another_o thing_n for_o thou_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n not_o who_o assault_v i_o but_o who_o i_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o be_v my_o lord_n when_o the_o heart_n go_v off_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o approbation_n and_o love_n and_o habitual_a obedience_n of_o sin_n now_o sin_n be_v thy_o lord_n but_o if_o by_o faith_n thou_o have_v swear_v fealty_n to_o christ_n then_o though_o all_o temptation_n begird_v thou_o though_o the_o insolence_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n break_v in_o upon_o thou_o to_o captivate_v or_o to_o alienate_v thy_o heart_n from_o service_n to_o christ_n yet_o amid_o all_o oppression_n yea_o under_o all_o the_o knock_v and_o buffet_n and_o interruption_n by_o sin_n the_o heart_n cry_v out_o i_o acknowledge_v no_o lord_n but_o christ_n he_o i_o will_v obey_v he_o i_o honour_n i_o love_v his_o i_o be_o and_o i_o yet_o hate_v those_o sin_n which_o yet_o i_o can_v conquer_v sect_n v._o fourthly_o a_o four_o trial_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v this_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n humble_a and_o lowly_a every_o unbelieved_a heart_n be_v proud_a and_o have_v high_a imagination_n and_o stand_v upon_o its_o own_o bottom_n it_o have_v no_o sound_a experience_n either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o itself_o but_o true_a faith_n cast_v a_o man_n quite_o out_o of_o himself_o it_o see_v no_o ground_n of_o confidence_n and_o excellency_n from_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o faith_n have_v a_o double_a aspect_n 1._o one_o be_v upon_o we_o 2._o another_o faith_n a_o double_a aspect_n of_o faith_n be_v upon_o god_n and_o christ_n when_o faith_n look_v down_o upon_o we_o alas_o it_o find_v no_o matter_n of_o boast_v in_o the_o world_n for_o either_o it_o find_v sin_n which_o shall_v abase_v our_o heart_n or_o else_o imperfection_n which_o shall_v curb_v our_o pride_n or_o want_n which_o shall_v show_v unto_o we_o our_o indigence_n and_o dependence_n the_o evil_n which_o it_o find_v may_v confound_v we_o and_o the_o good_a which_o it_o find_v may_v make_v we_o ashamed_a not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v so_o short_a and_o defective_a in_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v not_o answer_v the_o give_v of_o that_o good_a with_o just_a thanks_o or_o we_o have_v not_o improve_v that_o good_a to_o the_o advantage_n as_o we_o may_v have_v do_v when_o faith_n look_v upward_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n there_o it_o see_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n and_o of_o all_o our_o happiness_n have_v we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n why_o say_v faith_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v in_o god_n love_n have_v we_o righteousness_n why_o say_v faith_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v in_o christ_n merit_n have_v we_o any_o gift_n any_o acceptance_n any_o remembrance_n from_o heaven_n why_o say_v faith_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v only_o in_o christ_n blood_n all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v give_v i_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o give_v be_v utter_o out_o of_o myself_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n sit_v down_o now_o and_o say_v o_o lord_n in_o myself_o i_o be_o nothing_o nay_o of_o myself_o worse_a than_o nothing_o but_o what_o i_o be_o i_o be_o that_o by_o thy_o grace_n all_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o my_o bread_n my_o health_n my_o life_n my_o body_n my_o soul_n all_o thou_o if_o any_o love_n if_o any_o mercy_n if_o any_o christ_n if_o any_o grace_n if_o any_o comfort_n if_o any_o strength_n if_o any_o steadfastness_n if_o any_o performance_n if_o a_o good_a work_n if_o a_o good_a word_n if_o a_o good_a affection_n if_o a_o good_a thought_n why_o all_o be_v thou_o thou_o only_o be_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o what_o be_v thy_o servant_n that_o thou_o shall_v look_v on_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o be_o thou_o make_v i_o and_o thou_o buy_v i_o and_o thou_o call_v i_o and_o thou_o hustify_v i_o and_o thou_o save_v i_o though_o faith_n make_v thy_o condition_n high_a yet_o it_o make_v thy_o person_n low_o thou_o shall_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v rom._n 11._o 20._o why_o not_o high_o mind_v because_o stand_v by_o faith_n because_o this_o stand_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n but_o in_o christ_n faith_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o heaven_n the_o strength_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o foot_n do_v stand_v sect_n vi_o five_o true_a faith_n be_v fruitful_a james_n 2._o 18._o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n ver_fw-la 21._o be_v not_o our_o father_n abraham_n justify_v by_o work_n verse_n 22._o see_v thou_o how_o faith_n wrought_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o work_n be_v faith_n make_v perfect_a the_o apostle_n in_o that_o chapter_n speak_v of_o a_o double_a faith_n faith_n a_o double_a faith_n one_o be_v a_o counterfeit_a faith_n a_o shadow_n as_o it_o be_v which_o have_v the_o look_n but_o not_o the_o substance_n it_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n which_o have_v the_o limb_n but_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o faith_n be_v dead_a do_v it_o not_o speak_v many_o good_a word_n yes_o say_v saint_n james_n it_o give_v gâ—od_a word_n &_o praeteria_fw-la nihil_fw-la no_o good_a work_n it_o can_v say_v to_o the_o poor_a be_v you_o clothe_v and_o be_v you_o warm_a but_o give_v nothing_o to_o cloth_n or_o to_o feed_v why_o say_v he_o this_o man_n faith_n be_v vain_a â—hat_n be_v he_o have_v not_o the_o true_a quality_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o no_o stead_n another_o be_v a_o lively_a and_o justify_v faith_n it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v the_o apostle_n answer_v by_o work_n you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o viz._n the_o justify_n of_o a_o man_n person_n before_o god_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o a_o man_n faith_n before_o the_o world_n that_o which_o justify_v my_o person_n before_o god_n be_v only_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o which_o justify_v as_o one_o particular_a my_o faith_n before_o man_n not_o to_o be_v a_o dead_a but_o a_o live_a faith_n be_v the_o act_n of_o good_a work_n hence_o that_o of_o paul_n tit._n 3_o 8._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o those_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o 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 right_n be_v the_o speech_n of_o saint_n augustine_n sequuntur_fw-la justificatum_fw-la though_o non_fw-la precedunt_fw-la justificandum_fw-la as_o in_o a_o clock_n the_o finger_n make_v not_o the_o clock_n to_o austin_n austin_n go_v but_o the_o clock_n it_o and_o yet_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o finger_n without_o show_v whether_o the_o clock_n go_v within_o so_o although_o work_n do_v not_o cause_n or_o infuse_v justify_v faith_n nor_o yet_o cause_v our_o justification_n yet_o they_o do_v clear_o manifest_v whether_o we_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o do_v indeed_o justify_v or_o not_o obj._n you_o will_v say_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o look_v up_o and_o to_o come_v and_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o to_o breathe_v out_o good_a work_n which_o respect_v man_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v any_o testimony_n of_o faith_n sol._n i_o answer_v 1._o the_o apostle_n there_o express_o distinguish_v the_o lively_a and_o the_o dead_a faith_n by_o work_n as_o if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v so_o 2._o there_o be_v if_o you_o will_v let_v i_o distinguish_v so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o double_a act_n of_o faith_n one_o be_v proper_a and_o personal_a and_o this_o be_v circumscribe_v to_o that_o heavenly_a employment_n of_o receive_v or_o present_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n another_o be_v grateful_a and_o this_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o send_v forth_o of_o good_a work_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o superarogation_n for_o faith_n find_v the_o do_v of_o good_a work_n under_o many_o command_n and_o also_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o under_o many_o promise_n but_o because_o faith_n see_v also_o a_o sweet_a and_o reasonable_a equity_n that_o if_o god_n be_v good_a to_o i_o in_o christ_n i_o shall_v be_v good_a to_o some_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o very_o as_o the_o worklesse_a person_n do_v not_o now_o own_o christ_n by_o faith_n so_o hereafter_o christ_n will_v not_o own_v he_o by_o mercy_n depart_v from_o i_o obj._n but_o yet_o you_o will_v reply_v good_a work_n can_v be_v a_o sure_a testimony_n of_o faith_n because_o many_o evil_a man_n may_v perform_v they_o and_o some_o believer_n have_v not_o wherewithal_o
act_n of_o self-denial_n as_o in_o abraham_n and_o his_o unstagger_a embrace_v of_o a_o promise_n against_o which_o both_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o nature_n may_v have_v dispute_v and_o urge_v o_o say_v they_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n abraham_n faith_n wrought_v full_a assurance_n remove_v all_o staggering_n our_o heart_n be_v still_o doubt_v we_o can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v we_o reel_v and_o stagger_v like_o the_o wave_n now_o on_o the_o shore_n and_o then_o instant_o off_o now_o we_o believe_v anon_o we_o let_v go_v our_o hold_n and_o doubt_v and_o hence_o they_o uncomfortable_o conclude_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o utter_a absence_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o some_o particular_a and_o eminent_a expression_n of_o faith_n not_o absolute_o as_o faith_n but_o of_o faith_n as_o strong_a and_o exceed_o ripen_a we_o must_v not_o conclude_v negative_o from_o the_o degree_n to_o the_o habit_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v no_o silver_n in_o his_o purse_n because_o another_o have_v a_o bank_n of_o many_o thousand_o or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leg_n to_o go_v because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o swift_a as_o asahel_n or_o that_o the_o sparrow_n fly_v not_o because_o he_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o the_o sun_n with_o the_o eagle_n or_o that_o a_o child_n be_v no_o man_n because_o he_o can_v express_v the_o act_n of_o a_o strong_a man_n 4._o there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v many_o inward_a contrariety_n to_o the_o intrinsical_a act_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v true_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o work_v there_o i'faith_o though_o it_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o other_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o office_n be_v the_o only_a ambassador_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o privilege_n above_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n and_o working_n of_o it_o there_o but_o look_v as_o every_o other_o grace_n have_v some_o or_o other_o particular_a corruption_n opposite_a to_o its_o particular_a nature_n and_o its_o particular_a act_n so_o even_o faith_n itself_o have_v infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n oppose_v it_o both_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o several_a exercising_n or_o act_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v flame_n of_o the_o smoke_n and_o a_o hand_n with_o shake_v and_o a_o tree_n tremble_v and_o a_o faith_n of_o doubt_v yea_o if_o any_o grace_n have_v the_o hardness_n of_o a_o more_o general_a and_o 〈◊〉_d opposition_n than_o faith_n be_v it_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o general_a 〈◊〉_d and_o use_n to_o fetch_v in_o more_o grace_n and_o more_o strength_n against_o aâ—l_a sin_n now_o in_o our_o trial_n for_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o as_o with_o the_o artificer_n in_o his_o search_n for_o the_o little_a ray_n of_o gold_n it_o be_v true_a he_o shaâ—l_v find_v much_o dross_n here_o and_o there_o and_o yet_o if_o he_o can_v find_v a_o very_a little_a piece_n of_o gold_n though_o amid_o a_o heap_n of_o dross_n he_o will_v say_v this_o be_v gold_n and_o will_v precious_o esteem_v of_o it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o so_o when_o we_o be_v search_v our_o heart_n by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n for_o true_a faith_n without_o all_o doubt_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o doubt_n much_o unbelief_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v find_v any_o one_o degree_n of_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n we_o may_v not_o cast_v it_o away_o because_o it_o be_v find_v among_o its_o contrary_n but_o we_o must_v cherish_v and_o embrace_v it_o because_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n have_v approve_v it_o to_o be_v a_o precious_a faith_n for_o and_o mark_v this_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v you_o any_o evidence_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o abstraction_n but_o by_o way_n of_o existence_n that_o be_v not_o what_o may_v discover_v faith_n in_o a_o notional_a and_o the_o most_o singular_o conceivable_a profession_n of_o it_o but_o such_o testimony_n you_o have_v to_o discover_v faith_n as_o faith_n be_v now_o abide_v in_o sinful_a person_n who_o though_o they_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o earth_n will_v have_v many_o thing_n in_o they_o contrary_a to_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o double_a contrariety_n to_o faith_n contrariety_n a_o double_a contrariety_n one_o be_v natural_a and_o this_o more_o or_o less_o will_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o any_o believe_a person_n tell_v you_o can_v utter_o raise_v the_o heart_n and_o eject_v sin_n by_o the_o alteration_n of_o glory_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v flesh_n and_o spirit_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conflict_a betwixt_o faith_n and_o unbelief_n as_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n at_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o temple_n another_o be_v approve_v when_o a_o man_n neither_o do_v nor_o will_v believe_v he_o neither_o do_v accept_v of_o christ_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o he_o and_o he_o like_v his_o unbelieved_a condition_n this_o be_v a_o fearful_a estate_n but_o though_o the_o contrary_n to_o faith_n do_v arise_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o approve_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v resist_v we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o of_o the_o opposition_n but_o rather_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v it_o because_o of_o the_o resistance_n of_o that_o opposition_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v against_o faith_n because_o of_o opposition_n inward_a or_o outward_a this_o inequality_n of_o act_n conclude_v not_o a_o absence_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n distinguish_v of_o 1._o radical_a habit_n 2._o actual_a exercising_n which_o be_v sometime_o more_o sometime_o less_o sometime_o clear_a sometime_o interrupt_v sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v free_a sometime_o oppress_v and_o violent_o carry_v by_o temptation_n to_o misjudge_v the_o condition_n the_o censure_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v allow_v as_o be_v give_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o temptation_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n psalm_n 116._o obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v all_o this_o but_o how_o may_v a_o man_n know_v that_o his_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n sol._n i_o answer_v sect_n ii_o first_o a_o true_a love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o infallible_a and_o essential_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o will_v clear_v this_o as_o a_o lively_a testimony_n thing_n 4._o thing_n of_o true_a faith_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v first_o that_o love_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o faith_n second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o believer_n in_o any_o degree_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o have_v a_o love_n of_o christ_n three_o that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n or_o circumstance_n into_o which_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v cast_v but_o still_o he_o love_v christ_n four_o that_o no_o unbelieved_a heart_n can_v and_o do_v love_n christ_n i_o say_v if_o we_o can_v prove_v these_o four_o conclusion_n than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o evident_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n or_o testimony_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n thus_o then_o 1._o love_n be_v not_o separate_v from_o faith_n if_o you_o peruse_v the_o scripture_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n gal._n 5._o 6._o for_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcission_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v christ_n be_v not_o i_o because_o i_o be_o a_o jew_n nor_o be_v he_o i_o because_o i_o be_o a_o gentile_a but_o he_o be_v i_o because_o i_o be_o a_o believer_n and_o if_o my_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v true_a it_o will_v express_v itself_o by_o love_n i_o thes_n 1._o 3._o your_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v like_o a_o warm_a hand_n faith_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o love_n be_v the_o warmth_n in_o it_o faith_n can_v be_v the_o hand_n to_o take_v christ_n but_o love_n will_v be_v the_o warmth_n to_o heat_v our_o affection_n unto_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v exceed_v abundant_a with_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o ghrist_n jesus_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v like_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n and_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v like_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter_n see_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o and_o phil._n 5._o and_o indeed_o it_o stand_v with_o unanswerable_a reason_n that_o faith_n and_o love_n can_v be_v divide_v for_o as_o much_o as_o faith_n in_o christ_n first_o represent_v the_o absolute_a and_o effectual_a cause_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n
god_n to_o salvation_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o do_v manifest_a and_o declare_v the_o sole_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o operation_n and_o efficacy_n because_o it_o do_v communicate_v and_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o which_o we_o be_v save_v 2._o another_o be_v that_o it_o comprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n only_o do_v take_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o righteousness_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o it_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o give_v by_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o also_o because_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o of_o force_n with_o god_n at_o his_o tribunal_n and_o judgement-seat_n see_v another_o place_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o you_o also_o trust_v after_o that_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o your_o salvation_n he_o in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n do_v enumerate_v many_o singular_a and_o heavenly_a blessing_n among_o which_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o he_o do_v in_o this_o verse_n express_v the_o order_n and_o manner_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v interest_v in_o he_o viz._n by_o trust_v or_o believe_v and_o they_o come_v to_o that_o trust_n and_o believe_v by_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o style_v a_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o message_n of_o salvation_n tell_v i_o serious_o be_v not_o salvation_n the_o great_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o your_o most_o choice_n and_o sober_a thought_n and_o can_v any_o attain_v that_o but_o by_o christ_n and_o can_v you_o have_v christ_n without_o faith_n how_o precious_o dear_a then_o unto_o you_o shall_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n to_o produce_v that_o faith_n which_o lay_v hold_v on_o that_o christ_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v save_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10_o 17._o and_o john_n 6._o 45._o every_o man_n that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v to_o i_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n who_o slight_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o who_o labour_v to_o oppress_v and_o extinguish_v it_o for_o if_o salvation_n be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o faith_n depend_v on_o the_o gospel_n then_o for_o our_o part_n let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o gospel_n let_v we_o for_o ever_o honour_n and_o respect_v the_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o let_v we_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o we_o for_o as_o much_o as_o salvation_n and_o christ_n and_o faith_n be_v all_o of_o they_o annex_v unto_o the_o gospel_n 2._o then_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o mere_a hear_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n will_v not_o save_v if_o believe_a be_v the_o only_a way_n there_o be_v divers_a sort_n of_o hear_v one_o with_o incogitancy_n when_o perhaps_o the_o ear_n be_v open_a but_o the_o hear_v three_o sort_n of_o hear_v mind_n be_v asleep_a and_o heed_v not_o that_o precious_a object_n reveal_v another_o with_o reluctancy_n when_o the_o ear_n be_v open_a and_o the_o mind_n attentive_a but_o the_o heart_n strive_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o word_n another_o with_o conformity_n when_o the_o ear_n hear_v and_o the_o understanding_n yield_v and_o the_o heart_n embrace_v now_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a kind_n of_o hear_v which_o bring_v to_o salvation_n that_o hear_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o message_n which_o bring_v something_o from_o god_n to_o we_o this_o will_v not_o save_v but_o such_o a_o hear_n as_o bring_v back_o something_o from_o we_o to_o god_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o believe_a which_o turn_v home_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o acceptance_n and_o embrace_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o only_a hear_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n a_o motion_n make_v and_o tender_v do_v not_o conclude_v a_o match_n but_o a_o motion_n consent_v unto_o and_o embrace_v 3._o if_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n than_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o mark_n of_o all_o our_o preach_n and_o study_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v it_o be_v the_o main_a theme_n and_o subject_n upon_o which_o that_o bless_a apostle_n do_v spend_v himself_o look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o physician_n that_o though_o he_o do_v sometime_o lance_n and_o sometime_o make_v very_o sick_a and_o sometime_o restrain_v to_o strictness_n of_o diet_n and_o sometime_o bind_v and_o trouble_v the_o patient_a and_o sometime_o relieve_v he_o with_o precious_a cordial_n though_o these_o action_n be_v different_a among_o themselves_o yet_o they_o do_v concentre_v in_o one_o end_n which_o be_v health_n and_o life_n so_o whether_o minister_n preach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n or_o whether_o they_o strive_v to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o sin_n or_o whether_o they_o let_v fly_v the_o arrow_n of_o god_n threaten_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n or_o whether_o they_o touch_v on_o the_o mercy_n seat_n all_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n to_o make_v christ_n more_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o accept_v and_o embrace_v he_o christ_n may_v be_v preach_v two_o way_n either_o explicit_o when_o he_o in_o his_o person_n or_o office_n or_o benefit_n way_n christ_n preach_v two_o way_n be_v the_o only_a matter_n which_o be_v handle_v and_o publish_v or_o virtual_o when_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o that_o matter_n which_o be_v deliver_v one_o of_o these_o way_n christ_n still_o to_o be_v preach_v do_v i_o meet_v with_o a_o break_a and_o afflict_a spirit_n groan_v under_o the_o load_n of_o sinful_a nature_n and_o life_n pant_v after_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n willing_a to_o yield_v up_o itself_o to_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n here_o now_o i_o be_o to_o lift_v up_o christ_n on_o his_o cross_n to_o spread_v his_o arm_n to_o show_v unto_o that_o break_a spirit_n the_o very_a heart_n blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n pour_v out_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o his_o soul_n do_v i_o meet_v with_o a_o obstinate_a and_o proud_a spirit_n which_o dare_v to_o defy_v justice_n and_o presumtuous_o to_o areign_a mercy_n here_o i_o open_v the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n of_o purpose_n to_o awaken_v the_o conscience_n to_o cast_v down_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a imagination_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o this_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o misery_n may_v fit_o be_v direct_v and_o seasonable_o encourage_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o his_o remedy_n in_o christ_n chap._n ix_o justification_n only_o in_o jesus_n christ_n fourthly_o if_o that_o believe_a in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v save_v then_o this_o inform_v we_o where_o to_o find_v our_o justification_n viz_o only_o in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o there_o only_o be_v the_o righteousness_n which_o can_v satisfy_v justice_n and_o in_o his_o blood_n only_o be_v remission_n of_o sin_n now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a bottom_n of_o comfort_n to_o a_o believe_a soul_n give_v i_o therefore_o leave_v to_o improve_v the_o remainder_n of_o the_o time_n in_o a_o brief_a and_o distinct_a explication_n of_o it_o where_o first_o of_o the_o word_n and_o title_n justification_n second_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o definition_n of_o it_o together_o with_o some_o argument_n to_o evince_n that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o and_o for_o christ_n and_o some_o answer_n to_o the_o choice_a objection_n sect_n i._o for_o the_o word_n justification_n it_o have_v a_o double_a acception_n among_o writer_n 1._o one_o intrinsical_a and_o so_o it_o signify_v to_o make_v a_o man_n just_a by_o a_o act_n of_o infusion_n that_o be_v by_o the_o implantation_n of_o sanctify_a or_o holy_a quality_n 2._o another_o forinsecal_v and_o so_o it_o signify_v to_o repute_v or_o pronounce_v a_o man_n just_a by_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v a_o judiciary_n sentence_n to_o pronounce_v he_o righteous_a and_o free_a
enemy_n to_o deal_v with_o it_o be_v thy_o father_n to_o who_o thou_o be_v bend_v the_o knee_n 3._o he_o have_v a_o mighty_a intercessor_n look_v as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o mighty_a redeemer_n for_o the_o person_n of_o man_n so_o he_o be_v the_o mighty_a intercessor_n for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n and_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n if_o thy_o want_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o thy_o god_n be_v able_a to_o supply_v they_o and_o if_o thy_o infirmity_n be_v never_o so_o many_o yet_o thy_o intercessor_n be_v able_a to_o cover_v and_o expiate_v they_o thy_o service_n as_o thou_o â—_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o prejudice_n there_o be_v iniquity_n in_o the_o holy_a offering_n but_o then_o aaron_n do_v bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o they_o so_o thy_o priest_n thy_o christ_n thy_o intercessor_n he_o do_v take_v off_o by_o the_o application_n of_o his_o merit_n whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o and_o offensive_a and_o he_o do_v ingratiate_v thy_o request_n and_o procure_v audience_n and_o acceptance_n for_o thou_o therefore_o now_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n then_o in_o thy_o prayer_n come_v confident_o to_o god_n if_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o promise_n and_o a_o christ_n and_o a_o faith_n thou_o may_v cheerful_o put_v up_o thy_o petition_n to_o heaven_n what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o be_v confident_a be_v god_n unwilling_a no_o he_o have_v engate_v himself_o unto_o thou_o be_v god_n unable_a why_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o ask_v or_o think_v do_v thou_o fear_v thy_o own_o distance_n why_o but_o thou_o come_v to_o a_o father_n and_o thou_o come_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o gracious_a of_o a_o belove_a of_o a_o powerful_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n hebrew_n 4._o have_v such_o a_o high_a priest_n we_o may_v come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n see_v heb._n 10._o do_v thou_o fear_v because_o of_o enmity_n christ_n have_v slay_v that_o or_o because_o of_o infirmity_n christ_n will_v cure_v that_o chap._n xv._o the_o agreement_n and_o difference_n of_o strong_a and_o weak_a faith_n but_o now_o some_o may_v reply_v these_o be_v sweet_a comfort_n obj._n to_o believer_n but_o as_o the_o eunuch_n to_o philip_n of_o who_o speak_v the_o prophet_n this_o of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o so_o here_o why_o to_o who_o be_v these_o comfort_n to_o all_o or_o to_o some_o choice_a believer_n be_v they_o common_a comfort_n to_o every_o believer_n or_o peculiar_a to_o the_o eminent_a and_o strong_a only_a this_o scruple_n have_v make_v way_n for_o a_o singular_a point_n i_o will_v satisfy_v it_o by_o open_v four_o particular_n sol._n 1._o the_o common_a unity_n of_o all_o true_a faith_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o habit_n yet_o the_o intensive_a diversity_n in_o respect_n of_o act_n and_o degree_n 2._o the_o proof_n of_o a_o strong_a faith_n with_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n in_o truth_n 3._o the_o concordance_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o fundamental_a comfort_n 4._o the_o inequality_n of_o strong_a and_o weak_a faith_n in_o many_o true_a yet_o not_o essential_a consequence_n and_o consolation_n concern_v the_o first_o which_o respect_v the_o common_a unity_n of_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o act_n and_o degree_n observe_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n sect_n i._o first_o that_o all_o true_a faith_n though_o in_o a_o comparison_n of_o faith_n with_o faith_n in_o several_a subject_n it_o may_v admit_v of_o several_a diversity_n and_o difference_n yet_o they_o consent_v and_o agree_v in_o these_o thing_n viz._n first_o in_o the_o immediate_a and_o special_a cause_n weak_a faith_n as_o faith_n come_v not_o from_o one_o cause_n and_o strong_a faith_n from_o another_o cause_n but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o cause_n viz._n the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n not_o only_o the_o flame_n but_o the_o spark_n of_o fire_n be_v kindle_v by_o that_o spirit_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v as_o in_o the_o orchard_n the_o tree_n which_o stand_v strong_a and_o the_o tender_a plant_n which_o stand_v tremble_v both_o of_o they_o be_v at_o first_o set_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o hand_n so_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o well_o grow_v and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o tender_a and_o full_a of_o doubt_n both_o of_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a fruit_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n though_o this_o child_n in_o the_o cradle_n can_v run_v and_o move_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o field_n at_o work_n yet_o the_o father_n beget_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o own_v they_o both_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o equal_a relation_n the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n be_v not_o despise_v by_o god_n who_o see_v weakness_n in_o the_o strong_a faith_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o weak_a and_o be_v the_o parent_n both_o of_o this_o and_o that_o 2._o in_o the_o remote_a and_o singular_a cause_n you_o know_v that_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o love_n be_v the_o first_o wheel_n of_o all_o singular_a good_a unto_o man_n out_o of_o it_o come_v that_o great_a gift_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o great_a work_n of_o election_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v all_o the_o grace_n which_o sanctify_v and_o bring_v to_o glory_n as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v now_o all_o faith_n be_v a_o drop_n out_o of_o this_o fountain_n the_o weak_a faith_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o that_o great_a love_n of_o god_n 48._o act_n 13._o 48._o elect_v we_o in_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o be_v though_o not_o so_o sensible_o evident_a yet_o as_o real_o a_o true_a testimony_n of_o our_o election_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o not_o grace_n restrictive_o consider_v but_o grace_n in_o the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n election_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o not_o only_o grace_n as_o eminent_a as_o raise_v and_o elevate_v to_o some_o more_o perfect_a quality_n and_o pitch_n but_o grace_n in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o it_o from_o the_o conception_n of_o it_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o from_o the_o dawn_n to_o the_o full_a day_n from_o the_o nature_n to_o the_o act_n from_o the_o act_n to_o the_o degree_n all_o of_o it_o in_o nature_n in_o part_n in_o totum_fw-la &_o solidum_fw-la all_o of_o it_o whether_o more_a or_o less_o strong_a or_o weak_a all_o be_v out_o of_o the_o same_o grace_n of_o election_n it_o be_v not_o one_o love_n which_o elect_v he_o who_o be_v therefore_o now_o strong_a in_o believe_v with_o abraham_n and_o another_o love_n which_o elect_v he_o who_o be_v now_o weak_a in_o believe_v with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n no_o but_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a love_n which_o produce_v this_o and_o that_o faith_n yea_o that_o elect_a love_n be_v intensive_o one_o in_o produce_v of_o both_o it_o be_v as_o equal_o high_a towards_o this_o person_n as_o 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the_o weak_a in_o faith_n the_o degree_n of_o faith_n be_v many_o viz._n the_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o christ_n the_o actual_a lay_v hold_n on_o he_o the_o strong_a embrace_v of_o he_o reflection_n of_o the_o act_n that_o i_o know_v i_o take_v he_o as_o lord_n and_o saviour_n reflection_n of_o the_o object_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n then_o a_o fullness_n of_o this_o reflexive_a assurance_n i_o doubt_v it_o not_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o full_a assurance_n which_o whether_o it_o mean_v the_o great_a continuance_n or_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o assurance_n be_v disputable_a again_o the_o long_a duration_n of_o this_o full_a and_o
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a_o right_a answer_n of_o great_a mean_n to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o be_v require_v pharaoh_n lean_a kine_n be_v call_v ill-favoured_a because_o in_o a_o great_a and_o large_a pasture_n all_o be_v not_o right_a when_o the_o breast_n be_v full_a and_o the_o child_n be_v still_o weak_a the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n rom._n 1._o 3._o the_o great_a faith_n be_v the_o great_a perfection_n every_o degree_n of_o far_a grace_n be_v like_o a_o star_n of_o great_a magnitude_n which_o differ_v in_o glory_n from_o another_o a_o addition_n of_o faith_n to_o faith_n be_v a_o add_v to_o the_o treasury_n a_o enrich_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o far_a clarify_n of_o it_o the_o less_o of_o grace_n the_o more_o of_o corruption_n and_o the_o more_o of_o corruption_n the_o more_o of_o imperfection_n 4._o the_o great_a faith_n the_o great_a comfort_n the_o mind_n will_v have_v few_o doubt_n will_n have_v few_o fear_n conscience_n more_o settledness_n the_o 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in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o impediment_n and_o hindrance_n which_o stop_v the_o soul_n from_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o we_o must_v assay_v to_o answer_v and_o remove_v as_o he_o do_v the_o body_n of_o asabel_n which_o stay_v the_o people_n in_o their_o pursuit_n 3._o the_o mean_n or_o adjument_n and_o furtherance_n to_o breed_v this_o believe_a quality_n in_o the_o souf_n 4._o the_o resolution_n or_o answering_n of_o several_a doubtful_a ground_n and_o argument_n which_o entangle_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sensible_a sinner_n and_o which_o he_o hold_v out_o as_o strong_a pretence_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o by_o faith_n close_o with_o jesus_n christ_n now_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o faith_n and_o finisher_n thereof_o who_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o who_o almighty_a work_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v let_v he_o so_o direct_v i_o in_o speak_v and_o all_o of_o we_o in_o hear_v that_o after_o all_o his_o gracious_a and_o manifold_a revelation_n and_o offer_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o unbelieved_a heart_n may_v be_v subdue_v and_o true_a faith_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o all_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n sect_n i._o first_o the_o motive_n i_o speak_v this_o day_n to_o a_o understanding_n and_o sensible_a people_n to_o who_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o our_o natural_a misery_n and_o of_o our_o purchase_a felicity_n be_v not_o hide_a mystery_n and_o therefore_o i_o trust_v that_o the_o succeed_a argument_n and_o motive_n shall_v find_v little_o stop_v in_o your_o understanding_n but_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o and_o powerful_o pass_v down_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o persuade_v and_o excite_v you_o to_o lay_v out_o all_o your_o strength_n and_o that_o speedy_o to_o get_v this_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o than_o first_o sad_o and_o serious_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o positive_a infidelity_n indelity_n a_o twofold_a indelity_n divine_n observe_v a_o twofold_a infidelity_n one_o be_v negative_a which_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n to_o who_o christ_n be_v not_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o consist_v both_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o faith_n as_o also_o in_o the_o object_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n this_o sun_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o rise_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o sit_v still_o in_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o death_n another_o be_v positive_a which_o be_v incident_a unto_o we_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v christ_n be_v manifest_v as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n so_o he_o by_o the_o brightness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n know_v he_o not_o receive_v he_o not_o do_v not_o take_v he_o both_o as_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o this_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n and_o all_o of_o they_o fearful_o dangerous_a to_o speak_v the_o truth_n plain_o damnable_a 1._o a_o careless_a neglect_v of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n a_o not_o mind_v of_o that_o singular_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n which_o god_n have_v treasure_v in_o christ_n and_o reveal_v and_o offer_v to_o sinful_a man_n 2._o a_o slight_n of_o he_o and_o his_o excellency_n which_o be_v a_o prefer_n as_o it_o be_v barrabas_n before_o he_o a_o bestow_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o study_n and_o labour_n and_o delight_n and_o service_n not_o on_o he_o but_o either_o on_o our_o sin_n or_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o the_o river_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o in_o the_o mountain_n of_o its_o profit_n 3._o a_o refuse_v of_o his_o article_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v a_o break_n off_o and_o vile_a dislike_n of_o those_o term_n upon_o which_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o be_v we_o we_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o term_n of_o competition_n with_o sin_n or_o the_o creature_n we_o will_v abridge_v his_o holy_a and_o lordly_a sceptre_n like_o what_o we_o please_v do_v what_o we_o listen_v have_v he_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v our_o ruler_n we_o will_v bestow_v our_o safety_n on_o he_o and_o our_o service_n upon_o the_o world_n we_o will_v not_o free_o and_o full_o consent_v to_o all_o that_o he_o be_v nor_o submit_v to_o all_o that_o he_o propose_v or_o may_v befall_v we_o with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o so_o like_o the_o vain_a merchant_n we_o miss_v the_o pearl_n because_o we_o will_v not_o go_v to_o the_o price_n we_o enjoy_v ourselves_o still_o and_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o world_n too_o but_o we_o forsake_v our_o mercy_n for_o lie_a vanity_n the_o soul_n be_v christlesse_a still_o because_o thus_o sordid_o unbelieved_a 1._o but_o then_o know_v of_o all_o estate_n in_o the_o world_n none_o so_o fearful_a so_o damnable_a as_o the_o unbelieved_a estate_n a_o man_n may_v lose_v every_o farthing_n of_o his_o inheritance_n and_o yet_o faith_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n he_o may_v lose_v every_o friend_n that_o he_o have_v and_o yet_o faith_n may_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n he_o may_v lose_v every_o spirit_n in_o his_o member_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o blood_n in_o his_o body_n and_o yet_o faith_n may_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n he_o may_v be_v as_o poor_a as_o job_n as_o distress_v as_o david_n as_o sick_a as_o lazarus_n as_o forsake_v as_o paul_n as_o deride_v as_o christ_n and_o yet_o faith_n may_v bring_v his_o soul_n to_o heaven_n but_o if_o a_o man_n have_v as_o much_o wisdom_n as_o solomon_n greatness_n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n strength_n as_o
any_o such_o displeasure_n nor_o torment_n that_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v indeed_o now_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n be_v incline_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o part_v with_o its_o dear_a lust_n with_o its_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o submit_v itself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o it_o do_v express_o or_o virtual_o deny_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o truth_n do_v thou_o indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v thou_o indeed_o believe_v that_o his_o revelation_n of_o man_n sinful_a misery_n and_o of_o his_o singular_a mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o real_a do_v thou_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v wrath_n and_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n and_o vial_n of_o vengeance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v pour_v on_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o that_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n must_v be_v thy_o assure_a portion_n as_o god_n have_v speak_v how_o can_v thou_o sit_v still_o content_a thy_o heart_n neglect_v thy_o salvation_n by_o christ_n stand_v off_o from_o the_o way_n and_o endeavour_n for_o faith_n therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o impediment_n beg_v of_o god_n to_o forgive_v and_o cure_v the_o atheism_n of_o thy_o spirit_n strive_v to_o set_v up_o the_o true_a god_n in_o thy_o understanding_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o will_v not_o lie_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o to_o do_v why_o that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o return_v from_o sin_n to_o he_o in_o christ_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v return_v he_o will_v in_o mercy_n spare_v and_o deliver_v thy_o soul_n from_o the_o pit_n because_o he_o have_v find_v a_o ransom_n but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o return_v he_o will_v bathe_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o flame_a justice_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o soul_n 2._o a_o second_o impediment_n to_o the_o get_n of_o faith_n be_v gross_a ignorance_n whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o knowledge_n that_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o faith_n for_o though_o faith_n see_v not_o its_o ground_n in_o natural_a reason_n yet_o it_o must_v have_v divine_a evidence_n to_o show_v it_o its_o object_n and_o way_n and_o cause_n or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n must_v have_v light_n for_o all_o its_o apprehensive_a operation_n for_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o the_o understanding_n to_o perceive_v and_o for_o the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v now_o this_o be_v it_o which_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o believe_v they_o be_v extreme_o ignorant_a first_o of_o their_o own_o sinful_a condition_n they_o do_v not_o know_v their_o nativity_n and_o conception_n what_o sin_n be_v nor_o what_o belong_v to_o sinner_n â—â—w_o abominable_a and_o vile_a their_o nature_n be_v without_o all_o good_a and_o like_a a_o fountain_n full_a of_o all_o wickedness_n how_o dead_a in_o trespâ—sses_n and_o sin_n how_o total_o defile_v from_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n how_o perpetual_o rebellious_a against_o every_o precept_n of_o heaven_n and_o how_o slight_v of_o the_o tender_v of_o salvation_n and_o mercy_n second_o of_o god_n just_a disposition_n towards_o the_o sinful_a person_n they_o see_v he_o not_o arm_v and_o set_v out_o against_o they_o in_o all_o the_o threaten_n and_o curse_n of_o his_o law_n as_o balaam_n in_o his_o passage_n he_o adventure_v on_o for_o he_o see_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o cleave_v he_o asunder_o so_o man_n rest_v secure_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n talk_v what_o you_o will_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n and_o of_o sin_n and_o of_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o move_v they_o know_v not_o the_o fearful_a issue_n of_o a_o natural_a and_o unbelieved_a condition_n they_o know_v not_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v they_o and_o condemn_v they_o for_o ever_o three_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o be_v whither_o god_n or_o man_n or_o both_o even_o as_o it_o please_v he_o but_o favour_o what_o he_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o passion_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o benefit_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o virtue_n they_o understand_v not_o these_o thing_n how_o god_n have_v manifest_v love_n in_o christ_n how_o christ_n manifest_v love_n to_o they_o to_o what_o end_n he_o be_v make_v man_n why_o minister_n preach_v he_o so_o much_o what_o be_v more_o in_o he_o then_o in_o any_o other_o alas_o they_o think_v not_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o not_o now_o brethren_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o to_o labour_v for_o this_o precious_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o itself_o to_o god_n to_o christ_n do_v thou_o indeed_o know_v thy_o condition_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o death_n will_v thou_o not_o make_v out_o for_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n do_v thou_o indeed_o know_v thy_o condition_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o enmity_n will_v thou_o not_o strive_v to_o get_v unto_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n so_o again_o as_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o woman_n if_o thou_o know_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v unto_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o drink_v thou_o will_v have_v ask_v of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o live_a water_n john_n 4._o 10._o o_o if_o man_n do_v know_v what_o a_o gift_n christ_n be_v if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n man_n and_o angel_n have_v study_v the_o help_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n they_o can_v never_o have_v imagine_v such_o a_o remedy_n as_o god_n find_v in_o give_v his_o own_o son_n now_o if_o man_n do_v know_v he_o aright_o what_o a_o redeemer_n what_o a_o lord_n he_o be_v what_o live_v water_n be_v in_o he_o that_o in_o he_o only_o there_o be_v life_n for_o the_o dead_a recovery_n for_o the_o sinner_n satisfaction_n for_o guilt_n sanctification_n for_o the_o soul_n atonement_n for_o trespass_n comfort_n for_o distress_n balm_n for_o wound_n salvation_n for_o their_o person_n why_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o for_o a_o drop_n at_o least_o of_o water_n for_o some_o faith_n to_o receive_v he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n 3._o a_o three_o impediment_n to_o the_o endeavour_n for_o faith_n be_v a_o vain_a confidence_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n this_o be_v it_o which_o keep_v off_o many_o of_o the_o pharisee_n the_o text_n say_v that_o they_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o righteousness_n yea_o this_o be_v call_v the_o stumble_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o cast_v they_o flat_o that_o they_o dote_v so_o on_o legal_a ability_n when_o a_o base_a heart_n have_v proud_a imagination_n of_o christ_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n from_o something_o within_o itself_o why_o it_o will_v never_o look_v after_o christ_n a_o proud_a person_n who_o have_v money_n in_o his_o house_n he_o scorn_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o his_o neighbour_n the_o proud_a sinner_n who_o conceive_v that_o all_o be_v well_o betwixt_o he_o and_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v no_o man_n wrong_v and_o none_o can_v say_v black_a be_v his_o eye_n he_o be_v neither_o whore_n not_o thief_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o best_a and_o his_o meaning_n be_v always_o honest_a and_o none_o can_v tax_v he_o for_o injustice_n and_o he_o have_v keep_v all_o god_n commandment_n as_o well_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v and_o he_o have_v have_v a_o good_a belief_n he_o thank_v god_n ever_o since_o he_o be_v bear_v i_o tell_v you_o such_o a_o person_n will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o christ_n for_o he_o in_o his_o opinion_n be_v so_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n neither_o shall_v you_o persuade_v he_o to_o mourn_v for_o his_o sin_n or_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o christ_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o vain_a confidence_n and_o to_o put_v himself_o only_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n he_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o good_a deed_n and_o by_o his_o good_a meaning_n ah_o foolish_a and_o seduce_a soul_n who_o have_v bewitch_v thou_o to_o forsake_v thy_o own_o mercy_n think_v thou_o that_o god_n will_v have_v send_v his_o only_a son_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o sinner_n if_o that_o yet_o there_o have_v be_v ability_n in_o sinful_a man_n to_o have_v purchase_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n and_o do_v thou_o see_v no_o sin_n in_o thyself_o which_o may_v therefore_o for_o ever_o thrust_v thou_o off_o from_o
thou_o shall_v see_v there_o all_o thy_o good_a set_v free_o open_a that_o god_n stand_v not_o for_o this_o nor_o for_o that_o and_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o thou_o have_v be_v there_o be_v mercy_n enough_o for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o there_o be_v grace_n to_o renew_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o present_a and_o strength_n for_o the_o future_a and_o thou_o may_v sue_v out_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o faith_n of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v and_o he_o will_v sure_o give_v it_o unto_o thou_o 3._o study_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o distance_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o thy_o soul_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o keep_v thou_o off_o and_o that_o be_v unbelief_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o thou_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v never_o offend_v i_o than_o i_o will_v have_v bestow_v my_o son_n on_o thou_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o offend_v i_o so_o much_o or_o if_o thou_o can_v bring_v any_o singular_a nature_n and_o excellent_a quality_n of_o thy_o own_o than_o i_o will_v give_v my_o son_n unto_o thou_o or_o then_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o leave_v no_o but_o all_o that_o he_o require_v be_v this_o believe_v and_o accept_v of_o my_o son_n to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o i_o will_v in_o he_o give_v thou_o pardon_v why_o now_o brethren_n this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o sore_a check_n of_o the_o match_n our_o heart_n be_v unbelieving_a we_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o this_o condition_n but_o fly_v hover_v after_o some_o unknown_a and_o devise_v method_n of_o our_o own_o 4._o study_v much_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o unbelief_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o in_o thou_o what!_o after_o all_o sense_n of_o misery_n to_o hold_v off_o from_o remedy_n not_o to_o close_v with_o god_n great_a love_n as_o if_o god_n be_v not_o wise_a enough_o to_o show_v thou_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o true_a that_o thou_o dare_v not_o to_o venture_v and_o fasten_v thy_o soul_n and_o state_n upon_o his_o word_n 5._o study_v well_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n do_v consist_v many_o obj._n person_n seem_v to_o complain_v that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n and_o sol._n can_v believe_v why_o they_o be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o faith_n they_o mistake_v faith_n exceed_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o in_o a_o sensible_a taste_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o sensible_a and_o clear_a persuasion_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v which_o because_o as_o yet_o they_o never_o have_v they_o therefore_o perplex_v themselves_o much_o about_o faith_n therefore_o inform_v thyself_o what_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o be_v the_o hearty_a accept_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o own_o condition_n if_o thy_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a lord_n to_o rule_v thou_o and_o as_o the_o only_a redeemer_n to_o save_v thou_o and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o better_a for_o worse_o through_o all_o the_o change_n which_o may_v befall_v thou_o for_o christ_n sake_n why_o this_o be_v faith_n viz._n a_o accept_n of_o his_o person_n and_o a_o repose_v of_o the_o soul_n upon_o he_o for_o its_o safety_n and_o a_o cleave_v to_o he_o upon_o all_o state_n if_o thou_o can_v find_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o sin_n which_o shall_v rule_v thou_o to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o which_o thou_o will_v resign_v thyself_o but_o christ_n be_v he_o who_o thou_o choose_v for_o to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v no_o name_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n upon_o which_o thou_o will_v put_v confidence_n for_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o discharge_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o in_o christ._n and_o upon_o he_o thy_o soul_n entire_o and_o unfeigned_o desire_v to_o rest_v itself_o thou_o have_v true_a faith_n 6._o know_v this_o and_o convince_v thyself_o of_o it_o that_o thou_o shall_v never_o hurt_v thyself_o nor_o offend_v god_n if_o thou_o can_v believe_v wherefore_o have_v god_n give_v christ_n and_o wherefore_o have_v christ_n give_v himself_o and_o wherefore_o be_v he_o now_o offer_v to_o sinner_n and_o wherefore_o be_v we_o command_v to_o believe_v if_o yet_o to_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o accept_v of_o christ_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o his_o person_n upon_o his_o own_o condition_n be_v a_o sin_n 7._o withal_o this_o beg_v fervent_o of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v persuade_v thy_o heart_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o accept_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o to_o rest_v thy_o soul_n upon_o he_o no_o man_n come_v to_o i_o say_v christ_n except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o now_o then_o o_o lord_n draw_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v run_v after_o thou_o o_o subdue_v this_o unbelieved_a heart_n and_o give_v unto_o i_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o obedience_n last_o look_v for_o this_o gift_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n there_o continual_o thou_o shall_v in_o time_n perhaps_o soon_o perhaps_o late_a find_v thy_o soul_n touch_v and_o thy_o fear_n answer_v and_o thy_o soul_n make_v exceed_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o christ_n as_o thy_o lord_n and_o to_o put_v itself_o upon_o he_o as_o thy_o saviour_n yea_o hold_v on_o in_o wait_v and_o seek_v and_o thou_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v christ_n form_v in_o thou_o and_o faith_n form_v in_o thou_o but_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v accept_v and_o trust_v this_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o safe_a course_n for_o a_o sensible_a sinner_n viz._n 1._o to_o present_v up_o his_o request_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n earnest_o beseech_v he_o to_o declare_v this_o almighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o 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for_o certain_a god_n have_v speak_v such_o good_a thing_n but_o further_o that_o he_o will_v assure_o perform_v they_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v perform_v that_o good_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n jer._n 33._o 14._o 6._o his_o performance_n of_o they_o to_o they_o that_o have_v live_v by_o faith_n when_o person_n have_v commit_v themselves_o and_o their_o condition_n unto_o he_o when_o they_o have_v trust_v upon_o his_o word_n he_o have_v not_o fail_v they_o he_o have_v make_v it_o good_a abraham_n he_o do_v live_v by_o faith_n when_o god_n promise_v he_o a_o son_n the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v his_o own_o body_n but_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n nâ—resting_v upon_o the_o sole_a goodness_n fidelity_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o god_n do_v indeed_o perform_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o not_o any_o of_o the_o 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merry_a and_o cheerful_a only_o in_o a_o sensible_a plenty_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v in_o the_o ebb_n and_o substraction_n of_o that_o by_o the_o day_n or_o year_n of_o scarcity_n and_o sensible_a distress_n if_o thou_o do_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o thy_o father_n and_o christ_n as_o thy_o plentiful_a redemption_n and_o the_o promise_n as_o a_o goodly_a portion_n and_o thy_o inheritance_n then_o the_o day_n of_o tear_n to_o other_o will_v be_v hour_n of_o thankfulness_n unto_o thou_o and_o the_o night_n of_o fear_n to_o other_o will_v be_v time_n of_o sweet_a repose_n and_o contentment_n unto_o thou_o when_o the_o spider_n web_n be_v sweep_v away_o yet_o thou_o can_v see_v the_o house_n stand_v and_o sure_a even_o in_o all_o sensible_a abstraction_n of_o the_o olive_n and_o vine_n and_o stall_n thou_o can_v yet_o rejoice_v in_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o salvation_n for_o the_o place_n of_o thy_o defence_n be_v the_o munition_n of_o rock_n bread_n shall_v be_v give_v 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good_a and_o only_o will_v the_o believer_n to_o be_v upright_o and_o diligent_a and_o so_o to_o trust_v upon_o he_o he_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o grace_n and_o strength_n and_o comfort_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n a_o three_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o manage_v the_o unbeliever_n he_o will_v like_o the_o prodigal_a have_v all_o the_o estate_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o will_v trust_v upon_o himself_o he_o dare_v not_o settle_v on_o god_n for_o he_o fear_v he_o he_o suspect_v he_o he_o think_v very_o god_n will_v not_o do_v he_o good_a but_o he_o will_v fail_v but_o the_o believer_n know_v who_o he_o have_v trust_v god_n be_v
and_o now_o i_o labour_v to_o be_v assure_v now_o i_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v have_v subscribe_v to_o all_o the_o proposition_n and_o article_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o now_o christ_n be_v i_o and_o i_o do_v by_o the_o word_n convince_v my_o soul_n that_o so_o it_o must_v be_v for_o thus_o i_o argue_v with_o my_o soul_n whosoever_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v in_o christ_n assure_o christ_n be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v christ_n but_o i_o do_v this_o ergo_fw-la christ_n be_v i_o i_o can_v make_v so_o short_a a_o cut_n as_o the_o presumptuous_a person_n do_v christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n therefore_o for_o i_o god_n be_v merciful_a therefore_o my_o sin_n be_v pardon_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n o_o no_o there_o be_v a_o orderly_a progress_n in_o true_a assurance_n it_o do_v not_o saltum_fw-la facere_fw-la stride_v over_o to_o extreme_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v a_o lease_n draw_v and_o present_o conclude_v the_o house_n be_v i_o the_o land_n be_v i_o no_o but_o he_o must_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o weigh_v thing_n and_o subscribe_v and_o seal_v to_o the_o condition_n and_o then_o he_o may_v safe_o and_o bold_o say_v that_o they_o be_v he_o so_o must_v the_o soul_n hearken_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n understand_v both_o the_o precious_a offer_n and_o the_o peculiar_a condition_n of_o christ_n then_o he_o must_v consent_v unto_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o sin_n and_o to_o yield_v up_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o persuade_v he_o of_o his_o particular_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o look_v up_o steadfast_o and_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o other_o consecrate_a mean_n thus_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o upon_o these_o ground_n do_v it_o settle_v the_o 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a_o most_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o be_v and_o only_a believer_n have_v it_o though_o all_o reach_v not_o yet_o unto_o it_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o another_o enquiry_n sect_n ii_o quest_n 2._o whether_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v have_v sol._n the_o papist_n will_v not_o hear_v of_o it_o by_o any_o mean_n some_o of_o they_o unless_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n they_o conceive_v that_o faith_n be_v notable_a to_o raise_v the_o mind_n beyond_o a_o moral_a hope_n and_o conjecture_v and_o many_o lewd_a and_o lazy_a protestant_n shake_v hand_n with_o they_o in_o that_o opinion_n but_o i_o will_v clear_v it_o unto_o you_o that_o every_o believer_n may_v come_v to_o this_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o possible_a thing_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o believer_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v assure_v yet_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o particular_a interest_n and_o this_o i_o will_v evidence_n easy_o 1._o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o persuasion_n they_o say_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o elevate_v the_o understanding_n and_o that_o same_o be_v a_o truth_n for_o it_o do_v new_a temper_n the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_n but_o not_o overthrow_v their_o substantial_a nature_n and_o ability_n now_o this_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o power_n of_o reflection_n be_v natural_a to_o the_o understanding_n it_o be_v such_o a_o faculty_n which_o be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o its_o own_o act_n and_o its_o own_o state_n yea_o and_o persuasion_n by_o way_n of_o certainty_n the_o understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v by_o knowledge_n and_o sense_n and_o experience_n make_v most_o assure_o certain_a about_o many_o object_n and_o conclusion_n now_o because_o faith_n do_v not_o destory_n but_o elevate_v the_o mind_n it_o may_v by_o faith_n come_v to_o a_o persuasion_n and_o reflection_n 2._o again_o to_o urge_v thing_n as_o yet_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n faith_n can_v see_v as_o strong_a reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v and_o settle_v the_o mind_n and_o assure_v it_o as_o the_o philosopher_n can_v to_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o certainty_n of_o his_o conclusion_n the_o mind_n persuasion_n depend_v natural_o upon_o strong_a evidence_n and_o the_o power_n of_o argument_n now_o faith_n can_v bring_v as_o strong_a argument_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v the_o mind_n for_o its_o argument_n depend_v upon_o two_o strong_a testimony_n one_o of_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n the_o other_o on_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o renew_a conscience_n ergo_fw-la 3._o god_n will_v not_o promise_v that_o to_o a_o believer_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o believer_n to_o rise_v unto_o forasmuch_o as_o promise_n be_v of_o thing_n as_o future_a they_o be_v the_o undertake_n of_o good_a thing_n which_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v perform_v now_o every_o future_a thing_n be_v a_o possible_a thing_n that_o which_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v but_o this_o personal_a evidence_n or_o assurance_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v ezek._n 34._o 30._o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n be_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o even_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v my_o people_n hos_fw-la 2._o 19_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v etc._n etc._n verse_n 23._o i_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v our_o god_n 4._o i_o spare_v to_o add_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o its_o reflection_n on_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o that_o persuasive_a virtue_n in_o a_o renew_a conscience_n and_o the_o many_o experience_n in_o many_o christian_n who_o have_v attain_v unâ—â—â—his_v assurance_n all_o which_o do_v clear_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n possible_a that_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v able_a to_o force_v in_o a_o believe_a soul_n that_o which_o many_o a_o believe_a soul_n have_v attain_v unto_o that_o same_o be_v a_o possible_a thing_n but_o etc._n etc._n ergo._n sect_n iii_o quest_n 3._o whither_o every_o believer_n shall_v strive_v to_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n sol._n i_o will_v premise_v only_o a_o thing_n or_o two_o one_o be_v that_o some_o duty_n concern_v all_o man_n at_o all_o time_n and_o immediate_o as_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o believe_v other_o duty_n concern_v some_o man_n and_o those_o in_o a_o order_n and_o mediate_o as_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o man_n particular_a interest_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a duty_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v a_o man_n mere_o as_o a_o absolute_a sinner_n for_o a_o man_n who_o be_v unconvert_v and_o yet_o unbelieved_a be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v he_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o a_o lie_n no_o but_o he_o must_v first_o be_v a_o believer_n he_o must_v accept_v of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n and_o be_v a_o believer_n i_o say_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o labour_n for_o particular_a assurance_n not_o to_o let_v the_o real_a interest_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o and_o of_o his_o soul_n in_o christ_n to_o hang_v hover_v and_o in_o dispute_n but_o to_o determine_v they_o by_o particular_a and_o personal_a evidence_n again_o premise_v this_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speed_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la what_o every_o believer_n have_v and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o speak_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la what_o every_o believer_n shall_v have_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v christ_n can_v be_v yet_o assure_v and_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v i_o but_o then_o as_o christ_n
always_o hold_v if_o the_o sun_n be_v up_o it_o be_v day_n but_o this_o now_o learning_n be_v or_o shall_v simile_n simile_n be_v a_o antecedent_n to_o preferment_n it_o shall_v go_v before_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o every_o one_o who_o gain_v learning_n shall_v enjoy_v preferment_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o antecedent_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o faith_n yet_o they_o alone_o do_v not_o formal_o and_o assure_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n have_v faith_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n he_o can_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n he_o have_v some_o historical_a evidence_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o else_o he_o can_v take_v he_o to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n yet_o this_o knowledge_n do_v not_o infallible_o conclude_v justify_v and_o save_v faith_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o devil_n and_o hypocrite_n may_v see_v much_o of_o christ_n they_o may_v have_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o intellectual_a apprehension_n again_o a_o man_n can_v by_o faith_n take_v christ_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n unless_o he_o have_v some_o sensibleness_n of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n our_o heart_n will_v not_o look_v towards_o christ_n it_o can_v conceive_v of_o his_o excellency_n nor_o of_o his_o own_o necessity_n until_o we_o feel_v our_o sinfulness_n and_o lostnesse_n and_o vileness_n the_o whole_a neither_o need_n nor_o look_v for_o a_o physician_n yet_o a_o person_n may_v be_v sensible_a of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n he_o may_v not_o only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n apprehend_v some_o broad_a and_o stir_a enormity_n but_o he_o may_v by_o a_o smart_n and_o quick_a light_n let_v in_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n discern_v heap_n of_o wickedness_n in_o his_o life_n and_o heart_n for_o which_o his_o conscience_n may_v sting_v he_o with_o wonderful_o bitter_a accusation_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o person_n possible_o may_v not_o rise_v from_o trouble_n to_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o cain_n and_o judas_n so_o then_o remember_v this_o that_o in_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n for_o faith_n you_o do_v not_o conclude_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o habit_n from_o the_o common_a antecedent_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o much_o as_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o contingent_a consequent_a of_o they_o sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v sometime_o it_o do_v not_o as_o in_o marriage_n sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v the_o motion_n which_o be_v make_v and_o sometime_o it_o do_v not_o so_o the_o espouse_v of_o our_o soul_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v knowledge_n sometime_o it_o do_v not_o sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v not_o for_o all_o have_v hear_v yet_o who_o have_v believe_v say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 10._o sometime_o it_o do_v follow_v the_o motion_n and_o inward_a excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o sometime_o it_o do_v not_o 2._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o faith_n only_o do_v produce_v yet_o because_o it_o do_v not_o produce_v they_o always_o a_o man_n therefore_o must_v not_o negative_o conclude_v from_o the_o absence_n of_o they_o the_o absence_n of_o faith_n you_o know_v that_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a fruit_n of_o faith_n therefore_o faith_n the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a there_o be_v nothing_o which_o can_v present_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a such_o full_a cause_n of_o joy_n as_o faith_n such_o a_o god_n such_o a_o christ_n such_o a_o love_n such_o a_o blood_n such_o a_o mercy_n such_o happiness_n such_o unmixed_a and_o proper_a and_o suitable_a good_a there_o be_v a_o carnal_a joy_n which_o sparkle_v from_o the_o cup_n of_o pleasure_n and_o there_o be_v a_o glister_a joy_n which_o the_o ray_n of_o gold_n may_v produce_v and_o there_o be_v a_o beastly_a joy_n which_o the_o fulfil_n of_o sinful_a lust_n may_v send_v forth_o and_o there_o be_v a_o flash_a and_o transient_a joy_n which_o the_o pride_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v dart_v out_o but_o sound_v and_o weighty_a and_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o be_v a_o well_o ground_v and_o not_o to_o be_v repent_v affect_v of_o the_o heart_n that_o come_v only_o from_o faith_n yet_o it_o come_v from_o faith_n as_o a_o separable_a effect_n look_v as_o trouble_v and_o sorrow_n be_v a_o contingent_a antecedent_n so_o even_o in_o actu_fw-la imperato_fw-la true_a joy_n be_v a_o separable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o branch_n and_o green_a leaf_n do_v sprout_v out_o of_o the_o live_a root_n only_o yet_o this_o colour_n do_v not_o appear_v at_o all_o time_n though_o the_o blade_n come_v only_o from_o the_o grain_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n yet_o you_o can_v always_o observe_v the_o blade_n though_o the_o flesh_n and_o natural_a complexion_n flow_v only_o from_o health_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v sad_a occasion_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o extinguish_v health_n may_v yet_o foul_a and_o blubber_v the_o complexion_n so_o even_o the_o believe_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v a_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n a_o handkerchief_n in_o his_o hand_n a_o sigh_n in_o his_o breast_n and_o yet_o have_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n he_o may_v sit_v down_o in_o ash_n and_o feed_v on_o tear_n as_o david_n do_v and_o for_o all_o this_o he_o may_v be_v a_o true_a believer_n he_o be_v not_o always_o able_a to_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o joy_n nor_o to_o break_v through_o the_o contrariety_n to_o his_o faith_n nor_o to_o remove_v the_o quashing_n of_o his_o comfort_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v to_o try_v yourselves_o about_o your_o faith_n do_v not_o make_v a_o negative_a inference_n from_o separable_a evidence_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o faith_n only_o do_v produce_v not_o as_o essential_a property_n but_o as_o magnificent_a testimony_n the_o moral_a philosopher_n distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o effect_n and_o act_n of_o liberality_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o consider_v and_o as_o it_o be_v eminent_o consider_v be_v raise_v to_o magnificence_n to_o give_v a_o farthing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o circumstance_n of_o morality_n even_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o liberality_n but_o to_o build_v a_o college_n this_o be_v now_o a_o act_n of_o liberality_n grow_v into_o the_o greatness_n of_o magnificence_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o come_v from_o it_o absolute_o consider_v according_a to_o the_o vital_a constitution_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v other_o fruit_n which_o come_v from_o it_o eminent_o consider_v faith_n be_v come_v to_o a_o height_n to_o a_o strength_n when_o it_o send_v they_o forth_o though_o a_o child_n can_v bear_v a_o burden_n of_o a_o hundred_o pound_n weight_n yet_o he_o can_v desire_v the_o breast_n and_o suck_v the_o bear_n of_o such_o a_o burden_n belong_v to_o strength_n and_o yet_o the_o very_a suck_a show_n that_o he_o have_v life_n though_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o able_a in_o all_o respect_n at_o all_o time_n with_o all_o moderation_n and_o silence_n to_o pass_v present_o through_o every_o heavy_a occurrence_n which_o show_v strength_n of_o faith_n yet_o his_o heart_n may_v most_o affectionate_o cling_v about_o christ_n which_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n assurance_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o a_o eminent_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v a_o more_o habitual_a fruit_n 3._o eminent_a fruit_n steadfastness_n of_o quiet_a submission_n and_o confidence_n in_o all_o estate_n &_o condition_n and_o so_o be_v that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o time_n of_o strong_a contrariety_n now_o as_o divine_n shall_v wary_o open_v their_o lip_n so_o shall_v you_o wise_o distinguish_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n some_o be_v if_o i_o may_v so_o term_v they_o essential_a and_o other_o be_v eminent_a some_o there_o be_v which_o discover_v the_o truth_n other_o which_o testify_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o show_v unto_o you_o the_o property_n of_o a_o man_n another_o thing_n to_o show_v unto_o you_o the_o property_n of_o a_o strong_a man_n many_o a_o poor_a christian_a have_v be_v deep_o gravel_a â—â—_o other_o and_o extreme_o afflict_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n for_o want_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o the_o property_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o read_v and_o have_v hear_v what_o admirable_a and_o singular_a fruit_n and_o effect_n faith_n have_v send_v out_o as_o assurance_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o with_o these_o some_o glorious_a