Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n believe_v lord_n unbelief_n 5,320 5 10.6764 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A89336 The touch-stone of conversion. Or, Marks of true faith. Wherein the impenitent sinner is rowsed. True beleever discovered. And doubting saint resolved. / By that excellent man of God now in heaven, Mr. Arthur Morton Scotch man. Morton, Arthur, Scotch man. 1647 (1647) Wing M2820; Thomason E1141_1; ESTC R210080 110,861 289

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a_o word_n they_o may_v know_v grosser_n sin_n but_o not_o lesser_a as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o christ_n interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n yea_o paul_n say_v i_o know_v not_o concupiscence_n to_o be_v sin_n but_o by_o the_o law_n the_o natural_a man_n light_n or_o sight_n of_o sin_n be_v like_o a_o ordinary_a light_n which_o discern_v gross_a palpable_a filthiness_n but_o will_v not_o discover_v moat_n but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n light_n be_v like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o discover_v very_a moat_n which_o a_o ordinary_a light_n will_v not_o discover_v 2._o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n they_o see_v their_o faith_n love_n repentance_n fear_v to_o be_v weak_a i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n i_o love_v lord_n help_v my_o love_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n thus_o they_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o wicked_a and_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o so_o but_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n they_o think_v they_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o so_o look_v to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o man_n o_o why_o fear_v i_o not_o love_v i_o not_o god_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o work_v he_o give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o unrighteousness_n even_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o best_a action_n our_o righteousness_n be_v like_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n say_v the_o prophet_n when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v do_v say_v that_o you_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n they_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n and_o they_o see_v so_o manifold_a imperfection_n defect_n corruption_n in_o their_o best_a action_n ●o_o that_o instead_o of_o merit_v by_o they_o they_o think_v it_o a_o mercy_n not_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o their_o heart_n rest_v not_o till_o they_o fly_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n to_o he_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o holy_a thing_n who_o perfume_v the_o very_a prayer_n of_o his_o saint_n with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n the_o ungodly_a not_o so_o the_o hypocrite_n please_v himself_o with_o the_o work_n do_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n care_v not_o for_o the_o manner_n according_a to_o that_o the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n ponder_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi not_o only_o please_v but_o puff_v up_o with_o good_a service_n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n etc._n etc._n the_o papist_n think_v to_o merit_v no_o less_o than_o heaven_n by_o they_o and_o that_o to_o other_o now_o the_o application_n be_v easy_a 1._o for_o comfort_n first_o of_o all_o have_v thou_o get_v indeed_o a_o sight_n of_o thy_o sinfulness_n corruption_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n corruption_n of_o the_o several_a faculty_n of_o thy_o sinful_a nature_n so_o that_o from_o the_o heart_n &_o condiscend_v upon_o particular_n thou_o can_v say_v that_o thou_o a●●_n sinful_a o_o than_o thou_o be_v in_o case_n for_o the_o physician_n the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o these_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o ●ee_o their_o spiritual_a sickness_n thou_o be_v one_o who_o christ_n call_v i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n that_o be_v that_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n behold_v he_o call_v thou_o 2._o have_v thou_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o thy_o own_o gracelessness_n and_o want_n o_o than_o thou_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o so_o bless_v thou_o be_v in_o a_o better_a case_n than_o those_o of_o laodicea_n 3._o see_v thou_o the_o imperfection_n of_o thy_o best_a service_n thou_o be_v not_o like_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o hypocrite_n who_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o work_n do_v who_o 1._o ponder_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n 2._o a_o token_n thou_o res●s_v not_o upon_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o do_v labour_v after_o the_o power_n 3._o thou_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n now_o for_o conviction_n o_o but_o thou_o who_o 1_o see_v not_o thy_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n may_v well_o for_o the_o fashion_n confess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o can_v not_o condescend_v to_o particular_n or_o if_o to_o any_o it_o be_v but_o to_o outward_a gross_a one_o which_o the_o natural_a mind_n may_v see_v but_o see_v not_o the_o whore_v of_o the_o heart_n unthankfulness_n impenitency_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thou_o who_o think_v that_o thou_o believe_v love_v fear_v sufficienly_a and_o do_v never_o find_v the_o weakness_n of_o these_o thou_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attain_v to_o the_o very_a first_o degree_n of_o blessedness_n thou_o be_v not_o poor_a in_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v not_o the_o very_a first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n thou_o have_v not_o get_v the_o eyesalve_n and_o three_o thou_o who_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o thy_o service_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v they_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o get_v they_o right_o perform_v when_o thou_o be_v about_o they_o 1._o thou_o i_o say_v pondere_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o thy_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n 2._o thou_o have_v but_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3._o thou_o worship_v not_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o show_n and_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o draw_v ●eer_n with_o the_o lip_n etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o second_o mark_n of_o true_a humiliation_n and_o of_o that_o preparatory_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v before_o faith_n be_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o one_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n justice_n anger_n threaten_n judgement_n against_o he_o for_o they_o fear_n go_v before_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n before_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o lord_n he_o first_o put_v his_o fear_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o these_o in_o who_o he_o work_v effectual_o by_o his_o spirit_n even_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o otherways_o they_o will_v never_o prize_v his_o mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n they_o will_v never_o be_v humble_v for_o bypass_a sin_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v save_v according_a to_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v as_o also_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o and_o also_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o awe_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o other_o main_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n work_v this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n and_o fear_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n according_a to_o that_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o see_v then_o if_o you_o have_v this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o a_o token_n that_o one_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v always_o but_o take_v heed_n that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o constant_a fear_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n for_o even_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v some_o fear_n of_o commit_v sin_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o right_a fear_n now_o try_v it_o by_o the_o two_o mark_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v god_n fear_n i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o the_o wicked_a man_n i_o say_v he_o may_v have_v some_o fear_n of_o commit_v sin_n but_o this_o his_o fear_n 1._o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o stand_v not_o to_o commit_v small_a sin_n that_o man_n count_v small_a i_o mean_v as_o to_o ban_v swear_v be_v profane_a in_o discourse_n miscall_v his_o neighbour_n and_o he_o stand_v not_o also_o to_o commit_v secret_a sin_n entertain_v sin_n in_o his_o thought_n omit_v secret_a duty_n though_o both_o these_o be_v offensive_a to_o the_o lord_n who_o see_v not_o then_o that_o this_o his_o fear_n be_v a_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n do_v thou_o commi●_n little_a sin_n do_v thou_o entertain_v any_o secret_a si●_n though_o but_o in_o thy_o thought_n thou_o have_v never_o have_v this_o fear_n which_o be_v a●m●ke_o go_v before_o faith_n then_o sh●ll_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a whe●_n i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n again_o a_o wicked_a man_n
drive_v we_o from_o infidelity_n so_o do_v they_o clear_o testify_v the_o lord_n great_a willingness_n to_o have_v poor_a sinner_n save_v which_o be_v also_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v for_o not_o only_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o here_o be_v our_o fault_n about_o this_o point_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o save_v we_o we_o will_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o run_v to_o his_o secret_a will_n so_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n for_o which_o his_o revealed_z will_n afford_v we_o such_o plentiful_a ground_n and_o so_o needless_o perplex_v ourselves_o for_o secret_a it_o be_v and_o secret_a it_o must_v be_v we_o shall_v hold_v ourselves_o then_o to_o the_o lord_n reveal_v will_n and_o not_o pry_v into_o his_o secret_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v enjoin_v by_o these_o two_o place_n especial_o to_o wit_n deut._n 29._o v._n last_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n even_o all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o as_o also_o rom._n 10._o cite_v out_o of_o deut._n 30._o say_v not_o in_o thy_o hea●t_n who_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o say_v it_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o unto_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n even_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o preach_v so_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o our_o believe_a or_o persuasion_n concern_v our_o election_n and_o salvation_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o save_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v to_o the_o secret_a will_n of_o god_n thus_o perplex_v ourselves_o but_o we_o shall_v betake_v we_o to_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o that_o two_o way_n to_o wit_n 1._o to_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n rom._n 10._o or_o of_o promise_n cleave_v unto_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v of_o our_o faith_n 2._o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 29._o thus_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well_o do_v and_o evidence_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o work_v by_o love_n 2_o pet._n 2._o for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o etc._n etc._n will_v you_o then_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o it_o the_o way_n to_o be_v save_v be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a the_o way_n to_o know_v if_o thou_o believe_v be_v by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v look_v if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o both_o these_o two_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a place_n rom._n 10._o this_o be_v also_o clear_a that_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v to_o leave_v the_o lord_n secret_a will_n and_o to_o hold_v we_o to_o his_o reveal_v will_v 2_o tim._n 2._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o lord_n foundation_n stand_v sure_a the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o q._n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v true_a who_o be_v his_o but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v this_o also_o myself_o if_o i_o be_v one_o of_o he_o a._n this_o be_v his_o seal_n let_v he_o that_o love_v christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n try_v thyself_o by_o this_o his_o seal_n so_o then_o perplex_v not_o thyself_o with_o the_o lord_n secret_a will_n but_o 1_o believe_v thou_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v near_o unto_o thou_o then_o thy_o faith_n have_v save_v thou_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n will_v thou_o again_o know_v whether_o thy_o faith_n be_v true_a see_v if_o thou_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o thou_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v a_o seal_a soul_n but_o if_o thou_o cast_v off_o fear_n and_o restraine_v prayer_n job_n 15._o then_o thou_o be_v not_o right_a a_o four_o notable_a mean_a and_o prop_n and_o seed_n of_o faith_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o to_o strengthen_v it_o be_v the_o plentiful_a promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n these_o well_o consider_v shall_v mighty_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n have_v we_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n for_o any_o business_n will_v we_o not_o rest_n and_o repose_v upon_o it_o and_o will_v it_o not_o breed_v in_o we_o and_o beget_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n about_o the_o thing_n promise_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o be_v make_v sure_a of_o this_o point_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o so_o many_o promise_n so_o often_o renew_v of_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o not_o only_o will_v not_o but_o can_v lie_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v will_v we_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n and_o will_v not_o we_o rest_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o that_o we_o have_v both_o his_o word_n and_o his_o writ_n for_o it_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o call_v by_o moses_n deut._n 32.4_o and_o 7._o v._o 9_o say_v emphatical_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o faithful_a god_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n he_o style_v himself_o abundant_a in_o truth_n exod._n 34._o great_a be_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o psal_n 46._o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n christ_n be_v call_v truth_n itself_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o faithful_a witness_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o promise_n no_o let_v we_o with_o sarah_n judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v that_o so_o we_o may_v by_o faith_n also_o with_o she_o obtain_v the_o thing_n promise_v his_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o mean_a but_o for_o the_o further_o stir_v up_o of_o our_o backward_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o believe_v let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n about_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n 1._o their_o pregnancy_n and_o pithinesse_n 2._o their_o largeness_n and_o extent_n 1._o then_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o pregnant_a and_o pithy_a the_o more_o to_o persuade_v and_o win_v upon_o our_o untoward_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o lord_n simple_o promise_v to_o pardon_v our_o iniquity_n but_o he_o promise_v to_o blot_v they_o out_o isa_n 43._o and_o col._n 3._o the_o same_o phrase_n be_v use_v to_o blot_v out_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o give_v we_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o debt_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o because_o that_o may_v seem_v not_o sure_a for_o that_o may_v haply_o be_v lose_v therefore_o he_o will_v destroy_v the_o bond_n itself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o bring_v forth_o against_o we_o even_o blot_v it_o out_o moreover_o lest_o blot_v out_o shall_v not_o seem_v sufficient_o sure_a for_o some_o letter_n may_v remain_v and_o the_o whole_a purpose_n may_v be_v take_v up_o by_o these_o few_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n ezek._n 36._o i_o will_v cleanse_v you_o from_o your_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 1._o i_o will_v make_v you_o as_o the_o wool_n further_o lest_o even_o after_o wash_v some_o stain_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o three_o room_n he_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v our_o transgression_n psal_n 32._o as_o also_o 85._o o_o but_o will_v you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o pierce_a eye_n and_o will_v see_v through_o any_o cover_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o his_o cast_v our_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n that_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o can_v be_v see_v may_v yet_o be_v remember_v what_o can_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n a._n this_o he_o promise_v and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o he_o will_v not_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n the_o word_n be_v very_o emphatical_a lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o fault_n once_o forget_v may_v be_v again_o call_v to_o memory_n therefore_o he_o say_v express_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o once_o forget_v and_o ever_o forget_v in_o that_o day_n the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n shall_v be_v seek_v for_o
the_o hard_a condition_n that_o can_v befall_v it_o for_o what_o be_v other_o cross_n which_o be_v to_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n &_o what_o be_v other_o comfort_n so_o long_o as_o the_o main_a i●_n want_v that_o soul_n have_v more_o than_o good_a reason_n cheerful_o and_o careful_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v bestow_v so_o precious_a a_o pearl_n upon_o it_o but_o alas_o i_o miss_v all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o my_o case_n be_v most_o doleful_a p._n 188_o indeed_o i_o may_v just_o accuse_v myself_o that_o my_o pray_n have_v not_o be_v so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o fervent_a so_o constant_a nor_o so_o earnest_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o i_o have_v often_o pray_v and_o as_o earnest_o as_o i_o can_v and_o find_v but_o little_a increase_n either_o of_o faith_n itself_o or_o of_o these_o mark_n of_o faith_n p._n 190._o i_o dare_v not_o apply_v the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n to_o myself_o i_o think_v they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o although_o very_o sweet_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o because_o i_o fi●d_v not_o these_o mark_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o god_n child_n now_o the_o promise_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o p._n 198._o 205._o 248._o whether_o our_o good_a work_n and_o sanctification_n of_o ●ife_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o mark_v of_o assurance_n p._n 200_o i_o have_v spend_v all_o my_o day_n in_o sin_v so_o that_o just_o i_o may_v fear_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v expire_v the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v p._n 213_o i_o continual_o slide_v back_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n daily_o p._n 215._o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v why_o may_v not_o i_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o p._n 219._o but_o you_o will_v say_v although_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v the_o first_o yet_o when_o we_o break_v with_o he_o as_o we_o do_v continual_o will_v not_o the_o lord_n then_o as_o he_o may_v most_o just_o break_v with_o we_o and_o so_o alter_v the_o covenant_n p._n 244._o i_o hear_v that_o upon_o my_o repentance_n i_o shall_v have_v access_n to_o this_o precious_a covenant_n though_o after_o 70._o time_n 7._o time_n sin_v yea_o infinite_o often_o for_o god_n way_n be_v not_o like_o man_n way_n but_o be_v above_o they_o as_o far_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o also_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v pain_n with_o i_o to_o bring_v i_o to_o repentance_n will_v visit_v i_o with_o the_o rod_n etc._n etc._n o_o but_o what_o if_o i_o continue_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n if_o i_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v no_o not_o by_o rod_n and_o so_o fall_v away_o altogether_o p._n 228._o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sureness_n everlastingnes_n and_o steadfastnesse_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ready_a to_o fast_a security_n and_o to_o prove_v a_o obstruction_n to_o christian_a obedience_n p._n 249._o when_o i_o consider_v this_o sureness_n and_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o covenant_n sure_o i_o must_v think_v they_o happy_a that_o have_v propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o i_o fear_v that_o i_o have_v none_o p._n 251_o o_o but_o i_o be_o so_o unworthy_a guilty_a sinful_a graceless_a i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o i_o p._n 252_o o_o but_o this_o covenant_n promise_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o new_a heart_n be_v cleanse_v from_o my_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n those_o thing_n i_o find_v not_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o just_o i_o doubt_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n belong_v not_o to_o i_o see_v the_o other_o promise_n of_o sanctification_n be_v not_o accomplish_v p._n 255._o o_o but_o i_o fail_v in_o these_o two_o i_o can_v believe_v nor_o pray_v as_o i_o shall_v and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v to_o come_v short_a of_o these_o precious_a promise_n p._n 261._o o_o but_o i_o be_o so_o unworthy_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v it_o belong_v to_o i_o so_o graceless_a and_o so_o full_a of_o want_n so_o full_a of_o bypass_a guiltiness_n of_o present_a sinfulness_n p._n 264._o o_o but_o i_o want_v the_o condition_n that_o shall_v be_v on_o my_o part_n i_o can_v believe_v i_o can_v repent_v how_o shall_v i_o then_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n see_v it_o be_v at_o what_o time_n a_o sinner_n repent_v the_o lord_n will_v do_v away_o his_o iniquity_n p._n 264._o the_o touchstone_n of_o conversion_n or_o the_o mark_n of_o true_a faith_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n q._n what_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o whereof_o ourselves_o be_v so_o slack_a and_o so_o secure_a to_o discharge_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n diligent_o and_o without_o delay_n a._n i._o you_o shall_v serious_o consider_v the_o doleful_a and_o dreadful_a case_n of_o those_o who_o want_v this_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n which_o certain_o if_o true_o believe_v thorough_o see_v and_o due_o think_v upon_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a and_o lamentable_a condition_n for_o it_o be_v full_a of_o sinfulness_n and_o guiltiness_n they_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes_n 2.7_o yea_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o devil_n rom._n 6.16_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n ephes_n 2.13_o now_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n even_o in_o this_o life_n psal_n 90.11_o beside_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o thes_n 5.10_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a kind_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o they_o ephes_n 2.12_o which_o be_v lamentable_a as_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o favour_n but_o which_o be_v due_o consider_v be_v most_o dreadful_a they_o have_v the_o infinite_o holy_a just_a powerful_a sovereign_a god_n for_o their_o unreconciled_a enemy_n col._n 1.21_o which_o make_v they_o liable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n or_o clear_o to_o set_v down_o unto_o you_o the_o fearful_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o want_v this_o true_a faith_n they_o be_v without_o the_o right_n and_o interest_n of_o all_o blessing_n spiritual_a temporal_a or_o eternal_a and_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a if_o their_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o see_v it_o first_o i_o say_v they_o be_v without_o right_n or_o interest_n to_o any_o blessing_n or_o favour_n for_o for_o spiritual_a favour_n they_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o they_o they_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n without_o christ_n or_o god_n in_o the_o world_n ephe._n 2.12_o for_o temporal_a blessing_n they_o may_v well_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o 1._o without_o right_n to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v without_o christ_n 2._o without_o any_o assurance_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v without_o the_o promise_n 3._o they_o but_o tend_v to_o their_o conviction_n their_o table_n be_v a_o snare_n to_o they_o and_o so_o all_o thing_n else_o as_o all_o evil_n work_v for_o the_o best_a to_o god_n child_n so_o all_o good_a thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o worst_a to_o they_o and_o for_o eternal_a blessing_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n they_o shall_v be_v without_o be_v debar_v from_o that_o celestial_a jerusalem_n rev._n 22.15_o they_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 2.23_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n &_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n then_o shall_v they_o be_v thrust_v out_o luke_n 13.28_o as_o they_o have_v not_o interest_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n as_o be_v stranger_n from_o he_o so_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n as_o be_v his_o enemy_n 1._o to_o spiritual_a judgement_n blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n of_o heart_n vileness_n of_o affection_n benumbedness_n of_o conscience_n a_o man_n that_o want_v this_o true_a save_a faith_n all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n be_v sinful_a without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v think_v speak_a do_v he_o be_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n upon_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v his_o plough_v be_v sin_n and_o so_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o call_n all_o his_o
now_o will_v such_o person_n consider_v that_o these_o very_a condition_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o and_o that_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v undertake_v to_o do_v they_o for_o we_o both_o his_o part_n and_o we_o and_o have_v undertake_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v repent_v fear_v love_n seek_v by_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o inherit_v of_o those_o precious_a promise_n when_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o accomplish_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o in_o we_o what_o can_v be_v more_o comfortable_a than_o this_o it_o give_v rest_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o excellency_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a and_o impossible_a as_o far_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n as_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a and_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v to_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n but_o herein_o stand_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n above_o the_o old_a that_o the_o law_n promise_v upon_o condition_n but_o do_v not_o promise_v nor_o give_v strength_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n whereas_o the_o gospel_n and_o new_a covenant_n not_o only_o promise_n upon_o condition_n but_o also_o promise_n and_o give_v strength_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n itself_o to_o wit_n faith_n repentance_n the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n the_o fear_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 8._o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n to_o wit_n because_o here_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n the_o lord_n give_v unto_o we_o absolute_a promise_n not_o only_o upon_o condition_n but_o even_o the_o very_a condition_n itself_o promise_v not_o only_o to_o do_v his_o own_o part_n but_o our_o part_n also_o these_o be_v indeed_o better_a promise_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o say_v they_o abide_v not_o in_o that_o covenant_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o why_o because_o they_o undertake_v fair_o for_o themselves_o we_o will_v do_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n command_v we_o but_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n know_v their_o weakness_n and_o the_o rather_o of_o their_o undertake_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n within_o they_o but_o for_o this_o covenant_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o they_o for_o i_o will_v do_v their_o part_n also_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n this_o so_o main_a a_o point_n shall_v be_v more_o teach_v and_o more_o consider_v for_o it_o be_v the_o very_o uphold_v of_o a_o christian_a soul_n a_o notable_a encouragement_n in_o the_o course_n of_o sanctification_n for_o now_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o look_v careful_o what_o grace_n thou_o want_v and_o then_o to_o look_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o such_o a_o grace_n and_o have_v find_v the_o promise_n thou_o shall_v labour_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o then_o with_o that_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n bestow_v thou_o shall_v present_v thy_o daily_a petition_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o that_o grace_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o thou_o out_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o jesus_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n patient_o confident_o fervent_o and_o constant_o prosecute_a thy_o suit_n from_o day_n to_o day_n until_o the_o lord_n satisfy_v thou_o which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v if_o thou_o thus_o continue_v only_o thou_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o wit_n to_o believe_v and_o fervent_o to_o seek_v for_o these_o two_o the_o lord_n require_v open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 18.10_o to_o wit_n in_o a_o enlarge_a desire_n and_o 2._o by_o faith_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ezek._n 36.37_o i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o this_o be_v subjoin_v to_o all_o these_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o promise_n but_o we_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n of_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o seek_v you_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v not_o at_o least_o not_o so_o fervent_o and_o upright_o as_o you_o shall_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a avail_n much_o if_o it_o be_v fervent_a if_o thou_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a obj._n o_o but_o i_o fail_v in_o these_o two_o i_o can_v believe_v nor_o pray_v as_o i_o shall_v and_o therefore_o i_o fear_v to_o come_v short_a of_o these_o precious_a promise_n a._n indeed_o we_o fail_v all_o too_o much_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o seek_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v miracle_n and_o wonder_n for_o so_o indeed_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o promise_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o subdue_a of_o our_o strong_a fast_n hang_v on_o corruption_n or_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o and_o have_v continue_v long_o under_o such_o a_o sense_n o_o when_o shall_v i_o get_v such_o a_o corruption_n subdue_v when_o such_o a_o grace_n wrought_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v execede_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o ask_v or_o think_v able_a to_o make_v all_o grace_n to_o abound_v towards_o we_o for_o his_o power_n and_o then_o for_o his_o willingness_n more_o willing_a to_o bestow_v than_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o seek_v give_v liberal_o to_o all_o and_o upbraid_v none_o counsel_v thou_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o get_v fine_a gold_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o two_o notable_a prop_n of_o thy_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n but_o for_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n thou_o can_v not_o come_v to_o believe_v nor_o to_o seek_v as_o thou_o shall_v and_o therefore_o thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o the_o promise_n even_o these_o two_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v promise_v to_o wit_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n be_v clear_o promise_v zach._n 12.10_o jer._n 29.12_o a_o sweet_a place_n also_o psal_n 10.17_o so_o rom._n 8.26_o faith_n be_v promise_v joh._n 12.32_o i_o will_v draw_v all_o man_n unto_o i_o this_o draw_v be_v cause_v they_o to_o believe_v for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o unless_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o so_o psal_n 89.26_o he_o shall_v cry_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o father_n my_o god_n and_o the_o rock_n of_o my_o salvation_n so_o jer._n 3.19_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o my_o father_n and_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o repentance_n be_v promise_v the_o godly_a sorrow_n zach._n 12.43_o turn_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n jer._n 24.7_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n jer._n 32.39_o further_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v promise_v what_o thy_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o sanctification_n or_o for_o strengthen_v of_o thy_o faith_n and_o make_v thy_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a thou_o find_v and_o feel_v a_o hard_a and_o unsound_a heart_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o this_o hold_v thou_o back_o from_o believe_v here_o a_o new_a heart_n be_v promise_v feel_v thou_o strong_a corruption_n i_o will_v cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o your_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n thou_o feel_v and_o fear_v thy_o want_n of_o outward_a obedience_n it_o be_v promise_v also_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a covenant_n the_o lord_n in_o it_o undertake_v both_o for_o his_o own_o part_n and_o we_o and_o in_o it_o promise_v not_o only_o upon_o condition_n but_o even_o the_o very_a condition_n itself_o which_o be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o conclude_v then_o this_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n go_v to_o then_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n what_o hinder_v thou_o to_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n see_v the_o lord_n god_n have_v not_o only_o promise_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o even_o solemn_o covenant_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o have_v make_v with_o thou_o for_o it_o
civil_a action_n his_o pray_v be_v sin_n and_o so_o all_o his_o religion_n exercise_n yea_o every_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a continual_o thus_o be_v it_o wi●h_v the_o person_n or_o ●_z that_o want_n faith_n 2._o again_o for_o temporal_a judgement_n though_o he_o may_v be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o further_a conviction_n and_o more_o fearful_a torment_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v nor_o be_v he_o sure_a of_o a_o freedom_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v hang_v over_o his_o head_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o hair_n he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o shall_v overtake_v he_o for_o they_o come_v sudden_o as_o travel_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n or_o as_o a_o inundation_n of_o water_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o he_o know_v not_o when_o the_o angel_n will_v pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o he_o yea_o the_o angel_n may_v have_v the_o sword_n already_o draw_v though_o he_o like_o blind_a balaam_n do_v not_o see_v it_o and_o then_o last_o for_o eternal_a judgement_n when_o this_o life_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o moment_n there_o be_v nothing_o attend_v he_o but_o instant_o utter_v darkness_n where_o there_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n everlasting_a burn_n the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n everlasting_a fi●e_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25_o 41._o revel_v 21._o this_o be_v the_o doleful_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o want_v true_a faith_n which_o consideration_n alone_o may_v serve_v to_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o without_o delay_n with_o all_o diligence_n to_o prove_v &_o try_v whither_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o but_o for_o your_o further_a stir_v up_o ii_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v how_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o case_n of_o these_o that_o want_v this_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v most_o lamentable_a yet_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v but_o very_a few_o that_o either_o have_v or_o shall_v have_v this_o precious_a jewel_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o to_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o truth_n make_v clear_o good_a many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v straight_a and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n &_o few_o there_o be_v that_o enter_v therein_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v shall_v scarce_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o serious_o consider_v will_v make_v man_n look_v more_o narrow_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v iii_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o yet_o further_o to_o this_o trial_n consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o true_a faith_n belong_v to_o very_a few_o yet_o every_o one_o think_v he_o have_v it_o whereby_o alas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n that_o the_o most_o part_n be_v pitiful_o deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o most_o man_n be_v but_o a_o fantasy_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o incident_a to_o we_o then_o presumption_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o blindness_n which_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o our_o affection_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o laodicean_n yea_o in_o those_o who_o preach_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o christ_n name_n which_o be_v fearful_a yea_o the_o very_a gross_a sinner_n think_v they_o true_o believe_v which_o be_v strange_a and_o show_v the_o great_a power_n of_o presumption_n q._n i_o grant_v you_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o be_v about_o this_o present_a duty_n of_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o and_o that_o both_o diligent_o and_o due_o lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o so_o many_o other_o and_o also_o without_o delay_n the_o point_n be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o our_o life_n of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o importance_n which_o betoken_v wonderful_a security_n madness_n yea_o spiritual_a deadness_n tell_v i_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o some_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o sure_a mark_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v try_v myself_o thereby_o a._n for_o your_o better_a remember_v of_o they_o you_o may_v take_v they_o up_o in_o 3._o sort_n to_o wit_n they_o be_v either_o take_v from_o these_o thing_n which_o go_v before_o faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o accompany_v faith_n or_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v after_o it_o from_o the_o antecedent_n from_o the_o concomitant_n and_o from_o the_o effect_n or_o consequent_n q._n what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o go_v before_o faith_n a._n first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o general_a where_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o before_o it_o he_o work_v in_o they_o that_o preparatorie_n and_o groundwork_n of_o humiliation_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o very_a sensible_a change_n a_o work_n indeed_o painful_a &_o not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o most_o necessary_a for_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n as_o all_o by_o nature_n be_v this_o he_o do_v by_o send_v his_o spirit_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n thereby_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sinfulness_n guiltiness_n and_o want_n john_n 16.8_o and_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8._o v._n 15._o now_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a sensible_a work_n and_o make_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sensible_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o put_v a_o stir_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o a_o awaken_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o before_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n &_o so_o need_v some_o strong_a alarm_n it_o be_v the_o very_a pain_n and_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n which_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v both_o painful_a and_o sensible_a it_o be_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o strong_a man_n who_o although_o while_o he_o hold_v the_o house_n all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n yet_o will_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o without_o sensible_a unquietness_n see_v then_o the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o sensible_a see_v and_o consider_v if_o ever_o thou_o have_v find_v any_o such_o change_n in_o thy_o soul_n or_o not_o qu._n but_o what_o be_v the_o particular_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n by_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o these_o three_o chief_o as_o both_o scripture_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n own_o child_n do_v testify_v i._o the_o first_o great_a change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o of_o his_o be_v convince_v thereof_o for_o whereas_o before_o his_o mind_n &_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o false_a presumption_n &_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n nothing_o but_o mercy_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o no_o see_v of_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n now_o be_v they_o quite_o contrary_a in_o this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n the_o case_n be_v change_v nothing_o so_o much_o before_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o anger_n against_o sin_n the_o sight_n of_o mercy_n almost_o be_v quite_o eclipse_v he_o be_v uphold_v only_o with_o a_o glimmer_a as_o it_o be_v thereof_o a_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n and_o hang_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o very_a hair_n of_o hope_n jona_n 2._o v._n 4._o nothing_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n so_o much_o as_o justice_n and_o wrath_n hence_o these_o say_n lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n his_o former_a and_o forget_a sin_n be_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n as_o we_o see_v it_o fare_v with_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o order_n before_o he_o psa_n 50.21_o he_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n isa_n 66.2_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n like_v as_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a trouble_v he_o and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o joh._n now_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o very_o good_a end_n to_o wit_n these_o two_o especial_o first_o for_o their_o bypass_a sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o christ_n the_o horn_n of_o salvation_n luke_n 1.69_o that_o they_o may_v fly_v earnest_o or_o at_o least_o in_o sincerity_n unto_o he_o for_o a_o refuge_n heb._n 6.18_o to_o his_o merit_n righteousness_n intercession_n
spirit_n to_o convince_v thou_o of_o sin_n joh._n 16.8_o and_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_v and_o dispose_v for_o christ_n be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o own_o disease_n the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a matth._n 9.12_o see_v whether_o or_o no_o thy_o heart_n can_v say_v humble_o and_o in_o finceritie_n with_o the_o publican_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o with_o condescend_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o thy_o sin_n fail_n and_o corruption_n for_o if_o otherwise_o thou_o be_v like_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi have_v a_o conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o innocence_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o not_o like_o this_o publican_n yea_o like_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o secure_a world_n who_o even_o when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n can_v be_v bring_v from_o sing_v this_o note_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi they_o thank_v god_n they_o never_o wrong_v their_o neighbour_n and_o for_o god_n they_o ever_o have_v a_o honest_a heart_n to_o he_o and_o herein_o they_o rinse_a rob_v christ_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o natural_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o so_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o get_v they_o convince_v of_o sin_n that_o afterward_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o righteousness_n and_o if_o they_o do_v confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n because_o they_o hear_v all_o other_o say_v so_o yet_o be_v it_o only_o for_o the_o fashion_n for_o though_o they_o may_v take_v up_o some_o general_n but_o will_v they_o not_o be_v bring_v to_o particular_n 2._o for_o thy_o want_n try_v thyself_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o they_o whether_o thou_o be_v like_o the_o church_n of_o la●dicea_n who_o think_v itself_o spiritual_o rich_a and_o increase_v in_o all_o thing_n yea_o like_o the_o secure_a worldling_n who_o think_v the_o same_o thought_n god_n forbid_v say_v they_o but_o they_o have_v faith_n but_o they_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o with_o god_n child_n thou_o true_o see_v thy_o want_n to_o be_v great_a and_o many_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o have_v thy_o recourse_n to_o christ_n who_o counsel_v we_o to_o come_v and_o buy_v of_o he_o raiment_n fine_a gold_n etc._n etc._n for_o thus_o thou_o have_v interest_n in_o that_o comfort_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n 3._o see_v what_o conceit_n thou_o have_v of_o thy_o best_a duty_n and_o performance_n and_o try_v thyself_o herein_o also_o whether_o or_o no_o with_o the_o hypocrite_n thou_o be_v please_v and_o content_a perhaps_o puff_v up_o with_o they_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi with_o they_o for_o he_o rest_v upon_o the_o outward_a work_n he_o ponder_v not_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o his_o way_n seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n or_o otherwise_o if_o with_o god_n child_n thou_o true_o acknowledge_v thy_o best_a service_n to_o be_v but_o a_o menstruous_a cloth_n and_o therefore_o fly_v to_o the_o pure_a righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n for_o attain_v of_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v to_o merit_v by_o they_o as_o that_o thou_o think_v it_o a_o main_a mercy_n not_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o yea_o think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o acceptable_a testimony_n of_o thy_o thankfulness_n in_o the_o lord_n sight_n otherwise_o then_o as_o they_o be_v present_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 3.17_o and_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o merit_n rev._n 8.3_o 4._o in_o a_o word_n see_v well_o to_o thyself_o on_o both_o side_n for_o if_o thou_o see_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o own_o corruption_n want_n sinfulness_n of_o thy_o service_n in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a then_o although_o the_o matter_n and_o thing_n be_v great_o to_o be_v dislike_v and_o grieve_v at_o yet_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o that_o thou_o see_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v discover_v unto_o thou_o thou_o have_v a_o ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o this_o must_v be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o nature_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n think_v better_a thought_n and_o conceit_n of_o himself_o he_o flatter_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n until_o his_o iniquity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v hateful_a it_o be_v a_o token_n 〈◊〉_d some_o spiritual_a life_n and_o sense_n and_o that_o thou_o be_v nor_o altogether_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n for_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o disease_n want_n weaknesses●flesh_n &_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v these_o thing_n unto_o thou_o but_o on_o the_o other_o fide_fw-la see_v thou_o not_o thy_o corruption_n yea_o secret_a spiritual_a corruption_n and_o know_v thou_o not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sinful_a if_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o theft_n uncleanness_n murder_n and_o such_o other_o outward_a corruption_n which_o very_o natural_a and_o moral_a man_n see_v and_o abstain_v from_o or_o have_v thou_o not_o be_v and_o be_v thou_o not_o sensible_a of_o thy_o spiritual_a want_n but_o either_o think_v thou_o have_v all_o spiritual_a grace_n faith_n fear_n love_n etc._n etc._n or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o have_v and_o do_v never_o find_v any_o difficulty_n in_o attain_v they_o or_o do_v thy_o service_n and_o religious_a exercise_n please_v thyself_o and_o think_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o they_o and_o that_o for_o themselves_o be_v thou_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o thy_o holy_a thing_n do_v thou_o not_o find_v many_o challenge_n this_o way_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o thy_o do_n as_o well_o as_o when_o thou_o commit_v a_o fin_n or_o omit_v a_o duty_n but_o when_o thou_o have_v post_v over_o the_o duty_n any_o way_n yet_o thy_o mind_n be_v at_o rest_n o_o then_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o understanding_n be_v not_o yet_o open_v thou_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o get_v the_o eyesalve_n go_v therefore_o and_o seek_v it_o diligent_o from_o he_o who_o counsel_v thou_o to_o come_v and_o get_v it_o ask_v seek_v knock_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n to_o convince_v thou_o of_o sin_n that_o afterward_o thou_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n iii_o the_o three_o main_a change_n wrought_v in_o a_o man_n by_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o take_n to_o heart_n the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o his_o great_a solicitude_n thereabouts_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o former_a security_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v act._n 16.30_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a philip._n 2.12_o what_o care_n what_o fear_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o before_o his_o thought_n and_o care_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n the_o profit_n pleasure_n preferment_n thereof_o and_o altogether_o drown_v in_o they_o no_o serious_a no_o settle_a thought_n about_o his_o own_o salvation_n of_o all_o other_o thought_n it_o be_v least_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o do_v enter_v into_o his_o heart_n it_o be_v but_o by_o start_n or_o fit_n be_v choke_v with_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n o_o but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v but_o trifle_n to_o he_o for_o what_o profit_v it_o think_v he_o a_o man_n for_o to_o win_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o loose_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o think_v that_o take_v he_o up_o most_o that_o go_v near_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v always_o almost_o before_o he_o be_v how_o to_o get_v his_o own_o soul_n save_v even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jailor_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v before_o he_o trouble_v himself_o about_o many_o thing_n but_o now_o he_o betake_v himself_o main_o and_o chief_o to_o the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o yea_o he_o wonder_v at_o his_o former_a sloth_n security_n slackness_n and_o great_a mistake_n about_o this_o point_n and_o think_v he_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a dream_n he_o get_v a_o new_a light_n and_o sight_n and_o this_o produce_v new_a effect_n and_o affection_n in_o he_o before_o he_o think_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o believe_v but_o now_o he_o find_v it_o under_o the_o estate_n of_o humiliation_n one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v give_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o faith_n unfeigned_a he_o will_v sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o that_o precious_a pearl_n before_o he_o think_v it_o but_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v save_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v save_v be_v many_o that_o none_o but_o
humiliation_n be_v wrought_v in_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o thank_v god_n for_o this_o and_o go_v forward_o to_o perfection_n get_v faith_n and_o love_n which_o cast_v out_o fear_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n goon_n then_o to_o believe_v for_o thou_o both_o master_n &_o shall_v have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o obedience_n according_a to_o thy_o ability_n that_o faith_n be_v never_o boldness_n nor_o presumption_n that_o be_v join_v with_o fear_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a policy_n of_o satan_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o wile_n but_o observe_v his_o stratagem_n that_o those_o who_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n as_o be_v void_a both_o of_o fear_n and_o obedience_n these_o i_o say_v he_o puff_v up_o with_o presumption_n and_o make_v they_o bold_o to_o claim_v and_o lean_a to_o that_o wherein_o they_o have_v no_o right_n as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n he_o let_v he_o believe_v his_o fill_n such_o a_o belief_n as_o it_o be_v when_o indeed_o he_o shall_v not_o lay_v hold_n nor_o claim_v to_o the_o promise_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o that_o psal_n 50.16_o 17._o but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o when_o a_o man_n again_o have_v forsake_v his_o wicked_a way_n and_o thought_n make_v conscience_n of_o his_o course_n and_o begin_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n at_o which_o time_n he_o may_v &_o shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o that_o remarkable_a and_o comfortable_a place_n isa_n 50.10_o who_o be_v among_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n let_v he_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stay_v upon_o his_o god_n here_o be_v a_o clear_a warrant_n and_o a_o sweet_a invitation_n for_o a_o person_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o believe_v and_o lay_v hold_v and_o yet_o i_o say_v no_o soon_o fare_v it_o thus_o with_o a_o man_n but_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n incontinent_o bear_v he_o back_o from_o believe_v observe_v this_o then_o and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o infidelity_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o heart_n &_o bear_v back_o no_o long_o if_o bear_v back_o and_o withdraw_a be_v a_o allowable_a cause_n for_o thou_o in_o such_o a_o course_n thy_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o give_v unto_o it_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o suspect_v the_o way_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o judge_v it_o wrong_n that_o we_o be_v most_o give_v unto_o namely_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n infidelity_n be_v so_o sibbe_v to_o we_o and_o which_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o thou_o as_o thou_o be_v give_v in_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o security_n through_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n to_o presume_v and_o lay_v hold_v when_o thou_o shall_v not_o now_o this_o way_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n be_v clear_o wrong_v so_o now_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n be_v to_o misdoubt_v and_o draw_v back_o why_o shall_v thou_o not_o suspect_v it_o and_o resist_v it_o hold_v to_o thy_o comfortable_a warrant_n thou_o fear_v the_o lord_n at_o least_o thou_o desire_v to_o fear_v his_o name_n for_o even_o to_o such_o the_o scripture_n allow_v comfort_n thou_o obeye_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v so_o far_o as_o thou_o be_v able_a then_o obey_v this_o also_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o fear_n and_o obedience_n and_o fear_v not_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o lord_n seal_v to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a by_o well_o do_v if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o y●u_n a_o undant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n 2_o pet._n 1.11_o if_o thou_o fear_v yea_o desire_v to_o fear_n if_o thou_o obey_v yea_o be_v willing_a and_o obedient_a even_o willing_a to_o be_v obedient_a final_o for_o thy_o further_a comfort_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v trouble_v because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n let_v this_o be_v consider_v and_o examine_v as_o towards_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v a_o true_a faith_n and_o believe_v of_o they_o without_o sense_n which_o give_v rest_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o produce_v good_a effect_n so_o may_v there_o also_o be_v a_o t●●●_n faith_n of_o the_o threaten_n produce_v a_o true_a fear_n and_o c●re_n and_o consequent_o a_o true_a humiliation_n although_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o sense_n all_o this_o be_v speak_v not_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o rest_v upon_o this_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n for_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o go_v on_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n and_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n so_o from_o humiliation_n to_o humiliation_n moreover_o the_o work_n of_o humiliation_n namely_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o deserve_n be_v the_o very_a groundwork_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v well_o lay_v great_o labour_v for_o and_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o have_v it_o deep_o seat_v and_o stamp_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o memory_n for_o as_o any_o may_v feel_v by_o experience_n according_a to_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o this_o point_n go_v on_o the_o liveliness_n of_o all_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n this_o point_n be_v lively_a unto_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o deserve_n it_o make_v we_o according_o hearty_a to_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o humble_o to_o walk_v with_o our_o god_n it_o chase_v we_o earnest_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o delivery_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n it_o make_v we_o fly_v in_o to_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o christ_n for_o shelter_n as_o to_o our_o city_n of_o refuge_n our_o horn_n of_o salvation_n and_o last_o faith_n be_v on_o foot_n and_o lively_a withal_o it_o be_v a_o whetstone_n and_o serve_v to_o quicken_v and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o our_o love_n and_o consequent_o upon_o our_o godly_a sorrow_n our_o zeal_n our_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n for_o then_o do_v we_o love_v most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a how_o much_o be_v forgive_v we_o so_o great_a be_v the_o consequent_n of_o this_o point_n so_o then_o i_o say_v what_o i_o have_v speak_v for_o your_o comfort_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o rest_v altogether_o upon_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n already_o acknowledge_v by_o you_o only_o this_o i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o hide_v from_o your_o eye_n what_o you_o have_v receive_v but_o that_o you_o shall_v see_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o want_v his_o thankfulness_n nor_o you_o your_o comfort_n and_o that_o satan_n may_v not_o prevail_v against_o you_o by_o that_o great_a and_o admirable_a policy_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v do_v with_o many_o to_o bear_v you_o back_o from_o faith_n and_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n without_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_n in_o a_o christian_a soul_n yea_o no_o cheerful_a no_o acceptable_a service_n to_o the_o lord_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o yea_o the_o heart_n want_v courage_n to_o do_v it_o either_o to_o p●e●se_v he_o to_o praise_v he_o or_o to_o honour_v he_o now_o his_o policy_n be_v this_o which_o be_v the_o doubt_n and_o hold-back_a to_o many_o obj._n i_o be_o not_o sufficient_o humble_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o believe_v nor_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o promise_v for_o humiliation_n go_v before_o faith_n and_o believe_a ans_fw-fr to_o this_o i_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o indeed_o sufficient_o humble_v in_o regard_n of_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o sanctification_n nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v here_o but_o i_o say_v the_o case_n stand_v so_o with_o thou_o as_o we_o be_v speak_v that_o be_v thou_o fear_v and_o obey_v etc._n etc._n thou_o be_v sufficient_o humble_v to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o be_v bold_a to_o believe_v they_o and_o claim_v thy_o interest_n in_o they_o thou_o fear_v the_o lord_n
right_a stamp_n and_o especial_o if_o thou_o know_v the_o very_a particular_a passage_n and_o clause_n of_o the_o word_n which_o do_v first_o beget_v faith_n in_o thou_o which_o strengthen_v thou_o in_o thy_o weakness_n and_o whereunto_o thy_o faith_n retire_v in_o time_n of_o assault_n for_o this_o god_n child_n do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a 1._o know_v thou_o not_o remember_v thou_o not_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v thy_o faith_n be_v beget_v 2._o find_v thou_o thy_o faith_n all_o alike_o when_o thou_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o when_o thou_o use_v they_o not_o or_o never_o use_v any_o at_o all_o and_o 3._o if_o thou_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o it_o have_v thou_o no_o other_o warrant_n for_o thy_o faith_n but_o thy_o own_o fantasy_n apprehension_n or_o imagination_n that_o sandy_a foundation_n but_o do_v want_v a_o particular_a warrant_n from_o god_n word_n then_o be_v sure_a thy_o faith_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n it_o can_v be_v well_o come_v that_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v come_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a for_o a_o man_n to_o conceit_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o such_o a_o man_n and_o yet_o have_v never_o have_v his_o word_n nor_o hand_n for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o mark_n true_a faith_n always_o lean_v to_o and_o hold_v by_o the_o mean_n whereas_o presumption_n neglect_v the_o mean_n q._n let_v i_o have_v another_o of_o these_o mark_n ii_o a._n another_o be_v this_o true_a faith_n be_v accompany_v with_o frequent_a doubt_n whereas_o presumption_n never_o doubt_v q._n how_o prove_v you_o this_o mark_v and_o how_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o evidence_v and_o clear_v a._n thus_o if_o faith_n be_v true_a then_o sure_a the_o devil_n envy_v so_o precious_a a_o pearl_n and_o be_v evermore_o cast_v his_o fiery_a dart_n at_o it_o so_o to_o rob_v we_o of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o impede_fw-la our_o comfort_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v but_o presumption_n he_o know_v it_o will_v not_o do_v the_o turn_n he_o let_v it_o alone_o when_o the_o strong_a man_n hold_v the_o house_n all_o thing_n be_v at_o peace_n second_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o own_o exercise_v will_v a_o man_n plant_v a_o vineyard_n and_o not_o eat_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o application_n be_v easy_a be_v thou_o or_o have_v thou_o be_v subject_a to_o doubt_v this_o be_v a_o token_n thy_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o otherwise_o satan_n will_v not_o trouble_v it_o but_o certain_o have_v thou_o never_o doubt_v thou_o have_v never_o believe_v iii_o a_o three_o mark_n be_v whereas_o faith_n or_o believe_a be_v a_o receive_n of_o christ_n joh._n 1._o to_o so_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o etc._n etc._n even_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n true_a faith_n receive_v christ_n right_o upon_o the_o term_n that_o he_o offer_v himself_o that_o be_v as_o it_o cast_v over_o upon_o christ_n the_o burden_n of_o its_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v content_a to_o take_v up_o the_o easy_a yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n in_o do_v or_o suffer_v to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o for_o these_o be_v the_o term_n whereon_o christ_n offer_v himself_o matth._n 11._o now_o presumption_n make_v term_n of_o its_o own_o think_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o take_v the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o never_o think_v upon_o the_o take_n on_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n the_o application_n here_o also_o be_v very_o easy_a have_v thou_o with_o thy_o cleave_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n resolve_v to_o take_v on_o also_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o do_v thou_o it_o in_o fight_v against_o thy_o most_o pleasant_a sin_n and_o cleave_v to_o the_o hard_a duty_n with_o deny_v thyself_o then_o be_v sure_a thou_o have_v right_o receive_v christ_n and_o consequent_o right_o believe_v thou_o have_v make_v he_o thy_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v thy_o saviour_n thou_o have_v make_v he_o thy_o king_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v thy_o priest_n thou_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v interest_n and_o shall_v have_v thy_o comfort_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a thou_o who_o ever_o thou_o be_v who_o think_v that_o thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n live_v as_o thou_o please_v follow_v the_o broad_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o a_o evil_a world_n and_o not_o the_o strait_a way_n of_o christ_n obedience_n thy_o faith_n be_v but_o presumption_n go_v seek_v true_a faith_n seek_v it_o earnest_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v it_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_o get_v how_o thankful_a shall_v they_o be_v who_o have_v find_v the_o way_n unto_o it_o q._n which_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o follow_v faith_n a._n sundry_a though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n insist_o upon_o two_o especial_o to_o wit_n the_o love_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n commandment_n 1._o then_o obedience_n unto_o god_n commandment_n be_v set_v down_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o mark_n of_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n seal_v to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n say_v paul_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n say_v james_n and_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o john_n first_o epistle_n it_o be_v often_o inculcate_v chap._n 1._o if_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n than_o we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n but_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n and_o this_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n commandment_n so_o chap._n 2._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n obj._n but_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o hypocrite_n will_v go_v far_o in_o the_o point_n of_o obedience_n and_o every_o one_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o obedience_n a._n this_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o see_v the_o soundness_n and_o rightnesse_n of_o our_o obedience_n by_o these_o mark_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o natural_a man_n obedience_n 1._o he_o who_o obedience_n be_v sound_a make_v conscience_n of_o secret_a sin_n and_o secret_a duty_n betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o as_o well_o as_o of_o public_a sin_n and_o of_o public_a duty_n he_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o entertain_v a_o sinful_a thought_n in_o his_o heart_n as_o to_o commit_v a_o sinful_a deed_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o well_o careful_a to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v secret_o in_o his_o closet_n between_o his_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o of_o the_o public_a which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o true_a respect_n to_o he_o 2._o he_o who_o obedience_n be_v sound_a make_v conscience_n of_o small_a sin_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v small_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o great_a for_o he_o know_v every_o sin_n high_o offend_v god_n and_o deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n he_o know_v he_o who_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v he_o say_v also_o thou_o shall_v not_o swear_v whereas_o the_o unsound_a obeyer_n use_v to_o weigh_v sin_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o man_n estimation_n and_o not_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o make_v small_a account_n of_o many_o sin_n as_o of_o a_o small_a ordinary_a oath_n to_o speak_v corrupt_a communication_n to_o let_v it_o slip_v in_o merriment_n to_o lie_v for_o recreation_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n thou_o have_v command_v we_o to_o keep_v thy_o precept_n diligent_o 3._o a_o sound_a obeyer_n make_v conscience_n of_o god_n command_n even_o those_o which_o most_o control_v his_o profit_n pleasure_n or_o credit_n but_o the_o unsound_a obeyer_n he_o will_v with_o herod_n do_v many_o thing_n but_o when_o the_o duty_n come_v once_o to_o cross_v control_n or_o be_v in_o competition_n with_o any_o of_o these_o there_o he_o stick_v namely_o if_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o that_o of_o these_o that_o be_v his_o god_n his_o idol_n which_o he_o most_o look_v to_o how_o few_o
flesh_n war_v against_o the_o spirit_n he_o have_v a_o continual_a christian_a warfare_n the_o natural_a man_n want_v all_o this_o and_o have_v peace_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n as_o peace_n so_o joy_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n not_o a_o worldly_a joy_n arise_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o oil_n or_o consideration_n of_o that_o kind_n but_o a_o spiritual_a joy_n a_o joy_n that_o can_v be_v take_v from_o he_o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n a_o rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n there_o be_v a_o joy_n of_o sanctification_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n after_o the_o victory_n of_o corruption_n or_o the_o spiritual_a and_o lively_a discharge_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o there_o be_v a_o joy_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v when_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o ourselves_o but_o corruption_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o great_a fail_n nevertheless_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n in_o ourselves_o we_o rest_v repose_n rejoice_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n believe_v in_o he_o who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ._n thus_o we_o glorify_v christ_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o much_o affect_v with_o this_o joy_n as_o with_o that_o of_o sanctification_n but_o we_o be_v never_o right_a but_o when_o we_o feel_v something_o in_o ourselves_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a repentance_n and_o of_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o the_o offence_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v not_o right_a in_o ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n although_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o sanctification_n yet_o shall_v we_o not_o cast_v away_o the_o joy_n of_o justification_n also_o but_o trust_v in_o he_o who_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a there_o be_v joy_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o particular_a action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a joy_n arise_v from_o a_o man_n case_n in_o general_a which_o he_o retain_v oft_o time_n when_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o particular_a spiritual_a joy_n for_o a_o man_n upon_o his_o particular_a fail_n be_v not_o always_o bewild_v in_o the_o point_n of_o his_o justification_n and_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o general_a rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n to_o see_v a_o man_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n this_o spiritual_a joy_n especial_o the_o last_o joy_n concern_v his_o case_n be_v the_o joy_n of_o believer_n and_o mark_v of_o true_a faith_n the_o matter_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n do_v not_o chief_o and_o principal_o arise_v from_o worldly_a respect_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n do_v but_o from_o the_o aforesaid_a respect_n when_o night_n be_v come_v and_o a_o view_n of_o the_o day_n be_v take_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o joy_n be_v according_a as_o he_o have_v find_v the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n keep_v he_o from_o tentation_n and_o sin_n or_o strengthen_v he_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o good_a duty_n or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v fail_n this_o way_n according_a as_o he_o find_v a_o rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o acceptation_n moreover_o his_o joy_n be_v from_o his_o spiritual_a case_n and_o estate_n if_o this_o be_v cloud_v all_o the_o contentment_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o make_v he_o to_o rejoice_v and_o again_o if_o this_o be_v make_v sure_a and_o he_o sensible_a of_o that_o sureness_n he_o care_v the_o less_o how_o it_o fare_v with_o his_o outward_a estate_n he_o can_v glory_v in_o tribulation_n rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n see_v then_o if_o thou_o have_v these_o spiritual_a rejoice_n and_o have_v they_o conclude_v thou_o have_v faith_n obj._n if_o this_o be_v a_o token_n of_o true_a faith_n i_o have_v need_n to_o fear_v for_o i_o find_v not_o there_o rejoice_n special_o that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a i_o be_o far_o from_o it_o a._n 1._o yet_o if_o this_o be_v the_o axtree_n of_o your_o affection_n about_o which_o they_o roll_v that_o you_o fetch_v your_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n from_o spiritual_a thing_n especial_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n when_o you_o conceive_v any_o good_a hope_n rejoice_v and_o when_o otherwise_o sorrow_v this_o be_v a_o take_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o heart_n 2._o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n it_o may_v be_v melancholic_a and_o for_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v yet_o somewhat_o under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 3._o this_o of_o rejoice_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o strong_a of_o a_o triumph_v of_o a_o victorious_a faith_n not_o to_o be_v always_o expect_v as_o we_o say_v of_o love_n in_o beginner_n who_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o be_v ever_o weaken_v their_o own_o faith_n through_o satan_n subtlety_n the_o tree_n of_o faith_n in_o some_o measure_n must_v have_v cease_v from_o shog_a before_o it_o can_v bear_v this_o fruit_n of_o joy_n it_o may_v be_v well_o root_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o tentation_n desertion_n and_o weighty_a affliction_n 4._o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v narrow_a namely_o when_o it_o come_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o can_v contain_v many_o thing_n at_o once_o special_o in_o weak_a christian_n before_o one_o impression_n be_v wrought_v another_o vanish_v when_o the_o impression_n of_o humiliation_n be_v wrought_v and_o one_o go_v on_o to_o get_v the_o impression_n of_o faith_n the_o other_o vanish_v but_o let_v the_o sense_n of_o humiliation_n and_o of_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o impression_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v both_o together_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n this_o three_o act_n of_o joy_n will_v not_o but_o follow_v in_o some_o measure_n even_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o two_o former_a act_n if_o one_o shall_v at_o one_o time_n be_v persuade_v of_o his_o delivery_n and_o withal_o see_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o punishment_n from_o the_o which_o he_o be_v deliver_v how_o can_v he_o but_o rejoice_v get_v then_o these_o two_o act_n sense_n impression_n of_o humiliation_n and_o faith_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o rejoice_v but_o if_o thou_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o thy_o joy_n will_v abate_v according_o 5._o for_o that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o special_a and_o peculiar_a manifestation_n these_o be_v the_o lord_n delicate_n reserve_v as_o cordial_n to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o child_n in_o great_a temporal_a strait_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n appl._n but_o if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o never_o have_v yet_o any_o unquietness_n and_o have_v not_o find_v the_o pain_n of_o the_o spiritual_a birth_n which_o be_v not_o in_o all_o alike_o no_o more_o than_o the_o natural_a some_o come_v off_o with_o more_o ease_n than_o other_o go_v present_o to_o their_o work_n as_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailor_n or_o if_o ever_o thou_o have_v any_o unquietness_n yet_o do_v not_o betake_v thou_o to_o the_o right_a mean_n of_o a_o true_a peace_n or_o have_v thou_o not_o a_o daily_a christian_a warfare_n with_o the_o remnant_n of_o sin_n or_o know_v thou_o not_o what_o spiritual_a joy_n or_o sorrow_n mean_n but_o have_v thy_o affection_n take_v up_o another_o way_n thou_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o this_o last_o mark_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o the_o carriage_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o adversity_n it_o make_v no_o haste_n betake_v not_o itself_o to_o despair_v or_o utter_a discouragement_n with_o saul_n and_o jehoram_n or_o to_o any_o unlawful_a shift_n but_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o confidence_n and_o hope_n of_o quietness_n and_o patience_n it_o wait_v upon_o god_n according_a to_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n both_o to_o hope_v and_o quiet_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a mark_n and_o proof_n of_o faith_n the_o goodness_n of_o gold_n be_v best_a try_v by_o the_o fire_n and_o furnace_n and_o even_o so_o be_v faith_n whether_o it_o be_v upright_a or_o no_o feign_a or_o unfeigned_a by_o the_o fiery_a trial_n of_o affliction_n according_a to_o that_o 1_o pet._n 1._o that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n may_v be_v
work_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o shall_v remember_v not_o to_o lean_v to_o the_o mean_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n spirit_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o temporal_a much_o more_o of_o the_o spiritual_a unless_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n he_o that_o build_v build_v but_o in_o vain_a true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n pity_v our_o foolishness_n and_o as_o he_o have_v a_o gracious_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n body_n so_o much_o more_o have_v he_o a_o gracious_a providence_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o own_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o thrifty_a and_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o generation_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o meet_v with_o such_o doctrine_n book_n conference_n that_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a case_n but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o particular_a mean_n be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v q_o how_o then_o will_v you_o have_v i_o go_v about_o the_o particular_a mean_n of_o faith_n to_o get_v to_o the_o promise_n the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o myself_o for_o this_o i_o will_v glad_o do_v but_o while_o i_o be_o about_o the_o do_v of_o it_o i_o dare_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o myself_o i_o think_v they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o although_o very_o sweet_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o because_o i_o find_v not_o these_o mark_n in_o i_o which_o be_v in_o god_n child_n now_o the_o promise_n only_o belong_v to_o such_o i_o see_v no_o thing_n in_o i_o but_o corruption_n want_n etc._n etc._n and_o miss_v all_o these_o mark_n that_o you_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o flow_v from_o faith_n a._n this_o be_v one_o of_o satan_n great_a stratagem_n and_o wile_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o god_n child_n for_o exceed_v many_o be_v bear_v back_o from_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o confidence_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o consideration_n and_o all_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o ignorance_n not_o consider_v the_o order_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o very_o dangerous_o and_o preposterous_o run_v first_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o miss_v and_o so_o be_v discourage_v or_o else_o if_o any_o do_v seem_v to_o find_v do_v build_v upon_o a_o wrong_a ground_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o indeed_o they_o shall_v first_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o so_o they_o may_v get_v both_o a_o sound_n and_o a_o strong_a faith_n first_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o preposterous_a run_v to_o the_o mark_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n so_o incident_a to_o many_o instead_o of_o the_o mean_n it_o come_v from_o not_o consider_v right_o what_o be_v the_o very_a true_a nature_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o powerful_a god_n alone_o faith_n be_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o believe_v of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o rely_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n this_o be_v a_o easy_a point_n but_o for_o all_o that_o not_o due_o consider_v by_o many_o which_o make_v they_o take_v this_o wrong_a course_n for_o let_v sundry_a be_v pose_v especial_o those_o who_o run_v so_o hasty_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o discourage_v themselves_o to_o look_v to_o the_o mean_n let_v sundry_a i_o say_v be_v right_o examine_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o they_o make_v not_o their_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n his_o truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o upon_o something_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o give_v it_o the_o most_o favourable_a expression_n they_o make_v their_o faith_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rest_v upon_o god_n word_n but_o upon_o his_o work_n shall_v some_o be_v ask_v what_o do_v first_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o will_v answer_v because_o they_o do_v find_v such_o a_o change_n in_o their_o life_n and_o so_o forth_o now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n for_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n that_o lean_v only_a &_o primary_o to_o such_o a_o ground_n must_v be_v a_o very_a unstable_a faith_n man_n life_n be_v so_o changeable_a but_o also_o if_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a false_a and_o unsound_a faith_n and_o not_o partake_v of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n and_o not_o on_o his_o work_n upon_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o holiness_n in_o we_o obj._n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a good_a ground_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o assurance_n to_o wit_n by_o our_o good_a work_n and_o sanctification_n of_o life_n a._n i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o its_o own_o place_n 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to_o be_v neglect_v but_o great_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o for_o be_v join_v with_o the_o former_a it_o fortify_v it_o strengthen_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o fill_v a_o man_n with_o christian_a courage_n comfort_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o make_v he_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o be_v evident_a 2_o pet._n 1.8_o and_o 10._o only_o about_o these_o two_o assurance_n we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o betake_v we_o not_o to_o this_o last_o assurance_n only_o for_o thus_o we_o will_v deceive_v ourselves_o for_o it_o can_v be_v upright_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o other_o first_o we_o may_v well_o have_v a_o show_n or_o form_n of_o it_o for_o we_o may_v have_v some_o change_n of_o life_n without_o faith_n but_o no_o true_a change_n without_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o betake_v we_o to_o it_o only_o for_o than_o we_o both_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o i_o be_v say_v can_v but_o deceive_v ourselves_o which_o be_v 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you_o have_v it_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n but_o see_v they_o come_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o follow_v faith_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n why_o shall_v the_o want_n of_o they_o discourage_v you_o to_o believe_v yea_o rather_o they_o shall_v stir_v you_o up_o to_o believe_v that_o so_o you_o may_v come_v by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v you_o think_v to_o obtain_v they_o unless_o you_o first_o believe_v that_o be_v take_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n i_o pray_v you_o wherehence_a flow_v victory_n over_o corruption_n but_o from_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o faith_n that_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o wherehence_a flow_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o even_o also_o from_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o and_o for_o repentance_n or_o godly_a sorrow_n it_o flow_v from_o that_o love_n and_o 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christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o so_o then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v not_o delay_v our_o believe_a that_o be_v apply_v of_o the_o promise_n to_o ourselves_o till_o we_o find_v these_o thing_n redress_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v these_o thing_n help_v thou_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o apply_v the_o promise_n until_o thou_o find_v these_o thing_n but_o thou_o shall_v never_o find_v these_o thing_n until_o thou_o first_o believe_v and_o apply_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v some_o worthiness_n in_o ourselves_o then_o come_v by_o faith_n to_o christ_n but_o we_o can_v have_v none_o further_o observe_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o only_o flow_v from_o faith_n but_o from_o faith_n somewhat_o strengthen_v a_o tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n at_o the_o first_o until_o the_o time_n it_o be_v well_o fasten_v and_o take_v some_o root_n now_o these_o thing_n you_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n how_o think_v you_o shall_v they_o be_v produce_v without_o faith_n somewhat_o root_v how_o shall_v you_o expect_v they_o as_o long_o as_o you_o hold_v the_o tree_n of_o your_o faith_n thus_o shake_v and_o toss_v &_o through_o your_o own_o default_n suffer_v it_o not_o to_o take_v root_n so_o then_o to_o conclude_v i_o will_v advise_v all_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o want_n or_o weakness_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o run_v present_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o will_v but_o encumber_v their_o faith_n and_o weaken_v their_o apply_v this_o will_v also_o make_v they_o to_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_n but_o i_o will_v advise_v they_o i_o say_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n what_o ever_o their_o corruption_n or_o want_n be_v even_o to_o do_v as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v he_o look_v not_o to_o any_o insufficiency_n in_o himself_o but_o to_o the_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o promiser_n he_o consider_v not_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o body_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v even_o so_o shall_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o at_o first_o look_v to_o these_o discouragement_n that_o present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o from_o the_o deadness_n and_o disease_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v for_o these_o will_v never_o cease_v until_o we_o first_o believe_v but_o let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o true_a and_o powerful_a god_n that_o he_o be_v both_o faith_n full_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v this_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o prop_n of_o abraham_n and_o sarahs_n faith_n the_o parent_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.21_o heb._n 11.8_o and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o prop_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o we_o will_v have_v a_o way_n of_o believe_v of_o our_o own_o and_o such_o be_v our_o mischievous_a infidelity_n that_o we_o can_v rest_v upon_o god_n alone_o his_o promise_n his_o power_n and_o his_o truth_n unless_o we_o find_v something_o in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v both_o remarkable_a and_o comfortable_a heb._n 6._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o allow_v we_o not_o only_a confidence_n simple_o and_o consolation_n but_o even_o a_o strong_a consolation_n and_o that_o from_o no_o ground_n in_o ourselves_o but_o only_o from_o god_n his_o great_a truth_n in_o his_o oath_n and_o promise_n further_o let_v this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o advice_n to_o wit_n that_o those_o who_o find_v their_o faith_n weak_a
not_o only_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n beforenamed_n but_o do_v dwell_v upon_o they_o feed_v upon_o they_o meditate_v upon_o they_o until_o their_o faith_n be_v well_o settle_v and_o strengthen_v and_o then_o the_o mark_n will_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n follow_v for_o as_o seed_n do_v not_o grow_v unless_o it_o be_v first_o harrow_v and_o lie_v a_o while_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o meat_n will_v not_o strengthen_v unless_o it_o be_v chew_v and_o have_v time_n to_o digest_v even_o so_o unless_o we_o insist_v and_o dwell_v upon_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n the_o promise_n covenant_n etc._n etc._n by_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a meditation_n feed_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o heart_n they_o can_v produce_v any_o settle_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o faith_n not_o be_v produce_v and_o settle_v it_o can_v produce_v these_o effect_n and_o mark_n as_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o because_o i_o find_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o satan_n thus_o to_o toss_v in_o a_o wind_n as_o it_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o many_o be_v hold_v back_o from_o believe_v and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n backward_o but_o especial_o in_o the_o point_n of_o believe_v o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n slow_a to_o believe_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o main_a point_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o soul_n especial_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o err_v in_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o word_n then_o what_o shall_v one_o do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o mark_n or_o evidence_n of_o faith_n pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v true_a but_o for_o the_o point_n of_o mean_n use_v there_o be_v no_o other_o course_n or_o help_v to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n but_o this_o to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n by_o the_o mean_n that_o so_o faith_n may_v bring_v on_o these_o evidence_n as_o in_o the_o build_n so_o in_o the_o repair_n of_o faith_n q._n i_o will_v glad_o hear_v of_o some_o of_o those_o special_a particular_a mean_n to_o beget_v and_o strengthen_v faith_n a._n first_o of_o all_o a_o notable_a mean_a be_v due_o and_o diligent_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o be_v our_o party_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v as_o it_o be_v most_o sweet_o and_o rich_o set_v down_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o all_o to_o draw_v our_o unbelieved_a heart_n to_o rest_v upon_o the_o same_o this_o be_v a_o mean_a and_o prop_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n child_n have_v have_v great_a recourse_n unto_o so_o we_o see_v psal_n 25._o remember_v o_o lord_n thy_o tender_a mercy_n for_o they_o have_v be_v of_o old_a remember_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n but_o according_a to_o thy_o mercy_n remember_v i_o etc._n etc._n so_o psal_n 5._o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n sweet_o say_v daniel_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n belong_v to_o thou_o although_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o thou_o so_o sweet_o psal_n 65._o iniquity_n have_v prevail_v against_o we_o but_o thou_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o our_o transgression_n so_o psal_n 130._o if_o thou_o mark_v iniquity_n narrow_o who_o shall_v stand_v but_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o or_o forgiveness_n with_o thou_o and_o again_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o plenteous_a redemption_n thus_o have_v god_n child_n against_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v comfort_v and_o uphold_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a run_v unto_o it_o and_o be_v save_v now_o the_o name_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v above_o all_o his_o name_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o exod._n 34._o where_o the_o lord_n proclaim_v his_o name_n to_o moses_n take_v so_o many_o style_n of_o mercy_n to_o he_o but_o to_o the_o point_n the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n have_v be_v please_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o our_o slowness_n to_o believe_v to_o set_v down_o his_o mercy_n very_o rich_o large_o pithy_o and_o pregnant_o to_o we_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v plenteous_a in_o mercy_n psal_n 103._o to_o pardon_n abundant_o or_o to_o multiply_v pardon_n isa_n 55._o to_o delight_v in_o mercy_n micah_n the_o last_o to_o delight_v in_o these_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n psal_n 148._o to_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n ephes_n 1._o that_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o be_v he_o not_o infinite_a in_o his_o mercy_n the_o lord_n mercy_n be_v most_o pithy_o and_o pregnant_o set_v down_o in_o these_o place_n exod_n 34._o micah_n the_o last_o isa_n 1.44.55_o deut._n 4._o psa_fw-la 103.116_o so_o that_o do_v the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o sin_n trouble_v thou_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n though_o thy_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a etc._n etc._n he_o forgive_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n he_o pardon_v iniquity_n so_o that_o now_o the_o great_a thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o mercy_n so_o david_n psal_n 51._o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o no_o wonder_n because_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n of_o god_n not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n and_o that_o his_o own_o blood_n act_n 20._o do_v the_o number_n of_o thy_o sin_n trouble_v thou_o he_o have_v multitude_n of_o tender_a mercy_n for_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o sin_n he_o do_v multiply_v pardon_n if_o thou_o have_v multiply_v thy_o sin_n he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n he_o have_v a_o treasure_n of_o mercy_n if_o thou_o have_v treasure_v up_o wrath_n notable_a be_v that_o isa_n 43._o you_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o your_o transgression_n yet_o come_v and_o i_o will_v pardon_v you_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o who_o for_o my_o own_o name_n sake_n etc._n etc._n he_o who_o bid_v even_o we_o to_o pardon_v seventie_o time_n seven_o time_n how_o oft_o then_o will_v he_o himself_o pardon_v obj._n o_o but_o i_o have_v spend_v all_o my_o day_n in_o sin_v so_o that_o just_o i_o may_v fear_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v expire_v that_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v up_o a._n o_o but_o the_o lord_n mercy_n enduer_v for_o ever_o he_o be_v long_o suffer_v if_o thou_o have_v be_v long_o in_o sin_v and_o that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o expier_v be_v evident_a because_o the_o mean_n be_v yet_o continue_a and_o the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v yet_o beseech_v thou_o by_o his_o ambassador_n to_o be_v reconcile_v so_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o acceptable_a time_n the_o day_n of_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 5._o towards_o the_o end_n and_o cap._n 6._o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o he_o be_v yet_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n ready_a if_o thou_o will_v open_v to_o he_o to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o sup_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o with_o he_o so_o then_o while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n neither_o despair_n the_o lord_n and_o thou_o be_v yet_o upon_o parley_n under_o speak_v term_n and_o so_o the_o bargain_n be_v not_o quite_o break_v off_o consider_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o besiege_a city_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o parley_n there_o be_v possibility_n of_o peace_n consider_v also_o how_o it_o be_v say_v at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v i_o will_v do_v away_o his_o iniquity_n obj._n o_o but_o i_o can_v find_v this_o repentance_n a._n the_o lord_n will_v pardon_v and_o show_v mercy_n upon_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o repentance_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o smoke_n instead_o of_o the_o fire_n of_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o our_o repentance_n but_o christ_n merit_n that_o the_o lord_n look_v at_o he_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n yea_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o motion_n and_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n i_o have_v sin_v say_v david_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o thy_o sin_n say_v nathan_n the_o prodigal_a child_n be_v meet_v a_o far_o off_o yea_o upon_o a_o purpose_n of_o repentance_n i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o sin_n and_o thou_o forgave_v etc._n etc._n yea_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n that_o when_o adam_n do_v extenuate_v and_o shift_v
benefit_n of_o the_o offer_n now_o all_o this_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n and_o good_a of_o those_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o offer_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o infidelity_n and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o believe_v and_o eschew_v the_o let_n thereof_o and_o not_o as_o you_o make_v wrong_a use_n of_o it_o to_o suppress_v your_o faith_n will_v you_o therefore_o be_v so_o foolish_a that_o either_o because_o the_o proclamation_n and_o offer_v of_o mercy_n though_o conceive_v in_o general_a term_n yet_o because_o it_o have_v not_o thy_o name_n express_o set_v down_o in_o it_o to_o think_v that_o therefore_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o thou_o or_o because_o there_o be_v a_o intimation_n make_v that_o many_o through_o their_o own_o default_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o forementioned_a impediment_n shall_v neglect_v the_o opportunity_n and_o loose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o further_a forewarn_v of_o thou_o and_o those_o who_o 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and_o do_v or_o will_v renounce_v thy_o fin_n and_o pleasure_n regard_v not_o iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n desire_v to_o fear_v his_o name_n neh._n 1._o then_o see_v thou_o be_v not_o one_o that_o keep_v back_o yield_v not_o to_o satan_n and_o thy_o own_o bad_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v unto_o we_o any_o of_o we_o come_v short_a of_o it_o through_o unbelief_n mark_v the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n leave_v unto_o we_o so_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o thou_o only_o beware_v thou_o come_v not_o short_a of_o it_o through_o unblief_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v but_o this_o it_o show_v that_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o those_o who_o through_o their_o own_o default_n may_v come_v short_a of_o it_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v true_a belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o those_o who_o be_v inward_o call_v but_o the_o promise_n itself_o or_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o all_o that_o be_v outward_o call_v in_o a_o word_n thou_o fear_v that_o the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v thou_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v unto_o thou_o or_o belong_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o come_v short_a of_o it_o through_o unbelief_n heb._n 4.1_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o rather_o be_v thy_o fear_n i_o mean_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o to_o go_v more_o succinct_o and_o clear_o to_o work_v with_o you_o you_o say_v you_o fear_v such_o gracious_a offer_n and_o promise_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o you_o and_o how_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o you_o they_o be_v indefinite_a say_v you_o but_o not_o universal_a or_o general_a 1._o i_o propose_v to_o you_o that_o same_o place_n acts._n 2.29_o answer_v in_o direct_a term_n to_o your_o doubt_n you_o doubt_v whether_o it_o belong_v to_o you_o yes_o to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o seed_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v and_o the_o former_a place_n heb._n 4._o dos_n clear_v it_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o those_o who_o come_v short_a of_o it_o the_o lord_n indeed_o offer_v that_o which_o in_o his_o foreknowledge_n he_o see_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v nor_o make_v use_n of_o and_o to_o who_o he_o purpose_n not_o to_o give_v that_o grace_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v yet_o the_o offer_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a and_o the_o refuser_n just_o punish_v 2._o ought_v you_o not_o to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o same_o measure_n of_o security_n wherewith_o all_o god_n child_n have_v be_v content_a and_o have_v repose_v and_o rest_v even_o from_o the_o begin_n and_o still_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o security_n for_o their_o salvation_n than_o this_o same_o indefinite_a promise_n one_o say_v well_o it_o will_v have_v make_v too_o large_a a_o bible_n if_o all_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_a have_v be_v write_v therein_o be_v content_a therefore_o and_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v as_o they_o do_v they_o salute_v or_o embrace_v the_o promise_n meet_v they_o midway_n as_o it_o be_v and_o so_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o so_o shall_v you_o not_o withdraw_v from_o or_o keep_v back_o from_o they_o but_o run_v and_o meet_v they_o as_o it_o be_v and_o get_v unto_o they_o and_o have_v get_v they_o hold_v they_o fast_o with_o both_o thy_o arm_n and_o not_o faint_o lay_v hold_v on_o they_o 3._o i_o say_v thou_o be_v command_v to_o apply_v the_o general_a promise_n to_o thyself_o and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o do_v it_o and_o of_o necessity_n it_o belong_v unto_o thou_o 1_o john_n 5._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o thou_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n not_o only_o that_o thou_o believe_v the_o promise_n in_o general_n but_o also_o that_o thou_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n which_o imply_v application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o thyself_o and_o so_o save_v faith_n now_o i_o reason_v thus_o the_o commandment_n do_v sure_o belong_v unto_o thou_o even_o all_o god_n commandment_n thou_o will_v not_o i_o hope_v exempt_v thyself_o from_o any_o of_o they_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o commandment_n command_v thou_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n therefore_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o thou_o also_o further_o thou_o be_v threaten_v if_o thou_o believe_v not_o john_n 1._o and_o 3._o chap._n 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n from_o who_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o apply_v and_o who_o example_n if_o we_o follow_v we_o can_v err_v for_o he_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n do_v not_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a and_o indefinite_a promise_n but_o even_o special_a promise_n so_o to_o speak_v make_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 6._o and_o 7._o chap_n yea_o even_o singular_a promise_n make_v to_o singular_a person_n as_o heb._n the_o last_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o josuah_n to_o all_o the_o hebrew_n now_o if_o the_o scripture_n thus_o teach_v we_o to_o apply_v special_a and_o singular_a promise_n make_v to_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o a_o singular_a person_n to_o ourselves_o all_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o use_n and_o conselation_n that_o through_o faith_n and_o hope_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o i_o say_v let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v only_o indefinite_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o condition_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v mere_o universal_a to_o wit_n the_o seek_v sensible_a
to_o i_o a._n for_o this_o i_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o what_o i_o give_v to_o that_o doubt_n concern_v the_o promise_n for_o what_o be_v the_o covenant_n but_o a_o bundle_n of_o promise_n as_o you_o hear_v of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o seed_n even_o so_o the_o covenant_n i_o be_o your_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o your_o seed_n consider_v the_o other_o answer_n q._n o_o but_o i_o be_o so_o unworthy_a guilty_a sinful_a graceless_a i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o i_o a._n for_o this_o consider_v the_o second_o property_n the_o freeness_n of_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o the_o lord_n free_a favour_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o thou_o it_o look_v at_o nothing_o in_o thou_o no_o worth_n in_o thou_o can_v procure_v it_o no_o unworthiness_n in_o thou_o can_v hinder_v it_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o thy_o condition_n be_v thou_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o now_o this_o freeness_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v clear_a and_o may_v be_v specify_v by_o these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v free_a because_o it_o do_v not_o require_v any_o prevenient_a grace_n or_o worthiness_n in_o we_o isa_n 55._o where_o this_o covenant_n be_v set_v down_o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v and_o buy_v without_o money_n etc._n etc._n so_o rev._n last_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 3_o the_o poor_a the_o miserable_a naked_a spiritual_o be_v invite_v and_o counsel_v to_o come_v h●s_n 14._o i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o rom._n 3._o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a etc._n etc._n be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n nothing_o the_o lord_n stand_v more_o upon_o then_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o thanks_o may_v be_v to_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v free_a not_o only_o because_o it_o do_v not_o prerequire_v or_o presuppose_v any_o worthiness_n in_o we_o but_o it_o do_v also_o take_v off_o former_a guilt_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v make_v for_o the_o behoof_n of_o sinner_n i_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n we_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a but_o i_o say_v this_o covenant_n take_v off_o even_o exceed_o great_a bypass_a guiltiness_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o isa_n 55._o where_o the_o covenant_n be_v mention_v i_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v isa_n 1._o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a though_o as_o red_a as_o scarlet_a isa_n 43._o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o you_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o your_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o be_o he_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o worthy_a say_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o thou_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n yea_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n and_o not_o only_a paul_n but_o he_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o who_o afterward_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o now_o all_o these_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v isa_n 43._o for_o his_o name_n sake_n be_v pardon_n iniquity_n now_o the_o great_a and_o the_o more_o thy_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o name_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n 3._o this_o covenant_n stand_v not_o only_o with_o bypass_a guiltiness_n but_o which_o show_v the_o freeness_n thereof_o with_o much_o present_a sinfulness_n and_o wretchedness_n if_o feel_v and_o mourn_v for_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o ezek._n 16.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o when_o i_o pass_v by_o thou_o and_o see_v thou_o pollute_v in_o thy_o blood_n etc._n etc._n yet_o even_o then_o i_o spread_v my_o skirt_n over_o thou_o and_o cover_v thy_o nakedness_n i_o swear_v unto_o thou_o and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o thou_o become_v my_o then_o i_o wash_v thou_o with_o water_n yea_o i_o thorough_o wash_v away_o the_o blood_n from_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v how_o that_o sinfulness_n of_o disposition_n do_v not_o let_v the_o lord_n to_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o discourage_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o covenant_n see_v ezek._n 36._o where_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o covenant_n more_o than_o once_o not_o for_o your_o sake_n o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v for_o your_o own_o way_n but_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a and_o a_o rebellious_a people_n rather_o worse_o than_o better_a than_o other_o people_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v not_o more_o rough_a piece_n of_o work_n and_o great_a sinner_n than_o many_o on_o who_o the_o lord_n bestow_v grace_n that_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n even_o divine_a power_n may_v be_v better_o know_v so_o then_o neither_o thy_o work_n nor_o thy_o bypass_a guiltiness_n nor_o thy_o present_a sinfulness_n of_o disposition_n ought_v to_o hinder_v thou_o from_o lay_v hold_n on_o this_o covenant_n see_v it_o be_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v a_o free_a covenant_n but_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o get_v all_o these_o redress_v obj._n o_o but_o this_o covenant_n promise_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o new_a heart_n be_v cleanse_v from_o my_o filthiness_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n i_o find_v not_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o just_o i_o doubt_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n belong_v not_o to_o i_o see_v the_o other_o promise_v of_o sanctification_n be_v not_o accomplish_v a._n thou_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v accomplish_v think_v you_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v perform_v to_o you_o or_o can_v become_v you_o until_o by_o faith_n you_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o covenant_n until_o by_o faith_n you_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o set_v to_o thy_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a thou_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n nor_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v it_o until_o thou_o subscribe_v it_o by_o believe_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n thou_o have_v not_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n go_v to_o then_o and_o enter_v thyself_o in_o the_o covenant_n subscribe_v it_o seal_v it_o by_o believe_v and_o then_o shall_v thou_o find_v the_o virtue_n and_o benefit_n of_o these_o promise_n of_o sanctification_n and_o go_v not_o to_o suspend_v thy_o believe_a because_o thou_o find_v not_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o you_o hear_v it_o be_v faith_n that_o bring_v forth_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n but_o the_o next_o and_o last_o property_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v able_a to_o give_v you_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o be_v the_o absoluteness_n and_o completeness_n of_o this_o covenant_n i_o call_v it_o a_o complete_a covenant_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v undertake_v in_o it_o to_o fulfil_v both_o his_o own_o part_n and_o our_o part_n what_o can_v be_v wish_v for_o more_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o require_v of_o thou_o it_o promise_v to_o give_v the_o same_o unto_o thou_o as_o faith_n repentance_n the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n victory_n over_o corruption_n and_o final_o strength_n to_o walk_v outward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n obedience_n hence_o i_o call_v it_o a_o absolute_a covenant_n because_o it_o not_o only_o have_v conditional_a on_o all_o promise_n promise_v eternal_a life_n remission_n of_o sin_n such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v repent_v love_n fear_v god_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o have_v in_o it_o absolute_a promise_n which_o proper_o be_v the_o new_a covenant_n promise_v even_o these_o very_a condition_n to_o wit_n faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a certain_o there_o be_v not_o any_o point_n in_o christian_a religion_n more_o comfortable_a or_o more_o considerable_a by_o we_o then_o be_v this_o of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n and_o of_o the_o completeness_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o how_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v undertake_v both_o for_o his_o own_o part_n and_o our_o part_n herein_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v of_o this_o many_o poor_a christian_a soul_n be_v hold_v back_o mighty_o and_o be_v discourage_v for_o they_o think_v with_o themselves_o many_o thing_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n remission_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o fear_v and_o love_n god_n that_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o seek_v by_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o alas_o i_o want_v these_o condition_n and_o so_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n