well_o may_v the_o tempest_n of_o satan_n temptation_n shake_v we_o but_o they_o shall_v never_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o firm_a hold_n and_o certain_a assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n because_o we_o apprehend_v he_o nay_o rather_o be_v apprehend_v or_o take_v hold_v of_o by_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 3.12_o 3.12_o phil._n 3.12_o and_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o hell_n be_v able_a to_o pluck_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v john_n 10.28_o for_o though_o they_o be_v mighty_a to_o destroy_v yet_o christ_n be_v almighty_a to_o save_v 63.1_o joh_n 10.28_o esa_n 63.1_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 63.1_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v rack_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n 1.13_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o but_o let_v we_o trust_v perfect_o on_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v 1._o pet._n 1.13_o §_o sect._n 5_o last_o believer_n the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n prove_v by_o the_o example_n of_o believer_n that_o we_o may_v be_v most_o certain_a of_o this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n we_o will_v add_v to_o these_o testimony_n some_o example_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o god_n word_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v not_o waver_a and_o doubtful_a but_o most_o certain_a and_o assure_v for_o above_o hope_n he_o believe_v under_o hope_n and_o he_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n neither_o do_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n 23._o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o but_o be_v strengthen_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n be_v full_o assure_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n set_v it_o down_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o abraham_n be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a believer_n but_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a neither_o be_v his_o faith_n propound_v unto_o we_o as_o a_o wonder_n to_o admire_v at_o but_o as_o a_o example_n for_o all_o his_o son_n to_o imitate_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o be_v not_o write_v for_o he_o only_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 24._o but_o also_o for_o we_o to_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v impute_v for_o righteousness_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o abraham_n be_v not_o say_v here_o to_o believe_v thus_o certain_o his_o own_o election_n or_o salvation_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n and_o become_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n i_o answer_v though_o this_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a object_n of_o his_o faith_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a but_o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o his_o seed_n christ_n for_o abraham_n can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n but_o by_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n which_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o his_o loin_n by_o who_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3.16_o do_v appropriate_a that_o promise_v make_v unto_o abraham_n 22.18_o gal._n 3.16_o gen._n 22.18_o gen._n 22.18_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v unto_o the_o promise_a seed_n jesus_n christ_n look_v also_o upon_o the_o prophet_n david_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o though_o his_o faith_n be_v often_o shake_v with_o doubt_v yet_o in_o itself_o it_o remain_v certain_a like_o a_o tree_n shake_v with_o the_o wind_n which_o be_v not_o overthrow_v but_o take_v more_o firm_a and_o deep_a root_n 23.4_o psalm_n 23.4_o psalm_n 23.4_o though_o i_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o so_o psalm_n 27.1_o 27.1_o psalm_n 27.1_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a neither_o have_v he_o only_o this_o assurance_n in_o himself_o but_o show_v that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a psal_n 125.1_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v as_o mount_v zion_n 125.1_o psalm_n 125.1_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o remain_v for_o ever_o so_o job_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n show_v his_o certain_a assurance_n and_o faith_n say_v job._n 13.15_o 26._o job._n 13.15_o and_o 19.25_o 26._o loe_o though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o chap._n 19.25_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v the_o last_o on_o the_o earth_n 26._o and_o though_o after_o this_o skin_n worm_n destroy_v this_o body_n yet_o shall_v i_o see_v god_n in_o my_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o paul_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o everlasting_a life_n but_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a say_v that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o §_o sect._n 6_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o certain_a assurance_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n election_n that_o faith_n particular_o persuade_v we_o of_o our_o election_n now_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o it_o particular_o persuade_v we_o of_o our_o own_o election_n and_o life_n everlasting_a for_o first_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v beget_v now_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n as_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o for_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o justify_v faith_n ephes_n 4.5_o 4.5_o ephes_n 4.5_o but_o by_o that_o faith_n they_o be_v particular_o persuade_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o justification_n and_o salvation_n as_o appear_v luke_n 7.42.50_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o woman_n 7.48.50_o luk._n 7.48.50_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v thou_o go_v in_o peace_n so_o matth._n 9.2_o he_o say_v to_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n 9.2_o matth._n 9.2_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o and_o therefore_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n do_v also_o particular_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n do_v remit_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o authority_n to_o his_o minister_n not_o absolute_o by_o their_o own_o power_n to_o remit_v sin_n which_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n do_v challenge_v unto_o himself_o but_o to_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v their_o sin_n forgive_v who_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n the_o which_o their_o sentence_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o matth._n 16.19_o 16.19_o matth._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o authority_n be_v not_o give_v to_o peter_n alone_o and_o his_o successor_n as_o the_o papist_n dream_n but_o as_o peter_n answer_v not_o only_o for_o himself_o but_o also_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o he_o receive_v this_o power_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n yea_o for_o all_o god_n true_a minister_n the_o undoubted_a successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o saviour_n expound_v himself_o john_n 20.23_o where_o he_o give_v this_o authority_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n say_v who_o sin_n so_o ever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o 20.23_o joh._n 20.23_o and_o who_o sin_n so_o ever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o preach_a thereof_o may_v assure_v man_n particular_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o when_o he_o make_v this_o general_a proposition_n whosoever_o believe_v and_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o
that_o which_o be_v gather_v from_o his_o own_o worthiness_n and_o work_n he_o still_o doubt_v whether_o yet_o he_o be_v worthy_a or_o have_v fulfil_v the_o measure_n of_o work_n require_v and_o then_o further_o examine_v himself_o to_o clear_v his_o doubt_n and_o find_v his_o best_a work_n exceed_v imperfect_a and_o that_o his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v innumerable_a then_o be_v his_o conscience_n set_v upon_o the_o rack_n and_o his_o soul_n plunge_v into_o deep_a despair_n have_v no_o other_o stay_n but_o the_o break_a staff_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o most_o deceive_v he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v to_o it_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v confirm_v against_o satan_n temptation_n controversy_n the_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o this_o controversy_n and_o the_o subtle_a sophistry_n of_o these_o his_o doctor_n i_o will_v handle_v this_o point_n at_o large_a and_o will_v plain_o prove_v first_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v convert_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o his_o particular_a election_n and_o that_o without_o any_o special_a revelation_n after_o a_o ordinary_a manner_n second_o i_o will_v show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o this_o assurance_n and_o the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n last_o i_o will_v answer_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o sathan_n and_o his_o adherent_n scripture_n that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o our_o election_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o first_o namely_o that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o infallible_a reason_n ground_v upon_o they_o for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o we_o can_v have_v this_o assurance_n by_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o search_v into_o god_n secret_a decree_n but_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o out_o of_o god_n word_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o regard_n hereof_o though_o god_n will_v in_o itself_o be_v secret_a so_o that_o we_o may_v ask_v who_o have_v know_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n 2.16_o 1._o cor._n 2.16_o yet_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v his_o hide_a will_n in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v say_v with_o paul_n that_o we_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ._n now_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v our_o election_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n do_v this_o and_o live_v it_o leave_v our_o conscience_n in_o perpetual_a doubt_v nay_o rather_o in_o utter_a desperation_n because_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o the_o exact_a obedience_n thereof_o but_o out_o of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n election_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o our_o election_n free_o make_v to_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v without_o any_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v in_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n who_o have_v transgress_v all_o god_n commandment_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v not_o through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v rom_n 4.13_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v come_v by_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a not_o in_o self_n only_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n as_o the_o papist_n dream_n but_o to_o all_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o jew_n and_o gentille_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n than_o by_o the_o law_n for_o even_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v most_o sure_o in_o itself_o and_o on_o god_n part_n yet_o not_o sure_a to_o we_o who_o can_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o new_a covenant_n not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o grace_n only_o on_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o and_o on_o god_n behalf_n but_o also_o unto_o we_o who_o be_v abraham_n seed_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n as_o appear_v rom._n 4.16_o and_o this_o also_o notable_o appear_v heb._n 6.17.18_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 6.17.18_o rom._n 4.16_o heb._n 6.17.18_o that_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o oath_n 18._o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n which_o have_v our_o refuge_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o 19_o which_o we_o have_v as_o a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v add_v his_o oath_n to_o his_o promise_n not_o to_o the_o end_n that_o in_o itself_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v or_o need_v any_o confirmation_n on_o god_n part_n for_o his_o bare_a word_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o so_o infallible_a and_o sure_a that_o though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o and_o perish_v yet_o not_o one_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o his_o word_n shall_v fail_v till_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v 5.18_o mat._n 5.18_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o thereby_o receive_v strong_a consolation_n and_o may_v rest_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n upon_o firm_a hope_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o steadfast_a and_o sure_a anchor_n now_o what_o stability_n what_o strong_a consolation_n what_o steadfastness_n of_o hope_n if_o we_o be_v still_o uncertain_a of_o our_o election_n sometime_o hope_v as_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o sometime_o doubt_v as_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o be_v shake_v from_o our_o anchor_n hold_v and_o to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o the_o wave_n of_o doubt_v till_o at_o last_o we_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n of_o despair_n and_o so_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o soul_n §_o sect._n 4_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v therefore_o make_v with_o we_o point_n particular_a testimony_n prove_v this_o point_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n ambassage_n whereby_o he_o certifi_v we_o of_o his_o free_a and_o undeserued_a love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o let_v we_o further_o consider_v of_o some_o special_a testimony_n whereby_o this_o assurance_n be_v confirm_v rom._n 5.1_o it_o be_v say_v 5.1_o rom._n 5.1_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n towards_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o what_o peace_n can_v we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o our_o election_n but_o have_v our_o mind_n distract_v and_o rack_v between_o faith_n and_o doubt_v hope_v and_o despair_v rom._n 8.38_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 8.38_o rom._n 8.38_o that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n etc._n etc._n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a will_n the_o tempter_n say_v that_o paul_n have_v this_o assurance_n of_o his_o election_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v by_o some_o special_a revelation_n and_o nor_o ordinary_o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v not_o hereof_o that_o every_o particular_a christian_a can_v have_v this_o assurance_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n ground_v not_o his_o faith_n on_o revelation_n in_o that_o place_n but_o on_o a_o foundation_n common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o true_a christian_n namely_o on_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 32._o 23.33.34_o verse_n 23.33.34_o on_o god_n free_a justification_n ver_fw-la 33._o and_o upon_o christ_n intercession_n ver_fw-la 34._o and_o from_o hence_o he_o confirm_v he_o and_o our_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v we_o
not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o spirit_n itself_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v request_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n which_o can_v be_v express_v but_o god_n who_o scarch_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o make_v request_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 8.26.27_o who_o therefore_o can_v doubt_v of_o obtain_v his_o suit_n even_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n see_v his_o suit_n be_v frame_v and_o indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o consequent_o be_v most_o wise_a just_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n yea_o it_o be_v solicit_v and_o follow_v with_o great_a earnestness_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o our_o suit_n be_v wise_a just_a and_o frame_v by_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o most_o earnest_a manner_n solicit_v and_o further_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o we_o shall_v obtain_v it_o chap._n xxxvi_o other_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o weak_a christian_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n §_o sect._n 1_o and_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o every_o of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n creed_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v diverse_a other_o first_o the_o believe_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o we_o do_v daily_o confess_v and_o profess_v which_o be_v not_o leave_v unto_o our_o choice_n to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v but_o as_o we_o confess_v it_o with_o the_o mouth_n so_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o grievous_o sin_n through_o infidelity_n which_o be_v more_o dangerous_a &_o damnable_a than_o all_o our_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o move_v we_o though_o our_o heinous_a and_o manifold_a sin_n shall_v make_v it_o seem_v unto_o we_o never_o so_o incredible_a yet_o let_v we_o set_v aside_o all_o impediment_n and_o break_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o objection_n and_o believe_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v very_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v a_o sin_n most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a which_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v let_v we_o careful_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v let_v we_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n alone_o for_o our_o salvation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o in_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v §_o sect._n 2_o second_o the_o afflict_a soul_n labour_v under_o sin_n may_v receive_v no_o small_a assurance_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n 16._o 2._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n matth._n 16._o for_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o have_v power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v not_o as_o though_o they_o can_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o who_o they_o listen_v as_o the_o papi_v teach_v and_o practice_v for_o this_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n alone_o as_o even_o the_o pharisee_n well_o know_v whereof_o it_o be_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o forgive_v sin_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n they_o affirm_v that_o he_o blaspheme_v for_o who_o say_v they_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n only_o but_o they_o have_v authority_n give_v they_o of_o god_n upon_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o unfeigned_a repentance_n certain_o to_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v unto_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v whosoever_o therefore_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o estate_n give_v unto_o they_o they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o most_o certain_a for_o who_o be_v it_o that_o dare_v oppose_v himself_o and_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o his_o faithful_a ambassador_n who_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o discern_a of_o his_o state_n better_o than_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o this_o function_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o man_n estate_n better_o than_o they_o themselves_o for_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a discern_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor_fw-la 2.15.16_o and_o therefore_o if_o diverse_a of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n with_o one_o consent_n pronounce_v unto_o any_o penitent_a sinner_n the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o assure_v they_o after_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v unto_o they_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o forcible_a a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o &_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n than_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o satan_n or_o their_o timorous_a unbelieve_a flesh_n to_o move_v they_o to_o doubt_v thereof_o if_o our_o body_n be_v sick_a we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o skill_n and_o care_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o good_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v he_o be_v better_a able_a to_o discern_v of_o our_o estate_n than_o we_o ourselves_o and_o believe_v his_o judgement_n to_o be_v good_a we_o suffer_v he_o to_o apply_v such_o remedy_n as_o he_o think_v most_o fit_a why_o then_o shall_v we_o not_o commit_v the_o discern_a of_o our_o estate_n to_o the_o physician_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o less_o careful_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n much_o more_o skilful_a for_o the_o other_o rule_n in_o some_o patient_n may_v fail_v he_o but_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o spiritual_a physician_n build_v be_v most_o infallible_a be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o believe_v their_o often_o approve_a judgement_n than_o our_o own_o timorous_a fantasy_n or_o satan_n testimony_n who_o be_v our_o malicious_a enemy_n §_o sect._n 3_o three_o the_o afflict_a soul_n may_v gather_v assurance_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o the_o devil_n satan_n the_o 3._o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o satan_n for_o when_o there_o be_v any_o suggestion_n cast_v into_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o speech_n of_o satan_n or_o of_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n both_o which_o come_v to_o one_o end_n but_o those_o motive_n and_o suggestion_n that_o god_n will_v not_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a that_o we_o be_v reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n that_o now_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n proceed_v not_o from_o god_n spirit_n for_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o namely_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o he_o always_o ready_a to_o receive_v we_o to_o grace_v when_o we_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o if_o we_o will_v earnest_o repent_v and_o in_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n sue_v for_o mercy_n he_o will_v make_v our_o scarlet_a sin_n as_o white_a as_o snow_n that_o it_o be_v never_o to_o late_a to_o turn_v unto_o god_n for_o if_o we_o repent_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o remit_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o receive_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o conscience_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o see_v these_o suggestion_n
cause_n of_o our_o mortification_n which_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o burial_n 6.4.5_o rom._n 6.4.5_o communicate_v and_o apply_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n which_o be_v derive_v unto_o we_o do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o do_v mortify_v and_o kill_v our_o natural_a corruption_n which_o heretofore_o whole_o rule_v and_o oversway_v us._n second_o the_o form_n manner_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o work_n be_v here_o express_v namely_o the_o weaken_n subdue_a and_o kill_v of_o our_o corruption_n by_o little_a and_o little_a so_o that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o by_o degree_n first_o it_o be_v weaken_v and_o the_o power_n thereof_o somewhat_o abate_v so_o as_o though_o it_o bear_v sway_n in_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o over-rule_v we_o without_o resistance_n as_o it_o be_v use_v to_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ignorance_n then_o be_v further_o enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o god_n spirit_n work_v in_o we_o we_o prevail_v against_o it_o so_o that_o though_o it_o often_o rebel_n yet_o do_v we_o subdue_v it_o and_o obtain_v victory_n last_o obtain_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o mortify_v and_o kill_v it_o that_o be_v though_o we_o do_v not_o utter_o deprive_v it_o of_o life_n and_o motion_n yet_o we_o give_v it_o such_o a_o deadly_a wound_n that_o it_o never_o recover_v his_o former_a strength_n but_o still_o pine_v and_o languish_v till_o with_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n it_o also_o die_v and_o be_v whole_o abolish_v now_o while_o it_o be_v in_o this_o consumption_n and_o near_o unto_o death_n have_v a_o long_a time_n before_o be_v weak_a oftentimes_o it_o seem_v to_o recover_v strength_n and_o to_o offer_v some_o violence_n unto_o the_o regenerate_a part_n but_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v we_o as_o though_o now_o it_o be_v on_o the_o mend_a hand_n and_o like_a to_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o former_a health_n and_o strength_n for_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o those_o that_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbead_n so_o it_o be_v with_o our_o sick_a flesh_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o after_o that_o nature_n seem_v spend_v and_o the_o power_n thereof_o whole_o decay_v oftentimes_o fall_v into_o some_o grievous_a fit_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o fight_n between_o life_n and_o death_n their_o strength_n seem_v redouble_v and_o far_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o be_v but_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o health_n but_o a_o pang_n of_o death_n which_o near_o approach_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o natural_a corruption_n now_o as_o in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a progress_n therein_o namely_o when_o the_o dead_a carcase_n be_v also_o bury_v so_o also_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o death_n of_o sin_n 3.3.5_o rom._n 6.4_o col._n 2.12_o and_o 3.3.5_o but_o also_o a_o burial_n the_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n burial_n apply_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o sin_n which_o be_v already_o slay_v and_o dead_a do_v so_o remain_v and_o continue_v so_o that_o this_o burial_n of_o sin_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o further_a progress_n and_o continuance_n of_o our_o mortification_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 6.4_o rom._n 6.4_o rom._n 6.4_o we_o be_v bury_v then_o with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n so_o col._n 2.12_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o our_o mortification_n be_v necessary_a that_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v hard_a and_o necessary_a which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n most_o hard_o so_o also_o most_o necessary_a the_o difficulty_n appear_v by_o the_o name_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o surgeon_n who_o before_o they_o cut_v off_o any_o member_n do_v first_o mortify_v it_o that_o after_o they_o may_v take_v it_o away_o with_o less_o sense_n of_o pain_n and_o this_o be_v imply_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n whereas_o he_o injoin_v we_o if_o our_o right_a hand_n or_o eye_n offend_v we_o to_o cut_v it_o off_o and_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o plain_o express_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n col._n 3.5_o mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n which_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n fornication_n uncleanness_n 3.5_o col._n 3.5_o the_o inordinate_a affection_n evil_a concupiscence_n and_o covetousness_n etc._n etc._n where_o call_v these_o sin_n by_o the_o name_n of_o member_n he_o intimate_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o be_v as_o dear_a unto_o we_o as_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n and_o also_o that_o it_o be_v as_o unpleasant_a and_o painful_a unto_o we_o to_o forsake_v our_o natural_a corruption_n as_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o hand_n eye_n or_o foot_n but_o though_o this_o work_n be_v most_o hard_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o unregenerate_a part_n even_o the_o wisdom_n thereof_o be_v death_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n 8._o rom._n 8.6_o 7_o 8._o because_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o in_o deed_n can_v be_v rom._n 8.6_o 7._o neither_o can_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n please_v unto_o god_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o it_o be_v verse_n 8._o last_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v even_o the_o everlasting_a death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n we_o shall_v live_v even_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o god_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v in_o amity_n with_o god_n who_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n 63.4_o psalm_n 63.4_o or_o to_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n please_v in_o his_o sight_n or_o to_o escape_v death_n and_o damnation_n or_o to_o enjoy_v life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n then_o be_v it_o also_o necessary_a to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o how_o hard_a and_o unpleasant_a soever_o this_o work_n seem_v unto_o us._n so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n must_v not_o discourage_v we_o but_o rather_o double_v our_o diligence_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o pain_n intolerable_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v like_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o flesh_n therefore_o as_o chirurgeon_n to_o make_v the_o pain_n tolerable_a to_o the_o patient_a do_v first_o use_v mean_n to_o mortify_v themember_v which_o they_o purpose_v to_o cut_v off_o so_o let_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v our_o carnal_a affection_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o and_o take_v from_o we_o without_o any_o extraordinary_a passion_n or_o sense_n of_o pain_n §_o sect._n 4_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v our_o mortification_n thereof_o of_o vivification_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o cause_n thereof_o wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n communicate_v and_o apply_v unto_o we_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v raise_v we_o up_o from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o vivification_n be_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n apply_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n spirit_n the_o which_o virtue_n flow_v from_o his_o deity_n be_v first_o powerful_a in_o his_o own_o flesh_n raise_v it_o out_o of_o grave_n and_o give_v it_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o our_o head_n and_o communicate_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n it_o do_v also_o revive_v we_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n this_o appear_v rom._n 6.4_o where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o his_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n 3.10.11_o phili_n 3.10.11_o so_o philip._n 3.10_o 11._o where_o paul_n desire_v not_o only_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apply_v by_o faith_n for_o his_o justification_n but_o also_o to_o know_v and_o