this_o wise_a and_o holy_a deal_n with_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o lord_n so_o make_v good_a the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o bring_v his_o decree_n to_o pass_v as_o none_o shall_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o stumble_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o be_v compass_v within_o the_o draught-net_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v move_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o holy_a and_o bless_a covenant_n of_o who_o there_o may_v be_v elect_a not_o as_o yet_o convert_v whereup_v on_o by_o god_n appointment_n follow_v a_o solemn_a covenant_v of_o all_o that_o consent_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o who_o with_o their_o child_n christ_n translate_v from_o the_o pagan_a world_n into_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n militant_a and_o grant_v unto_o they_o right_o to_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o citizen_n in_o the_o order_n appoint_v in_o his_o word_n that_o keep_v all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o their_o particular_a congregaâ—ions_n and_o govern_v with_o other_o by_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 3._o together_o with_o these_o external_a mean_n serve_v for_o draw_v on_o the_o covenant_n and_o go_v on_o in_o it_o the_o common_a operation_n of_o god_n do_v concur_v common_a to_o all_o the_o call_v both_o elect_a and_o reprobat_fw-la and_o gift_n common_a to_o both_o be_v bestow_v such_o as_o illumination_n moral_a persuasion_n historycall_a dogmatic_a and_o temporary_a faith_n moral_a change_n of_o affection_n and_o some_o sort_n of_o external_a amendment_n of_o their_o outward_a conversation_n save_v grace_n be_v the_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o 4._o of_o this_o manner_n of_o covenant_v and_o take_v into_o church-fellowship_n all_o the_o call_v that_o consent_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n regenerate_v and_o unregenerat_a we_o have_v a_o pattern_n in_o the_o lord_n covenant_v with_o all_o israel_n exod._n 19_o the_o covenant_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o the_o israelite_n without_o exception_n all_o be_v invite_v to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n without_o exception_n argument_n motive_n and_o moral_a inducement_n be_v make_v use_n of_o from_o their_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n goodness_n and_o gift_n give_v to_o they_o before_o most_o ample_a promise_n of_o spiritual_a benefit_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o conditional_o to_o be_v bestow_v on_o they_o both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v vers_n 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o people_n embrace_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n v._o 7._o 8._o the_o people_n be_v sanctify_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n then_o in_o the_o 20._o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v propound_v which_o concern_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o deserve_a death_n and_o these_o also_o which_o concern_v obtain_v of_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n by_o christ_n and_o which_o concern_v their_o show_v forth_o their_o thankfulness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o same_o covenant_n after_o forty_o year_n be_v repeat_v and_o renew_v by_o moses_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moab_n deut._n 29._o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o people_n vers_fw-la 1._o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerat_a vers_fw-la 2._o the_o sum_n of_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o enter_v in_o covenant_n of_o new_a be_v short_o set_v down_o vers_n 3._o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o covenant_n be_v open_o declare_v by_o moses_n to_o be_v unregenerat_a vers_fw-la 4._o after_o that_o argument_n be_v use_v to_o move_v they_o in_o all_o time_n come_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o to_z vers_n 9_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o head_n of_o the_o tribe_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o with_o all_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n with_o their_o little_a one_o with_o the_o woman_n and_o with_o the_o stranger_n that_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o camp_n vers_fw-la 10._o 11._o the_o covenant_n be_v solemnize_v with_o adjuration_n of_o all_o to_o keep_v the_o condition_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 12._o 13._o the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v with_o adjuration_n to_o the_o posterity_n vers_fw-la 14._o 15._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o exception_n make_v or_o exclusion_n of_o any_o that_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n whether_o unregenerat_a israelite_n or_o stranger_n but_o all_o be_v admit_v within_o this_o covenant_n the_o same_o way_n of_o covenant_v do_v john_n baptist_n follow_v admit_v to_o his_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n all_o those_o that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o out_o of_o all_o judea_n and_o from_o the_o border_n of_o jordan_n without_o exception_n whosoever_o confess_v their_o sin_n or_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o profess_v they_o do_v receive_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 3._o 5_o 6._o and_o so_o far_o be_v john_n from_o wait_v for_o evidence_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o regeneration_n before_o he_o admit_v they_o that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o external_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o reconciliation_n that_o on_o the_o contrair_a he_o make_v public_a profession_n that_o the_o fan_n whereby_o the_o chaff_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o wheat_n and_o the_o hypocrite_n discern_v from_o the_o sincere_a christian_a be_v not_o in_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o any_o other_o man_n or_o man_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o only_o and_o therefore_o which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v observe_v after_o he_o have_v public_o testify_v his_o suspicion_n of_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o old_a poysonable_v be_v position_n in_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadduâ—es_n that_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n and_o offer_v to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 7._o forthwith_o without_o inquire_v into_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n he_o baptize_v they_o among_o the_o
dissimilitude_n of_o manner_n or_o discrepance_n of_o judgement_n or_o contention_n about_o any_o mater_fw-la than_o partiality_n hinder_v a_o right_a judgement_n one_o of_o another_o and_o affection_n mar_v reason_n many_o time_n that_o it_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o let_v the_o person_n afflict_v with_o this_o tentation_n turn_v himself_o to_o god_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o let_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o his_o sight_n renew_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o apply_v to_o himself_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v pronounce_v of_o these_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v fly_v to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o whole_a psal._n 17._o when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o uncharitable_a friend_n and_o kinsfolk_n and_o so_o let_v the_o afflict_a do_v chap._n xv._n wherein_o the_o convert_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v examine_v and_o answer_v soâ—e_fw-la true_a convert_n be_v who_o indeed_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o give_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o indwelling_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v now_o and_o then_o in_o god_n their_o saviour_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o when_o a_o cloud_n come_v over_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o before_o have_v feel_v they_o be_v assault_v with_o doubt_v if_o any_o save_a grace_n be_v in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o do_v entertain_v these_o tentation_n ofttimes_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v and_o express_v in_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a faith_n in_o themselves_o no_o lively_a hope_n no_o christian_n charity_n no_o mortification_n of_o sin_n no_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o like_a if_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o tempt_v and_o toss_v they_o lie_v hold_v on_o christ_n as_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o find_v the_o sensible_a comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v unto_o they_o than_o all_o be_v well_o their_o doubt_v be_v overcome_v for_o the_o time_n they_o rejoice_v and_o praise_n god_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v delay_v for_o his_o own_o wise_a end_n to_o renew_v their_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o earnest-penny_n of_o their_o inheritance_n forthwith_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v again_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o satan_n suggestion_n and_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o former_a feeling_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o not_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o length_n break_v forth_o in_o many_o sad_a complaint_n and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o themselves_o long_a than_o the_o sun_n shine_v of_o spiritual_a feel_v consolation_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o albeit_o their_o exercise_n be_v no_o way_n so_o hard_a as_o be_v the_o prophet_n psal._n 77._o yet_o they_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o same_o complaint_n which_o the_o prophet_n express_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v for_o ever_o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v he_o in_o anger_n shut_v up_o his_o tender_a mercy_n 2._o for_o clear_v of_o this_o case_n two_o disease_n may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o afflict_a which_o be_v here_o describe_v the_o one_o be_v this_o the_o afflict_a set_v himself_o to_o live_v rather_o by_o sense_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o do_v put_v his_o faith_n on_o work_n of_o set_a purpose_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v or_o recover_v consolation_n short_o but_o if_o his_o desire_n be_v not_o short_o grant_v he_o make_v not_o use_v of_o the_o former_o feel_v consolation_n to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o â—aith_n when_o consolation_n be_v withdraw_v the_o other_o sickness_n be_v this_o the_o afflict_a do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o save_a grace_n nor_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o except_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o sensible_a divine_a approbation_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o the_o right_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o save_a grace_n for_o sai_z be_v to_o he_o nothing_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a persuasion_n except_o he_o can_v pour_v forth_o tear_n always_o he_o think_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v except_o he_o find_v a_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o glory_n he_o think_v his_o hope_n not_o lively_a and_o so_o of_o charity_n and_o patience_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o in_o some_o eminent_a measur_n as_o they_o may_v nearâ—by_o stand_v before_o the_o law_n the_o afflict_a of_o who_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v think_v he_o have_v nothing_o of_o save_v grace_n in_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o this_o sickness_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o yet_o where_o it_o appear_v it_o must_v be_v speedy_o cure_v but_o with_o great_a circumspection_n cure_v for_o the_o earnest_n desire_v he_o have_v of_o feel_v the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v not_o be_v disallow_v but_o commend_v to_o he_o and_o he_o teach_v to_o cry_v as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n yet_o with_o holy_a submission_n unto_o god_n will_n for_o time_n manner_n and_o measure_n 2._o he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v commend_v that_o in_o his_o trouble_n he_o go_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o altogether_o without_o faith_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o active_a exercise_n thereof_o by_o confession_n of_o sin_n by_o supplication_n and_o otherways_o but_o here_o be_v he_o to_o be_v reprove_v that_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o exercise_v faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n he_o reckon_v all_o he_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o no_o faith_n no_o hope_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o will_v 3._o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v that_o he_o do_v aim_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n love_n hope_v patience_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o all_o command_v virtue_n but_o here_o he_o fail_v that_o he_o count_v all_o as_o nought_o when_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v be_v not_o feel_v for_o here_o he_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o unthankful_o misregardeth_a the_o low_a degree_n of_o these_o save_a grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v buy_v to_o the_o redeem_v by_o the_o same_o price_n wherewith_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v buy_v to_o wit_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o wherefore_o let_v the_o afflict_a consider_v first_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sinfulness_n and_o affliction_n whatsoever_o hold_v fast_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o adhere_v unto_o he_o hold_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o entertain_v spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n do_v please_v the_o lord_n well_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o do_v give_v more_o glory_n of_o truth_n grace_n mercy_n and_o constancy_n unto_o god_n then_o when_o we_o suspend_v the_o glorify_v of_o he_o till_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o consolation_n from_o he_o for_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o because_o we_o find_v the_o consolation_n of_o his_o spirit_n our_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v weak_a and_o lean_v more_o upon_o the_o pledge_n and_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n bestow_v upon_o we_o then_o upon_o his_o promise_n without_o a_o pledge_n for_o no_o man_n will_v refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n upon_o a_o pawn_n but_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o a_o pawn_n yea_o when_o his_o dispensation_n seem_v contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n three_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o give_v sensible_a consolation_n not_o only_o to_o help_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o consolation_n but_o also_o to_o help_v our_o